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Major Mitchell Highway upgrade complete between Dubbo and Narromine

A $32 million NSW Government project to build new overtaking lanes on the Mitchell Highway between Dubbo and Narromine has been completed.

The three new overtaking lanes along the 36-kilometre stretch of the Mitchell Highway will provide a safer journey and reduce travel times.

As part of the project, significant intersection upgrades have been made at Wynsley Lane and Lagoon Creek, allowing motorists to turn on and off the highway more safely.

The Government took the opportunity to support the Dubbo, Narromine and Gilgandra communities by:

employing Transport for NSW crews and contractors who were predominately based in the region and by
repurposing surplus construction materials for the Narromine-Dubbo Rifle Club for a new wheelchair-accessible shooter’s platform, shouting mounds and all-weather road for year-round club access.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Mitchell Highway is an important freight and tourism route. It’s great to see the NSW Labor Government is investing in regions like Dubbo, Narromine and Gilgandra.

“On a recent visit to Narromine I could see why motorists are so excited about these new overtaking lanes that have slashed travel times, increased safety and allowed for a smoother journey.

“The NSW Labor Government thanks all the workers and crews who spent two years making this project a reality for the more than 5000 motorists who use this road daily.”

Dubbo Duty MLC Stephen Lawrence said:

“Covid and 68 days of bad weather caused delays to this project but despite the challenges from the pandemic and mother nature, this project was completed on time and on budget.

“Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for your commitment to better roads in regional NSW.”

Extensive program of landslip repairs to start on Bulli Pass

Construction is set to begin later this month to repair significant landslip damage on Bulli Pass caused by record-breaking rainfall in 2022 in an $8 million dollar project funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

Transport for NSW (Transport) is committing multiple crews to work side-by-side so the complex repairs starting on Tuesday 27 February 2024 can be completed as quickly as possible, but the work will still require several months of changed traffic conditions on Bulli Pass.

Three landslip sites are located at the top section of Bulli Pass between the M1 Princes Motorway and hairpin bend, with another about one kilometre downhill from the hairpin bend.

The total work area required to repair the four landslip sites is about the size of two Olympic swimming pools.

These landslips occurred when the Illawarra escarpment received almost five times the average monthly rainfall in March 2022, and then eight and a half times the June average.

The road must be closed in both directions overnight for five nights per week for a period of five months while the work is carried out at the sites on the top section of road.

Transport has planned these repairs to be carried out when traffic volumes are lightest – from 7.30pm to 4.30am, Sundays to Thursdays – to minimise the impact on motorists.

Detours will be in place during the road closures either via Lawrence Hargrave Drive or the M1 Princes Motorway and Memorial Drive adding up to 20 minutes to journeys.

Transport has made significant progress on its natural disaster recovery work across the Illawarra and South Coast, having completed more than half of the 100 landslip damage sites on state roads following the severe weather events in 2022.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“This critical work will help make the slopes on Bulli Pass more resilient to future severe weather events.

“Transport for NSW will be installing more than 500 long steel rods, called soil nails, that will add strength to the mountain slope and then applying over 1600 square metres of spray-on concrete, known as shotcrete, to prevent further erosion.

“The crews will also install new drains, repair damaged road pavement and replace guardrails, as needed and help protect this important corridor for the Illawarra.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“The landslip-damaged sections of road on Bulli Pass are steep and narrow, making the repairs very challenging, and Transport has engaged contractors with specialist skills and equipment to complete the work.

“The steep sites will involve use of large machinery, such as long-reach excavators, and workers abseiling on the slope to carry out some of the repairs.

“The conditions of the road and work involved create a unique set of risks and to keep motorists and workers safe, there needs to be a combination of full road closures and partial lane closures while the work is carried out.”

Iconic Blue Groper now protected in NSW

The NSW Government is taking steps to ensure the protection of NSW’s State Fish, the Blue Groper, with new changes to prohibit fishing a Blue Groper by any method.

Whilst the Blue Groper has been protected from spearfishing since 1969 and commercial fishing since 1980, these new changes will protect it from other forms of fishing including line fishing.

These changes will initially be implemented for a 12-month trial period during which time the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), will consult with stakeholders and the broader community on longer term changes to Blue Groper fishing rules.

Given the cultural significance of the species to many Aboriginal people the new changes will not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing.

These changes follow recent spearfishing incidents involving Blue Gropers in Sydney and Jervis Bay.

Under the new rules, a person found contravening the closure and taking Blue Groper in NSW by any method may face a $500 penalty infringement notice and/or a maximum court-imposed fines of $22,000 or imprisonment for 6 months (or both) for a first offence.

For a second or subsequent offence a perpetrator may receive a $44,000 fine or imprisonment for 12 months (or both).

To Support the changes, DPI Fisheries will undertake education activities, including social media reminders, to increase awareness of responsible fishing practices.

Blue Gropers were made the state fish of New South Wales in 1998 and can be found in shallow coastal waters.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“We have heard the community concerns, and these new rules will make it clear to all water users that these fish should be admired but not targeted.”

“With their bright blue colour, alongside their placid and curious nature, there is little wonder why these beautiful big fish are so well loved by our coastal communities.”

“While most fishers complied with the previous rules for targeting Blue Groper, prohibiting line fishing will improve compliance by creating the same rules for all recreational fishers and enhance the protection of this iconic fish.”

“Education is key in protecting this iconic species, with DPI Fisheries commencing a statewide advisory campaign to ensure all fishers are aware of these new rules.”

Innovative new partnership to give more Western Australians a place to call home

A new partnership between the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will deliver more than 200 new homes in Perth, giving key workers and Western Australians in need, including older women at risk of homelessness, a safe and affordable place to call home.

A new apartment building, to be constructed on Pier St, Perth, will provide 219 new apartments, of which 30 per cent will be new social rental homes (66 apartments) and 20 per cent will be affordable rental homes (44 apartments).

The Albanese Labor Government’s Housing Australia will contribute funding of $88.6 million from the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) to help build these new homes for Western Australians, while the Cook Labor Government will contribute more than $40.6 million.

The Federal Government unlocked up to $575 million in the NHIF for social and affordable housing in 2022, making this funding possible.

The Commonwealth funding represents the largest contribution to date from Housing Australia in Western Australia.

Across the state, the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are continuing to work to ensure more Western Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home.

The Federal Government has already delivered more than $209 million through the Social Housing Accelerator, which will help to build almost 600 new social homes across Western Australia.

Last month, Housing Australia opened applications for the first round of funding for social and affordable homes under the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and the National Housing Accord.

In January, as part of the Cook Labor Government’s Housing Diversity Pipeline, lodgement of a development application was announced for the Pier Street project – the State’s second social and affordable Build-to-Rent project. This followed the identification of a site on Smith Street in Highgate in December.

The Pier Street development is part of the Cook Government’s record $2.6 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures, which includes delivery of around 4,000 new social homes and maintenance and refurbishments to many thousands more.

Project design is being led by International design practice Hassell and development approval is anticipated in late March 2024, with construction set to commence by mid-2024.

It is expected the project will create a sustainable and replicable model for future social and affordable housing, support around 200 jobs during construction and deliver significant financial stimulus to the state economy through its flow-on effects to other industries.

For further information visit: Pier St – Overview

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said:

“This project ticks all the boxes and will deliver more than 200 new well-located homes for Western Australians.

“It will mean key workers can live and work in the same community and provide new homes to Western Australians in need, including older women at risk of homelessness.

“Our decision to unlock more funding for social and affordable homes is helping to deliver projects just like this across the country.

“It’s all part of our plan to give more Australians a safe and affordable place to call home.”

Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook said:

“My Government is getting on with the job of delivering around 4,000 new social homes as part of our record $2.6 billion in housing and homelessness measures.

“This crucial new partnership with the Albanese Government complements my Government’s investment and will help to deliver more than 200 new homes for Western Australians in the heart of Perth.

“Importantly, the more than 200 apartment development at Pier Street will include 110 social and affordable rental homes for those in need of support to put a roof over their head through the Build-to-Rent Model.”

Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins said:

“These new homes underline the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to providing secure housing to more Australians. We’re proud to be working with partners on this important project in Western Australia.

“This is exactly what the Albanese Labor Government will achieve through our new historic investments in housing, including the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator.

“Our ambitious housing reform agenda is working across the board – with more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for Western Australians needing a safe place for the night.”

Western Australian Minister for Housing John Carey said:

“The Pier Street development forms part of the Cook Labor Government’s Housing Diversity Pipeline where we are unlocking lazy government land to boost supply of social and affordable housing in WA.

“The Cook Government is investing an unprecedented $2.6 billion in housing and homelessness measures which includes the delivery of around 4,000 social homes.

“In partnership with the Federal Government, the Pier Street development is planned to deliver more than 200 new apartments with a mix of social housing, disability housing and affordable rentals through the Build-to-Rent model.

“Housing Choices Australia and Super Housing Partnerships have been selected as the preferred consortium to purchase the building on completion and to provide tenancy management to support the most vulnerable members of the community.

“This important project will also see the development of a new urban community close to major public transport hubs and local amenities – bringing more activity, vibrancy and importantly more housing diversity right here in Perth.”

Investing in our region’s health

Australia is boosting its support for a healthy Papua New Guinea with a new package to help address major health challenges, including HIV, malaria, and antimicrobial resistance.

The investment also includes support for health research at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research and will provide training to more quickly identify, track and stop the spread of infectious diseases.

Funded through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, the package will draw on Australian expertise, including the Kirby Institute, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the Burnet Institute, and the University of Newcastle. These partners will deliver similar activities in countries across the Pacific and Southeast Asia under Partnerships for a Healthy Region.

We are also providing further support to the Innovative Vector Control Consortium to develop new products to prevent malaria and dengue globally, with a focus in Papua New Guinea.

These activities complement Australia’s extensive existing support for health in Papua New Guinea, including through the PNG-Australia Partnership, and global health programs such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNAIDS.

Partnerships for a Healthy Region is a $620 million initiative to support partner countries in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient and equitable health systems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“We cannot have the peaceful, stable and prosperous region we want without improving the health and wellbeing of our region’s communities.
“As close neighbours, friends and equals, Australia will continue to work with Papua New Guinea to meet current and future health challenges.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Our partnership with PNG is grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
“A strong health system is at the heart of sustainable development and ensuring everyone who needs care can access it.
“With this new package of support, we are working together to improve opportunities for all.”

G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2024

Minister for Finance, Women and the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher will travel to Rio de Janeiro this week, to lead Australia’s delegation at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The G20 is the premier forum for economic cooperation. It plays a critical role in steering the global economy through major shared challenges. Its members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will mark the first ministerial meeting of Brazil’s year as G20 president. The Australian Government looks forward to supporting Brazil’s presidency and welcomes its focus on sustainability and addressing inequality.

Australia also welcomes Brazil’s prioritisation of gender equality as a core commitment of its G20 presidency. As Minister for Finance and Minister for Women, Minister Gallagher will support Brazil in bringing women’s voices to the G20.

While in Brazil, Minister Gallagher will also undertake other ministerial meetings with G20 members, including MIKTA ministers from Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, and Turkiye.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Minister Gallagher will prosecute Australia’s interests on key global challenges, including current international conflicts, sustainability, and global governance reform.”

Minister for Finance, Women and the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher said:

“The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Australia strongly supports Brazil’s G20 presidency and ambitious agenda.”
“Australia encourages all members of the G20 to maintain focus on pursuing strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth, which is critical to achieving peace and stability.
“Gender equality is at the centre of the Australian Government’s policy agenda and as Minister for Women, I strongly support Brazil’s focus on women’s empowerment.”

THE REAL IMMIGRATION CRISIS IS OFFSHORE DETENTION

Media and political panic about the arrival of people seeking asylum is disgraceful and undermines community harmony, the Greens say.

“Sensationalist reporting of this issue and mindless repetition of Peter Dutton’s talking points does the entire country a great disservice,” Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“There is indeed a crisis in immigration – and that is the fact that people exiled to offshore detention 11 years ago have been cut adrift by the major political parties in this country with nary a word from the media.”

“The psychological and physical scars borne by thousands of people are a damning testament to Australia’s failure to uphold basic principles of humanity and international law.”

“This is the real crisis. Not the arrival of a tiny number of desperate people seeking our help.”

“Dutton and his Labor collaborators have wasted billions of dollars of public money either punishing people or fattening the wallets of profiteers. This is the real story and this is where the media should be paying attention.”

“Australia must lead with compassion and respect for human rights, offering support and protection to those who seek our help, not condemnation and imprisonment.”

“We also need a Royal Commission into offshore and onshore detention and hold to account those who have inflicted misery on so many desperate people.”

More support classes in mainstream schools for students with disability

The NSW Government is increasing support for students with disability through an expansion of support classes in mainstream schools. This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to improve equity and ensure every student has access to a high-quality public education.

An extra 243 support classes have been approved to open in 2024, bringing the total to almost 4,500 support classes across all public education settings.

It means more than 1,500 students with a disability will have a place in a NSW public school support class this year.

The majority of these classes will be established in mainstream public schools while 12 additional classes will open in Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs).

The expansion comes as the NSW Government is tackling a shortage of teachers that has impacted support classes. The NSW Government is deploying a multi-pronged approach to address the challenge, from scholarships and professional learning opportunities to admin reduction and the biggest payrise for NSW teachers in 30 years.

Support classes in mainstream public schools are available for students with moderate to high learning and support needs, such as intellectual and/or physical disability, mental health issues, autism, sensory impairment and behaviour disorders.

There are 206,000 students with disability in NSW public schools, with the majority (86 per cent) learning in a mainstream classroom in a mainstream public school.

Eleven per cent of students with disability attend support classes in mainstream schools and three per cent are enrolled in schools for specific purposes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“We’re committed to building a more inclusive public education system, providing all students with an education that best meets their individual learning and development needs.

“This additional support for students with disability provides an opportunity for more specialised, intense support for students with disability and those with higher support needs.

“Our new Plan for NSW Public Education has equity as its centrepiece to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education.

“Support classes can only help students if they are adequately staffed by qualified teachers – that’s why we are so focussed on tackling the statewide teacher shortage and doing so is key to the success of these classes.”

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to improving inclusion and accessibility across all mainstream services, including in our wonderful public schools.

“We’re working hard to remove barriers that students with disability face in accessing safe, quality and inclusive education in public schools.

“We want young people with disability to have the support they need to achieve their full potential – increasing support classes is an important step.”

Stinky stowaways found lurking in NSW luggage

The Government is asking travellers, arriving in NSW from Europe or Asia, to check their luggage for brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys.

The smelly pest was recently detected in a NSW home, after a traveller who had arrived from Asia put the stink bug in a jar and froze it, before calling the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

Confirmed as a brown marmorated stink bug by DPI scientists, further investigations detected another stink bug hidden in the pocket of a pair of pants from the luggage.

DPI is undertaking ongoing surveillance to ensure no stink bugs have escaped or established outside the house.

Brown marmorated stink bugs are known to stow away in cargo from the northern hemisphere from September to April.

The pest hibernates in winter and detection now in summer is crucial.

Feeding on more than 300 plant species, it would be extremely difficult and expensive to manage if allowed to establish in Australia as it is not easily controlled with pesticides.

An adult brown marmorated stink bug is approximately 12 to 17 mm long and 7 to 10 mm wide, about the size of a five-cent coin, and emits a pungent odour when disturbed.

Brown marmorated stink bugs vary in colour, but generally have mottled brown bodies with white bands on antennae, legs and the sides of their abdomen.

This stink bug feeds on fruiting plants, including ornamentals and vegetables. Its preferred plants include apples, peaches, raspberries, sweet corn, green beans, capsicums and tomatoes.

In August 2018, brown marmorated stink bug was successfully eradicated in NSW following the detection of the pest in western Sydney warehouses in the 2017-18 summer.

Importation rules for cargo arriving from high-risk locations have been strengthened and increased seasonal surveillance from September to April has been in place since the 2017 detection.

Find out more about the brown marmorated stink bug

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Look for brown marmorated stink bug in your luggage, including clothes and shoes, around the home and in yards and call the NSW Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881 if you find any – dead or alive.

“Not only does this stink bug release a disgusting odour, it’s a serious threat to households and horticultural industries as it damages plants, including vegetable and fruit crops and ornamental trees.

“Sheltering in large numbers in buildings and equipment during the winter months, it’s a nuisance pest for businesses and households.

“This exotic pest is not present in Australia and infrequent detections associated with imports and international travel have been managed through diligent surveillance by national and state biosecurity authorities.”

Thousands of families to benefit as locations of 100 new public preschools revealed

Thousands of families across NSW will benefit from expanded access to early childhood education as the NSW Government unveils the locations for 100 new public preschools.

This is the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.

Co-located at public primary school sites, the new public preschools will be built over the next 3 years in areas of greatest need across NSW.

After more than a decade of decline in education outcomes, the NSW Government will prioritise quality education in the early years, giving every child the best start for success.

The NSW Government is investing a record $769 million to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including delivering preschools at new public primary schools.

This includes in Western Sydney, South West Sydney and North West Sydney, as well as throughout regional NSW, in the South Coast, the Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, New England, Southern NSW, Northern Rivers, Far West, Riverina, South-West Slopes and Central West regions.

The public preschools will improve access for families across NSW, with sites selected by a NSW Department of Education Panel, overseen by an independent chair and probity advisor, based on rigorous assessment criteria which considered educational need, child development and socioeconomic data, preschool demand, infrastructure feasibility and insights gained through consultation.

Co-locating public preschools with existing schools will ensure children are ready for kindergarten and will assist busy working families with cost-of-living pressures, help avoid the double drop off, and make the transition to school as seamless as possible.

The NSW Government’s election commitment to deliver 100 public preschools is in sharp contrast to the Liberals and Nationals’ unrealistic claim it would build 500 preschools– a last minute announcement made on the eve of an election, with zero consultation and no proper planning.

The announcement of the complete list of preschool locations comes after the locations of the 49 regional public preschools were announced on Saturday. Late last year, the NSW Government announced the initial 10 public preschool sites.

This is part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in early childhood education, which includes a $60 million commitment to build and upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need. The NSW Government has also committed up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The NSW Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Children who receive high quality early childhood education can benefit throughout their life, and it is so important families are able to access good quality services wherever they live.

“This investment is an important step towards delivering expanded preschool access for all families across NSW.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“I am delighted the NSW Labor Government will deliver 100 new public preschools over the next 3 years, a key election commitment made to the people of NSW.

“This investment in public preschools is the largest made by any Government in NSW’s history.

“This significant investment reflects the NSW Labor Government’s commitment to high quality public education, and our belief that access to early childhood education before school should not be defined by your postcode.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“This major step towards delivering 100 public preschools has involved work and consultation with our educators, teachers and local communities.

“We are committed to working hard to deliver high quality education and closing equity gaps, so more families and children in NSW can access early childhood public education.”

Locations for 100 new public preschools

Albury Thurgoona – new primary school
Barrack Heights Public School
Beelbangera Public School
Berkeley West Public School
Birrong Public School
Blackett Public School
Blacktown North Public School
Blairmount Public School
Blaxcell Street Public School
Bomaderry Public School
Booragul Public School
Boorowa Central School
Bourke Public School
Bowraville Central School
Bradbury Public School
Cabramatta West Public School
Carramar Public School
Carter Street Precinct near Sydney Olympic Park – new primary school
Cartwright Public School
Cecil Hills Public School
Cessnock Public School
Chullora Public School
Crawford Public School
Cringila Public School
Curran Public School
Deniliquin South Public School
Edensor Park Public School
Ellalong Public School
Emerton Public School
Eschol Park Public School
Fairfield West Public School
Gables in North West Sydney – new primary school
Gillieston Public School
Governor Philip King Public School
Granville East Public School
Granville South Public School
Greenway Park Public School
Greenwell Point Public School
Guildford Public School
Guildford West Public School
Gulyangarri Public School
Hanwood Public School
Harcourt Public School
Hayes Park Public School
Hebersham Public School
Heckenberg Public School
Hillvue Public School
Jindabyne Public School
Kearns Public School
Kearsley Public School
Kingsgrove Public School
Kurri Kurri Public School
Lake Heights Public School
Lake Illawarra South Public School
Lansvale East Public School
Leeton Public School
Lennox Head Public School
Leppington Public School
Leumeah Public School
Lynwood Park Public School
Maryland Public School
Melonba Public School
Melrose Park Public School
Menindee Central School
Miller Public School
Moorland Public School
Morgan Street Public School
Moss Vale Public School
Mount Pritchard Public School
Nirimba Fields Public School
Nowra – new public school
Nulkaba Public School
Parkes East Public School
Parkview Public School
Prairievale Public School
Queanbeyan East Public School
Queanbeyan South Public School
Robert Townson Public School
Ruse Public School
Sackville Street Public School
Sanctuary Point Public School
Shalvey Public School
Sherwood Grange Public School
Shortland Public School
Tacking Point Public School
Taree Public School
Tenambit Public School
Teralba Public School
Thomas Acres Public School
Toomelah Public School
Tuggerawong Public School
Umina Beach Public School
Villawood North Public School
Warialda Public School
Weston Public School
William Stimson Public School
Wilton Junction – new primary school
Wollongbar Public School
Woodland Road Public School
Yagoona Public School.