Category: NSW News

The first of 17 brand new Waratah Series 2 trains is entering service this week, three months ahead of schedule, thanks to the NSW Government’s $4.3 billion More Trains More Services program.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the new trains will support increasing patronage across the network, and will be more comfortable and reliable for customers.
“We have seen rapid growth in the number of train journeys over the past few years, which is why it is so important that we invest in new trains and new infrastructure right across our rail network,” Mr Constance said.
“It is exciting to see this train on the tracks three months ahead of schedule, after it was one of 17 fast tracked for delivery at the start of 2019.
“The remainder of the trains will be delivered by the end of this year and will be rolled out progressively after testing. When they are all on the tracks our customers will have 41 brand new Waratah Series 2 trains to enjoy.”
Sydney Trains Acting Chief Executive Suzanne Holden says the new Waratah Series 2 trains will operate on the T2 Inner West & Leppington, T3 Bankstown and T8 Airport & South lines.
“They’ll feature air conditioning with advanced temperature control, high definition customer information screens, internal and external CCTV, as well as priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops,” Ms Holden said.
Over the next 10 years, the More Trains More Services program will roll out world-class technology to transform the rail network and provide customers with reliable, high capacity turn up and go services.
The next stages of the program will focus on delivering improvements to the T4 Illawarra, T8 Airport and the South Coast lines.
For more information, visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/sydney-growth-trains

New South Wales and Australia have fared better than many developed economies following the worst months of COVID-19, with the ABS today releasing the June quarter national accounts.
Data shows that Australia’s Gross Domestic Product contracted by 7.0 per cent in the June quarter, while NSW saw its State Final Demand decline by 8.6 per cent.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the results were consistent with NSW being the first, and initially hardest hit by COVID-19.
“The June quarter captures the worst months of the pandemic for NSW, with a number of public health orders coming into effect throughout March,” Mr Perrottet said.
“About two-thirds of NSW’s population lives in Greater Sydney and metropolitan areas, which means when restrictions were in place there was a significant reduction in citizen mobility which would have contributed to the 13.3 per cent decrease in household consumption.
“Thanks to our allocation of almost $16 billion in targeted health and economic stimulus measures, consistent management of new COVID-19 clusters staving off a second wave, and many of the state’s restrictions being gradually eased throughout May and June, we expect to see a significant bounce back in the September quarter.”
Mr Perrottet said the Government had now turned its attention to its Recovery Plan, recently announcing a guaranteed $100 billion infrastructure pipeline over four years.
“Not since the Great Depression has Australia or the world faced such uncertain economic times, but we will do whatever it takes to see NSW come back stronger than ever,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We can see from today’s release that dwelling investment, such as the building of new homes and renovation of existing homes, dropped by 7.6 per cent, which reaffirms our commitment to investing in job creating infrastructure projects.
“We will continue to power ahead and drive investment which is being powered by our $3 billion Infrastructure and Jobs Acceleration Fund.
“This fund will be used for job-creating projects touching every corner of the state, supporting up to an extra 20,000 jobs in NSW.”
Since restrictions eased in NSW, employment has started to rise with more than half of the 269,000 people in NSW who lost their job between March and May finding employment.
In July alone, NSW’s employment rose by almost 57,000 of which about 65 per cent were women. This was made up of 23,300 full-time jobs and 33,600 part-time jobs.
The NSW 2020 Budget is set for 17 November 2020.

A major upgrade of the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line is on target for delivery with the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announcing $28 million for the project to support regional NSW’s freight sector, creating hundreds of regional jobs.
Mr Barilaro said this investment will fund works to reinstate a section of non-operational railway line, support the development of an intermodal rail facility in Westdale and link Tamworth to the state’s major port.
“This significant investment is key to the development of the new intermodal rail hub that will better connect Northern NSW’s producers and businesses to the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This funding will restore and raise five kilometres of track on the West Tamworth to Barraba line and install new level crossings to activate rail freight access to Tamworth’s new Regional Freight Terminal.
“When complete, a functioning intermodal rail hub and freight terminal in Tamworth will create a direct rail route to vessels docked at Port Botany, saving businesses significant freight costs.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was investing in the rail freight network to increase capacity, secure reliable freight movements across the state, and meet future freight demand.
“Inland intermodals are an integral part of moving freight throughout NSW by providing a delivery point load breakdown services and an interface for road to rail integration,” Mr Toole said.
“With a projected 28 per cent increase in the regional freight task by 2036 from just four years ago, facilities like the one at Tamworth will play an increasingly important role in connecting NSW’s products to export markets.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is investing in the infrastructure, programs and services that support industry development, improve productivity and economic growth and make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
“This is a huge milestone for the people, producers and businesses of Tamworth. The Tamworth intermodal will make the city the freight capital of the New England and North West and drive enormous investment and job growth locally,” Mr Anderson said.
“In 2016, 482 million tonnes of freight was moved in NSW and with that volume expected to increase to 618 million tonnes by 2036, this project is one of the big picture infrastructure investments delivered by the NSW Government to help Tamworth and regional NSW’s industry succeed.”

Today marks Early Childhood Educators Day, celebrating our dedicated and passionate early childhood educators and recognising their positive contribution to improving outcomes for children in NSW.
To coincide with this important day, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell has announced a new Early Childhood Education scholarship program to increase the number of qualified Early Childhood Teachers, in line with the NSW Government’s Early Childhood Education Workforce Strategy.
“These scholarships support the NSW Government’s vision of a highly qualified and sustainable workforce which meets the needs of children and families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those in regional and remote locations as well as children with additional needs,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Supporting high quality candidates to study and take up careers as early childhood educators is key to our commitment to ensure children across NSW have access to quality early education wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.”
Ms Mitchell said early childhood educators play a critical role in children’s development. Attending early learning services teaches children social skills, practical skills and early literacy.
“Our early childhood educators are there guiding children, building their confidence and helping them make sense of the world around them,” Ms Mitchell said.
Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake or complete an approved early childhood teaching degree qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Up to 40 scholarships will be awarded each year for three years.
Scholarships will be prioritised to meet emerging workforce needs including those already employed in eligible early childhood education services, Aboriginal people, those in regional and remote areas and/or those with high numbers of disadvantaged children. Applications close 4 October.
Further information about the scholarships and how to apply is available here.

Central Sydney will get a new Ambulance Superstation as part of the NSW Government’s record $184 million infrastructure investment in stations across Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today unveiled the plans for the Central Sydney Ambulance Station, announcing the state-of-the-art building will be at the site of the former Coroners Court of NSW at Glebe.
“For the first time in more than 15 years, Sydney is benefiting from modern, purpose-built ambulance stations, with nine already completed as part of the Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy program,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Continuing our record investment in health infrastructure is a central component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new Central Superstation is another step forward in the transformation of Sydney’s ambulance service.
“This will be a Superstation home base like no other and will enable paramedics to improve response times and continue providing high-quality care to the community.” Mr Hazzard said.
Commissioner of NSW Ambulance, Dr Dominic Morgan ASM said it is the final of 11 ambulance stations to be built as part of the paramedic response network.
“Our paramedics do a fantastic job servicing their local communities from state-of-the-art infrastructure and I expect the new central Sydney station to continue our distinguished tradition of excellence in care for local communities,” Dr Morgan said.
Nine new ambulance superstations have already been built and construction of a new superstation at Randwick and a new ambulance station at Mona Vale are underway.
The $184 million investment in metropolitan ambulance infrastructure is part of more than $10 billion invested in health capital works by the NSW Government since 2011, with a further $10.1 billion committed in this term of government.
The NSW Government has invested more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance during 2019-20, including $27.1 million to employ 221 paramedics and call centre staff from a total 750 over this term.

Westmead Health and Innovation District took a major step forward today with the launch of a new project delivering over 1,000 jobs and 28,000 square metres of health, research, education and commercial space.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the $350 million development, a joint venture between Western Sydney University and Charter Hall to be known as Innovation Quarter or iQ, would house leading some of the University’s leading research institutes and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.
“Commencement of ground works for this new complex will help strengthen Westmead Health and Innovation District as a leading global centre for health care, medical research and commercialisation, education and training,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s another sign of confidence in the NSW economy and demonstrates more progress out west in the Central City, supporting the NSW Government’s focus on technology and innovation as key drivers of growth.”
Western Sydney University will base its MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at the complex when it opens in 2021.
CSIRO will bring world-leading research staff from its e-Health and Nutrition & Health programs.
Western Sydney University Vice-President (Finance and Resources), Peter Pickering, said the Innovation Quarter at Westmead is part of the University’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy – an ambitious program that is reshaping the University’s campus network and co-creating cities and transformative educational infrastructure across western Sydney, in partnership with industry and government.
Mr Pickering said it will build upon the University’s existing footprint in Westmead to integrate first-class health and medical research into policy and practice.
“The University’s presence within the Innovation Quarter will enable researchers, industry partners and clinicians to come together and address the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
“During these challenging times, the Innovation Quarter will also make important economic contributions to the region, creating over 1,000 jobs and generating $150 million to the regional economy.”
Charter Hall Group CEO and Managing Director David Harrison said there had never been a more important time to focus on health research and innovation.
“Our project collaboration with Western Sydney University will deliver a state-of-the-art innovation centre to support the work of both the Western Sydney University and CSIRO’s medical research facilities.”
“iQ will create a truly visionary precinct that brings together the most forward-thinking research, health education and commercial sectors in the Southern Hemisphere. The project will provide an environment for some of the brightest minds in the country to innovate, create opportunities for collaboration and solve global challenges in the heart of Westmead,” Mr Harrison said.
Dr Dave Williams CSIRO Executive Director said the move to Westmead would improve collaboration opportunities to create innovative health and wellbeing solutions for the nation.
“CSIRO has a long history of partnering with health, education and research organisations to help solve Australia’s greatest challenges in health,” Dr Williams said.
“We look forward to building on this and embarking on new partnerships and innovations at Westmead.”
Images of the development can be downloaded here.

Two people were charged and three Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued yesterday in relation to various breaches of Public Health Orders across NSW in recent days.
About 9.30am yesterday (Tuesday 1 September 2020), officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, South Albury, when they stopped a 27-year-old male driver allegedly attempting to travel into NSW without a permit.
The man was advised to return to Victoria, but after being observed not taking the returning route, he was stopped again and directed to take the most direct route back to Victoria.
After again failing to return to Victoria, the man was stopped again and arrested.
The Western Australian man was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He is due to appear at Albury Local Court on Monday 28 September 2020.
Following the man’s release from police custody, he was escorted back across the border into Victoria.
The details of another arrest were issued yesterday, which relate to a 27-year-old woman who was charged after allegedly hiding in the back of a truck in Victoria and entering NSW without a valid permit at the weekend.
The Penalty Infringement Notices include:
A 27-year-old woman was issued two $1000 PINs in less than three hours after attempting to enter NSW without a valid permit at two different checkpoints. She was first stopped about 12.40am yesterday (Tuesday 1 September 2020), at a checkpoint on the Sturt Highway, Buronga, where she was denied entry as she did not have a permit. After attempting to enter NSW regardless, she was issued with a $1000 PIN and escorted back into Victoria. She was then stopped at the checkpoint on Abbotsford Road, Curlwaa, about 3am and denied entry but refused to return to Victoria. She was issued with a second $1000 PIN and escorted into Victoria.
A 28-year-old man has been issued a $1000 PIN after providing an entry permit in someone else’s name at the Wodonga Point checkpoint in Albury, just after midnight yesterday (Tuesday 1 September 2020). When asked by officers to provide identification, the man could not, and eventually admitted he had provided a false name and a permit belonging to someone else. He was issued a PIN for not provide/give false info – COVID-19 Border Control and was also issued additional infringements for goods in custody, stealing and being in possession of a knife.
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.
 

A woman has been charged after allegedly hiding in the back of a truck in Victoria and entering NSW without a valid permit.
Between Saturday (29 August 2020) and Sunday (30 August 2020), a woman attempted to cross the NSW/Victoria border at Albury on multiple occasions and was denied entry as she did not possess the correct permit.
About 10pm on Sunday, the woman allegedly boarded a truck and hid in the back as it crossed the border between Wodonga and Albury.
The woman then travelled to her home in Wagga Wagga.
Acting on information, officers from Riverina Police District attended a home in Ashmont and arrested a 27-year-old woman about 9am today (Tuesday 1 September 2020).
The woman was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
She was refused bail and is due to appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Tuesday 1 September 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
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.

NSW Labor is urging the Government to fast-track additional school counsellors in NSW schools to combat the highest levels of youth suicide in 15 years.
It follows media reports that half (50) of the 100 additional school counsellors promised by the Government will not be available until next year.
Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car said: “This is is an enormously stressful time for the community. Young people are crying out for help and they shouldn’t have to wait for it.
“Schools across NSW reopened months ago but the Government hasn’t delivered the mental health services they need.”
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Tara Moriarty used questions on notice to reveal that no additional school counsellors have been placed in schools to assist students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Communities across NSW are facing the worst incidence of youth suicide in fifteen years. The Government needs to move much faster to deliver frontline mental health services to save lives” Ms Moriarty said.

Labor is demanding the Government urgently implement the NSW Modern Slavery Act, which remains in limbo despite being passed by Parliament more than two years ago.
Representatives from more than 100 non-government organisations, faith groups, business and community members have united online for a virtual rally organised by NSW Labor, Unions NSW and Be Slavery Free. The groups and organisations are also supporting a petition to bring the issue to a debate in the NSW Parliament.
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay said the failure to bring this law into force is unacceptable and cannot continue.
“The Modern Slavery Act is a significant piece of legislation that brought Parliament together. It tackled modern slavery in the supply chain here in NSW and established an Anti-Slavery Commissioner and new offences on slavery,” Ms McKay said.
“All it takes is the stroke of a pen by the Premier to proclaim this bill but two years on we are still waiting. We could have been a leader in modern slavery protection in the world, instead we’re left without a state law.
“Every day this law sits idle is a day the most vulnerable in our society are at risk. This goes against the will of the Parliament and goes against the expectations of the community.”
Secretary of Unions NSW Mark Morey said:  “Many people who were already economically insecure have been made even more vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSW Liberals must pass this legislation to address exploitation and stop modern slavery in the supply chains of the goods we purchase.”
The Co-Director of Be Slavery Free Carolyn Kitto said: “We have tried to have a conversation with the Government. We have sent a letter to the Premier with 117 signatures and have had no response.
“This act is urgently needed for people in slavery. The people who are forced to harvest cotton to make our clothes; the girls forced into early marriage; the children forced to perform unspeakable acts to be downloaded on internet; people who have their organs removed and sold. These are the people this Act protects. We need urgent action.”
Modern slavery refers to a range of exploitative practices including forced labour, debt bondage and human trafficking.  The NSW Modern Slavery Act requires companies with a turnover of more than $50 million to publicly report modern slavery statements, including details of the steps taken to eliminate slavery from their supply chains.