Category: NSW News

Farmers and critical agricultural workers who reside outside the Border Region Zone in Victoria will now have a new pathway to enter NSW and move outside the ‘border bubble’ for work.
Under the changes, individuals will be able to access a new Highly Specialised Critical Services (Agriculture) Permit if they:

• Provide a highly specialised critical agricultural service**;
• Are moving and working anywhere within 100km of the New South Wales/Victorian border, on the NSW side;
• Comply with strict conditions if staying overnight; and
• Adhere to other safety requirements, including self-isolating when not delivering the critical service.

Exemptions for individuals needing to move beyond the 100km limit for work will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The changes come into effect at noon today and the new permits will be available via the Service NSW website.
This is a sensible solution to the issues caused by recent changes and ensures our State’s agriculture sector has the workforce it needs to keep powering ahead in the midst of improving seasonal conditions.
While this will be very welcome news, it does not solve all the problems and in my view, is just the first step towards allowing the critical agriculture sector on both sides of border to operate freely, as it needs to.
At my request, the Health Minister has committed to reviewing the Public Health Order again next week.
I will continue to work with industry and my colleagues to ensure the right policy settings are in place to support our State’s agriculture industry and protect the health and wellbeing of NSW residents.
For more information visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit

Police in the Riverina region have issued two Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in the past 24 hours for non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
As part of proactive compliance operations, officers from Riverina Police District attended a restaurant on Fernleigh Road, Mount Austin, just before 7pm on Saturday (15 August 2020).
After speaking with the 39-year-old male owner, officers conducted a walk-through and established that a COVID Safety Plan had not been completed.
Further, the owner, who was also the chef, claimed to be the designated COVID marshal.
The owner was informed he would receive a $5000 PIN for non-compliance with the Public Health Orders, which was issued yesterday (Tuesday 18 August 2020).
In a separate and unrelated incident, officers from Riverina Police District have been conducting inquiries into suspected non-compliance of self-isolation directions since late last month.
On Saturday 25 July 2020, local police were contacted after a 25-year-old woman, who had arrived in Wagga Wagga from Victoria on Thursday 23 July 2020 on a valid permit, was reportedly not self-isolating.
Police conducted a number of inquiries, including repeat compliance checks, during which it was established she had not been self-isolating.
Officers advised the woman she would receive a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s7/8/9 – COVID-19 and reminded she must complete the full self-isolation period.
The woman was issued with the PIN yesterday (Tuesday 18 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.

Streets across NSW will be transformed into vibrant pedestrian-friendly public spaces with the NSW Government today announcing the successful funding recipients under the $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funds will help 27 regional councils and 14 councils across Greater Sydney deliver temporary street transformations, such as cycleways, pop-up parklets and improved lighting.
“It’s fantastic to see so many councils eager to provide new and improved public spaces for their communities, encouraging active transport and beautifying their streetscapes,” Mr Stokes said.
“These projects will transform neighbourhoods across the State, making it easier for people to walk or ride to local shops and services by creating safe, attractive and accessible streets and public spaces.”
Successful trial projects will provide new pedestrian and cycleway connections and  reclaim little-used carparks and roads across NSW, including:

• creation of a ‘green spine’ on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour;
• activation of an underutilised laneway in Parramatta;
• a temporary road closure to create a public square in Griffith; and
• a pop-up park on Dunmore Street, Wentworthville.

The Streets as Shared Spaces program provides funding for councils to support the delivery of short-term improvements to local streets and public spaces through pop-ups and pilots that encourage social distancing and improve the attractiveness of our neighbourhoods.
There are two types of project grants under the program: Quick Response Demonstration Projects valued at up to $100,000 per project, to be delivered within three months of approval, and Pilot Projects valued at up to $1 million per project to be delivered within one year of approval. Councils will need to obtain all of the relevant approvals and engage with their community in delivering the projects.
For more information and the full list of 48 successful proposals visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/streetsgrants

Small and medium-sized businesses and regional communities across the State are set to benefit from a coordinated NSW Government push to showcase local products and develop global export sales.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro today launched the NSW Government’s $12 million Going Global Package which includes grants of up to $10,000 for eligible businesses through the Export Assistance Grant scheme.
“Helping home-grown businesses succeed in the global marketplace is more important than ever before and here in NSW we have some of the best produce in the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“That is why the NSW Government is coordinating export assistance across a range of initiatives including market tailored workshops, business matching and exporter grants of up to $10,000.
“We are promoting NSW businesses globally, just like we promote our fantastic regional products state-wide through our Buy Regional campaign.
“Our Export Assistance Grants, together with intensive, direct assistance through the Going Global program will complement existing support and advice services to forge new business connections and sales offshore.”
The Going Global Package includes:

• A $1.8 million Going Global program which will provide export coaching, networking and in-market assistance for export-ready firms. The initiative includes 15 tailored programs covering nine markets and ten sectors.
• A $10 million Export Assistance Grant scheme reimbursing 50 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible business
• Connections to international consumers via the Buy Regional Goes Global initiative
• Online webinars to help businesses upskill
• Ongoing support through the NSW Government’s network of trade advisors in regional locations and Sydney, and its international trade and investment offices around the world
• Access to information on the Global NSW website
• Other support, tools and resources available online

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said trade would be vital to restoring growth after COVID-19, with exports making up 16 per cent of the State economy before the global pandemic.
“We know our exporters have faced big hurdles in recent months, especially in regional areas also affected by bushfires and drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Applications for the Going Global program can be submitted now, and the Export Assistance Grants application will be available soon. I urge small and medium-sized firms in regional areas and across NSW to apply.”
Graham Gilmore from Black Springs-based agribusiness TattyKeel, said exporting was a great way for regional businesses to stay competitive and build resilience, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
“We’re a family farm that’s changing the boundaries. We’re doing R&D and we’re actually creating a new product that’s got some pretty unique eating qualities,” Mr Gilmore said.
“Developing markets overseas is an important part of our plan to support that work.”
TattyKeel’s innovative new brand Margra Lamb is among the enterprises profiled in Buy Regional.
In addition to the initiatives announced today, export advisors remain available to assist business in regional locations throughout the State and, under the Global NSW strategy, the Government is expanding its network of trade and investment offices around the world from 11 to 21. The Buy Regional platform will continue to promote regional businesses and exporters.
More information is available at: global.nsw.gov.au/nsw-export-assistance-package

Residents in Sydney’s south will soon be able to enjoy new and upgraded sport and recreational facilities, after work began today on open space near the future M6 Stage 1.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the revitalisation project will support around 200 jobs and signals the start of work along the planned road corridor that’s been reserved since the 1950s.
“The improvements include new playing fields, open space and more car parking so our local sporting teams can keep their seasons running while the M6 Stage 1 is delivered,” Mr Constance said.
“The M6 Stage 1 is expected to create around 5,300 jobs, help motorists bypass up to 23 sets of traffic lights and take up to 2,000 heavy vehicles a day off surface roads when the four kilometre tunnel opens by the end of 2025.”
Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos said the upgrades are part of the $2.6 billion ‘missing link’ between President Avenue at Kogarah and the recently opened WestConnex M8 at Arncliffe.
“With this community infrastructure set to be complete by the end of 2021, we’re bringing southern motorists one step closer to enjoying quicker travel times to the city with Stage 1 of the M6,” Ms Petinos said.
The NSW Government is investing around $28 million into upgrades at Ador Park and McCarthy Reserve at Rockdale, and Brighton Memorial Playing Fields at Brighton-Le-Sands.
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said “the announcement will ensure local communities don’t miss out on valuable open space and sporting facilities while work is carried out.”
The improvements to Ador Park Precinct and McCarthy Reserve include:

• An upgraded full-sized synthetic field and a new mid-sized grass field.
• A new skate park, play area, BBQ area and amenities building.

At Brighton Memorial Playing Fields, there will be:

• An upgraded full size synthetic field and a new mid-sized grass field.
• A new play area, memorial, lawn area, amenities building and lighting.
• Increased car parking capacity with safety improved on Sybil Lane.

The improvements also include a new shared path, a pedestrian bridge over Muddy Creek, upgrades to West Botany Street Bridge and larger car parks at both sites.
The NSW Government has awarded the tender for the community recreation facilities to Ertech.

Two people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update:

• About 6pm on Sunday (16 August 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command responded to reports of a large gathering at Jack Vanny Memorial Park, Maroubra. Officers spoke with a 33-year-old man who was one of the organisers of the event, before the crowd was dispersed without incident. Following inquiries, the man was issued with a $1000 PIN yesterday (Monday 17 August 2020) for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
• On Friday 14 August 2020, a 57-year-old man attended Bourke Hospital with possible COVID-19 symptoms. He was tested for the virus and directed to self-isolate at home. About 3.30pm yesterday (Monday 18 August 2020) the man was located at a friend’s house. Further inquiries revealed the man had attended a local shop the same morning. He was issued with a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction.

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.
 

Netball NSW has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 HART Junior and Senior State Titles.
Due to concern relating to the potential community spread of COVID-19, the organisation received advice from NSW Health to “avoid large, inter-regional championships”. Accordingly, Netball NSW has determined that it would be irresponsible to proceed with the State Titles at this time.
The largest events on the Netball NSW calendar, the Junior and Senior State Titles bring Associations from all corners of the state together to determine champions in numerous underage and opens age categories. Both are important elements of the Netball NSW pathway, which showcases the strength of grassroots netball right across the state.
In 2020 six Associations (Penrith District, Hawkesbury City, Parramatta Auburn, Baulkham Hills Shire, Eastwood Ryde and Blacktown City) were due to host the 2020 Junior State Titles from 3-5 October, while four other Associations (Campbelltown District, Camden & District, Bankstown City and Fairfield City) were set to welcome the Seniors on the same weekend.
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell said the health of the wider community had to come first in 2020.
“Players, coaches, umpires, officials and parents would all be well aware that Netball NSW has held on to the hope of conducting the State Titles in 2020, maintaining an air of positivity that the re-scheduled October dates would enable the competitions to proceed,” she said.
“Regrettably the time has come for us to concede that this won’t be possible.
“On Wednesday 12 August Netball NSW participated in an all-sport briefing with the NSW Government and received the latest information from NSW Health.
“We also received feedback from many Associations in recent weeks. While a variety of options were considered, including localised competitions or limited age groups, the fact is that any version would require an element of travel which NSW Health are trying to avoid.
“Furthermore, the less teams competing the less the event bears any resemblance to a true State Titles competition.
“It goes without saying that this was not a decision taken lightly and we feel deeply sorry for those who had been planning for, and working so hard towards this year’s event, but we look forward to 2021 with renewed hope and will focus all our efforts on that going forward.
“For now, we are fortunate that regular competitions have been able to commence and we thank the netball community for their ongoing commitment to the health and safety protocols those competitions are running under.”
Netball NSW would also like to thank HART Sport, naming rights partners of both the Junior and Senior State Titles, for their continued support of community netball across the state.

Small and medium-sized businesses and regional communities across the State are set to benefit from a coordinated NSW Government push to showcase local products and develop global export sales.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro today launched the NSW Government’s $12 million Going Global Package which includes grants of up to $10,000 for eligible businesses through the Export Assistance Grant scheme.
“Helping home-grown businesses succeed in the global marketplace is more important than ever before and here in NSW we have some of the best produce in the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“That is why the NSW Government is coordinating export assistance across a range of initiatives including market tailored workshops, business matching and exporter grants of up to $10,000.
“We are promoting NSW businesses globally, just like we promote our fantastic regional products state-wide through our Buy Regional campaign.
“Our Export Assistance Grants, together with intensive, direct assistance through the Going Global program will complement existing support and advice services to forge new business connections and sales offshore.”
The Going Global Package includes:

• A $1.8 million Going Global program which will provide export coaching, networking and in-market assistance for export-ready firms. The initiative includes 15 tailored programs covering nine markets and ten sectors.
• A $10 million Export Assistance Grant scheme reimbursing 50 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible business
• Connections to international consumers via the Buy Regional Goes Global initiative
• Online webinars to help businesses upskill
• Ongoing support through the NSW Government’s network of trade advisors in regional locations and Sydney, and its international trade and investment offices around the world
• Access to information on the Global NSW website
• Other support, tools and resources available online

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said trade would be vital to restoring growth after COVID-19, with exports making up 16 per cent of the State economy before the global pandemic.
“We know our exporters have faced big hurdles in recent months, especially in regional areas also affected by bushfires and drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Applications for the Going Global program can be submitted now, and the Export Assistance Grants application will be available soon. I urge small and medium-sized firms in regional areas and across NSW to apply.”
Graham Gilmore from Black Springs-based agribusiness TattyKeel, said exporting was a great way for regional businesses to stay competitive and build resilience, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
“We’re a family farm that’s changing the boundaries. We’re doing R&D and we’re actually creating a new product that’s got some pretty unique eating qualities,” Mr Gilmore said.
“Developing markets overseas is an important part of our plan to support that work.”
TattyKeel’s innovative new brand Margra Lamb is among the enterprises profiled in Buy Regional.
In addition to the initiatives announced today, export advisors remain available to assist business in regional locations throughout the State and, under the Global NSW strategy, the Government is expanding its network of trade and investment offices around the world from 11 to 21. The Buy Regional platform will continue to promote regional businesses and exporters.
More information is available at: global.nsw.gov.au/nsw-export-assistance-package

Students at NSW public schools have two new platforms to help shape their education system.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today announced the first Minister’s Student Council, a group of students that will have a direct influence on education and school policy that affects students.
A new online Student Voice Hub has also launched, giving all NSW students a platform to share their views and creativity with the wider community.
Ms Mitchell said that the two new platforms are exciting and important tools for students, giving them greater capacity to provide feedback to government.
“Students are at the centre of everything we do in education and these platforms empower them to influence public policy,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Student Council will be the peak forum for interaction between NSW public school students, the Department and myself.”
Ms Mitchell said students would decide the exact design of the council but it is expected that all secondary students will have the opportunity to provide input.
“Delegates will be elected from a range of secondary schools to form the council and will meet with decision-makers within the NSW schools system to develop policy,” Ms Mitchell said.
The council is reinforced by the new Student Voice Hub strengthening the ongoing engagement of students with the Department, each other and the wider community.
Ms Mitchell said the Student Voice Hub is a partnership in learning and listening that will play a key role in building a better education system as student perspectives, experiences and aspirations shape and enrich our schools and communities.
“The Student Voice Hub would also provide students opportunities to refine their writing and content creation skills along with pitching their stories and ideas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As part of the submission process to the hub, students will have the opportunity to refine their ideas and articles.”
The first elected Minister’s Student Council will begin in 2021. Further information about being involved in the Council will be provided to school principals.
The Student Voice Hub is live at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/student-voices

The Western Sydney community will be given the chance to have their say on part of the naming of Sydney’s third city, which will be the beating heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The area to be named is more than 100 hectares of land that will become home to research, science and education facilities as part of the first stage of the Aerotropolis Core precinct. It is located north of Bringelly and needs a new name to reflect its new future.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the naming process to be carried out will find a unique name which will forever define Australia’s first 22nd Century City on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
“Until now we have been referring to the area as the ‘Aerotropolis Core’, but with the city quickly moving from a vision to a reality now is the time for it to be given a real place name,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The area to be named is the parcel of land which will be the CBD of the Aerotropolis and we want its name to be as iconic as the existing major city centres of ‘Sydney’ and ‘Parramatta’.
“Whatever it is ultimately called after the naming process, this part of Greater Sydney’s third city will be a key driver of economic growth, jobs and opportunities across NSW and the nation for generations to come.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said as part of the naming process the community will be consulted and asked to nominate potential names for the new city.
“We want the community to help us come up with a list of names that reflect the area’s heritage, recognise people who have contributed to NSW or honour significant figures with ties to Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“A naming committee comprising of the Premier, myself, DPC Secretary Tim Reardon and Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott will consider the options and make a final decision.”
To find out more and submit your suggestion go to: www.wcaa.sydney/nametheplac