Category: NSW News

Drivers across Sydney can save money when parking, thanks to a new ‘park now, pay later’ feature rolling out across the NSW Government’s Park’nPay app.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the technology lets drivers pay for the exact amount of time they use a parking spot through the app.
“We’ve listened to drivers who were frustrated at having to pay upfront for two hours of parking when they only ended up needing 30 minutes,” Mr Dominello said.
“This smart tech means they only pay for the time used, and they won’t have to worry about having to pay until they leave the spot.
“So far users of the app have given it 93 per cent thumbs up, and this new feature is another way we are making life easier for customers.”
According to analysis by the NSW Government, drivers could collectively save millions of dollars because a customer will typically buy 20 per cent more time than they need in a spot.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while it’s already possible for a customer to extend their parking by topping up their payment using the app, they previously couldn’t reduce their payment if they decided to leave early.
“The great thing about this new feature is it allows customers to pay for the exact amount of time they use. They simply have to select the ‘pay later’ option and they can go about their business, indicating in the app when they’ve left the spot,” Mr Constance said.
“Using the enhanced app could provide drivers with hip pocket relief – an average session time via the meter in Liverpool Council is 118 minutes while on Park’nPay it’s 98 minutes.”
The app exists in the following councils: Liverpool, The Rocks, Burwood, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Cumberland, Northern Beaches and with Park&Ride. For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au
The first NSW Government Parking Summit will be held on Monday 17 May aimed at improving customers’ parking experiences in Greater Sydney

Work on Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ has hit a major milestone, with 50 per cent of the light rail tracks installed along the dining strip.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the team has been working hard to get the tracks laid along Church Street, between Market and George Streets, as quickly as possible, while minimising the impact to the local community.
“More than three kilometres of track have been laid along the 12-kilometre route, with track laying on ‘Eat Street’ on schedule to be completed during the middle of this year,” Mr Constance said.
“The Parramatta Light Rail team has worked more than three million hours on the project so far, with about one million hours spent on ‘Eat Street’ to get us to this significant milestone.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said crews took advantage of the quieter roads during the April school holidays to accelerate track installation, avoiding up to 26 consecutive weekends of night works.
“Innovative technology has been used during construction to identify and move 300 utilities, including a micro-tunnelling machine to build drainage and stormwater capacity while reducing noise, dust and vibration impacts above the ground,” Dr Lee said.
“We want to thank the local businesses and residents for their patience during what has been a tough period for many. We look forward to celebrating the completion of major works along ‘Eat Street’ with a range of activities during the ‘Eat Street Uncovered’ event.”
The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023.
For more information, visit www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.

Drivers in the Northern Beaches will be able to pay for and top up their parking online, thanks to the NSW Government’s popular Park’nPay app going live in the region.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the app makes life easier for drivers by putting more power in their hands.
“This is a game changer for drivers saving them precious time and allowing them to manage their parking from anywhere via the app,” Mr Dominello said. “No one should be rushing back to put money in a parking meter in 2021.
“Smart city thinking should be about making life easier for the customer and so far the 56,000 drivers using the app have given it a 93 per cent thumbs up.
“I commend Northern Beaches Council for coming on board and putting their customers first. This is a big win for the community, and a region boasting world famous beaches and popular restaurants and shops which people want to get to.”
The technology will apply to many machines and Pay and Display carparks across the peninsula’s beaches and reserves.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said: “Council has been keen to support the roll out of this initiative as it will benefit not just our community and visitors but also our local businesses.”
“It will promote parking turn over, reduce parking fines and ultimately provide us with information that will inform the ongoing management of parking across the Northern Beaches.”
The app also helps drivers avoid parking fines, by sending a notification when their meter is running low or their park is about to turn into a no stopping zone.
Drivers simply create an account on the app with their licence plate and payment details. Users have the option of paying with Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking inspectors can search for licence plate details using an app on their phone to see if a meter has been paid. Parking meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards.
The app already exists in the following councils – Liverpool, The Rocks, Burwood, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Cumberland and with Park&Ride.
For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au

Construction is underway on the $39 million makeover of Mascot Station, which will reduce crowding for train commuters and congestion for road users.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the upgrade includes a brand new entrance/exit on the western side of Bourke Street, additional ticket gates, new escalators and a lift to the paid concourse area.
“We’re pressing ahead with this important upgrade to ensure this busy transport hub can meet the needs of our customers now and into the future,” Mr Constance said.
“Not only will it make life easier for train customers, but road users will also notice reduced congestion on Bourke Street with less people having to rely on the pedestrian crossing to access the station.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said there will be some changes to traffic and pedestrian access in and around the station as a result of the work.
“As with any major project, there will be disruption to the local community but we will be doing everything we can to reduce the impacts as much as possible,” Mr Collins said.
“Transport for NSW will keep the community and commuters informed, and continue to work with affected residents and businesses to support them during this time.”
The Mascot Station upgrade is part of the NSW Government’s $5.3 billion More Trains, More Services Program, and is expected to be completed by late 2022.
The program is also delivering a new substation at Mascot (which was announced in May last year) to improve rail services for T8 Airport Line customers.
The program is aiming to increase services for Mascot customers during the morning peak by 80 per cent, meaning there will be trains every three to four minutes instead of every six.
For more information, visit yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/mascot-station-upgrade

Two new metro stations have been confirmed at Pyrmont and Hunter Street for the Sydney Metro West project, which will connect Parramatta to the CBD in around 20 minutes.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Hunter Street station will have one entrance on the corner of Hunter and George Streets, and another on the corner of Bligh and O’Connell Streets, connecting customers to suburban rail lines as well as light rail.
“The city-shaping Sydney Metro West project will revitalise the western gateway to the Sydney CBD, while creating 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The new Hunter Street station is strategically located in the heart of Sydney, allowing commuters to easily connect to Sydney Trains at Wynyard and Martin Place, and Sydney Metro at Martin Place.
“Commuters at Martin Place will be able to connect to the new Hunter Street station via proposed underground walkways, making it easier and quicker for people to change lines and travel right across our city.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the future Pyrmont Station will be located between Pyrmont Bridge Road and Union Street, providing easy access to Pyrmont Bridge.
“From Pyrmont, commuters will be able to travel to Hunter Street in just two minutes – giving them back valuable time with their families and doing things they enjoy, while also encouraging investment in the Pyrmont area,” Mr Constance said.
Hunter Street will become the fourth metro station in the Sydney CBD, with the Transport Minister today inspecting the progress at the new Martin Place station on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project.
“Construction is moving quickly at Martin Place station with work underway to install the platforms, the new pedestrian tunnel 60 per cent excavated and the final design of the station recently approved,” Mr Constance said.
Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.
“There will be massive and game-changing travel time savings across Sydney. For example, sports fans will be able to get from Bondi Junction to the new metro station at Sydney Olympic Park in just 27 minutes (interchanging at Martin Place) compared to 56 minutes now,” Mr Regan said.
Other faster journeys include:

• 12 minutes faster from Burwood North to North Sydney (Victoria Cross metro station) return – about 20 minutes (with interchange) using Sydney Metro, compared to about 32 minutes now (with interchange);
• Save 32 minutes a day from Castle Hill to Pyrmont – about 42 minutes (with interchange) using Sydney Metro compared to about 58 minutes now (with interchange);
• 14 minutes faster from Blacktown to Sydney Olympic Park – about  20 minutes (with interchange) using Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro compared to about 34 minutes now (with interchange).

Sydney Metro is liaising with the impacted owners and tenants of 11 commercial buildings in the CBD and another two commercial buildings in Pyrmont.
Pyrmont and Hunter Street now join the other station locations which have been confirmed for Sydney Metro West – Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and The Bays.
Sydney Metro expects to award the first major tunnelling contract for the Sydney Metro West project in the middle of this year, ensuring that tunnel boring machines can be in the ground by the end of next year.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet tonight welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s 2021-22 Budget, which delivers more than $3 billion in funding for road infrastructure projects in NSW, alongside tax relief and training initiatives designed to boost the economy and help drive unemployment below pre-pandemic levels.
Mr Perrottet said the Commonwealth’s strong focus on supporting working families and creating jobs was teamed with a strong focus on helping the vulnerable and those in need.
“Josh Frydenberg has delivered a Budget which is the envy of many countries around the world, it’s clear Australia is leading the pack on the way back,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is a Budget which places people at its very heart, ranging from more childcare assistance, help for the aged care sector, medical support in the regions, $2.3 billion for mental health and suicide prevention as well as a billion dollar boost for women’s safety.”
Among funding for NSW in tonight’s Budget:

• $3.3 billion for priority road projects including $2 billion for the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Lithgow, $500 million for the Princes Highway, including the Jervis Bay Road Intersection and Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Stage 1, $240 million for the Mount Ousley Interchange and $229.4 million for the M12 Motorway.
• $162.8 million over three years from 2021-22 to support clean-up of damage caused by the February and March 2021 floods.
• $51.2 million for Eurobodalla Southern Storage.
• $4.5 million in 2021-22 for a Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund to support those affected by the 2019-20 bushfires.

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government was currently working on its own 2021-22 State Budget, which will be delivered in June.
“It is vital the Commonwealth and NSW continue to work together. We have been handed the biggest challenge in a generation, but also the opportunity of our generation,” Mr Perrottet.

The mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park has opened today with thousands of people booked in to receive the COVID-19 vaccine this week.
During its first weeks of operation, the Centre will focus on delivering Pfizer vaccinations to priority groups including healthcare workers, emergency services workers as well as quarantine and border workers and their households.
Bookings are required.
Members of the general public aged 40-49 are invited to register their interest in receiving the Pfizer vaccine through NSW Health. They will be contacted when a booking is available. People aged 40-49 can register here from 5pm today: nsw.gov.au/
From Wednesday 12 May, people aged 50 and over can book their AstraZeneca jab at the mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park, if they are unable to obtain the vaccination from their GP. These bookings will be available here; covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the centre at Sydney Olympic Park would operate six days per week from 8am to 8pm.
“The mass vaccination centre will be able to administer up to 30,000 vaccines per week once it is up and running, that means around 5,000 vaccinations per day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Centre, combined with the more than 100 NSW Health run clinics and hubs, means NSW Health can administer around 60,000 vaccines each week across the State.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said about 200 registered nurses and midwives will work at the Centre forming about two-thirds of its 300-strong workforce.
“Opening a vaccination centre of this scale at Sydney Olympic Park is a massive and unprecedented undertaking, and one I’m very proud of as Health Minister,” Mr Hazzard said.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged everyone in NSW who can be vaccinated to do so.
“Vaccination is very effective at reducing your risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19 and will also reduce the chance you will pass on the infection to your loved ones,” Dr Chant said.

The Singleton community in the Upper Hunter will benefit from a brand new police station, thanks to $12 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Nationals candidate for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell at Singleton Police Station today to make the announcement, and said it will be a significant boost for the region.
“The current police station in Singleton has been serving the community since 1867 and the heritage listed building is home to around 50 staff,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The new fit-for-purpose station will meet the needs of the growing Hunter Valley Police District and mean Singleton can continue to be well resourced by NSW Police as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to building a safer and stronger Upper Hunter.
“I want to thank all the officers and staff working within the Hunter Valley Police District for your service and dedication to the people of NSW and this brand new police station should better serve the deserving community of Singleton and surrounds.”
Mr Elliott said the Singleton Police Station will have the state-of-the-art resources that our modern police force needs to operate effectively.
“Police numbers in the Hunter Valley Police District have been steadily increasing, from 163 in 2019 to 181 this year, and with the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering an additional 1500 police over four years, that number is only likely to grow,” Mr Elliott said.
“A new police station for Singleton will accommodate the growing number of officers for years to come and provide a fantastic facility for current staff and the community.
“This is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to the NSW Police Force, with 36 Police stations built or upgraded since 2011 and continued investment in police infrastructure.”
In 2020-21, the NSW Government is investing a record $287.7 million in NSW Police Force capital projects.

Manly will soon house Australia’s first palliative care hospice for young people living with an incurable illness, with construction to commence shortly.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Manly James Griffin visited the site of the former Manly Hospital today to turn the first sod on the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice.
“This is the first hospice in Australia dedicated to 15-24 year old patients living with an incurable illness, providing first class palliative care services and support during the most challenging of times,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The hospice will welcome families from right across NSW, including in rural and  regional areas.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will provide specialised care, including bereavement support and counselling.
“The Manly community has made the development of this vital hospice right here on our beautiful coast possible through their wonderful support and donations,” Mr Griffin said.
“More than $6.5 million has been raised by the community for this project. This was boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government along with $5 million from the Federal Government.
“This hospice will fill a much-needed gap for young people who outgrow Manly’s renowned Bear Cottage or have been diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult.”
The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will have eight bedrooms for patients, breakout spaces including a media and games room, as well as two family accommodation units with two bedrooms each.
Construction of the hospice is scheduled for completion in late 2022 and is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments, as well as generous community donations.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
For further information and to support the Hospice, visit the NSLHD website.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE

• Given the latest cases of community transmission and updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, COVID-19 restrictions will be temporarily tightened across Greater Sydney.
• The following measures are effective until 12.01am Monday, 10 May for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):
  • Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children;
  • Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking);
  • Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed;
  • Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
  • Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time; and
  • Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.
• It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups over the coming days, and is careful not to put our most vulnerable at risk.
• For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

NSW LOOKS TO LEAD THE WAY WITH mRNA VACCINES

• Premier Gladys Berejiklian has brought together the State’s leading experts in mRNA technology as NSW looks to create a new medical manufacturing and research industry.
• Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology. However, Australia currently has no long-form RNA manufacturing capacity.
• NSW is home to nationally and globally significant programs of genomic medicine development, particularly in the fields of gene therapy, gene-modified cell therapy and RNA therapy. These therapies treat a wide range of conditions including genetic diseases, cancers, infectious diseases and cardiac conditions.
• NSW already has capabilities in the advanced manufacture of viral vectors, plasmids and short-form RNA, which are key technologies used for these therapies. The addition of mRNA capacity to this manufacturing network would significantly strengthen local research and development programs.

FASTSTREAM OPEN FOR TEACHERS AND GRADUATES

• The first teaching career fast track program in NSW has opened for applications for aspiring graduates and current teachers who want to turbocharge their careers to become a principal within 10 years.
• The FASTstream program, beginning in Term 1 2022, aims to attract high-quality teaching staff to regional NSW and other hard-to-staff parts of the state.
• The FASTstream program will incentivise up-and-coming teachers and graduates by preparing participants for principal roles in up to 10 years, fast tracking the existing average of 20 years.
• In the program’s inaugural year, 30 current teachers and 20 teaching graduates will be selected to participate.
• For more information or to apply, visit: https://teach.nsw.edu.au/enhance-your-career/faststream-recruitment.

FIVE PROJECTS SET TO ACCELERATE BASIN PLAN

• Implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan has shifted up a gear, following agreement between the Commonwealth and Basin states.
• Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey has announced details of the five accelerated key Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) projects agreed to at last week’s Murray Darling Ministerial Council meeting.
• In addition to agreement being reached last week to accelerate a suite of projects to enable delivery by 2024, Ministers have recognised the unique sensitives around Menindee and Yanco and have agreed that NSW will spend the next two months re-working these projects.
• For details on the SDLAM Acceleration Program including full details of the five accelerated projects, please visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/sdlam.

AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL PROPOSED FOR GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY UPGRADE

• Investigations are now underway to make an 11-kilometre tunnel the central component of an upgraded Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow, forming the longest road tunnel in Australia.
• Completing the Katoomba to Lithgow section would deliver the final stage of a 130 kilometre upgrade, delivering dual carriageway on the Great Western Highway, a multi-decade program of works, making a safer, more resilient corridor.
• Construction on the Great Western Highway Upgrade is expected to start at Medlow Bath in 2022, with the full upgrade expected to be completed within 8 to 10 years.
• For more information on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow, visit www.nswroads.work/greatwesternhighway and https://www.uat.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/01documents/great-western-highway/katoomba-to-lithgow/gwh-katoomba-to-lithgow-rms10310-community-update-2021-04.pdf.

FLYING KANGAROO TO STAY IN THE PREMIER STATE

• Qantas will continue to call NSW home with its global headquarters to remain in Sydney following an in principle agreement with the NSW Government.
• The announcement secures thousands of existing and future jobs for NSW and includes several other benefits including Sydney being the exclusive launch city for Qantas’ ultra-long-haul non-stop flights to cities such as London and New York.
• The commitment also confirmed:
  • The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators to be based in NSW from 2023;
  • Plans for expansion of Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot;
  • Qantas working with the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive indigenous and diversity employment program.
• The final binding agreement will be subject to ongoing detailed negotiations.

FEMALE CHANGEROOMS ARE TOP PRIORITY IN $100 MILLION FUND FOR REGIONAL NSW

• Female sporting teams across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved facilities and regional towns will soon see even more investment in community infrastructure and programs that will make a big difference to everyday life in the bush, thanks to the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund.
• Applications are now open for Round Four and communities are encouraged to apply.
• Getting facilities up to date, particularly women’s change rooms, will ensure all female athletes are supported to take part in a wide range of sports, including once male dominated codes.
• The Stronger Country Communities fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications for Round Four open 1 May 2021 and close on 25 June 2021. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF.

$135 MILLION TO HELP SAVE LIVES ON OUR ROADS

• Road users across the state are set to benefit from a $135 million investment in road safety projects under the latest round of the $822 million Safer Roads Program.
• 78 lifesaving projects will be financed this year through the Community Road Safety Fund.
• The Safer Roads program is estimated to prevent the loss of more than 1500 lives and serious injuries on our roads over 15 years. That’s 1500 people making it home safely to their families because of these projects.

LOCALLY EXTINCT FISH RETURN TO MACQUARIE RIVER AFTER 70 YEARS

• More than 70 years after the species were last recorded in the catchment, 7,500 juvenile Macquarie Perch have been released back into the Macquarie River catchment at Winburndale Dam.
• The project was funded under the Government’s $10 million 2019/20 NSW Native Fish Rescue Program.
• Conditions are now ideal for these fish to flourish in and it’s expected their populations will be able to thrive over the coming years.