Category: NSW News

NSW Labor have condemned the Government for selling more than $3.7 billion worth of public assets in Western Sydney over a five-year period, while giving next to nothing back.
Documents obtained via Freedom of Information have revealed in the 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years, an incredible 4428 state government-owned properties were sold in the region.
Western Sydney – the fastest growing region in the state – has been plagued by problems resulting from a lack of infrastructure since the NSW Liberals came to power in 2011.
Wait times in the region’s hospital emergency departments continue to blow out and schools continue to fill beyond capacity, while public transport is predictably unreliable and sub-standard.
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay condemned the privatisation-happy Government’s treatment of Western Sydney residents.
“The Government has sold electricity assets, ports, the desalination plant, the New South Wales Land and Property Information and part of the Westconnex. Enough is enough,” Ms McKay said.
“As we’ve seen in the past, sell-offs result in job losses especially in rural and regional areas. We need to put an end to this privatisation madness, especially as the state struggles through recession and high unemployment.”
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney and the Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, said this was proof of the NSW Liberals disdain for the people of Western Sydney.
“When it comes to Western Sydney, this Government take, take and take – but when it comes time to give something back, their keep their hands stuffed in the cash-filled pockets,” Mr Warren said.
“Almost $4 billion worth of Western Sydney public assets have been flogged off by this mob and what have Western Sydney residents got to show for it?
“The short answer is very little.
“This Government has sold off and sold out Western Sydney.”

NSW has paused to honour our fallen police officers this National Police Remembrance Day with a COVID-safe ceremony and lighting of the Sydney Opera House sails in blue and white.
This year, Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, and Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM joined the family of the late Constable Aaron Vidal to pay tribute to his life and service by adding his name to the Wall of Remembrance.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said although the ceremony is different this year, it is no less meaningful.
“In previous years, hundreds of officers have come together to pay tribute to the sacrifice of fallen officers but this year we reflect on the duty, sacrifice and memory of our NSW Police Officers in separate solidarity,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The men and women of the Force put their safety on the line everyday to serve and protect their communities and we cannot thank them enough.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the extraordinary events of this year have proven how crucial our police officers are to the fabric of our society.
“Our State owes a debt of gratitude to all the members of the NSW Police Force, who have been on the frontline in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and were integral in the response to last season’s bushfires,” Mr Elliott said.
“This year, we pay tribute to NSW Police Constable Aaron Vidal, a beloved member of the Sydney City Police Area Command. His passing is a loss to the whole community. And we mourn with his family, friends and colleagues.”
Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM said despite having to physically distance, the police family have come together to make sure their fallen colleagues were not forgotten.
“It’s a very solemn day for all police officers across the state as we remember those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Sadly, we have another name to add to this list with young Constable Aaron Vidal, who had a bright future ahead of him, joining those who have come before him.
“We ask the community to keep him, his family and all police families in your thoughts today and remember their service.”

The $150 million Goulburn Hospital redevelopment is approaching completion, with the new four-storey Clinical Services Building reaching its highest point of construction.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the redevelopment is boosting jobs and the local economy, a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“The redevelopment will see a new, modern health facility built that will service the Goulburn community now and into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This $150 million investment has also brought nearly 500 new construction jobs to the region helping stimulate the local economy.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the $150 million investment is one of many health infrastructure projects across regional and rural NSW under the NSW Government’s record investment of $10.1 billion this term.
“Goulburn Hospital will soon have the world-class health facility the community deserves and one that will be a magnet for health staff to the region,” Mr Hazzard said.
“More than 65 per cent of the 80 hospital and health facility redevelopments or upgrades underway in NSW are in regional and rural areas.”
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the new building will bring Goulburn’s facilities into the 21st century.
“This is a great opportunity to thank the staff, builders and everyone in the community involved in getting this incredible project off the ground,” Ms Tuckerman said.
The Clinical Services Building at the Goulburn Hospital and Health Service includes:

• Emergency Department and Medical Imaging Department;
• Intensive Care Unit;
• Operating theatres, day surgery and recovery areas;
• Medical, surgical, paediatric, rehabilitation and geriatric inpatient units with designated palliative care beds; and
• Maternity unit and ambulatory paediatric and antenatal clinics.

Community Mental Health will also be expanded and there will be more onsite parking.
Construction is due for completion in late 2021 ahead of opening to patients in 2022.

Goulburn now has a new ambulance station under the NSW Government’s record $122 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration program.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard, along with Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, officially opened the purpose-built facility.
“The NSW Government’s significant investment in new and upgraded ambulance stations for regional and rural areas is the single largest in the 120-year history of NSW Ambulance,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This new ambulance station is the latest of 36 new or rebuilt NSW Ambulance facilities across the state, 24 of which are in the rural and regional locations.”
Mr Hazzard said the new station will greatly improve emergency services for the southern region, providing local paramedics with a state-of-the-art facility and equipment.
“This project is an important step in the delivery of high-quality mobile emergency care to the people of Goulburn and surrounding areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The $122 million investment in regional and rural ambulance facilities is on top of a record $184 million for 11 new metropolitan Superstations, nine of which are already open, and one traditional station at Mona Vale, as well as a number of upgraded stations across greater Sydney.”
Ms Tuckerman said the new station would meet the emergency care needs of Goulburn and surrounds for years to come.
“The community can be assured that NSW Ambulance has the equipment to provide the best out-of-hospital clinical care to all patients across the region.”
The new purpose-built station on Bourke Street features:

• Internal parking for up to eight emergency ambulance vehicles;
• Administration and office areas;
• Staff amenities;
• Multipurpose meeting/training room;
• Logistics and storage areas; and
• Staff parking.

Ambulance stations operational under the RAIR program include Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Coolamon, Ardlethan, Harden, Molong, Griffith, Kiama, Berry, Bay & Basin, Toukley, Wauchope, Hamlyn Terrace, Bathurst, Pottsville, Yass, Rutherford, Bungendore, Birmingham Gardens,  Cowra and Grenfell.
The 2019-20 Budget for the NSW Ambulance Service was more than $1 billion, including $27.1 million to employ 221 paramedics and control centre staff as part of a record 750 workforce boost.

Two people have been charged and eight infringements have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
About 6.15pm yesterday (Sunday 27 September 2020), a 45-year-old woman attended Maitland Police Station, where she allegedly became aggressive while intoxicated before coughing on an officer. She was arrested and charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, behave in offensive manner in/near public place, assault officer in execution of duty, and two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm. She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 18 November 2020.
– About 11am on 5 September 2020, police attended an unauthorised protest in Byron Bay. It’s alleged a 45-year-old man failed to move-on as directed by police. He was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was charged with fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19.
– About 10pm yesterday (Sunday 27 September 2020), police attended a home on Bromide Street at Broken Hill after numerous noise complaints were received. Officers from Barrier Police District attended and issued the occupants a noise abatement direction. Police returned to the home later that evening after continuing to receive noise complaints. Officers seized the speakers before issuing two occupants a $1000 PIN for failing to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19.
– About 7.30am yesterday (Sunday 27 September 2020), police were called to Tyagarah Beach about complaints were received about a party that was taking place. Officers from Tweed/Byron attended and located more than 20 people at the party. Police were told approximately 500 people had attended the party earlier in the evening. Three people were issued $1000 PINs for failing to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19.
– About 12.20am on Saturday (26 September 2020), police stopped a car on the Sturt Highway at Hay. Police spoke with the occupants, who were from Victoria, and determined they didn’t have a valid permit to enter NSW. The three occupants were issued an $1000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
Anyone with information about this incident 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A $2.8 million project to relocate the ET Australia Secondary College in Gosford is the latest to be approved under the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
The existing school, which provides training and schooling to Year 7 to 10 secondary college students, will be relocated nearby within the Imperial Shopping Centre, while a new Year 11 and 12 campus is built at 125 Donnison Street.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new development will increase capacity from 170 to 280 students across two campuses, create opportunities for 40 new jobs and inject $2.8 million into the local economy.
“We’re using every lever at our disposal to keep the NSW economy ticking throughout the pandemic, and I’m very happy to see another shovel-ready project being given the green light,” Mr Stokes said.
“A bigger ET Australia Secondary College will cater for more students, provide more jobs and help breathe new life into the Gosford CBD.”
“The relocation of the existing school could also allow for the development of Gosford’s proposed regional library, which is earmarked for that location.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it was a fantastic example of unused commercial premises being transformed for new and improved purposes.
“The development is now ready to get underway and will create 26 much-needed construction jobs and an additional 14 operational jobs once completed – on top of the existing 35 jobs that will be retained,” Mr Crouch said.
“The expansion of the school, which has been operating for eight years, will provide an alternate learning pathway for more students who need it.”
The ET Australia Secondary College is the latest to be approved as part of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program which is keeping people in jobs and the economy moving during COVID-19.
To date the program has seen 91 projects determined, creating opportunities for more than 50,000 new jobs, and generated more than $25 billion of economic investment for the NSW economy.

The NSW Government has committed $15 million to upskill primary producers across plant-based sectors of the agricultural industry.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said AgSkilled 2.0 expanded on the success of the original program in driving the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of NSW agriculture through training and upskilling.
“AgSkilled 2.0 will continue to 30 June 2023 and has expanded the opportunity for training to a much greater range of plant-growing primary producers,” Mr Lee said.
“This expanded AgSkilled program will offer training across the key agricultural industry sectors of production horticulture, viticulture and rice growing in addition to the cotton and grains production covered in the original program.”
The original program delivered training to 5,227 people, over 849 courses across 189 locations to support cotton and grains farmers in regional NSW.
Mr Lee said the key to the program’s ongoing success was the engagement with industry to ensure training in agriculture is designed to be relevant, current and responsive to industry needs.
“This training increases the productivity and safety of existing workers in the sector and can offer career pathways for people to work in the agriculture sector,” Mr Lee said.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the expansion of the AgSkilled program would provide a boost for workers who wanted to upskill or are new to the agricultural workforce.
“These expanded opportunities are targeted directly at emerging needs and skill gaps that have been identified by industry, which means the State’s agricultural businesses can get a leg up when hiring skilled labour,” Mr Marshall said.
“Never before has it been so critical that we develop locally-based workers for the agricultural sector, so this will give them crucial training on the header, cultivating soil and plant health in the paddock, using new technology and more.
“Our farming businesses are the best in the world, and with programs like AgSkilled 2.0 they will have the workforce to match.”
The training is complemented by a range of other Training Services NSW initiatives to support regional NSW. For more information, visit www.training.nsw.gov.au

Emergency services personnel will have access to a new world-class training facility with the launch of Fire and Rescue’s Practical Learning Environment in Western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new $19 million training facility is designed to challenge the skills of first responders to ensure they are best prepared to help the community in the event of an emergency.
“The safety of the people of NSW is our number one priority and this new training facility will help prepare our emergency services for all scenarios,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Access to state-of-the-art props and resources is essential to improving the hands-on training of all first responders.”
The Practical Learning Environment consists of an urban search and rescue scene with an underground train tunnel, a service station prop, a five-storey tower that consists of a variety of fire and rescue scenarios as well as a live fire facility.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new training environment would not only assist emergency services personnel but the people of NSW as well.
“Our emergency services personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“All emergency services agencies will have shared access to the Practical Learning Environment, and by leading this adaptive training space we are building the best fire and rescue agency to protect the residents of NSW.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said each prop was specifically designed to enhance capabilities from fire and rescue to natural disaster and humanitarian relief.
“Our academy is a world-class resource that will ensure our first responders have access to life-saving practical training,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“Within each prop there are real life scenarios from hazardous materials spills, to road crash rescues and factory fires which will test the skills and knowledge of our firefighters.”
The next phase of the project will see the construction of a residential home, a streetscape and a train station scenario with a railway track and platform for rescue demonstrations.

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to travel across the NSW/Victoria border in a taxi yesterday.
About 4.30pm (Saturday 26 September 2020), police stopped a Victorian taxi at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury.
The passenger, a 26-year-old man, was asked to produce a permit; however, it was not valid.
When he was spoken to further, police will allege the man stated he wanted to go shopping in Albury.
He was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 -COVID-19 and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Bail Court today (Sunday 27 September 2020).
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.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today launched an Expression of Interest process for industry and universities to partner with TAFE NSW in the design and delivery of its Digital Technology Centre of Excellence at Meadowbank.
The NSW Government is investing $154 million to transform TAFE NSW Meadowbank into the first digital technology-focused campus – and university and industry partnerships will play a key role in aligning the Centre of Excellence to current and future skills needs.
Mr Lee said the TAFE NSW Centres of Excellence are game-changers for education and training in NSW.
“We are very excited to work with partners in this new way. I encourage organisations and universities to think about the skills their workforce of the future will need to compete on a global scale,” he said.
“As the signature training hub for future technologies and digitalisation at TAFE NSW, the new Centre of Excellence will help to address the rapidly growing and evolving digital economy and break down sectoral divides between vocational education, higher education and industry.
“This latest announcement at Meadowbank shows TAFE NSW is leading the way when it comes to partnering with industry to meet the skills needs of the economy and ensure the people of NSW are job-ready.”
Centres of Excellence will establish an innovative training environment that can support collaborative learning models, including the co-design and co-delivery of skills training with TAFE, industry and universities, and provide practical, relevant training for students in modern, purpose-built facilities and simulated workplace environments.
The Digital Technology Centre of Excellence will design and deliver training in future technologies and digitalisation including artificial intelligence, big data, gaming, cloud computing, cyber security, and programming. The Expression of Interest process commenced today and will continue to 26 October.