Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has released the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which examined the causes, preparation and response to the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.
All 76 recommendations will be accepted in principle, with further work to be done on specific timelines to give communities assurance that changes will be made to keep them safe.
Any issues not covered in the report that are still relevant to the protection of property and life will also be further examined.
Resilience NSW, led by Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, has been tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the Inquiry’s recommendations as the Government finalises its approach.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Owens and Professor Mary O’Kane AC for their hard work on this Report.
“The NSW Government has worked in lock-step with the RFS and Resilience NSW to ensure the State is as prepared as it can be to face the next fire season, but the learnings from this Inquiry will help us further improve our preparedness and response,” said Ms Berejiklian.
“The NSW Government has already delivered more than $45 million in additional funding, announced in May, to fast-track hazard reduction and deliver upgrades to our firefighting capability.
“This was a terrible bushfire season and we will look at all the steps we can take, especially in relation to helping people protect their property.”
The findings of the Report show that there is an opportunity to strengthen governance and responsibility, which we are in the process of addressing.
The Report also acknowledges the significant contribution of both climate change and the vast expanse of the State’s bushland towards these devastating fires.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said all 76 recommendations in the Inquiry are based on the harsh lessons learnt from the catastrophic bushfires of last summer.
“Last bushfire season was unlike anything we have ever dealt with before and we need a Government response to match,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Things like strategic hazard reduction and better land management no matter the tenure are essential when it comes to keeping our communities safe.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said NSW is more prepared than ever before for the 2020-21 fire season.
“We have already begun implementing the Inquiry’s recommendation to replace and retrofit the fleet, with 120 new trucks and 70 refurbished trucks to be rolled out before the end of the financial year,” Mr Elliott said.
“I would like to thank all our emergency personnel and volunteers who made us all proud over this relentless bushfire season.”
A link to the Report can be found here: dpc.nsw.gov.au/nsw-bushfire-inquiry

Western Sydney has a new police station, with Wentworthville Police Station officially opened today by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller and Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor.
Mr Elliott said the new $2.1 million facility is the fifth police station to be opened by the NSW Government since the 2019 March election.
“From Taree to Sanctuary Point, the NSW Government continues to deliver on its election commitment to invest in police station infrastructure to support the vital work of our police men and women,” Mr Elliott said.
The Government has previously announced 76 extra police positions for the North West Metropolitan Region as part of its more than $583 million investment to deliver 1,500 new police over four years.
Commissioner Mick Fuller said the new station provides the local community with greater access to policing services in the area.
“This is an investment into the crime fighting capabilities in Sydney’s north west.  It gives the police in this command the support they need to drive down crime and keep the community safe,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Superintendent Julie Boon, Commander of Parramatta Police Area Command said the station is accessible to the community and allows for an expanded policing response to local area issues.
“Wentworthville Police Station now has an accessible front counter to better service the needs of the community and is fitted with the most advanced security,” she said.
Mr Taylor said how pleased he was to have the station in the heart of his community.
“The new police station at Wentworthville will increase and improve the access our community has, to both justice and safety, locally,” Mr Taylor said.

A Victorian man has been charged after he allegedly unlawfully crossed the NSW/Victoria border and led police on a 200km pursuit in an attempt to drive to the Australian Capital Territory.
Officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, South Albury, when they stopped a Mazda MX5 about 11.40am yesterday (Monday 24 August 2020), and spoke with the 51-year-old male driver.
The Warrnambool man said he did not have a permit but wanted to drive to Canberra.
After checks revealed he had previously made unsuccessful attempts to cross the border without a permit, police refused his entry and he was directed to return to Victoria with a police escort.
While officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were escorting the vehicle to the East Street off-ramp, it’s alleged the vehicle took off from police at speed onto the Hume Highway on-ramp.
Another police officer was conducting speed enforcement duties on the Borella Road on ramp and detected the vehicle’s speed at 172km/h in the 110km/h zone.
A police pursuit was initiated, and road spikes were deployed a short time later, which successfully deflated one tyre, however, the man continued to drive at speed with one wheel on its rims.
Police pursued the vehicle for about 200km until the vehicle ran out of fuel and stopped near Jugiong.
The man was subsequently arrested and taken to Gundagai Police Station, where he was charged with drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, police pursuit-not stop-drive at speed, exceed speed more than 45km/h, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been refused bail to appear at Gundagai Local Court today (Tuesday 25 August 2020).
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.

Two Lismore venues have been issued $5,000 fines following non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
About 11.45pm on Friday 21 August 2020, police were called to a hotel on Keen Street, Lismore, following reports a 20-year-old woman had been glassed.
The woman was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for treatment, while a 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station.
She was charged with reckless wounding and granted conditional bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on Monday 21 September 2020.
As a result of their investigation, licencing officers from Richmond Police District commenced inquiries into potential breaches of the NSW Liquor Act (2007) and potential breaches of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Police will allege staff failed to eject a highly intoxicated person from the premises, while other patrons were not seated and were mingling between groups with no physical distancing on Friday 21 August 2020.
As a result of these breaches, the 67-year-old male licensee was issued with two Penalty Infringement Notices yesterday (Monday 24 August 2020) for the offences of:
– Licensee permit intoxication on licensed premises – $1,100
– Not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID 19 – Corporation – $5,000
Richmond PD licencing police also attended a second licensed premises on Keen Street on Saturday 22 August 2020 as part of ongoing business inspections in relation to COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Police will allege patrons were not signing into the venue, whilst also standing and mingling between groups with no physical distancing being observed. The venue also had an expired COVID-19 Safety Management Plan, and had previously received a warning from police for not having a plan in place.
Following further inquiries, the 60-year-old male licensee was issued with a $5,000 Penalty Infringement Notice for failing to comply with the noticed direction today (Tuesday 25 August 2020).
Licencing police will continue to enforce compliance checks at licensed premises and other venues across the state, to ensure the Public Health Orders are being adhered to.
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.
 

Anyone who lives or works in Sydney’s West and South West and has even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms is being urged to come forward for testing, as mystery COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the region.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, particularly in Sydney’s West and South West.
“This region is key to breaking the back of this wave of transmission and high testing rates in people with symptoms is crucial to stopping community transmission,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is on the right track with cases remaining low, however, I remain concerned that we are continuing to have cases diagnosed without a link to a known cluster.
“This is a call to anyone who lives in Sydney’s West and South West to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.
“If you run a local organisation, business, community centre, place of worship, radio station or newspaper in this area we want your help to communicate this message.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said we need everyone to play their part to help clamp down on community transmission and prevent the risk of further clusters emerging.
“We are asking anyone who works, resides or has visited Sydney’s West and South-West recently to come forward for testing at even the slightest hint of symptoms,” Dr Chant said.
“A unique feature of this virus is just how mild the symptoms can be and this can present the biggest challenge when people don’t realise they may actually have the virus – I want the community to help us identify where these mystery cases are coming from.”
There are 302 locations for the public to get COVID-19 testing in NSW, with more opening every day. 90 are drive-throughs and 22 are pop-up clinics. To find your closest testing clinic go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics

The NSW Government is fast tracking the delivery of new commuter car parks for public transport customers as part of its $3 billion Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said an Expression of Interest (EOI) had been launched for construction companies who are keen to be part of the program.
“The Commuter Car Park program is designed to make it easier for customers who need to drive part of their journey to access public transport hubs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This investment will not only deliver benefits for thousands of commuters but will help generate jobs ensuring we have more tradies with tools in hand.”
“These new car parks will be a combination of multi-storey and single level facilities and we are now looking for contractors to help us deliver them. Interested parties should visit the eTenders website and register before September 4.”
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said around 8,000 car spaces will be available across all of the locations, with the final numbers confirmed following site investigations and early planning.
“Extra parking is now planned for a number of locations including, Edmondson Park, Leppington, Warwick Farm, West Ryde, Emu Plains, Schofields, Revesby, Riverwood, North Rocks, Engadine, Hornsby, Jannali, Wentworthville, Winston Hills, Casula, Tuggerah and Beverly Hills,” said Mr Constance.
“The new carparks will not only benefit the community by making it easier to catch public transport, but the projects will employ around 1,000 people per day across all of the sites in engineering, construction and administration roles.”
Following the EOI process, shortlisted companies will have the opportunity to tender to design and deliver projects across Greater Sydney including in West Ryde, Emu Plains, Schofields, Revesby, Riverwood, North Rocks, Beverley Hills, Engadine and Hornsby.
Since 2011 the NSW Government has delivered more than 10,000 commuter car spaces throughout Greater Sydney. Transport for NSW is already in delivery for a number of the additional commuter car parks, including at Leppington and Edmondson Park.

15 full-time equivalent specialist counsellors will be deployed across rural NSW to help prevent suicide, with the first two counsellors starting in the Eurobodalla and Snowy Mountains regions.
NSW Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said the relatively high rates of suicide in rural areas are devastating families and communities, and the $6.75 million investment will add another layer of help.
“Many factors can contribute to suicide, from domestic violence, to relationship issues or unemployment, to stress and hardship,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These specialist mental health counsellors are there on the ground to support people thinking of suicide or impacted by suicide, and I encourage communities across the state to lean on them for support.”
Director Mental Health Drug and Alcohol for Southern NSW Local Health District Damien Eggleton said he wants more people to ask for help when they need it.
“Our rural communities have proven beyond a doubt they’re resilient and fearless when faced with adversity, whether that be geographic isolation, searing drought or the impact of the current pandemic – but they don’t need to go it alone,” Mr Eggleton said.
“The support provided by these counsellors will complement the peer work and drought support provided by our Farm Gate Counsellors and Drought Counsellors.”
Rural counsellor Samara Byrne said she wants young people to know there are people you can turn to when feeling overwhelmed with life or feeling like a burden on others.
“We are here for you and here to listen if you are feeling distressed, anxious or a burden to loved ones. The service is easily accessible through the Mental Health Line; just ask for the Rural Counsellor.”
“Having moved from Sydney in 2016 to our beautiful farm in SNSW, I am so pleased to be able to do what I am most passionate about, supporting people’s wellbeing in Rural Australia and building on the natural local community resilience”.
Minister Taylor urges people in the bush to get help by contacting these rural counsellors.
“Support is available, all you need to do is pick up the phone and make an appointment by calling the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.”
The 15 rural counselling positions are part of the Towards Zero Suicides; a $87 million investment over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives. A NSW Premier’s Priority, this is a whole-of-government commitment to transforming the way we identify and support anyone impacted by suicide.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately in a life-threatening situation by calling 000 or seek support though one of these services:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Artificial intelligence paired with space-derived data could soon join the battle against bushfires in NSW and nationally, speeding up detection and response times to prevent a repeat of Australia’s recent catastrophic season.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the NSW Government is working with the best minds in science from across the globe as part of the 2020 Bushfire Data Quest which will help predict future bushfire activity.
“There is no doubt the recent fires have left both a physical mark on our state’s landscape, and emotional one on its people,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Predicting the behaviour of bushfires is a hugely difficult problem, made more complicated by a myriad of factors such as fuel load, atmospheric conditions, soil moisture, and availability of water.
“Using data from satellites is a great advancement on the tools we have traditionally used with much of the task of planning on-the-ground bushfire response relying on the experience and instincts of fire-fighters – who are often volunteers.
“We are investigating further how we use the data from multiple satellites and local sensor networks to create algorithms that will help detect fires earlier, predict fire behaviour, and help emergency services respond more effectively to protect homes, people and nature.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW was supporting Australia’s high-tech research, including in the fight against bushfires.
“The 2020 Bushfire Data Quest brings together a range of players in the innovation eco-system, including universities, research institutes, philanthropy and technology companies.
“It will tackle problems in new ways that can be difficult to replicate in traditional academic or industrial research settings,” Mr Ayres said.
“Teams of machine-learning specialists are working with bushfire researchers and leading data scientists, primed with information from multiple satellites and local sensor networks.
Data Quest Lead Dr Cormac Purcell welcomed support from the NSW Government for The Bushfire Data Quest.
“The Bushfire Data Quest, made possible by our challenge partner Minderoo Foundation, aims to do great science by connecting brilliant minds to big questions,” Dr Purcell said.
“By drawing on a wide range of experience, skills and viewpoints, the teams will naturally create better outcomes. We harness the best practices from the private, academic and non-profit sector to accelerate research for the benefit of all humanity.”
Support for the 2020 Bushfire Data Quest builds on the NSW Government’s $5 million Space Industry Development Strategy, maximising opportunities for NSW businesses to tap global demand for space technologies, currently estimated at $420 billion.

Important koala habitat is to be protected for future generations with the creation of the new Guula Ngurra National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the creation of this national park delivers on a commitment from the 2019 election and is an important step to securing the future of koalas in the wild.
“Koalas are an iconic Australian animal and national parks like this protect their habitat for future generations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Aboriginal traditional owners recommended we name this new national park ‘Guula Ngurra’ which translates to ‘Koala Country’ because of the importance of the habitat.
“The NSW Government has committed to a $44.7 million koala strategy, the largest financial commitment to protecting koalas in the state’s history, along with a range of other practical measures to ensure the preservation of koala populations.
“The government will also consider the recommendations of the recent parliamentary inquiry into koala populations and habitat in NSW, particularly given the destruction caused by the recent bushfires.”
The NSW Government is already implementing the plan we announced in May 2018 to protect koalas, including:

• Creating over 24,000 hectares of new koala reserves and parks
• Fixing priority road-kill hotspots across NSW
• Delivering a network of koala hospitals
• Developing a statewide koala habitat information base
• Increasing wildlife care training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses
• Relocating koalas to unoccupied koala habitat
• Undertaking research to significantly reduce the incidence of chlamydia.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said increasing the national park estate by 200,000 hectares was one of his key priorities and this reservation, together with recent purchases, would see that goal exceeded.
“This new national park is home to a staggering 139 species, more than 20 of which are threatened, including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, flame robin and squirrel glider,” Mr Kean said.
“This special site conserves high quality koala habitat and sits alongside 15 kilometres of river frontage along the spectacular Wingecarribee River gorge and the Wollondilly River.
“I also want to thank the local community and the Aboriginal traditional elders for working with us to create this new national park, which is home to a number of important cultural heritage sites.”
The purchase was made possible due to a valuable contribution by the NSW Environmental Trust.
Located about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral, the 3358 hectare Guula Ngurra National Park comprises what was 2148 hectare Tugalong Station, the 402 hectare Little Forest West property and an 808 hectare outlier of Bangadilly National Park.

NSW small businesses will benefit from a new $45 million grant program designed to cushion the economic impacts of the southern border closure.
Businesses in 13 Local Government Areas along the NSW and Victorian border will be able to apply for $5,000 and $10,000 grants through Service NSW from Tuesday, 8 September.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Southern Border Small Business Support Grant is designed to support small businesses doing it tough through the current border restrictions.
“Thank you again to the border communities for your patience during this very difficult time,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know people in border communities like Albury-Wodonga, Yarrawonga-Mulwala and Echuca-Moama usually move between towns, with closures having a significant impact on day-to-day business.
“The NSW Government is investing in targeted relief to help ease the pressures and costs of keeping businesses open while borders remain closed.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $45 million grant program includes two tiers of targeted support.
“While we are in these unprecedented times, we are committed to keeping local jobs in local communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The first tier of $5,000 is for employing and non-employing small businesses, such as non-employing sole traders, that have suffered at least a 30 per cent decline in turnover as a result of the border closure.
“The second tier of $10,000 is for employing small businesses that have suffered at least a 75 per cent decline as a result of the closure.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the grants would help keep people in jobs and businesses in business while Victoria battles its second wave of COVID-19.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities, with many grocery stores and mechanics being independently owned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Grants can be used to pay for unavoidable expenses such as utilities, as well as to develop marketing and communication materials or to diversify their offerings to help businesses adapt to the new environment.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants would be available from Tuesday, 8 September for six weeks until Sunday, 18 October 2020 and small business owners could apply via the Service NSW website.
“The NSW Government has worked hard over the past four months to roll out the Small Business Support Grant and the Small Business Recovery Grant, with more than $593 million worth of grants paid out to-date across the two programs,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Businesses can also access support from a specialised Business Connect advisor, free of charge, to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy has welcomed the Southern Border Small Business Support Grant.
“This is a step in the right direction and acknowledges the impact on our border businesses in this challenging time,” Mr Clancy said.
Eligible LGAs:

• Albury
• Balranald
• Berrigan
• Bega Valley
• Edward River
• Federation
• Greater Hume Shire
• Hay
• Murray River
• Murrumbidgee
• Snowy Monaro
• Snowy Valleys
• Wentworth

The Southern Border Small Business Support Grant can only be used for eligible expenses incurred following the introduction of the NSW and Victoria border permit scheme on 8 July 2020.
The Grant must only be used for expenses for which no other government support is available. For example, this grant cannot be used to pay wages for staff eligible for JobKeeper.
More information on the new grants is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au and information on Business Connect is available here.