Category: NSW News

Drivers in south-west Sydney will soon benefit from major travel time savings with the New M5 tunnels between Beverly Hills and St Peters almost complete.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today travelled underground in the nine kilometre tunnels for the first time to inspect progress on the $4.3 billion project.
“It’s really exciting to see the hard work is almost finished on this crucial nine kilometres of motorway. Once open, the New M5 tunnels will double the capacity of this corridor, which carries around 100,000 vehicles every day and is one of the most congested parts of Sydney’s traffic network,” Ms Berejikilian said.
“The motorway will cut up to half an hour off journeys between Liverpool and the southern suburbs of Sydney. This will mean tens of thousands of drivers can have a safe, reliable and efficient option to spend less time in their car and more time doing what they love.
“Drivers will be able to travel from Beverly Hills to a new interchange at St Peters in around 10 minutes, with new connections to Alexandria and Mascot.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said drivers on the existing motorway will also benefit.
“We’re going to see huge travel time savings on the M5 East too, with trips cut in half and travel speeds expected to double during peak time, improving journeys to the airport and Port Botany,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This congestion-busting project forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $100 billion pipeline helping Australians reach their destinations sooner and safer.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the finishing touches are being applied to the tunnels with the mechanical and electrical fit-out nearing completion.
“There are currently 1,000 tradespeople working to complete the project, with more than 18,000 workers involved over the project’s lifespan,” Mr Constance said.
“The fit-out is almost finished with line marking work underway and the installation of 33,000 wall panels more than 90 per cent complete.
“We’re also in the final stages of system testing which marks the home stretch ahead of these tunnels officially opening.”
The New M5 Tunnel will open with two lanes in each direction but has capacity to upgrade to three lanes, and include connections to future projects including the M4-M5 Link Tunnel, M6 Stage 1 and Sydney Gateway to the airport and Port Botany.
WestConnex is being delivered in four major stages, including the New M4 (now open), the New M5 tunnels, and the M4-M5 Link Tunnel and Rozelle Interchange, opening in 2023.
When complete, WestConnex will provide drivers with a 33km road network, bypassing up to 52 sets of traffic lights.

The NSW Police Force will continue to assist in the enforcement of all COVID-19-related ministerial directions through high-visibility policing operations.
A number of ministerial directions remain in place, covering returned overseas travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and movement, spitting and coughing, residential aged care facilities and the recent announcement of restrictions for affected persons from interstate COVID hotspots.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce these 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.
As part of the NSW Police Force’s commitment to assisting NSW Health reduce the risk of community spread, police officers across the state will be conducting proactive, high-visibility activity.
This includes providing a presence at Sydney Airport and regional airports, as required, to assist NSW Health staff, who are screening passengers arriving from Victoria.
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.
Officers from Police Transport Command will also provide assistance to NSW Health at Central Railway Station for the arrival of XPT services from Melbourne.
In addition, Police Districts with borders to Victoria will be supported by Traffic and Highway Patrol to conduct high-visibility patrols and random vehicle stops.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction.

The NSW Government has announced the development of a comprehensive, sector-wide cyber security strategy and is calling for industry submissions to help shape its final outcome.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said it was important to include industry experts and business in the development process to ensure the government continued to encourage growth within the State’s cyber security industry.
“The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will ensure the NSW Government continues to provide secure, trusted and resilient services in an ever-changing and developing environment,” Mr Dominello said.
“The new strategy will be delivered through an integrated approach to prevent and respond to cyber security threats and safeguard our information, assets, services, businesses and citizens.”
Mr Dominello said in a post COVID-19 environment it is important the NSW Government maximises the State’s existing capabilities and develops the local cyber security industry into a globally competitive, innovative ecosystem that drives economic growth.
“The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will address the cyber workforce and skills gaps that are vital in attracting business investment and creating innovation jobs,” Mr Dominello said.
“It will support innovation and growth of the NSW cyber industry and cement NSW as the leading state for cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Cyber security will be a vital part of the technology community at Tech Central which will be a home for tech giants, new and innovative start-ups and leading talent all in one place.”
In June, the NSW Government announced a record $240 million cyber security investment, as well as the establishment of a Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre in Bathurst, operated by Cyber Security NSW.
The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will replace the existing NSW Cyber Security Strategy and the NSW Cyber Industry Development Strategy, combining both into one overarching cyber security strategy and further information in relation to how to be involved will be released shortly.
Industry partners and cyber security experts can express an interest in providing a submission to the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy by emailing cyberstrategynsw@customerservice.nsw.gov.au

Amazon is developing a new advanced storage and distribution centre near the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, creating 1,500 jobs in addition to 700 jobs during its construction, while contributing to economic recovery after COVID-19.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Amazon’s commitment reflected the NSW Government’s focus on innovation and technology to create jobs.
“This important commitment by one of the world’s leading multinationals highlights Western Sydney’s growing stature as a strong investment destination,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The construction and operation of this centre will deliver far-reaching benefits for the people and businesses of NSW, including more than 2,000 jobs at time when we need them most.”
With the ability to operate 24/7, the almost 200,000 square metre facility is expected to be the largest ‘fulfilment centre’ built in Australia. It will also be its most advanced, incorporating the company’s latest robotics systems, the first time these will have been deployed in the Southern Hemisphere.
Located at Kemps Creek, the site gives access to the new, Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird-Walton) Airport which is due to begin operating in 2026, connecting more Australian exporters with global e-commerce opportunities.
The Centre will complement the various advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence industries developing around the nearby Aerotropolis.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Amazon’s decision was a vote of confidence in the NSW economy.
“It supports our strategy to foster new sources of growth through Innovation Precincts including the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Mr Ayres said.
“The project will contribute to local workforce development and provide skilled employment in areas like robotics, logistics and supply chain.
“It will also help build our local e-commerce sector, giving small and medium-sized businesses access to Amazon’s packing, shipping, customer service and returns capabilities, along with easier access to millions of customers across Australia and the world.
“NSW consumers will benefit too from a more efficient delivery and supply chain,” Mr Ayres said.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the construction of the Fulfilment Centre came at a time when it was vital to boost jobs as the NSW economy recovers from the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Creating jobs and boosting business is the most important thing we can do right now, and this project means work for hundreds of people both during construction and when it opens,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s been a very tough year so far but that won’t stop NSW from growing stronger, and the Fulfilment Centre is another snapshot of just how important the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will become for our state.”
The Fulfilment Centre located in the Oakdale West Industrial Estate will aim to be delivering packages to NSW residents and beyond by Christmas 2021.

The NSW Government has today confirmed the final corridors which will support the delivery of the proposed Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, South West Rail Link Extension and Western Sydney Freight Line.
Preserving vital corridors for three new transport links will pave the way for a significant boost to connectivity in the region, helping bring growth and jobs to Western Sydney.
The North South Rail Line Corridor will support the delivery of both Stage 1 and future stages of Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport and run from St Marys, with a tunnel to Orchard Hills, through to the new Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis and Macarthur, with a tunnel from Oran Park.
The South West Rail Link Extension Corridor will run from the Aerotropolis through Kelvin Park and Rossmore to join the suburban rail network at Leppington.
The Western Sydney Freight Line Corridor will run from the future Outer Sydney Orbital at Luddenham through to the M7 at Horsley Park, where it will join a future section through Wetherill Park, which will link to the Southern Sydney Freight Line at Leightonfield, which connects to Port Botany.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the alignments will bring certainty to the Western Sydney community and help drive investment around the new Airport and broader Aerotropolis.
“Preserving these corridors for future passenger and freight transport links supports the development of the Western Parkland City, while planning for the needs of growing communities and industries to accommodate commuters, workers and businesses who all rely on different types of transport modes,” Mr Constance said.
“Transport will play a huge role in shaping the way our communities move around in years to come, and we want to get this vision right, which is why we have spoken to the community at great length before finalising these future transport links.”
Today’s announcement also follows the Government’s recent funding boost for Stage 1 of Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, which will support about 14,000 jobs during construction.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the finalised transport links will form the backbone of strategic development in the Western Parkland City.
“These future transport links will offer better connectivity for residents, and provide certainty to drive investment in new employment hubs near the new Western Sydney Airport and broader Aerotropolis,” Mr Stokes said.
All submissions received during community consultation were considered and adjustments were made to the final corridor alignments to minimise impacts to nearby residents.
Each of the corridors will provide different benefits, including connections to the new airport and Aerotropolis, and support for future employments hubs, enhancing freight distribution across the emerging Western Parkland City, and freeing up capacity on other lines to allow for more passenger services.
Property owners have been notified and further details are being provided to them.

Hundreds more shovel-ready projects to repair and renew showgrounds across the State will be supported with an additional $10.77 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the extra funding is supporting a further 129 projects at 71 showgrounds as part of the government’s COVID-19 Stimulus Package.
“Last month the NSW Government allocated $12.5 million to support 393 shovel-ready projects at 137 showgrounds across the State,” Minister Pavey said.
“Today we announce a further $10.77 million will be added to the showground stimulus program to fund another 129 projects at 71 showgrounds this financial year.
“A further $12.5 million be allocated to more showground upgrade projects next financial year bringing total spending to $35.77 million.
“These stimulus investments will provide a boost for communities and their economies by supporting tradies and building material suppliers with work while strengthening showground infrastructure for the future.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the funding boost would support upgrades to 129 projects across the State.
“From Bega to Ballina and Barwon to Blacktown, these projects will help to revive these valuable community assets and provide an opportunity to support local businesses right across the State during construction,” Mr Stokes said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said as the Government moved from the response to recovery phase of the COVID pandemic these vital works would help create jobs and support communities get back on their feet.
“As a Government everything we do right now is focused on job creation to keep more people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Funding for projects like this will make a real difference in our regional communities by supporting local jobs and rejuvenating showgrounds which are vital community hubs for our regional communities.”

The Federal and State Liberal and Nationals Governments will support nearly 5,500 jobs across New South Wales through a joint $1 billion investment in shovel-ready infrastructure projects and road safety upgrades.
The funding will be allocated to three key priorities:

• $240 million to fix 11 congestion hotspots around Sydney, supporting 1,000 direct and indirect jobs;
• $382 million to help local councils upgrade roads across regional NSW, supporting 3,500 direct and indirect jobs; and
• $398 million for road safety projects in regional areas, supporting 950 direct and indirect jobs.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the New South Wales economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding of more than $2.7 billion across New South Wales in the past eight months.
“This package builds on the fast tracking of $570 million for infrastructure in New South Wales which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”
The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($451 million) and New South Wales Government ($569 million).
Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian said the stimulus package would drive thousands of jobs and improve the safety and travel times of journeys in both the city and the regions.
“This stimulus package builds on NSW’s record infrastructure investment of $100 billion over 4 years, including an extra $3 billion to accelerate projects and create jobs,” the Premier said.
“Projects equal jobs and fast-tracking these infrastructure projects are more important than ever as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
“Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery which is why we have already accelerated a number of infrastructure projects, creating thousands of jobs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help reignite the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.
“This funding will help turbocharge the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program, jointly funding $382 million of projects on a 50:50 basis on the local roads that communities use every day,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Fixing Local Roads package will help to repair, maintain or seal priority council roads and see projects start construction in the next 12 months, creating thousands of jobs in the bush.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the first round of jointly funded projects would deliver more than 258 projects across 83 Local Government Areas.
“This is money for small projects that make a big difference in people’s everyday lives in regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“It means communities right across the State will see work starting on the local roads in their area as soon as next month.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready, urban projects.
“We’re investing $240 million to jointly fund on a 50:50 basis a Pinch Point Program that will bust congestion for freight and bus services across Sydney’s metropolitan road network,” Mr Tudge said.
“These small-scale road improvements will make all the difference for mums and dads doing the school drop off, and people on their way home from work.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the program was saving Sydney drivers from millions of hours spent in traffic each year.
“Since coming into government we have completed 217 projects with huge benefits across the Sydney network. These include improving safety while busting congestion,” Mr Constance said.
“We’ve already spent $579 million on the Pinch Points program, but we have seen $1.37 billion in realised benefits. It’s these smaller scale, local projects that really help to deliver those massive time savings for drivers and make our road network more efficient.
The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($451 million) and New South Wales Government ($569 million).
Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation for priority, shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.
The additional NSW funding is sourced from the $3 billion Project Acceleration Fund.
The Commonwealth Government has now committed more than $35.4 billion to transport infrastructure in New South Wales.

NSW INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE

Shovel-ready projects
Pinch Point Program – addressing congestion impacting freight and bus services on the Sydney metropolitan road network.Federal funding: $120 million, Total funding: $240 million

• Bus Priority Improvements – Macquarie Park – Lane Cove Road and Waterloo Road Intersection
• Bus Priority Improvements – Macquarie Park – Epping Road and Herring Road
• Intersection Improvements – Showground Road and Carrington Road Intersection Upgrades
• Intersection Improvements – Pacific Highway and Finlay Road
• Intersection Improvements – Devlin Street, Blaxland Road and Parkes Street
• Intersection Improvements – Parramatta Road and Woodville Road
• Intersection Improvements – Georges River Road and Milton Street
• Intersection Improvements – King Georges Road and Canterbury Road
• Install Traffic Signals – Wentworth Avenue and Baker Street
• Corridor Upgrades – Oxford Street (Bondi Junction)
• Corridor Optimisation and Cycleway – Centennial Park to Kingsford via Doncaster Avenue

Fixing Local Roads – repairing, maintaining or sealing priority council roads. Federal funding: $191 million, Total funding: $382 million

Road safety upgrades

Safer Roads Program – including mass action rollout of rumble strips (audio-tactile line marking). Federal funding: $140 million, Total funding: $398 million
Total –     Federal funding: $451 million, Total funding: $1.02 billion

The 153,415 hectare Narriearra Station in far north west NSW is the largest purchase of private land for national parks in the State’s history.
Environment Minister Matt Kean says the purchase will help protect threatened species, important habitat and wetlands.
“Narriearra Station stretches across the outback Channel Country and includes part of the Bulloo River floodplain, ephemeral wetlands and landscapes currently not found anywhere in NSW national parks,” Mr Kean said.
“Narriearra is an important refuge for threatened wildlife, with more than 25 threatened animal species, including nearly 90 per cent of NSW’s critical habitat and breeding areas for the nationally endangered Grey Grasswren.”
Mr Kean said the acquisition secures a key section of a nationally important wetland – the Caryapundy Swamp – which can host tens of thousands of waterbirds including pelicans, straw-necked ibis, egrets and whiskered terns during inland flood events.
“Narriearra along with the nearby Sturt National Park, will create a vast near-contiguous conservation area of almost half a million hectares, or twice the size of the ACT.
“Adjoining the Pindera Downs Aboriginal Area, Narriearra contains many significant and valuable stone artefacts, tools and stone arrangements.
“The property is also linked to the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition, with two expedition campsites on the property.
“In August last year I stated my goal to add 200,000 hectares of land to the national parks estate. I am ecstatic that, on top of 64,860 hectares already reserved, this purchase puts us on track to exceed that.”
The Minister has invited the Tibooburra Local Aboriginal Land Council to suggest a name for the new national park.

Call the police if you see or hear domestic violence – that’s the clear message from the NSW Government, Crime Stoppers and the NSW Police as a new joint TV advertising campaign begins on commercial networks.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the six-week campaign comes after five women were killed in domestic violence murders across NSW in the last eight weeks.
“The brutal killings of these innocent women are just another tragic reminder of this terrible scourge – the latest victim was only 18 years old,” Mr Speakman said.
“I’m calling on the community to be a lifeline for these victims. When you know there’s an emergency happening next door which requires an urgent police response, don’t hesitate.
“Your phone call could be the difference between that woman living and that woman dying.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the dedicated men and women in blue need the community to be their eyes and ears across our neighbourhoods.
“Police do an incredible job responding to emergencies 24/7, and domestic violence call-outs can be some of the most violent and volatile scenes they confront,” Mr Elliott said.
“But they can’t respond if they don’t know what’s happening. That’s why we’ve joined Crime Stoppers and police to ensure domestic violence is reported so police can attend, arrest perpetrators and ultimately save lives.”
Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price AM said home should be the safest place on the planet, offering solace to families – but sadly for some, it can instead become a living nightmare.
“Our mandate is for a safer NSW, which is why we continue to deploy our resources in the best way possible to make it safer for all, irrespective of age, race, or religion,” Mr Price said.
“Crime Stoppers promotes ‘good neighbourly behaviour’, so please look after your neighbour because you never know when they might be picking up the phone to help you one day.”
NSW Police Domestic Violence Corporate Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, said police respond to thousands of domestic violence incidents each year.
“Officers are responding proactively to domestic violence more than ever, with Domestic Violence Liaison Officers in every command and High Risk Offender Teams in every region holding perpetrators to account and protecting victims,” Assistant Commissioner Jones said.
“But we need the public’s help. If you know that someone is in immediate danger, if their life is being threatened, then pick up the phone immediately and report to police.”
This ad campaign builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to reduce domestic and family violence, including the recent NSW and Commonwealth investment of more than $21 million to boost frontline services in response to COVID-19.
The ads can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/CrimeStoppersNSW and will run across all commercial networks and their catch-up counterparts from today, as well as SBS, social media and in doctors’ surgeries across the state.
For more information about Triple Zero (000) and other reporting pathways including Crime Stoppers NSW, visit https://www.triplezero.gov.au/triple-zero/home.

The world’s largest women’s sporting event is coming to New South Wales after Australia and New Zealand won the rights to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
It will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia or New Zealand and Sydney is well positioned to host key matches including the Final, when match dates and venues are confirmed at a later stage.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the winning of hosting rights was a massive coup for NSW.
“We are ecstatic to be welcoming the world’s best female footballers to NSW in 2023 for this historic tournament, which will deliver enormous cultural, social and economic benefits to our state for decades to come,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“After what has been an unprecedented year so far, today’s announcement is a major morale boost – giving not only sporting fans but the wider NSW community something to look forward to in 2023, while creating plenty of new jobs and opportunities.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the tournament would attract players and their passionate fans from every corner of the globe.
“This will be the first time that the FIFA Women’s World Cup features players from 32 nations, who bring with them supporters from all over the world,” Mr Ayres said.
“This was a true team Australia effort. Our bid was the strongest and securing this World Cup reaffirms New South Wales as a destination of choice for global events.
“It will also play a significant role in helping our local tourism economy bounce back, with the potential to attract more than 16,000 visitors who are estimated to inject $21 million into the state.”
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the tournament will help support the growth of women’s football across NSW.
“This is a huge win for NSW which gives grassroots sport a powerful injection to drive participation higher in the cities and the regions,” Mr Lee said.
“In 2023, there will be role models and heroes that young women in NSW will aspire to emulate and I’m sure this World Cup will inspire our next generation of Matildas.”
“NSW loves their football and we look forward to welcoming the world to play the world game right here in our backyard.”
Football Federation Australia Chairman Chris Nikou said, “The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ 2023 in Australia and New Zealand will be ground-breaking in many ways.
“Not only will it be the first ever co-confederation hosted FIFA World Cup™ and the first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in the Asia-Pacific region, but we will unlock the huge potential for growth in women’s football in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We would like to thank our governments and the Australian public who have supported the
bid from the outset.
“We very much look forward to partnering with the NSW Government to leverage this once in a lifetime opportunity for women’s football, to grow the most popular sport in Australia.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is the eighth addition to the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, which continues to secure some of the biggest and best sporting events for our state.
NSW has put forward Stadium Australia, the Sydney Football Stadium and Newcastle Stadium, with match allocations to be announced at a future date.