Category: NSW News

A new Sydney Metro station, more public space and a new office tower are one step closer for North Sydney residents and workers, with the NSW Government today giving the green light to build the Victoria Cross over station development.
The project includes construction of a 42-storey commercial office tower, a new community hub, a pedestrian link from the station plaza to Denison Street and almost 1,300 square metres of new public open space.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today inspected Victoria Cross Metro Station’s underground railway site, including the largest rail cavern in Australia at 265 metres long, 25 metres wide and 20 metres high.
A $476 million contract was awarded to Lendlease in 2018 to deliver Sydney Metro’s Victoria Cross Station and the landmark building above it.
With more than 357,000 tonnes of crushed rock removed, excavation of the Metro and service tunnels is now complete, and the cavern and these tunnels are being lined with concrete.
Mr Stokes said the project will combine world-class public transport infrastructure with a connected community hub in the heart of the North Sydney CBD.
“The integrated station development at the new Victoria Cross Metro Station will double the available public open space near the tower and create a continuous ‘civic green spine’ along Miller Street, with landscaped terraces, outdoor dining, casual seating areas and pedestrian paths,” Mr Stokes said.
“North Sydney is already a strong commercial hub for Greater Sydney and this project will provide a much-needed boost, injecting $315 million into the economy and creating between 400-600 construction jobs to deliver the over station development.”
Mr Constance said the integrated development will provide better connectivity for a growing part of the city.
“This tower will provide space for more than 4,000 office workers on top of a world-class public transport system, which is not only transforming our city’s public transport network, it’s transforming the areas around it,” Mr Constance said.
“This project is a great example of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensure our communities have access to great public transport infrastructure regardless of where they live, work or play.”
With tunnelling complete and remaining excavation underway, station fit-out works on the Victoria Cross Metro Station are scheduled to commence in early 2021, with the tower expected to be completed by mid-2024.
The Victoria Cross Metro over station development is one of 19 projects included in Tranche 3 of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assessments to keep people in jobs and the economy moving during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 25,000 jobs and injected more than $13 billion worth of investment into the NSW economy.
For more information visit: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/11051

NSW businesses must follow the State Government’s COVID safety warnings and public health orders or risk a penalty of up to $55,000.
More than 117,500 COVID safety plans have been downloaded in less than a month but businesses also need to register to provide customers with confidence.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there are 10,500 registered COVID Safe businesses across NSW but she would like to see this number increase.
“Thanks to the hard work of the community, thousands of businesses and have been able to reopen their doors and welcome back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“While communities embrace the easing of restrictions and we kick start the economy, safety must come first and businesses cannot be complacent.
“Whether it’s a café, construction business, cinema or sports club, all organisations must ensure the safety of staff and customers. There are no more excuses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said help and assistance is available for businesses.
“Downloading an industry specific safety plan and registering as COVID Safe is simple and can be done online. Service NSW can help with any questions,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers are encouraged to give feedback to businesses. Our focus in June was on educating industry; while our focus in July will be on compliance.”
Any business found in breach of the public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 or an on the spot fine of $5000.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of any business, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.
To download a safety plan visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses

The NSW Police Force will launch a large-scale operation to enforce the closure of the NSW/Victorian border tonight.
The Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, will be issued later today (Tuesday 7 July 2020). It will direct that from midnight (Wednesday 8 July 2020), no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can fulfil specific exemption criteria.
At present, the border is closed to those from Victorian ‘hotspot’ postcodes, with the entire greater Melbourne area now deemed a hotspot.
As the scope widens and the border closes entirely, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has appointed Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte as Operation Commander, to lead approximately 650 police officers in support of local police.
The high-visibility operation will include General Duties officers from across NSW, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and other specialist units, such as the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.
Police will also be assisted by the Australian Defence Force – with 350 personnel to be deployed from Thursday (9 July 2020).
Assistance will also be provided by other government agencies; including Transport For NSW, and NSW National Parks as required.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said that as always, safety remains the top priority.
“The aim of this operation is to keep NSW safe – the broader NSW community, as well as NSW Police officers and operation support personnel,” the Commissioner said.
“I know this closure will inconvenience many on both sides of the border, but the dangers and flow-on effects that accompany a second wave of COVID-19 are not something we want to see for our state.
“We have engaged with Local Members of Parliament and the Mayors of Albury and Wodonga to ensure local communities understand how the Public Health Orders impact on them and so we can work together to minimise disruptions to everyday lives.
“We anticipate the first 72 hours will be challenging, so we ask the community to be patient and work with us. Importantly, if you don’t need to cross the border, don’t,” Commissioner Fuller said.
There are 54 border crossings within five Police Districts across two Police Regions (Southern and Western), which will require both static and mobile policing strategies.
Of the 54 crossings, 34 have been prioritised into three categories (A, B, C) depending on the traffic flow, location and characteristics, while the remining 20 crossings are tracks and trails.
The six category ‘A’ locations – which are the main crossings – are:
Wodonga Place, South Albury
Hume Hwy, South Albury
Cobb Hwy, Moama
Newell Hwy, Tocumwal
Sturt Hwy, Buronga
Princes Hwy, Tambillica
Police will also continue to assist NSW Health at Sydney Airport and regional airports with the screening of passengers arriving from Victoria, who have exemptions under the Public Health Act.
Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
Anyone wishing to travel into NSW will need to apply for an exemption online via Service NSW.
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions. A substainal fine applies.
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.

Exemptions for those wishing to cross the border from Victoria to NSW are now available online via the Service NSW website.
The Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020 states that from 12.01am tomorrow (Wednesday 8 July 2020), no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can meet exemption criteria.
Fines apply to those who breach Public Health Orders, or who falsify information when applying for exemptions.
A large-scale police operation will be in place to ensure compliance with the Public Health Order, with officers assisted by personnel from the Australian Defence Force, and other government agencies.
As those with exemptions begin to pass through checkpoints, police are asking people to come prepared and ready to produce relevant documents and identification information; such as drivers’ licences, and medical certificates. Those without exemptions will be turned back.
It is anticipated that the first 72 hours will be challenging while the process is in its infancy. Police are asking those who don’t need to cross the border to avoid doing so.
For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to cross the NSW/Victoria border near Corowa earlier today.
About 11am (Wednesday 8 July 2020), a Mitsubishi Outlander bearing Victorian number plates attempted to drive into NSW on Carlyle Road, Wahgunyah.
Police spoke with the driver, who allegedly declared his intention to cross into NSW despite not having a valid exemption.
Police allege the man was given several opportunities to comply with police directions, which he refused.
The man’s wife and three children complied with police direction and returned to Victoria.
The 34-year-old Barnawartha man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Albury Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 9 July 2020).
The public is reminded it is an offence to enter NSW from Victoria without a valid exemption.
Since midnight (Wednesday 8 July 2020), more than 50,000 vehicles have crossed the border from Victoria into NSW.

Commuters travelling on buses and light rail will save on their off-peak trips for the first time with Opal fare changes coming into effect today.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said a 50 per cent discount is now available for off-peak trips on buses, trains, light rail and metro.
“For customers who can travel outside of peak hours there are really significant savings to be had. These changes are about helping to reduce crowding during the busiest times of day to ensure everyone can physically distance and stay safe during COVID-19,” Mr Constance said.
The new peak travel times are:

• 6:30am–10am on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 7am-9am)
• 6am-10am on Intercity Trains (currently 6am-8am)
• 3pm-7pm on Sydney Trains, Intercity Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 4pm-6:30pm)

The 50 per cent off-peak discount will remain for three months, before a permanent 30 per cent discount for off-peak travel comes into effect. This will be a first on bus and light rail services and in line with existing off-peak fares for train and metro.
A new $8.05 ($4 concession) discounted all day travel cap has been introduced on Saturdays and Sundays to help spread weekend public transport loads, particularly on ferries.
Peak fares have increased for bus and light rail journeys between 0-3 kilometres. All other fares will either remain at current levels or reduce by the off-peak discount.
Existing Opal benefits remain the same, including:

• The $2 transfer discount,
• The weekday cap of $16.10 ($8 concession),
• $50 weekly travel caps ($25 concession),
• Half price trips after eight journeys in a week,
• $2.50 unlimited travel for Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card holders.

 

Adult one way fares		Peak		Off-peak		Saving per trip from peak to off peak
Journey	Mode	Current price	New price	Current price	New price
Penrith to Circular Quay	Train	$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44	$3.45
Central Station to Lisarow	Train	$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43	$4.43
Wollongong to Central	Train	$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43	$4.43
Rouse Hill to Chatswood	Metro	$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57	$2.58
Lidcombe to Padstow	Bus	$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40	$2.40
Broadway to Central	Bus	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60	$1.60
Central to Star City Casino	Light Rail	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60	$1.60
Rydalmere Wharf to Circular Quay	Ferry	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$0.00

 

	Fare band	Peak travel		Off-peak travel
		Previous Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July	Current Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July
Train and Metro
0-10 km		$3.61	$3.61	$2.52	$1.80
10-20 km		$4.48	$4.48	$3.13	$2.24
20-35 km		$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57
35-65 km		$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44
65+ km		$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43
Bus
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Light rail
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Ferries
0-9 km		$6.12	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12
9+ km		$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65

Farmers, small businesses and regional communities recovering from the worst bushfire season in living memory will benefit from close to $5 million in Commonwealth funding for NSW’s legal assistance services.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said free legal support is playing an important role in how well people, businesses and communities recover from disasters.
“Bushfires have devastated the homes, businesses and livelihoods of so many people across our regions and now anyone facing legal problems as a result will have access to more free legal support than ever before,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Almost $3 million in funding will be directed to legal assistance services for individuals navigating insurance claims, tenancy issues, financial hardship, social security entitlements and other legal problems caused by the bushfires.
“A further $2 million will be invested in legal services for small businesses and primary producers. This will allow Legal Aid NSW to launch a new grants program, enabling private lawyers to access grants of aid to deliver free legal services to local businesses impacted by bushfires.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will boost the capacity of Legal Aid, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service to support individuals in bushfire affected areas across the State.
“This is great news for anyone whose livelihood has been torn apart by the bushfires.  More pro bono solicitors and more legal assistance will be available for farmers and small businesses seeking assistance and advice on the financial issues they face, including credit, banking and debt,” Mr Speakman said.
“From the South Coast, to the Snowy Valley, to the Southern Highlands and to the North and Mid-North Coasts – anyone facing legal problems as a result of the bushfires will have access to more free legal support than ever before.”
Today’s $4.9 million Bushfire Funding Agreement is part of the Australian Government’s $2 billion response to the 2019-20 Bushfire Disaster over two years.
The Agreement will deliver the following legal assistance supports:
Individuals

• Boost Legal Aid’s Disaster Response Legal Service to provide advice and referrals on issues including insurance claims, financial hardship, accommodation and CentreLink entitlements.
• Additional staff at five generalist Community Legal Centres (CLCs) in bushfire affected communities and three specialist CLCs delivering services to bushfire affected individuals.
• Increase the capacity of the Aboriginal Legal Service to provide its services to individuals in bushfire affected communities.

Businesses and primary producers

• Establish and promote a new grants policy for private practitioners to deliver legal services to small business and primary producers for bushfire related issues.
• Extend Justice Connect’s pro bono platform to link small business and primary producers with pro bono services.
• Support the Financial Rights Legal Centre to continue offering its services specialising in areas including consumer credit, banking, debt recovery and insurance to small business and primary producers.

A woman has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) after attempting to flee a hotel in breach of her mandatory hotel quarantine order at the weekend.
About 10pm on Saturday (4 July 2020), police were advised by a security contractor that a female quarantine guest had fled a hotel on Pitt Street, Sydney, in contravention of the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order.
Officers were told a guard had confronted the 39-year-old woman as she approached a fire exit and following a short struggle, she ran through the exit and was chased on foot before disappearing from sight.
The guard returned to the hotel and reported the incident to his supervisor, who alerted police inside the hotel.
A police search was initiated, and the woman was located at Circular Quay about 10.45pm and returned to the hotel, before being taken to hospital for assessment.
The Potts Point woman was released from hospital a short time later and transferred to a hotel managed by NSW Health.
She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction under the Public Health Act.
As part of inquiries into the incident, police attended the woman’s room and noted the sprinkler systems had been significantly damaged.
Inquiries into the damage are underway and legal action is expected to be taken.
The NSW Police Force is currently managing 19 hotels across Sydney CBD with 5,761 people in mandatory quarantine, while NSW Health has an additional 597 people in six hotels.
Since Sunday 29 March 2020, 33,956 people have entered into mandatory quarantine hotels in NSW, and this is the only PIN issued for a breach of the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order.

The NSW Police Force-led multi-agency operation to facilitate the mandatory quarantining of returned travellers to NSW is ongoing.
The NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard issued the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020 under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, which directs any person arriving by aircraft into NSW from a country other than Australia must go directly to a quarantine facility.
Since the order commenced on Sunday 29 March 2020, 32,036 people have entered into mandatory quarantine in NSW. There have been no breaches of the quarantine order.
In an average 24-hour period, there are about 500 NSW Police officers rostered to maintain overall responsibility of 22 hotel footprints. They are supported by a further 150 ADF personnel.
The operation is also assisted by private security contractors.
All travellers are assessed by NSW Health on arrival at Sydney International Airport and those displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are escorted to a hotel managed by NSW Health, while the remainder are escorted to hotels managed by the NSW Police Force.
As at 8am today (Friday 3 July 2020), there are 4972 people in quarantine across 18 Sydney hotels being managed by the NSW Police Force.
There are a further 493 people in four hotels being managed by NSW Health.
Any person who becomes symptomatic while in a police-managed quarantine hotel is transferred to a NSW Health-managed hotel.
The professional management of this process has dramatically reduced the risk of COVID-19 spread within hotels, including to staff and other guests, and to-date has ensured no transmission has occurred.
Further, the cooperation of the hospitality industry – particularly staff members within the hotels – throughout the operation has been exceptional.

As NSW today relaxes more COVID-19 restrictions, new rules will be put in place to prevent Melbourne residents living in virus hotspots from travelling across the border.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government will impose strict penalties on Melbourne residents in outbreak areas who seek to enter NSW in defiance of the NSW public health orders. These orders will incorporate the same restrictions as those being put in place in Victoria.
Individuals who fail to comply with the new rules could face up to six months in prison or a fine of up to $11,000 or both.
“Victorians living in virus hotspots have to take the Victorian and NSW health orders seriously and should be very aware that NSW will impose penalties if they seek to leave hotspot suburbs to enter NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
The NSW Order will prevent travel from Melbourne hotspots to NSW unless it is a NSW resident returning home or in very special circumstances, such as to obtain urgent medical care or for compassionate reasons.
Anybody who has been in a hotspot in the past 14 days, including NSW residents, will be subject to a stay at home direction for two weeks.
There will also be restrictions on visiting residential aged care facilities or a health service.
Meanwhile, restrictions on entertainment venues, weddings, community sport and other gatherings will be eased in NSW from today but strict physical distancing measures remain in place.
Mr Hazzard said businesses should ensure they have a COVID Safety Plan outlining exactly how they will maintain a safe environment for their staff and customers.
“Until we have a vaccine, everyone has a role to play keeping the community safe, whether that is mum and dad at their kid’s soccer match or your local café operator,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government has always said with the easing of restrictions comes risk, so I urge everyone to maintain physical distancing, get tested if you feel unwell and stay home if sick.”
The following COVID-19 restrictions have been eased from today:

• The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres.
• Kids’ and adult community sport can recommence.
• Cultural and sporting events at large stadiums, racecourses and motor racing tracks will be allowed up to 25 per cent of their normal seated capacity to a maximum of 10,000. These events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
• Alcohol can still be served to seated patrons only, including at conference and function venues.
• Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can reopen subject to the one person per 4 square metre rule.

The rules on gathering remain the same: 20 guests inside the home and 20 for gatherings in a public place.
NSW Health has finalised checklists to allow businesses affected by the easing of restrictions to be prepared for operation. These checklists provide guidance for businesses to develop a COVID safety plan. You can find the checklist here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses
All venues must adhere to their business specific COVID Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines.
Health orders are being prepared today and will become enforceable at midnight tonight to be concurrent with the Victorian health orders.