Category: NSW News

Sydney’s newest motorway, NorthConnex, will be open to drivers from Saturday 31 October.
The $3 billion mega-project will be a game changer for motorists, reducing travel times by up to 15 minutes and allowing drivers to avoid 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant Hills Road.
More than 17,000 people have been involved in delivering NorthConnex since major construction began.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NorthConnex is designed to the highest safety standards, built and fitted to keep drivers safe.
“NorthConnex is Australia’s deepest road tunnel, reaching 90 metres underground at its lowest point. With construction complete, the final commissioning has almost wrapped up, with more than 50,000 tests and checks done so far to ensure the motorway is ready to open,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the final checks are almost complete on the twin, nine kilometre tunnels.
“This is one of the most significant and eagerly anticipated road infrastructure projects ever delivered in Australia,” Mr Tudge said.
“It has not only provided thousands of jobs for Sydney, but will change the way people travel across the city.”
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said NorthConnex will also feature the latest in tunnel technology, including 24/7 monitoring.
“NorthConnex will be the first road tunnel in Australia to include innovative lighting features, including trees, starscapes and birds, aimed at keeping drivers engaged. Testing is being conducted on systems we’ve never seen in any other tunnel in Australia.
“Local communities are also looking forward to the tunnel opening, with up to 5,000 trucks a day to be removed from Pennant Hills Road, regularly voted one of the most congested roads in NSW.”
NorthConnex is expected to open in the early hours of Saturday 31 October, once the final safety checks have been completed.
Electronic message signs will be updated to inform motorists of the opening date.

Restrictions for religious gatherings and gyms will be eased under relaxed COVID-19 safety rules announced today.
From Friday 23 October:

• Religious gatherings/places of worship (excluding weddings and funerals) can have up to 300 people, subject to a COVID-19 safety plan; and
• Gyms will only be required to have a COVID-19 safety marshal if there are more than 20 people in the gym at one time.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said as the NSW Government eases restrictions the community should continue to be COVID Safe.
“Our aim is to provide as many opportunities as we can for organisations and the community to carry on with their work and lives as much as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to keep moving forward but for that strategy to be successful we need everyone to follow the COVID-19 Safety Plans.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard thanked religious leaders and the community for their ongoing support of the efforts to control COVID-19.
“The impact of COVID-19 is being felt right across the community but the further easing of restrictions to allow 300 people at religious gatherings is another cautious step towards a ‘COVID-normal’ life,” Mr Hazzard said.
“COVID-19 is still lurking amongst us so I urge all leaders to continue encouraging everyone at their religious gatherings and places of worship to comply with the health advice to keep themselves and others safe.”
Religious gatherings exclude weddings and funerals. However, from 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors.
People attending a religious service will be required to provide their name and contact details when they enter so they can be used for contact tracing. They are also being urged to wear a mask when attending places of worship.
NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health continues to work closely with the gym sector to develop further guidance to ensure every measure is taken to keep people safe when they visit the gym.
“People can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in gyms by visiting at less busy times, practising good hand hygiene before, during and after workouts, maintaining physical distancing especially when working out, and wiping down equipment with detergent and disinfectant each time it is used,” Dr Chant said.
Each gym facility is required to have a COVID Safe plan.

The NSW Government will partner with Telstra to provide a $328 million internet upgrade to more than 2000 public schools across NSW.
The funding will see internet speeds increase more than tenfold and roll out more than 5,200 km of fibre.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said NSW public school students will now have the fastest internet access for a public education system in the country.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunities to be the best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This upgrade will bypass existing network constraints meaning all our schools will be on a high-speed connection in the next 18 months, three years ahead of schedule.”
Schools require large bandwidths and can sometimes run into service problems when hundreds of students and teachers are accessing the internet.
Ms Mitchell said this upgrade would resolve the problem delivering faster, more reliable internet access.
“The internet speed will no longer constrict teachers’ lesson, and they will benefit from more reliable video conferencing and professional development opportunities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This is not just about downloading websites and videos faster. The project will give students access to new immersive learning opportunities.”
Telstra Enterprise Group Executive Michael Ebeid said the project would deliver world-class connectivity and opportunities to NSW students.
“We know that digital inclusion, particularly for students, is a lead indicator for future employment opportunities,” Mr Ebeid said.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with the NSW Department of Education to ensure all students, regardless of where they live, will have access to the amazing learning opportunities that quality, high-speed connectivity brings.
“Once complete, Telstra will have rolled out more than 5,200 km of fibre across every corner of the state, making this one of the largest fibre networks in the world.”

Gatherings in outdoor public spaces and group bookings at restaurants will be increased to 30 people under a relaxation of COVID-19 rules.
From this Friday, 23 October:

• 30 people can gather outdoors in public spaces (previously this was 20);
• 30 customers per booking, and 30 customers per table at hospitality venues (previously the rule was a maximum of 10);
• In addition, as of last Friday 16 October, corporate functions of up to 300 people can now be held at any appropriate premises, including at restaurants, subject to a COVID-Safe plan (previously just function centres).

Additionally, from 1 December, the number of people who can attend weddings will be lifted to 300 people subject to the four square metre rule indoors and two square metre rule outdoors.
This will allow people to make plans and book venues knowing the capacity ahead of time.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government remains focused on managing COVID-19 and opening up the economy in a COVID-Safe way.
“These changes will provide a big boost to our hospitality venues,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As we ease restrictions and find new ways to get businesses moving it is vital that customers and venues continue to be COVID-Safe.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this was another important step in driving our economic recovery while returning to life in a COVID-Safe way.
“We continue to remain focused on stimulating the economy, keeping businesses in business and people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The easing of restrictions and safely increasing capacities will lead directly to more jobs and more opportunities for businesses across NSW, which is integral for the State’s recovery.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said lower case numbers are a good sign but we are by no means out of the woods.
“It is vital as we ease restrictions people continue to do the right thing, stay home if unwell and get tested, even with the most minimal of symptoms,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government remains focused on creating jobs and stimulating the economy, key goals of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“We want to see NSW get back on track in a COVID-safe way and this is another important step,” Mr Ayres said.
NSW Health Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said people still need to continue to follow the personal hygiene recommendations, maintain physical distancing and wear masks in indoor settings where you cannot physically distance.
“As we ease restrictions, we all need to maintain COVID-safe behaviours and practices,” Dr Chant said.
Businesses wishing to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions must use electronic methods, like QR codes, to record and keep contact details.

Young people in out-of-home care or living in social housing can now apply for a $1,000 scholarship to help cover their educational and training costs in their final years of high school.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Department of Communities and Justice Scholarships program aims to improve educational outcomes for some of the state’s most disadvantaged students.
“We want to give young people every opportunity to achieve their education goals so that they can break the cycle of disadvantage,” Mr Ward said.
“Students can use the funds for educational expenses such as text books, laptops, tutoring and course costs, to help ease the financial burden.
“The scholarships help remove some of the barriers vulnerable students may face, so they can focus their attention on the classroom instead.”
Scholarships are available to students in Year 10, 11 and 12 at a NSW high school or TAFE equivalent. They are open to young people completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, or studying a VET subject at school in 2021.
To be eligible students must either be a social housing tenant, a social housing applicant, be living in crisis accommodation, or be living in out-of-home care.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the scholarships would support vulnerable students through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many families are feeling financial pressure right now and it is important that our most vulnerable students remain connected to education and are given the best possible chance to succeed,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We need to support young people nearing the end of high school to develop work readiness and these scholarships will provide a hand up for vulnerable young people during this incredibly challenging time.”
Applications close of 19 February 2021, with successful students to be announced in Term 2. For more information, visit https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/support-programs/all-families/dcj-scholarships.

Not-for-profit community and mobile preschools and not-for-profit long day care services across the State who have been affected by the challenges of 2020 will benefit from early payments of the NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments program.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Quality Learning Environments program helps to support the delivery of quality early childhood education for children across NSW.
“Between bushfires and COVID-19 our communities have faced a number of challenges. Early learning services play a critical role in supporting children and families, and this funding is being made available to support the work of these services,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening education for early learners, and we are showing this support by making these payments early to services who need them.”
The Quality Learning Environments program provides grants of up to $15,000 to eligible early childhood services to purchase resources and activities which improve physical or educational learning environments.
Early payment is being made available to those services that have indicated an urgent need for funding. This may include quality improvement initiatives to meet the needs of services impacted by bushfire and recent severe weather events or other emergency situations such as COVID-19.
Further grant applications not requiring early payment will be progressed in December 2020.
For more information on the 2020 Quality Learning Environments program, visit the Department of Education website.

Rugby League is ready to soar to new heights on the Northern Beaches with construction beginning today on the $33.1 million Manly Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence and Northern Grandstand at Brookvale Oval.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the new 3000 seat grandstand and high performance Centre of Excellence will be the envy of other clubs.
“This project will create more than 300 jobs and provide a major boost to the construction industry on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s one of the most iconic grounds in rugby league and this project will ensure the Northern Beaches community continues to love coming to Brookie Oval.”
ADCO Constructions will build the project and the Manly Sea Eagles aim to have it completed in time for the start of the 2022 NRL season.
Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said the project is a win for the entire community.
“On the Beaches we love our sport and we love our Sea Eagles, and the Centre of Excellence will allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives so that everyone benefits from the new facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will ensure future generations of young players have access to the best facilities.
“This is fantastic news for everyone on the Northern Beaches who is passionate about sport and our Sea Eagles,” Mr Griffin said.
“Our professionals will have access to the best facilities in the state and will also help our grassroots teams to dream big and aspire to play for a proud club like ours.”
Senator for New South Wales Andrew Bragg said this is yet again another great collaboration between the Morrison Government and the NSW Government to deliver for the people of the Northern Beaches.
“The Federal Government is tipping $12.5 million dollars towards this project from the Community Development Grant Funding stream further strengthening our commitment to a world class facility for the Northern Beaches,” Senator Bragg said.
Manly Sea Eagles Chairman Scott Penn said getting to this day has been a culmination of hard work from the Manly board and significant investment from the NSW Government and Federal Government.
“The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will be a world-class facility that will serve the community for decades to come,” Mr Penn said.
“It is one of several exciting developments that will transform Brookvale Oval into a world-class sporting venue and community facility and we thank the State and Federal governments for their generous support.”
The Sea Eagles Centre of Excellence will include high performance, training and administration facilities for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles men’s and future women’s NRL teams, as well as pathway participants.
Dedicated and multipurpose community facilities will also allow the club to expand its community programs and initiatives.

Police have issued 20 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following a number of alleged breaches of Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act across the state at the weekend.
Officers from Richmond Police District were conducting duties at a sports ground at Ballina on Saturday, when they became concerned about the increasing crowd numbers.
Police observed that people were not being counted as they entered the ground and after it was estimated that more than 1000 were in attendance, event organisers were directed to reduce the crowd size.
Play was suspended for a short time while the crowd was reduced by half and appropriate control measures were established.
Officials for the club were subsequently advised a $5000 PIN would be issued for failing to adhere to venue operation laws.
About 12.45pm on Saturday, police from Operation Border Closure stopped a Hyundai SUV at the Tocumwal border checkpoint and spoke with the male driver.
The 26-year-old man told police he was returning to Queensland and was unaware he required a permit to transit through NSW. He was provided advice on applying for a permit before being refused entry and directed to return to Victoria.
About 7am the following day (Sunday 18 October), police were advised an SUV was seen driving on the Tocumwal Railway Bridge into NSW.
Following patrols, police stopped the Hyundai SUV on the Newell Highway at Finley and spoke to the same driver. He was escorted back to border and issued a $1000 PIN for failure to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Letchworth Parade, Balmoral, about 10.30pm on Saturday, following reports of a large party.
Police arrived to find more than 100 young people congregated and spoke with the resident – a 47-year-old woman – who said many of the guests were uninvited, but she had not asked them to leave.
As police attempted to disperse the crowd, they became hostile towards the officers and threw bottles, rocks, and other projectiles before damaging property, including fences, trees and street signs.
The crowd was eventually dispersed and investigations into the incident are continuing.
Officers have since issued the woman with a $1000 PIN.
About 1.25am (Sunday 18 October 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command responded to reports of a loud party at a unit block on Hall Street, Bondi.
On arrival, police observed at least 35 people inside the unit before the group scattered and attempted to run from the area. In total, 17 people were spoken to, some of whom were found hiding in a stairwell, and were advised they would each receive a $1000 PIN.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Today the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command helped release another rehabilitated turtle to its natural environment.

A hotel in the state’s north-west has been issued with fines totalling $10,000 after breaching COVID restrictions.
Western Region Licensing Police allege the licensee of the hotel on Mitchell Street in Bourke breached the Public Health Orders on Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October 2020, following a police operation in the town.
Officers from Central North Police District attended the hotel this morning (Friday 16 October 2020), and issued the hotel licensee with two infringement notices under the Public Health Act for “Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – Corporation”.
Each fine is worth $5000.
Central North Police District command, Superintendent Andrew Hurst, warned that officers would continue to ensure the Public Health Orders were being followed.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in this state to follow the rules and keep our community safe from the COVID virus,” Supt Hurst said.
“My officers will continue to monitor compliance within the command; anyone who needs information about the current Public Health Orders should visit the NSW Health website.”
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/latest-updates.aspx
Anyone with information about breaches of the COVID Public Health Orders is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.