Category: NSW News

Transport for NSW will trial innovative data and technology ideas to improve safety for women travelling on transport at night in Greater Sydney, following the announcement of the winners of the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge.
The projects include artificial intelligence in CCTV to automate the detection of threatening behaviours, using datasets and algorithms to create routing that prioritises safety, and a new platform for public safety and assistance.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the ideas would be developed and trialled over the next six months.
“We want all our customers to feel safe on the network and it is not good enough that 9 out of 10 Australian women experience harassment on the street and modify their behaviour in response,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re excited to be working with entrepreneurs and universities to implement innovative technology solutions to keep women safe.”
The winners are from the University of Wollongong, data sharing platform She’s a Crowd, safety technology experts Guardian LifeStream and Cardno/UNSW.
Transport for NSW received 44 applications for the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge and the winners were selected by an expert panel after a virtual pitch event.
“The winners were chosen for their potential to meaningfully address real safety issues, and their ability to use creative and sophisticated new technologies to make a real difference,” Mr Constance said.
The Innovation Challenge is part of Transport for NSW’s commitment to a new Women’s Safety Charter, co-designed in collaboration with the Greater Sydney Commission and Committee for Sydney.

New parks and public spaces, better pedestrian access and more employment space are set to enhance the heart of Crows Nest and St Leonards, with the NSW Government today releasing the final 2036 Plan.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the plan will guide the delivery of a greener, better connected and vibrant Crows Nest and St Leonards.
“The community told us they wanted more green space that enhanced local neighbourhoods, and a plan that provided certainty on what future development will look like and where it will be,” Mr Stokes said.
“We have listened, with significant changes made to the final plan to ensure St Leonards and Crows Nest will be a greener, thriving employment hub with better transport and pedestrian connections for local residents, workers and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the plan includes the forward funding from the NSW Government for the delivery of a new park in partnership with North Sydney Council. The existing carpark on Holtermann Street will be moved underground to make way for a vibrant green core in the centre of Crows Nest.
“We have secured a massive $78 million for new and improved public spaces across St Leonards and Crows Nest, including the new park on Holtermann Street for our community that will be delivered ahead of Metro development,” Ms Wilson said.
“From the village feel of Willoughby Rd and Crows Nest, to the bustling commercial centre around St Leonards, we wanted to reflect the community’s call for a final plan that protected and enhanced the unique character of our local area and delivered the community infrastructure that makes for great places to live – this plan delivers that and more.”
Key changes to the final plan following community consultation, include:

• A 10 per cent reduction in new dwellings;
• More than $78 million secured from developer contributions for new parks and public spaces (an increase of $20 million);
• Planting of more than 2,000 new trees;
• Doubling the employment space, with an extra 119,979sqm of commercial floor space to support more than 16,500 jobs; and
• $20 million secured from developer contributions for new education facilities.

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson welcomed the plan and said more green space would help to maintain the village feel that we all love.
“I would like to thank the Minister Rob Stokes, local member for North Shore Felicity Wilson and the Department for including a new park at Holtermann Street in the plans. With the support of the State, design of the park will commence at the beginning of 2021, at the same time Council commences construction of the new Hume Street Plaza,” Ms Gibson said.
The final plan will see more than $116 million captured in Special Infrastructure Contributions from developers to support the delivery of critical infrastructure such as road upgrades, education facilities and active transport links across St Leonards and Crows Nest.
The plan will also be supported with new transport links, with the NSW Government also approving the Crows Nest Metro rezoning. The community will get to have its say on the Crows Nest Metro State significant concept development application when it is re-exhibited in mid-September.
For more information, and to view the final plan visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/stleonardscrowsnest

A man has faced court today charged after police at a border checkpoint near Albury seized prohibited drugs in a vehicle.
NSW Police were manning a checkpoint at the Spirit of Progress Bridge located on The Hume Highway, south of Albury, when they stopped a Toyota Camry about 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 29 August 2020).
The driver, a 27-year-old woman, and a male passenger, aged 44, produced valid permits required to travel to NSW via aircraft through Sydney and self-isolate.
Following inquiries, officers conducted a search of the man and allegedly located methylamphetamine in his socks and 94g of methylamphetamine under the passenger seat cover, during a search of the vehicle, along with cash.
The items were seized and will undergo forensic testing.
The man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and deal with proceeds of crime, money/property.
He appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Sunday 30 August 2020), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Albury Local Court tomorrow (Monday 31 August 2020).
The woman was refused entry and directed to return to Victoria.
Inquiries continue.

Police have issued four Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in the last 24 hours relating to three separate breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
On Wednesday (26 August 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure raised concerns over the validity of a permit produced by a 41-year-old man at the Wodonga Place, South Albury, checkpoint.
Initial checks indicated his reason for travel was consistent with the permit, and the man was granted entry, but the matter was referred to local police to conduct further inquiries.
After establishing the man had travelled to Eden, police attended a caravan park to speak with him but he could not be located.
Following further inquiries, police returned to the caravan park just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020), as the man was attempting to leave.
He was directed to return to Victoria and advised he would be issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with requirements of the Public Health Orders.
In a separate incident, a ride-share vehicle was stopped at a border checkpoint on the Hume Highway at Albury, about 10am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
The driver inquired whether he would be allowed to re-enter NSW if he dropped his customer home in Westmeadows, Victoria.
Checks on the man’s 22-year-old male customer revealed he did not have a valid permit to be in NSW.
He was issued with a $1000 PIN and escorted back into Victoria.
About 6pm on Monday 27 July 2020, police from Operation Border Closure stopped a taxi at the checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, and spoke with the driver who provided all necessary documentation, before speaking with his passengers – a 41-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
Checks revealed the man was meant to be in self-isolation and the woman had crossed the border for reasons inconsistent with her permit.
The pair were directed to return to their homes in Albury and advised police would conduct further inquiries.
As a result of those inquiries, the man and woman were each issued with $1000 PINs yesterday.
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.

This weekend marks the start of Legacy Week, the annual appeal to support the families of veterans who have served for our country.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Legacy Week is now in its 78^th year and will be held this Sunday, 30 August to Saturday, 5 September 2020.
“The current social restrictions should not stop us from supporting this very worthwhile cause,” Mr Lee said.
“Thousands of Australian men and women are currently serving overseas and Legacy stands ready to assist their families when needed.”
Legacy President Gregory Wrate said Legacy has held a badge day since 1942 to raise funds to support the widows and families of veterans who have died, been severely injured or left with mental health issues as a result of their military service.
“This year will be tough with the reduced opportunity to do any face-to-face fundraising and the inability to engage with the public but the health of the community and our many volunteers and supporters is more important,” Mr Wrate said.
“This Legacy Week, I am asking Australians to consider donating online to allow us to continue providing financial, educational and emotional support to our beneficiaries.”
The funds raised from Legacy Week assist approximately 60,000 people with services such as counselling, housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
When Australian Defence Force soldier Major Michael Wiltshire died from a brain tumour at the age of 42, Legacy supported his widow Kerrie and two children, James and Emily.
“It could have all gone so differently without Legacy’s support and influence,” James said.
“We have had many strong role models come into our lives. I’m currently applying to join the Air Force and I doubt I would have had the confidence to go for it, if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Legacy.”
To donate online, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.

Construction of the Sydney Metro West, from Greater Parramatta to the CBD, is another step closer with the NSW Government today shortlisting three consortia to deliver the mega project’s first two major tunnelling packages.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project will create more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, with many of them generated by these new tunnelling contracts.
“These contracts will require tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards,” Mr Constance said.
“The three shortlisted consortia have a wealth of Australian and international experience in delivering high quality infrastructure projects. We expect to be in a position to award the first contract by the middle of next year.”
Due to the scale of this city-shaping mega project the tunnelling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages between Westmead and the Sydney CBD.
The following consortia have been shortlisted for two packages:

• John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Australia Joint Venture (JHCPBG JV);
• Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Australia Joint Venture (GALC JV); and
• Acciona Australia and Ferrovial Australia Joint Venture (AF JV)

They will firstly participate in the Central Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 11 kilometres of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.
The remaining two tenderers will then bid for the Western Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 9 kilometres of twin tunnels from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park.
The successful tenderer for the Central Tunnelling Package will not be eligible to be awarded the Western Tunnelling Package, driving greater competition in the delivery of Australian tunnelling infrastructure.
Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come.
This once in a century infrastructure investment will have a target travel time of about 20 minutes between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It will link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply.
The planning process for the Sydney Metro West project is progressing with Sydney Metro currently addressing community feedback raised as part of the project’s first Environmental Impact Statement.
Subject to planning approval, work on the project is expected to start in The Bays later this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.

A man has been charged with breaching COVID-19 Public Health Orders after entering NSW from Victoria on a boat.
About 4pm on Tuesday (25 August 2020), officers from Marine Area Command attempted to communicate with the sole occupant of a vessel east of Cronulla, as they had reason to believe the boat had travelled from Victoria.
The 61-year-old man refused to disembark and became aggressive towards officers, producing a knife.
Specialists officers attended a short time later and boarded the vessel.
The man was tasered before being arrested and taken to Sutherland Hospital for treatment.
He was later released and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 10 September 2020.
In separate incidents, three Penalty Infringement Notices were issued to individuals since the last COVID-19 update.
* A 32-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after he was stopped for the purposes of a random breath test on the Olympic Highway, Gerogery. The man was issued a PIN for entering NSW without a valid permit yesterday.
* A 34-year-old woman was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after attempting to cross the border via Wodonga Place, Albury. When spoken to by officers, she produced a Victorian licence and claimed to be working in NSW, which proved to be false.
* A 38-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Campsie Police Area Command following an inspection of a business on Ernest Street, Lakemba. The business had been warned previously but failed to rectify the issues.
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.

The NSW Government will quadruple the size of its central cyber security team in a landmark expansion of the State’s cyber defences.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the investment of $60 million over three years would be used to create an army of cyber experts, broadening the scope of Cyber Security NSW to incorporate small agencies and councils.
“The $60 million is not only a four-fold increase in spending on cyber security but allows Cyber Security NSW to quadruple the size of its team in the battle against cyber-crime,” Mr Dominello said.
“Cyber Security NSW will train the next generation of cyber security experts and ensure there is a cross-government coordinated response, including advance threat intelligence sharing, cyber security training and capability development.
“This will further ensure NSW has world-class cyber security infrastructure to protect the government services of the future.”
Cyber Security NSW plays a whole-of-government role to strengthen government cyber capability in government agencies, collaborating with emergency management, law enforcement, the private sector and other jurisdictions.
“It is important to increase capability across the whole of the State,” Acting Chief Cyber Security Officer Executive Director Charlotte Wood said.
“Councils provide us all with important online services and we must ensure the capability of councils is increasing at the same time as NSW Government’s capability is increasing.”
In July the Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre, operated by Cyber Security NSW, began operations in Bathurst.
It provides the NSW Government with an increased awareness of vulnerabilities in internet-facing services and assets and is critical to early identification and remediation of known vulnerabilities.
This investment into Cyber Security NSW is the first instalment of the record $240 million cyber security funding announced in June.

NSW domestic and family violence services experiencing increased demand as a result of COVID-19 can now apply for a share of $9 million in Federal Government funding.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program aimed to ensure more victim-survivors can access the support and services they need at this crucial time.
“Many of our dedicated services have moved quickly to innovate and adapt their supports during the pandemic – when women and children may have struggled to access help,” Mr Speakman said.
“I strongly encourage organisations to apply for this funding, whether it be to launch a new program or expand or adapt an existing one to ensure victim-survivors can access support.”
The program offers one-off grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to eligible services.
Mr Speakman said a Australian Institute of Criminology report released last month revealed an increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, with many victims reporting it was the first time their partner had been violent towards them.
“Victim-survivors often contact frontline services before they make the decision to go to the police, which is why it’s so important these organisations have the necessary capacity to deliver appropriate supports to those most in need,” Mr Speakman said.
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the additional support secured with this funding will help ensure people can live their life free from violence and abuse.
“The funding is part of the Federal Government’s $150 million investment to boost domestic violence supports and services during COVID-19 – from counselling and helpline provisions to behaviour change programs and emergency accommodation,” Ms Ruston said.
“We’ve been working closely with the States and Territories to deliver this funding to dedicated services on the frontline who work tirelessly to support vulnerable victim-survivors across the country.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the investment was a timely response, which would ensure more women and children will be able to access vital supports.
“A safe home is something many of us take for granted. Boosting domestic violence support is crucial for protecting women and children across the state when they need it most,” Mrs Taylor said.
Interim Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the funding boost was welcomed by the organisation – NSW’s peak body for specialist domestic violence services.
“Never has the need been greater, than in this current pandemic, to ensure women and their children experiencing domestic and family violence can access critical support and services,” Ms Donovan said.
“Over the past few months, services have reported an escalation in the numbers of women seeking help and a significant increase in the complexity of cases, all whilst having to quickly adapt service delivery to COVID-19 conditions.
“This funding will provide a range of specialist services with the flexibility to respond to the particular and nuanced needs of their communities with localised place-based solutions.”
Today’s announcement follows the $21 million investment in frontline domestic violence support services delivered by the Federal and NSW Governments in May.
Grant applications will open today and close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 23 September 2020. To apply, complete the online application form via the SmartyGrants portal, at https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding.

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Miller to the organisation’s Board of Directors.
An Appointed Director as of August 2020, Miller has had a decorated career for over four decades working with State Governments in New South Wales and Queensland, as well as at Federal level.
Most recently Miller worked as CEO of the Australian Sports Commission between 2009 and 2011, before heading up the NSW Office of Sport from 2014 to 2019.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said Miller’s track record spoke for itself as she welcomed him to the organisation.
“Matt has decades of experience in Government including time spent in senior leadership roles in sport at national and state agencies,” she said.
“His broad knowledge and deep understanding of sport at all levels will be a fantastic asset for the Netball NSW Board.
“In particular his insight into the sporting system from community to elite will help shape the strategic vision and direction of netball in this state.”
Miller said he was honoured to be joining an organisation with such a rich history of success and pioneering for women in sport.
“This role is an exciting opportunity for me to use my capabilities, experience and energy to make a significant contribution to Netball NSW and the netball community,” he said.
“The game is by far the leader for women and young girls in sport across Australia and now I think the time is right for netball to take the next step and reach even more people.
“The NSW netball community came together at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure the game survived, while the elite athletes of the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball are making their season work in Queensland.
“With such passion and work ethic at both grassroots and elite levels I can’t wait to get started.”
Netball NSW would like to acknowledge Andrew McMaster who has stepped down from the Board but remains involved as Chair of the Audit & Risk Sub-Committee.
“We thank him for his service to the sport, and particularly his strong guidance through the COVID-19 financial impacts and advocacy,” Sullivan added.