Category: NSW News

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.

Seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID update, including two to a security guard performing duties at quarantine hotels in Sydney who allegedly breached the Public Health Act by failing to adhere to self-isolation restrictions.
About 5pm on Thursday 20 August 2020, the guard, a man aged 22, underwent a COVID-19 test and was informed to go directly home and commence a 14-day self-isolation in accordance with current Ministerial Directions. It is believed the man instead travelled to a shopping centre on Burwood Road, where he allegedly attended a number of stores in a two-hour visit.
On Friday 21 August 2020, the man allegedly left home and attended a government services building on Elsie Street, Burwood.
The man underwent a secondary test at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on the Friday and about 8am on Saturday 22 August, was informed he had returned a positive test result for COVID-19. He was transferred to a NSW Health COVID-19 quarantine facility where he will stay for the remainder of his quarantine period.
About 10pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2020), police issued the 22-year-old Campsie man with two PINs for not complying with Noticed Direction re: section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
Other examples include:
– About 1pm on Saturday (22 September 2020), police attended an Eden home and spoke to the resident, a 46-year-old man. Officers established the man had travelled to Victoria on a permit that he did not meet the requirements for. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
– About 10.30pm on (Saturday 22 August 2020), officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a licensed premise on Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Officers observed multiple breaches of the Public Health Order, including an incorrect COVID-19 safety plan, no marshal, and mingling patrons with no physical distancing. The business was issued a $5,000 PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction under the Public Health Act 2010.
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 contract worth around $80 million has been signed by the NSW Government to run Sydney’s rail network more effectively.
Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd (Siemens) will introduce the new Traffic Management System (TMS), which will be operated from the Rail Operations Centre, and will work alongside other systems used by Sydney Trains to control train operations.
The TMS continually monitors the position of all trains, helping to keep train services running as planned and assists with responses to incidents.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the TMS is a key component of Digital Systems – a Program that will progressively replace legacy signalling and train control technologies with modern, internationally proven, intelligent systems.
“This is an important step in the process of upgrading our network with internationally proven technology that boosts safety, capacity, reliability and enhances the customer experience,” Mr Constance said.
“Sydney’s heavy rail network is the backbone of our public transport system and it’s crucial we have the latest systems and technology available to serve our customers well into the future.”
The TMS is due to be available for operation in 2023.
The Digital Systems Program will also increase safety and reliability by:

• Replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology
• Implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to improve operations and reduce journey times

Digital Systems will initially be deployed to two sections of the T4 Line from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Redfern.
Planning for future deployments of Digital Systems to other parts of Sydney’s rail network is currently underway.

Three Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
– Around 4.40pm last Friday (14 August 2020), police stopped a vehicle in Coomealla and spoke with the 43-year-old male driver and 38-year-old male passenger, who were both from Mildura. The pair could not provide a reasonable excuse for being in NSW and, following inquiries, they were each issued with $1000 PINs on Tuesday (18 August 2020).
– About 12.45pm on Wednesday (19 August 2020), police saw a vehicle with Victorian registration plates parked at a recycling site in Corowa. Officers spoke with a 68-year-old man, who produced a permit allowing him to enter NSW for work purposes only. Checks revealed his permit had been obtained to carry out work at an address he had only attended once over a month ago, with no plans made to conduct any further work at the address. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and instructed to return to Victoria.
– About 6.20pm yesterday (Thursday 20 August 2020), police stopped a car in Broken Hill and spoke with the 23-year-old female driver. Officers discovered she was meant to be self-isolating at a Dareton address, after entering NSW from Victoria on Tuesday. She was handed a $1000 PIN.
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 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 contract worth around $80 million has been signed by the NSW Government to run Sydney’s rail network more effectively.
Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd (Siemens) will introduce the new Traffic Management System (TMS), which will be operated from the Rail Operations Centre, and will work alongside other systems used by Sydney Trains to control train operations.
The TMS continually monitors the position of all trains, helping to keep train services running as planned and assists with responses to incidents.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the TMS is a key component of Digital Systems – a Program that will progressively replace legacy signalling and train control technologies with modern, internationally proven, intelligent systems.
“This is an important step in the process of upgrading our network with internationally proven technology that boosts safety, capacity, reliability and enhances the customer experience,” Mr Constance said.
“Sydney’s heavy rail network is the backbone of our public transport system and it’s crucial we have the latest systems and technology available to serve our customers well into the future.”
The TMS is due to be available for operation in 2023.
The Digital Systems Program will also increase safety and reliability by:

• Replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology
• Implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to improve operations and reduce journey times

Digital Systems will initially be deployed to two sections of the T4 Line from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Redfern.
Planning for future deployments of Digital Systems to other parts of Sydney’s rail network is currently underway.

The NSW Government’s fee-free COVID-19 support short courses passed 115,000 enrolments before closing last month, with medical administration the most popular area.
The suite of online courses provided an opportunity for NSW residents to gain new skills at the height of the pandemic, and were fully funded by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said people who enrolled in a TAFE NSW short course during the pandemic were putting the skills to good use.
“We know how important skills training is for driving the State’s economy and it will play a crucial role coming out of the COVID pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 fee-free short courses have delivered an opportunity to upskill during COVID-19 as well as deliver a meaningful boost to workplaces across the State.”
Achievements of the COVID-19 support fee-free short course program include:

• A total of 115,537 enrolments;
• 27 per cent of students were studying with TAFE NSW for the first time;
• Between 10 and 15 per cent of first time TAFE NSW students intend to undertake further study with the public training provider; and
• The most popular course in the first tranche was the Statement of Attainment in Medical Administration Skills.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee praised TAFE NSW for its seamless delivery of the program.
“I want to congratulate TAFE NSW for the way they delivered this initiative. To hit more than 115,000 enrolments in a single program in such a short time is truly a remarkable result. I hope the courses have assisted people during this difficult time.” Mr Lee said.
The program closed to new enrolments at the end of last month.