Category: NSW News

More than 3,300 extra services will be added to the public transport network across Sydney to temporarily increase capacity for physical distancing and provide more options for customers.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said extra weekly services will be added to the network from today to help customers continue to make smart travel choices and practice physical distancing on all modes.
“Transport for NSW is being more proactive and adaptable to provide customers with more information and options throughout the day to help flatten the peak travel curve,” Mr Constance said.
“Looking at the data, it is clear the majority of people have listened and made smart travel choices so far and we thank them for this. However, there has been a slight increase in peak hour travel in the past two weeks and we don’t want to see that continuing.
“Transport for NSW is adding more than 3,300 extra weekly services to buses and trains to temporarily provide more capacity on the network.
“We have already added almost 800 extra weekly services across STA buses and light rail in the last month.
“This next step in the COVIDSafe Transport Plan will see 100,000 extra spaces across the network each week to support people returning to jobs and kids getting back to school.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said the majority of extra services have been designed to increase capacity outside the traditional peak where they are needed most.
“Based on current physical distancing requirements, these extra services will help provide more than 59,000 extra spaces on trains and more than 37,000 extra spaces on buses across each week,” Mr Collins said.
“Tradies, health care workers, shift workers and school kids need to travel at specific times of the day which is why we have targeted some of these extra services for them.
“Our strong advice remains that if you are not already using public transport during the peak times, please do not start now.”
Mr Constance said the new extra services will give people even more options to travel outside the peak.
“Please also look to drive, walk or cycle whenever you can and continue to working flexibly if possible.”
“Our Marshalling Response and Support Teams are helping customers move safely across the network. Increased cleaning is also continuing across all modes, with buses and trains now being cleaned up four times a day.”
“Our customers have done a great job so far but we need them to keep working with us in the coming weeks and months as we get through this together.”
Breakdown of the extra temporary services:

• Buses: more than 3100 weekly services
• Sydney Trains: more than 250 weekly services

Netball NSW is disappointed by the announcement from NSW Sports Minister Geoff Lee today regarding the return of community sport as Covid19 restrictions continue to be eased across the state.
Since the Covid19 Pandemic began our netball community at all levels has played a huge role in the collective national effort to put those most in need first, but today’s announcement goes no-where near far enough to ensure community sport itself does not fall victim to the national emergency.
Community sport includes the whole community. Not just those under 18 years of age. Senior players are the backbone of clubs, associations and competitions everywhere. They are the coaches, managers, umpires and administrators. If they can’t participate, all sport – not just netball – is in jeopardy.
Netball NSW has been proactive in working with stakeholders, including our valued clubs and associations, to ensure safe and innovative approaches are taken to competitions in 2020. The organisation has also offered to make itself available to meet with the Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer but is yet to receive a response.
It is unfathomable that as shopping centres start to look like it’s Christmas Eve, and pubs can allow up to 50 people, adults can’t participate in sport.
Netball is not alone in this battle. There are many sporting organisations on the brink of insolvency who may now have to refund every dollar to senior players. It is a financial disaster for community sport.
All sports need financial recovery assistance urgently. The State Government requested, and received, detailed financial information eight weeks ago, but no progress has been made.
It is very important to note that Netball NSW is not in the business of profit to pay huge wages of a tiny minority of elite athletes at the pointy end. Our elite and community games share a deep bond, as last week’s letter to the Premier highlighted.
As a non-profit organisation for over nine decades, every cent is counted and spent to ensure a better outcome for netball as a whole. Thanks to that the game has provided a safe outlet to promote well being and team work.
Without senior players and officials, the whole netball ecosystem cannot function. What we need most of all is a return date for these key partners in our game.
We urge Minister Lee to address this matter immediately. Failure to do so will be detrimental to everyday sport participants across the state.

The NSW Government has announced a new $3 billion acceleration fund to go towards job-creating projects, increasing the Government’s infrastructure pipeline to a guaranteed $100 billion.
The new $3 billion Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund will be used for smaller, shovel-ready projects touching every corner of the state, injecting up to an extra 20 thousand jobs back into the NSW workforce.
The Government will no longer proceed with the refurbishment of Stadium Australia, redirecting around $800 million towards the new fund for job-creating infrastructure projects.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said infrastructure would provide a path to employment, and economic recovery, firing up the economy.
“This guaranteed pipeline of $100 billion will be our best chance supporting the hundreds of thousands of people who have already lost their jobs in NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are now not only guaranteeing our infrastructure pipeline, we will be looking for opportunities to fast-track projects to provide jobs as early as we can.
The Government said the Stadium Australia rebuild was a sensible project backed by the people of NSW at last year’s election, but in the current health and economic climate it no longer makes sense.
The promised Parramatta Powerhouse museum will still be delivered through the infrastructure pipeline.
This project alone will create more than 1,100 construction jobs in Western Sydney, 2,400 indirect jobs, and keep hundreds employed once it opens. The Government is also looking at options to support the Arts community at Ultimo.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the fast-tracking of projects would support jobs across the entire State and the Government was in the process of identifying them.
“The communities of NSW have been through an incredibly tough period with continued drought, horrific bushfires and now COVID-19 and the best path to recovery  is creating jobs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“An unprecedented crisis calls for an unprecedented recovery and redirecting funding from Stadium Australia to job-creating infrastructure builds is the right thing to do for the people of NSW.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the clear advice from the Reserve Bank of Australia was that governments should do everything they can to create jobs and stimulate the  economy as we emerge from the shadow of COVID-19.
“With around 500,000 people out of work in NSW we are focused on creating as many jobs as possible to shorten the lines outside of Centrelink,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW was an infrastructure led economy heading in to the pandemic, and now we will help drive the State forward by creating more jobs for the people who have been hit hardest with an infrastructure led recovery coming out.”

The $790 million redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital is one step closer with the unveiling of the designs for the world-class medical, research and education precinct.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked the hospital staff and community who contributed to the extensive consultation that has helped shape the project.
“This is a major milestone in delivering a medical, research and education hub of excellence to the communities of South Western Sydney,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct will deliver significantly expanded and improved health services, with about 200 more beds than previously, an almost doubling of chemotherapy treatment spaces and a doubling of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit capacity.
“The NSW Government is continuing its record health infrastructure program, with $10.1 billion in the pipeline over this term, on top of $10 billion already spent, boosting jobs and local economies across the state.”
The planning applications have now been lodged for the $740 million hospital upgrade and expansion,  as well as the new $50 million carpark.
It follows a comprehensive process of planning and consultation involving Health Infrastructure, South Western Sydney Local Health District, hospital staff, local medical and emergency personnel, community groups and patients.
Multiplex has also been announced as the successful tenderer for the next stage of early works, joining contractors Roberts Pizzarotti.
Melanie Gibbons, Member for Holsworthy said the Liverpool Hospital redevelopment will boost the local economy and meet growing health care needs.
“This next stage includes reconfiguration of car parks, a new kitchen facility, retail spaces, a new mortuary, helipad upgrades and a temporary education facility and will enable hospital operations to continue when the main phase begins early next year.”
The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct includes:

• About 900 beds (an increase of more than 20 per cent)
• Significant expansion in ambulatory services with almost double the number of treatment spaces for chemotherapy (from 35 to 67), as well as an increase to over 330 spaces to provide expanded clinics, treatment rooms and assessment services
• Expanded services for women and children, with 16 new birthing suites, 50 beds across the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (including a doubling of NICU capacity to 24 beds)
• Larger emergency department, intensive care unit and more theatres
• New multi-storey car park with improved pick-up and drop-off points

A driver allegedly travelling at more than 100km/h over the marked speed limit has had his licence suspended after being detected in the state’s south yesterday.
About 9.40am (Saturday 30 May 2020), officers from Murray River Police District Highway Patrol were conducting speed enforcement duties on the Hume Highway at Little Billabong, approximately 30km north of Holbrook.
Officers detected a BMW sedan allegedly travelling at 210km/h in a marked 110km/h zone.
The vehicle was subsequently stopped and officers spoke with driver.
Police issued the driver, a 29-year-old man from Lidcombe, an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h and suspended his driver’s licence on the spot for six months.
The penalty for exceeding the speed limit is $2482 and six demerit points.

More people can attend religious services, weddings and funerals from 1 June but worshippers will be asked to maintain social distancing and changes to communal practices will be required.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said from Monday, up to 20 people can attend weddings, 50 at funerals and 50 at places of worship, subject to the four square metre rule.
“We know how important these services are to individuals and families but as we ease restrictions further, we must remember to keep one another safe,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is crucial that worshippers remember to follow health advice. This is particularly important for people with co-morbidities aged over 50 and people aged over 70.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said extensive COVID-19 outbreaks in places of worship and amongst choirs’ overseas highlights why the NSW Government has been cautious in easing restrictions.
“Sadly, we have seen many congregations of different faiths and denominations affected by COVID-19 overseas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“NSW Health has developed a checklist to help places of worship create a tailored COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure they can keep participants as safe as possible.
“These safety plans cover topics such as physical distancing measures, hand hygiene and extensive cleaning measures, it is also vital that people who are unwell stay at home.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said while people would be familiar with many general measures in the plan, others are more specific to places of worship.
“Places of worship will be asked to find alternatives to practices that might spread the virus like singing, sharing books and even passing around the collection plate to reduce infection risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Communal singing and chanting should not occur because of the high risk of transmission of the virus. Instead, measures such as one singer standing at least three metres away from others would be safer.”
Further information is available at nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Hundreds of shovel-ready projects can get underway to repair and renew showgrounds across the State thanks to $12.5 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey today announced the first tranche of successful projects that would benefit from the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Stimulus Package.
“$12.5 million is being allocated immediately to get 393 projects underway to improve and repair 137 showground sites right across the State this financial year while creating local jobs and supporting the local economy,” Mrs Pavey said.
“A further $12.5 million will be allocated next financial year to keep the ball rolling during the coronavirus economic recovery phase.
“Showgrounds are at the heart of communities right across NSW and are multi-use facilities used by a wide range of groups for a wide range of activities.
“This investment will provide a much-needed boost for communities and their economies by supporting trades and suppliers with work and strengthening showground infrastructure for the future.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said these projects will be a big win for communities across the State who rely on their local showgrounds for everything from agricultural shows to sports events and farmers markets.
“Hundreds of repairs and upgrades, including new solar lighting, upgraded equipment and new paving will revive our showgrounds while providing support to local tradies and suppliers,” Mr Stokes said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the work would quickly create jobs at a critical time.
“At time when more than 200,000 people have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 getting shovel ready projects like these up and running is vital to help keep businesses in business and people employed,” Mr Perrottet said.

A woman has been airlifted to hospital after being attacked by two lions at a zoo on the South Coast today.
Emergency services were called to a zoo on Rock Hill Road, North Nowra, just before 10.30am (Friday 29 May 2020), following reports a zookeeper had been attacked by lions.
A 35-year-old woman was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head and neck injuries, before being airlifted to St George Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Police have been told the woman was cleaning the enclosure at the time.
Officers from South Coast Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
SafeWork NSW have been notified.

Dear Premier,
Netball has always blazed its own trail on the Australian sporting landscape but we have never faced a challenge quite like the Covid-19 Pandemic.
New South Wales is a proud and successful Netball state. Our game is an intrinsic part of life in every community across the state – 115,000 players strong. In normal times we are silent achievers but the time has come for us to speak up.
For almost a century Netball has provided women and girls with a social outlet which promotes wellbeing and teamwork. Netball has given us a platform to shine.
The game’s motto at this time is simple: no one gets left behind. Whether you play in the far reaches of regional NSW or in the centre of Sydney the Netball NSW team is working tirelessly to ensure its plan allows for the viability of Netball in all areas. We all want to get back on the court.
Netball NSW acted quickly and decisively at the onset of the pandemic, slashing its budget in order to remain viable. However, the current situation continues to adversely impact the entire Netball community’s regular sources of revenue, and operating costs continue to be incurred.
The game is facing a financial crisis.
Unfortunately, these issues are exacerbated by a major lack of guidance and confirmation at State Government level when it comes to the return of community sport.
Other states have provided financial assistance and a return to play date for sport, yet in NSW we have nothing. This is even harder to fathom given the Australian Institute of Sport has written the guidelines on how to reboot sport across the country.
At a time when schools are back in session, pubs and restaurants are able to host up to 50 people and life looks like it is getting back to normal, community sport is high and dry without even a hint of when further information might be forthcoming.
We recognise that our problem is a shared one across most community sports. No-one expects us to run competitions the same way we did in 2019. As it has been for generations, our game is willing to be innovative and flexible when it comes to approaching competition this year.
Netball NSW is a non-profit organisation. It was founded by brave, pioneering women for whom nothing came easy. Now we are fighting for survival. It must not be allowed to flounder through a situation not of its own making.
Netball NSW has done everything we can to this point. The onus is now on the State Government to fulfil their duty to 115,000 players in NSW and tell us when we can return to Netball.
Signed:
– Maddy Proud, Captain – NSW Swifts
– Briony Akle, Head Coach – NSW Swifts
– Jo Harten, Captain – Giants Netball
– Caitlin Bassett, Captain – Australian Diamonds
– Julie Fitzgerald, Head Coach, Giants Netball

City of Newcastle has welcomed news that mass sand nourishment for Stockton Beach is a step closer following the Deputy Premier’s announcement of the Stockton Erosion Taskforce’s membership and terms of reference.
Minister Barilaro made the announcement during a visit to Newcastle earlier today, where he confirmed City of Newcastle would play a key role with the Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and a senior City engineer on the Taskforce.
^{(L-R): Member for Newcastle Mr Tim Crakanthorp MP, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, Dr Ron Boyd, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Mark Armstrong, Geological Survey of NSW.}
The Taskforce has been formed following the placement of the City’s draft Stockton Coastal Management Plan (CMP) on public exhibition. The CMP is a long-term plan to manage the erosion at Stockton which includes working with the Taskforce on a pathway for mass offshore sand nourishment.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the official formation of the Taskforce was a critical step in achieving the best outcome for Stockton Beach and the Newcastle community.
“It is important that City of Newcastle plays a key role on the Stockton Erosion Taskforce and today’s announcement will allow that to happen,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We have developed a draft Stockton CMP in partnership with the local community, and in collaboration with the NSW Government, knowing that the Deputy Premier is committed to working closely with us to address long term erosion at Stockton.
“This issue is bigger than us as a City and any one Government department, which is why the Taskforce is so important in cutting through silos and determining a clear pathway for mass sand nourishment.
“I met with the Deputy Premier today to again discuss the future of Stockton Beach and I look forward to working with him and the Taskforce from our first meeting next month.”
“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, I thank the Deputy Premier for his ongoing commitment to finding a long term solution to address coastal erosion at Stockton Beach.”
The purpose of the Taskforce is to provide advice and recommendations to both the NSW Government and City of Newcastle on such issues as sand sourcing, actions to mitigate loss of community amenity and seeking the priority capital and operational funding required.
The Deputy Premier will Chair the Taskforce, which will also feature representatives from the Worimi Aboriginal Land Council, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Department of Regional NSW, Port of Newcastle and the NSW Coastal Council.
The Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, will also take up a position. Two other community representatives will also hold positions on the Taskforce along with the Member for Newcastle Mr Tim Crakanthorp MP.
To find out more and provide feedback on the draft Stockton CMP, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay