Category: NSW News

Police have charged a woman and will issue 11 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaching the Public Health Order following an unauthorised protest in Sydney.
A high-visibility police operation was launched in response to the unauthorised protest that took place about 1pm today (Saturday 10 October 2020), to ensure the safety of the community and enforce the current Public Health Orders.
General duties officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command and across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
The large group gathered in Taylors Square and were warned the mass gathering was in breach of the NSW Public Health Order, that prohibits outdoor gatherings of more than 20 people.
Following a speech, the group began to split, each making its way down Oxford Street, before the majority ended up in Hyde Park and then dispersing.
During the operation, a 19-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station.
She was charged with resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, assault officer in the execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The Bronte woman was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 3 November 2020.
A further 11 people will be issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in relation to breaches of the Public Health Order and one move on direction was issued.

Police are reminding the community that restrictions still apply for travel from Victoria into NSW, and exempt residents must use specific routes to be granted entry at the southern border.
Under a new exemption issued by the NSW Government yesterday (Friday 9 October 2020), returning NSW residents and residents of Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT and Northern Territory may enter NSW at one designated checkpoint without a permit and only if they meet certain criteria.
These residents will only be granted entry at the George Caffey Bridge on the Sturt Highway at Mildura.
In addition, they must not have been in Victoria in the previous 14 days, other than travelling on the Sturt Highway for the purpose of getting to or from NSW and South Australia.
Those who are unable to meet the requirements for an exemption will be refused entry into NSW and must return to Victoria.
Other specific circumstances of travel from Victoria into NSW will still require a permit. Apply here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
More information about restrictions at the border can be found at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
There are no restrictions in place for states or territories other than Victoria to cross the NSW border; however, each has its own entry requirements and travel restrictions from NSW.
The community is reminded they must also comply with any border rules of the state or territory they are entering or leaving.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Health Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for permits or exemptions, with a maximum penalty of $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for individuals.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour that may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions 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.
 

Customers on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore will benefit from more than 2,000 additional weekly bus services from later this year, including a 24/7 B-Line service.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the extra services are part of a NSW Government commitment to improve services on the corridor, and will give customers more choice when they travel.
“For the first time the B-Line will offer overnight services every 30 minutes between midnight and 4am, seven days a week from Mona Vale to the CBD,” Mr Constance said.
“More people will be able to travel to and from the city at all times of the day and night which is great news for Sydney’s vibrant night time economy which is continuing to adapt to the new COVID-normal.
“These changes will also include new services operating every 10 minutes during the day, seven days a week, on selected routes across the region.”
The new all-day frequent routes include:

• Dee Why to Chatswood via Frenchs Forest (limited stops)
• Palm Beach to Manly via Mona Vale and Dee Why
• Manly to Chatswood via St Leonards
• Mosman to the city
• Mona Vale to the city (existing B-line)

There will also be new all-day services to the city from North Balgowlah, and additional peak services to the city from Allambie Heights.
To support the new frequent routes, there will be some changes to existing local and city express services, including Avalon, Warriewood Valley, Cromer, Narraweena and Balgowlah Heights, where higher frequency local services will connect to the new routes for travel to the CBD and major local centres.
To reduce duplication on the network, some routes will be replaced, there will be extra services on other routes and some routes will just have a number change.
The changes start in December – more information: www.transportnsw.info.

Police Commands and Districts across NSW will be boosted with the addition of 192 police recruits after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn today.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM to welcome the newest recruits to the Force at a private Attestation ceremony.
Mr Elliott congratulated the attesting recruits who provide a timely boost to the Force as the State continues to face the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The recruits of Class 343 have already demonstrated personal determination and resilience in attesting during COVID-19,” Mr Elliott said.
“They join the NSW Police Force at a significant time and have shown they have what it takes to serve the community with distinction.
“During the floods, fires and now the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline police officers have taken on an unprecedented role in protecting the community.”
Last year, the NSW Government announced it was investing $583 million to introduce 1500 extra police over four years to enhance community safety across NSW.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the newest recruits will face unforeseeable challenges in their policing careers.
“The 130 men and 62 women of Class 343 will provide a fresh injection into our policing resources,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“They have undergone extensive training and will now be supported as they step up to face new and emerging challenges as police officers serving communities across the state.”
After completing eight months of training, the new probationary constables will start at Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state from next Monday 12 October 2020.

The $750 million redevelopment of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital has been brought forward by one year, after the NSW Government accelerated the project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said early and enabling works are expected to begin in the next six months on the major redevelopment which will be a game-changer for staff and patients.
“The $750 million investment will ensure the hospital continues to serve Sydney’s growing community into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Innovation will be the cornerstone of the redevelopment, incorporating new models of care including an expansion of rpavirtual, which has treated more than 4,000 patients at home and in Special Health Accommodation.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the acceleration of the project will create thousands of jobs, which is crucial to the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“People in NSW are going through extremely tough times and we are facing some of the biggest economic challenges of our lifetime. This is yet another major construction project the NSW Government is fast-tracking to bolster jobs and re-charge our economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
The RPA redevelopment will deliver a new hospital building and refurbishment of existing spaces, including more adult inpatient beds and expanded emergency department, intensive care unit, medical imaging services, operating theatres, and maternity, birthing and neonatal services.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the $750 million redevelopment will provide the extra capacity and infrastructure required to support the RPA staff in their ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality contemporary healthcare.
“The redevelopment will enhance the world-class clinical care RPA is so well known for, along with new opportunities for teaching, research and innovation,” Mr Hazzard said.
“By fast-tracking this project the NSW Government is ensuring RPA continues to deliver world leading patient and family-centred healthcare.”
The NSW Government began the transformation of this site with the Professor Marie Bashir Centre, which opened in 2014, and the long-awaited new car park that opened in 2018, in addition to supporting the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
The new hospital building is expected to open to patients in 2026-27.

A hotel on the state’s north coast has been issued six infringement notices over alleged breaches of the Public Health Order and Liquor Act.
On Sunday 27 September 2020, licensing police from Richmond Police District conducted a business inspection at a hotel in Brighton Street, East Ballina.
Officers returned to the licensed premises for another inspection on Sunday (4 October 2020).
It will be alleged on both occasions that customers were continued to be served alcohol after they were heavily intoxicated and were gathering in large groups, in breach of the Public Health Order.
Following inquiries, the hotel and its licensee were issued six infringement notices today (Friday 9 October 2020), including:

• two $5000 notices for not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID 19 – corporation,
• two $1100 notices for licensee permit intoxication, and
• two $1100 notices for licensee fail to comply with conditions of licence.

Further business compliance inspections are planned.

A $64 million construction project in Redfern has received fast-tracked approval under the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new 18-storey building in the heart of Redfern would be home to more than 400 students, create 240 construction jobs and provide a groundfloor retail area.
“This is another example of a major shovel ready project being given fast-tracked approval to keep the NSW economy ticking throughout the pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.
“This uniquely designed tower will provide high quality housing for students and keep more of our construction workers in jobs, while reflecting Redfern’s indigenous heritage.
“The building will include Aboriginal artwork, creative open public spaces, and it’s a just a short hop to Redfern station and many public transport options.
“Now is the time to support construction jobs so that new accommodation will be online when students return as our borders reopen”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said affordable student accommodation was a priority for the NSW Government.
“This development adds to the mix of affordable housing on offer for both domestic and international students close to nearby universities and other tertiary educational institutions,” Mr Lee said.
“The Government’s approval of this project is also a show of confidence in the future when we will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and university life in NSW will flourish again.”
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence said: “We welcome with open arms any increase of affordable student accommodation within the Redfern area, to help relieve pressure for our students and make it easier to find beds they can afford that are close to our Camperdown campus.”
The Redfern development is one of 11 projects in the sixth tranche of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 50,000 direct jobs and more than $25 billion of economic investment.

A $205 million investment in maritime infrastructure and safety upgrade projects will create nearly 1300 jobs across the state.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the stimulus funding to improve access and amenities was particularly important with boating activity at an all-time high.
“We’ve seen a rising number of people getting out and enjoying our waterways and foreshores as we all look to holiday closer to home,” Mr Constance said.
“The great thing about this stimulus package is it will not only improve infrastructure such as wharves, breakwalls and amenities but it will also create jobs and assist the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.”
The funding will go to priority areas, including:

• Regional maritime infrastructure
• Regional dredging
• Ferry wharf upgrades
• Maritime property improvements.

The $205 million stimulus will come from the Waterways Fund, which is made up of fees collected from boating licences and registrations, wetland leases and mooring licences.
Member for Manly James Griffin said $25 million will be used to upgrade Manly Wharf 3.
“Currently, if you’re in a wheelchair or pushing a pram, catching a ferry at this wharf is just not possible. The existing old timber wharf is also showing signs of wear and tear from the continual wave and tidal movements it is exposed to,” Mr Griffin said.
“Also at Manly, $9 million in work will ensure the Transport for NSW owned former Manly Sea Life site is stripped back to prepare it for its future use after 60 years as an aquarium.
“Planning for both of these projects will require careful consideration of potential local environmental impacts, including the protected Little Penguin colony and sea grasses endemic to the area.”
The ferry wharves at Double Bay, Darling Point and Greenwich Point are among those being made safer and accessible with a $37 million funding allocation.
Mr Constance said $16 million will help fund construction of the Kamay ferry wharves, currently being planned to connect La Perouse and Kurnell, providing a boost to local tourism and transport.
A commitment of $8 million will fund dredging work to ensure safe navigation of channels and entrances, particularly in regional waterways.
While a further $29 million will fund additional regional maritime infrastructure and foreshore work in locations from Tweed Heads to Eden.

Concord Hospital’s $341 million redevelopment is on track for completion, with the eight-storey Clinical Services Building set to transform healthcare in the inner west.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti visited the site for a traditional topping out ceremony to mark the building reaching its highest point.
Mr Hazzard said the Clinical Services Building will have more than 200 inpatient beds, with just over 550 beds across the campus, an increase of more than 100 from previously.
“The NSW Government’s $341 million commitment to Concord Hospital has created more than 700 construction jobs to build this modern, state-of-the-art facility,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Not only does it house the nation’s first dedicated veterans’ health service, a comprehensive cancer centre and an aged care centre, over two-thirds of the new inpatient beds in the new Clinical Services Building are in single rooms with daybeds for carers.”
Mr Sidoti said the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare has been successfully operating as a pilot service since August last year.  To date 128 people have been referred to the service and 54 have completed their care.
“This Centre is critical to our veteran community and continues Concord Hospital’s proud 80-year history of supporting veterans and their families,” Mr Sidoti said.
Concord Hospital’s new Clinical Services Building will include:

• The Rusty Priest Centre for Rehabilitation and Aged Care;
• National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare;
• A comprehensive Cancer Care Centre with 28 beds and 48 chemotherapy, infusion and haematology chairs; and
• A new concourse linking the new building to the existing hospital, providing direct access to operating theatres, radiology and emergency care.

Construction of a new $32.4 million multistorey car park will begin following the completion of the Clinical Services Building expected in late 2021.
The NSW Government also spent $1.3 million in 2019 refurbishing two theatres at Concord Hospital that are now fully digitally integrated.

Two people have been issued infringement notices over alleged breaches of the Public Health Act in the state’s south.
Officers from Riverina Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information about a 20-year-old woman who was allegedly not self-isolating after returning to The Rock, in the state’s south west, from an address in Melbourne last week.
Police allege the woman, who held a border region resident permit, never resided at her nominated address, and had travelled to locations in Victoria that were outside the designated border region.
Following inquiries, officers attended a home in The Rock and spoke to the woman on Sunday 4 October 2020.
She was issued two infringement notices under the Public Health Act for providing false information with COVID-19 Border Control and failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
In an unrelated incident, a 22-year-old man was stopped by police after attempting to enter New South Wales on the Sturt Highway at Buronga about 10.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 7 October 2020).
Police allege the man was unable to provide a permit and was directed to return to Victoria; however, he allegedly attended a second checkpoint in Curlwaa a short time later and attempted to cross into NSW, without a valid permit.
The South Australian man was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction with COVID-19.
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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.