Category: NSW News

Customers in Revesby and Engadine can now complete hundreds of NSW Government transactions and access cost of living support online and face-to-face, thanks to the opening of two new Service NSW Centres.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is on its way to opening a further 10 Service NSW Centres in Sydney, with Revesby and Engadine being the first to open.
“These new one-stop shop Service NSW Centres in Revesby and Engadine put the customer first. Gone are the days of waiting in line for hours to be served,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Whether it’s renewing your vehicle registration or driver’s licence, or applying for a Seniors Card or marriage certificate, these Centres will save customers time.
“Service NSW is also a gateway to up to 70 NSW Government Cost of Living savings and rebates, including Energy Switch, Creative Kids and Active Kids vouchers. Customers can also access nearly 1000 NSW Government transactions at Service NSW centres. Locals will be able to make an appointment with a Cost of Living Specialist who can help them identify potential savings. The average saving so far is $575.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said both centres feature a modern ‘digital first’ design with additional staff available to help customers on self-serve touch screens, or to complete a transaction over the counter.
“We’re turbocharging the customer experience to make life easier for people,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers have quickly embraced the new Centres, with more than 3000 people visiting them since 28 August.
“There are now 109 Service NSW Centres across the State, as well as four Mobile Centres that cater for customers in remote and regional areas.”
Eight more Service NSW Centres will be delivered across Sydney by 2023 as part of an election commitment. They include Merrylands, Randwick, Northmead, Glenmore Park/Edmondson Park, Roselands and Schofields.
Between 2017 and 2019 24 Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network.
Revesby Service Centre is located at 38-42 Marco Avenue, Revesby. It is open from 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am – 12:30pm on Saturdays.
Engadine Service Centre is located at Shops 7-10, Engadine Town Square Shopping Centre, 1040 Old Princes Hwy. It is open from 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am – 12:30pm on Saturdays.
Further information on Service NSW is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au

A landmark rezoning will see 6,500 hectares of land rezoned to provide for employment, residential and environmental uses in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, setting the State up for a strong economic recovery and paving the way for land to be developed before the first plane takes off in 2026.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the rezoning of the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway, Agribusiness and Wianamatta-South Creek was the catalyst for the creation of Sydney’s third city centred on a new global airport.
“These first five precincts will deliver much-needed jobs growth to Western Sydney, providing the potential for 100,000 new jobs, as well as homes for 30,000 residents once fully developed,” Mr Stokes said.
Mr Stokes added that the Aerotropolis would be supported by the Wianamatta-South Creek precinct, which sets up a central green spine to protect the environment and provide open space for future residents and visitors to enjoy.
“This 1,300-hectare precinct will include walking and cycling trails that connect open space along the creek as well as cafes and restaurants.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Aerotropolis will be a major contributor to the 200,000 future jobs that will be created across the Western Parkland City over the next 20 years.
“This high-skill jobs hub is set to become the most dynamic economic development precinct in Australia with jobs in aerospace and defence, manufacturing, healthcare, freight and logistics, agribusiness, education and research industries,” Mr Ayres said.
“Today’s approval lays the foundations for the transformation of 6,500 hectares of land into a thriving metropolis with new homes, jobs and public spaces supported by a new, world-class Metro line.”
In addition, the Agribusiness precinct will revolutionise local fresh food farming as produce can go from the farm gate to the international consumer plate in 36 hours.
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis rezoning is one of 10 projects in the fifth tranche of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 50,000 jobs and almost $25 billion worth of economic investment.

The station locations for the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project to service Greater Western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) airport have been revealed, with the project also set to deliver a multi-billion dollar boost to the New South Wales and Australian economies.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres today inspected the site of the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis Station.
“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will support 14,000 jobs, including 250 apprentices and inject billions of dollars to the NSW and Australian economies,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Where we are standing today will become a major new transport interchange, right in the heart of the future central business district for the Western Parkland City.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said construction would start this year on the around $11 billion mega-project that would deliver economic support and local jobs.
“This city-shaping investment is being fast-tracked to help our economy recover from COVID-19 and deliver a major stimulus right in the heart of Western Sydney,” Mr Tudge said.
“Western Sydney residents will reap the benefits of this investment well before the first train leaves the station.”
Exact station locations have now also been confirmed on the 23-kilometre driverless railway line at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham and two stations at the airport.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the tender process has also started to deliver 10 kilometres of twin Metro railway tunnels, with the call for registrations of interest.
“Construction starts later this year on a project that will become the transport spine for the Western Parkland City,” Mr Constance said.
“The new railway will link residential areas with jobs hubs, and connect travellers from the new airport with the rest of Sydney’s public transport network.”
New South Wales Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the project will be a game changer for the region.
“This will provide the backbone for the economic and broader development of the Western Parkland City,” Mr Ayres said.
Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said the Australian and NSW Governments are working together in preparation for the airport opening for passenger services.
“The huge investment in Western Sydney Infrastructure projects is creating an interconnected city that will enable innovation, support growth and create jobs to build an exciting future for Western Sydney,” Mrs McIntosh said.
Supporting the airport and Aerotropolis is a key part of the Western Sydney City Deal – a
20-year agreement signed in March 2018 by the Commonwealth Government, NSW Government and eight Western Sydney councils.

A man will face court after allegedly attempting to cross into New South Wales from Victoria without a permit three times in 24 hours.
About 7am yesterday (Friday 11 September 2020), police stopped a silver Ford Laser at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury, as it attempted to enter NSW.
Officers spoke to the driver, a 37-year-old man, who allegedly failed to produce a permit. He was issued a direction under the Public Health Act to return to Victoria and was escorted back over the border.
Later that day, the man drove to a border checkpoint on Wodonga Place, Albury, and again attempted to enter NSW. He was allegedly unable to supply a permit and was issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice for $1000.
About 10am today (Saturday 12 September 2020), the Ford driver was stopped at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury, where he was allegedly unable to produce a permit for a third time and was subsequently arrested.
He was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction.
The man was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 13 September 2020).

Two men have been charged with drug offences after attempting to cross into NSW allegedly using a fraudulent permit.
About 7am today (Saturday 12 September 2020), police stopped a vehicle at the Albury border checkpoint as it attempted to enter NSW.
Police spoke to the driver, a 39-year-old man, who produced a permit which stated he was entering NSW for a medical appointment.
The passenger, a 38-year-old man, also produced a permit.
After speaking with the men, officers conducted a search of the vehicle where they located and seized a small amount of prohibited drugs, along with drug paraphernalia.
Further checks revealed the driver’s permit was fraudulent.
The men were arrested and taken to Albury Police Station.
The 39-year-old man was charged with drug possession, and breach of bail. He was also issued a penalty notice for attempting to enter on false information.
The Wangaratta man was bail refused to appear in Wagga Wagga Bail Court tomorrow (Sunday 13 September 2020).
The 38-year-old was charged with three counts of drug possession, and possess a drug implement. The Howlong man was given conditional bail to appear at Albury Local Court on 12 October 2020.

Today we mourn the loss of the Honorable John Fahey AC, Premier of NSW from 1992 to 1995, who dedicated almost two decades of his life in service to NSW and Australia.
John Fahey helped deliver major reforms for NSW, both as Premier and as a senior member of the Greiner Government.
Under Premier Fahey’s leadership, important achievements included the introduction of the Disability Services Act, the NSW Senior’s Card and the first NSW Minister for the Status of Women. As Minister for Industrial Relations, he led a major overhaul of NSW’s Industrial Relations system.
He also played a key role in one of the biggest victories in NSW and Australian history – the successful bid for Sydney to host the Olympic Games in 2000. Many of us would remember the celebrations that immediately swept the nation after Sydney was announced as the winner – and the image of Mr Fahey jumping for joy at the news.
History will also remember him as a brave man, for his quick-thinking and selfless action to protect Prince Charles from an attack on Australia Day in 1994.
My thoughts are with John’s wife Colleen, his children and grandchildren. I have spoken to Colleen to pass on my condolences and offer a State Memorial Service.
Personally, I am grateful for John’s support and encouragement. He has always been a wonderful role model to generations of Liberals. His contribution to the State and Nation will leave a lasting legacy.
Mr Fahey migrated to Picton from New Zealand as a boy and was raised with strong Catholic values, which remained with him his whole life.
Mr Fahey was elected as State Member for Camden in 1984. In 1996 he made the move to Federal politics, elected to the House of Representatives for Macarthur, where he served as Finance Minister in the Howard Government. He dedicated 17 years of his life to politics before retiring in 2001.
Gladys Berejiklian

A woman has been issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) after allegedly attempting to flee a Sydney hotel where she was undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
On Tuesday 8 September 2020, the 51-year-old Strathfield woman arrived on a flight from Melbourne and was placed into quarantine at a hotel in Haymarket.
About midday yesterday (Thursday 10 September 2020), the woman allegedly left her hotel room and entered the corridor. She was spoken to by a security guard, and when questioned, claimed she was a staff member working at the hotel.
When the security guard asked her to produce identification, the woman allegedly fled through a fire exit.
She was immediately arrested by police on the street outside the hotel after they witnessed her running through the lobby.
The woman was escorted back to her hotel room and issued with a $1000 PIN.
Since Sunday 29 March 2020, more than 59,000 individuals have completed hotel quarantine in Sydney.

The development of a new industrial business hub in Eastern Creek will provide an initial 230 new construction jobs for Western Sydney while injecting $213 million into the economy.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government has approved the Concept Proposal and Stage One development of the 39 hectare Light Horse Interchange Business Hub.
“This business hub is a huge win for the people of Western Sydney with the creation of 230 construction jobs now and more on the way,” Mr Ayres said.
“The development of the full facility will create a further 1,000 construction jobs and up to 430 operational jobs once complete.
“This is the latest development to be approved under the NSW Government’s fast-tracked planning assessment program, aimed at keeping the economy moving and people in jobs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
To date, the Planning System Acceleration Program has seen more than 80 projects determined, creating the potential for more than $22 billion in economic activity, almost 50,000 new jobs and almost 25,000 new homes and more than four million square metres of new public space, parklands and environmental conservation land.
The Light Horse Interchange Business Hub is one of nine existing or upcoming business parks located in the Western Sydney Parklands that together make up two per cent of the Parklands.
Revenue generated from leasing sites within the business hubs helps Western Sydney Parklands Trust manage and improve the remaining 98 per cent of the Parklands.
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said a thriving Western Parkland City means more opportunities, more jobs and more choice for the people of Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring the Western Parkland City reaches its full potential,” Ms Davies said.
“By using vacant land with low recreational and ecological value, we can create and improve new recreation facilities and cycling and walking tracks while regenerating bushland and improving wildlife movement across Western Sydney.”
As a result of the fast-tracked approval, Stage One work – including site preparation and demolition of existing structures, remediation, provision of infrastructure and the subdivision of land – can begin within six months.
For further information visit: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/10631

Schools across NSW have received guidelines to support planning for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) written exams that start on 20 October.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said students need to be reassured that everything is being done to make sure they can sit their HSC without disruption.
“HSC trials were held without major incident and we are now working with schools to implement guidelines and procedures that reduce the risk of a COVID-19 disruption for our HSC students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We are continuing to prioritise health advice as we support schools in planning for and operating the HSC exams. The safety of students and staff involved remains our priority.
“A COVID-safe plan is about minimising disruption to students if there is a confirmed case at their school.”
The guidelines, developed in consultation with NSW Health, have been issued to principals by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), who are responsible for the HSC.
NESA Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said that he recognised preparing for the HSC exams during this pandemic is challenging.
“The aim of these guidelines is to provide as much clarity to schools and reassurance to students as possible, in line with health advice as we approach exams,” Mr Martin said.
In their planning, schools have been asked to consider:

• Prioritising a section of the school for rapid cleaning as well as having an alternative venue on standby.
• Developing exam day protocols including health screening, in line with sector or school policies and protocols.
• Recruiting additional exam supervisors.

Ms Mitchell said the Department has issued guidelines to Principals today asking them to limit student numbers to 75 students per exam room, limit HSC student interaction with the rest of the school and prioritise cleaning for exam venues.
“Each school’s contingency plans will be unique, school principals will be supported by their local directors and the department to develop and implement their individual plans.
“Schools have done an outstanding job in supporting their HSC students this year and the Class of 2020 have worked exceptionally hard under these circumstances.”
Sector guidance will be issued to schools to support implementation of NESA guidelines.

The first locally built ventilators in NSW are set to roll off the production line in the coming months following a manufacturing call to arms by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian issued a call to arms five months ago appealing to businesses to pivot into producing critical medical supplies in the fight against COVID-19.
“Global supply chains were disrupted and our local universities and manufacturers stepped in and joined forces to develop prototype ventilators,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Two ventilators are on track to receive regulatory approval within weeks and, if needed, can be produced for hospitals here and potentially overseas, saving lives and boosting jobs.”
Mr Hazzard said The Ventilator Innovation Project was part of the NSW Government’s $800 million investment to help increase services and equipment to combat COVID-19.
“Having access to a ventilator can be the difference between life and death for severe COVID cases and, sadly, we know the effects of shortages overseas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In some of the worst-hit nations, health staff were forced to choose who got access to a ventilator; so we need a reliable local supply chain to safeguard NSW patients.”
Mr Ayres said the pandemic had inspired a wave of innovation and rapid development across the globe, and local manufacturers and universities had risen to the challenge.
“One thing history has shown us is that crises stimulate innovation and this pandemic has provided an environment for launching and testing new ideas,” Mr Ayres said.
“We congratulate the successful teams behind the CoVida ventilator, led by the University of Sydney, with clinicians at Westmead and Royal North Shore Hospitals, and Ventasys, developed by AmpControl with clinicians at the John Hunter Hospital.”