Category: NSW News

Work is underway on a series of projects that will breathe new life into Parramatta Road, revitalising  the area between Camperdown and Auburn as part of the NSW Government’s $198 million improvement program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program would transform the 20 kilometre corridor with new parks, cycleways, plazas and public art.
“Parramatta Road has become a scar through the heart of Sydney – and we have seized the opportunity to heal it,” Mr Stokes said.
“This investment of almost $200 million will renew and revive the corridor and draw people back into the area with new parks, footpaths and cycleways to create green, usable and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.”
Projects as part of the program include:

• $20 million for Inner West Council to deliver new cycleways, shared paths, trees, benches, lighting, public art and a new 300 square metre pocket park;
• $17.8 million for Cumberland Council for new footpaths, crossings, cycleways, trees, public art and the upgrade of Melton Street pedestrian cycle connection
• $2.4 million for Burwood Council to deliver three new cycleways including a north/south cycle link from Burwood Park to Queen Elizabeth Park;
• $42 million for Canada Bay Council for the redevelopment of Concord Oval into a world-class sporting, recreation and community hub;
• A new Public Art Framework, which will release funding for public art projects along Parramatta Road and allow councils to consult experts in Create NSW.

“This investment will improve Parramatta Road for the thousands of people who live or work in the area. The program will also support up to 27,000 new homes and 50,000 new jobs in addition to new much-needed open space,” Mr Stokes said.
Transport studies are expected to be completed this year to allow the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy to be implemented.

Netball NSW is excited to launch a new campaign entitled Come and Play Netball which aims to help the sport rebound after a difficult 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign, which starts on Monday 18 January, will work with the organisation’s affiliated Clubs and Associations – as well as incorporated media and advertising platforms – in the hope of returning playing numbers to pre-pandemic levels.
Come and Play Netball can be broken down into three pillars – paid media, owned assets and local area marketing – and will have an estimated reach of over five million people, targeting key metro and regional areas.
Netball NSW has appointed agency Benedictus Media to help deliver the campaign which will feature state-wide radio and outdoor advertising as well as strategic digital placement. It will also incorporate the organisation’s two professional teams, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.
Swifts and Australian Diamonds midcourter Paige Hadley and fellow Diamonds Kiera Austin and Kristiana Manu’a from the GIANTS will feature in the campaign.
The vast NSW netball community will also play a key role with Netball NSW providing each Association with a suite of promotional material to ensure Come and Play Netball reaches all levels of the game across the state.
Netball NSW Executive General Manager of Community & Pathways Darren Simpson said the campaign was a huge, but necessary and exciting, undertaking.
“When you look at what the last 12 months have thrown at our netball community it’s very important that we put significant investment into helping the game bounce back,” he said.
“Netball across NSW had around a 15% drop in playing numbers in 2020 which compared to other sports was actually not a huge fall-off. However, when you note how much netball grew before COVID-19 we really want to get back on that path as quickly as possible.
“Netball’s grassroots numbers are among the biggest in the state but we should never rest on our laurels and we hope this campaign will help kick-start growth again in 2021.
“I would also like to thank our NSW netball community for committing to support Come and Play Netball, and our two elite teams in the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball for adding their voices too.”
Netball NSW Executive General Manager of Commercial & Marketing Steve Neal gave some more insight into how the campaign would work:
“In terms of radio in metro areas we’ll have a large presence on both Smooth FM and NOVA, while the campaign will also be heard on local radio stations from Wollongong to Orange, Lismore to Wagga Wagga and Newcastle to Dubbo, just to name a few.
“Our outdoor advertising will start in February and be placed on retail panels and outdoor furniture at a combined 145 locations across the state, which will rotate on a fortnightly basis.
“We will also be harnessing the full power of the Netball NSW, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball’s marketing and social media platforms and providing all Associations with creative they will be able to use in their own environments along with suggested copy and helpful hints around sharing the campaign.”
Come and Play Netball will run for six weeks from mid-January to the end of February.
WANT TO PLAY NETBALL? Sign up HERE

More than 750km of new and upgraded walking tracks, 33 campground upgrades and 61 new and improved picnic areas are set to be delivered, as part of a record investment in community infrastructure in NSW national parks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is investing $257 million to deliver 170 new and improved community infrastructure projects across the national parks estate.
“Not only are our national parks good for the environment and our health and wellbeing, they are good for the health of the economy – injecting around $18 billion into the economy each year and supporting 74,000 direct and indirect jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’ve seen a huge surge in visitation during the pandemic as people rediscover the joys of the great outdoors, and we want to do everything we can to make the national park visitor experience even better.”
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the record funding amount will be delivered over three years, with priority given to projects that benefit the community and boost eco-tourism across the State.
“Whether it’s improving accessibility with new walking tracks and trails, or new and improved places to share a picnic with family and friends, we are delivering the single biggest investment in community infrastructure in the history of our national parks,” Mr Kean said.
“Over this summer alone, more than 18.5 million visits are expected in the State’s almost 900 National Parks, providing a much needed boost for nearby small businesses and nature-based tourism operators.
“I urge each and every one of those visitors to jump online and head to the national parks website which is jam-packed with the information you need to know to keep yourself safe, your friends safe and your family safe in our national parks.”
Visitors to all NSW national parks are reminded to check the NPWS Alerts for up to date information on any track or precinct closures as well as current COVID-safe requirements.

Small, medium and regional businesses are reaping the benefits of the NSW Government’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy, with the NSW Government spending more money with SMEs and regional businesses.
In the 12 months since the policy commenced on 1 February 2019, spend with regional suppliers increased by 19.6 per cent or $255 million, while spend with SMEs increased by 3.8 per cent or $337 million from the previous year.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the SME and Regional Procurement Policy was helping family businesses and entrepreneurs to supply goods and services to the NSW Government, often for the first time.
“We introduced the policy to encourage NSW Government departments to keep SMEs and regional suppliers front of mind when making procurement decisions,” Mr Tudehope said.
“These businesses are the backbone of their communities and by giving them the opportunity to supply to Government we are helping support sectors hit hard by natural disasters, such as drought, bushfires, floods, as well as COVID-19 in the past year.”
Mr Tudehope said the NSW Government engages more than 52,000 SMEs and more than 24,000 regional businesses a year.
“That means local tradies and other suppliers are picking up Government work and keeping jobs in their local area,” Mr Tudehope said.
“If we support these businesses to grow, they will support jobs, families and communities as we move towards a post-pandemic NSW.”
The policy requires Government agencies to first consider buying goods and services from an SME or a regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000. The Small Business Exemption allows Government agencies to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000 even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.
Vaccari’s Bakery in Griffith, which was started by brothers Glenn and Jason Vaccari and celebrated 25 years in business in July last year, is a regional business that supplies to the NSW Government.
“We have been selling our bakery products to our local schools for a number of years,” owner Erin Vaccari said.
“We have about 20 employees and it’s great that the NSW Government is able to support businesses such as ours in regional areas.”
For more information on the SME and Regional Procurement Policy, go tohttps://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/sme-and-regional-procurement-policy

The NSW Government has announced the Wollemi Pines, in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, will be the first site in the State to be declared an Asset of Intergenerational Significance.
The declaration is a legally recognised mechanism to bolster existing measures that protect the species for future generations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said  the historic declaration recognises the extraordinary global significance of the Wollemi Pines, with some of the adult trees estimated to be up to a thousand years old
“This declaration enables us to take existing protections up another notch, and set specific legislative requirements including a dedicated fire management strategy to secure the survival of the species for generations to come,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Prior to their discovery in 1994, Wollemi Pines were only known to us in fossil records with fossil evidence pointing to the species’ existence up to 90 million years ago.”
Just over 12 months ago, teams from the RFS and National Parks undertook an extensive operation to protect the Wollemis from extinction when the secret site came under threat from the devastating summer bushfires.
The declaration follows a $6 million investment by the NSW Government to embed ecological risk in the fire management framework and bolster bushfire protections for important ecological sites as part of the Government’s response to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the site is the first to be declared under new provisions in theNational Parks and Wildlife Act that will enhance conservation for the most precious and rare jewels in our national parks crown.
“The Wollemi Pines are often described as a living fossil, having been around when dinosaurs roamed the Earth,” Mr Kean said.
“Despite the incredible efforts by the NPWS and RFS teams last summer, several hundred juvenile trees in the protected site were impacted and are yet to resprout.
“That’s why we need to act now to put long-term protections in place that reduce the risk of fire exposure and allow the slow-growing juvenile trees to thrive.”
The declaration paves the way for special regulations to enhance the Wollemi Pines’ legal protection including requiring a dedicated fire management strategy, ecological monitoring, and ongoing conservation management.
Other places which will be considered for declaration as Assets of Intergenerational Significance include those containing the most important remaining populations of threatened species, as well as important cultural heritage sites.

Small business owners are encouraged to start the New Year with a series of online workshops to help them survive and thrive in 2021.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the free workshops covered a range of topics to help businesses start the year with confidence.
“We know 2020 was challenging and many businesses had to pivot or make changes to their operation,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The NSW Government has support measures in place through Business Connect, including online workshops where you can learn about what it takes to run, adapt or grow your business.
“If you’ve got a business idea or want a side hustle, it’s a chance to stop dreaming and make an informed decision about becoming your own boss.
“January is a great time to attend one or more of these workshops, upskill and get the tips you need to make decisions about the year ahead.”
Mr Tudehope said the Business Connect program also continued to offer free advice to businesses affected by COVID-19, bushfires and drought.
“There are more than 120 Business Connect advisors across the state and they provide independent, tailored business advice, as well as multicultural and specialist support,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Business Connect received a $39.3 million boost in the NSW Budget, representing an investment in the futures of the small and medium businesses of NSW.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and if we support them to stay in business, they will keep people in jobs.”
For information on Business Connect visit nsw.gov.au/businessconnect or call 1300 134 359. For information on the workshops and to book go to https://business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au.
The upcoming Business Connect workshops include:

Topic	Date
Setting up an online business to avoid costly mistakes	January 18, 10am
Business foundations	January 19, 10am
Brand building for small business	January 20, 6.30pm
Start a business workshop	January 27, 12pm
Tools to help you reinvent your business – COVID and beyond	January 29, 10am
Develop your 2021 business strategy	February 11, 3pm

A woman has been charged after allegedly refusing to wear a mask in the Illawarra region.
About 2.50pm (Thursday 14 January 2021), officers from the Wollongong Police Transport Command were patrolling a train travelling between Thirroul and Helensburgh, when they observed a woman not wearing a mask.
It’s alleged the 47-year-old woman refused to answer questions or provide police with identification. She was issued a move-on direction at Helensburgh Train Station and provided with a mask by police.
It’s further alleged the woman returned to the train platform minutes later, and again refused to wear a mask or provide police with any form of identification.
The Earlwood woman was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where she was charged with fail to wear fitted face covering on public transport, interfere with comfort and safety of others, not state name and address to authorised officer, and fail to comply with request to leave restricted area.
She was granted bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday 28 January 2021.
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Customers have heeded advice and embraced the NSW Government’s Service NSW Mobile app for checking in safely to venues, with more than 3 million app downloads already recorded.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello welcomed the milestone and urged more customers to download the app and reap the rewards.
“The app is the keys to the front door for customers wanting to enter businesses. It simple to use and will help keep the community safe and the economy open,” Mr Dominello said.
“Since 1 January hospitality businesses and hairdressers have been required to use the NSW Government’s Service NSW QR code for registering customers’ details. It is equally important for customers to do their part and download the app so the process is as seamless as possible.
“The app makes life easier for people – whether it’s downloading a Digital Driver Licence or renewing vehicle registration – the technology saves people time.
“It only takes a few minutes to download the app and seconds to scan the QR code. Do yourself a favour and download it now.”
100,000 businesses have registered customers with the Service NSW QR code, and there have been about 32 million COVID safe check-ins through the app, with 94 per cent of customers giving it the thumbs up.
Feedback received from contact tracers is that the Service NSW QR code is the most effective system in assisting NSW Health to protect the community.
It also prevents the use of fake names as a customer’s personal details are automatically captured via the Service NSW app when they scan their smartphone over the QR code.
Personal information obtained by businesses is held securely by the Government and only used by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. It is destroyed after 28 days.

Police have issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) to an amusement park following a New Year’s Eve event that breached a Public Health Order on Sydney’s North Shore.
Earlier this month, officers from North Shore Police Area Command commenced an investigation after receiving mobile phone footage of a large crowd gathered at the Milsons Point venue in possible breach of a Public Health Order.
Following inquiries with the venue and a review of further footage, the company secretary of the amusement park was issued a $5000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19 – Corporation about 2pm today (Wednesday 13 January 2021).
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 with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The first tracks have been laid on the City & Southwest Metro, marking an important milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said extending Sydney Metro from the north west into the city and Bankstown will forever change how we get around Sydney and will create vital jobs.
“Metro has already transformed the lives of people living in Sydney’s north west and now we are getting on with delivering it for the south west and the CBD,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The construction of this mega project couldn’t come at a more important time for our State. Metro forms a key part of the Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline, which will be a major jobs creator during our COVID-19 recovery.
“More than 5000 people are currently working across the City & Southwest Metro project and, by the time the project opens, around 50,000 people will have worked on it.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Sydney will have 31 Metro railway stations and a 66 kilometre standalone Metro railway system in 2024.
“More than 4,000 tonnes of Australian rail steel has been used to create 31 kilometres of railway tracks for the twin 15.5 kilometre tunnels, which extend from Chatswood to Sydenham,” Mr Constance said.
“North West Metro has been a great success with more than 25 million customers already using the service, and this extension into the city and southwest will see a Metro train every two minutes in both directions under the CBD.
“The new Metro will be able to move more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined.”
Systems Connect, a joint venture between CPB Contractors and UGL, is designing and converting the excavated tunnels into a working railway, including distributing and laying the rail tracks along the tunnels.
The company is also expanding the Sydney Metro Trains Facility at Rouse Hill, building a new facility at Marrickville and installing the power systems for the Sydney Metro extension.
Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024, extending from the North West Metro, into the city and beyond to Bankstown.
New stations will be delivered at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station.