Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has signed two construction contracts worth about $600 million to modernise and upgrade infrastructure on the rail network, which will create 550 new jobs.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the major milestone will result in the creation of hundreds of jobs for the NSW economy to deliver essential upgrades to rail infrastructure including stabling yards, signalling, track, station platforms and power supply at key locations between Central, the T8 Airport Line tunnel and the South Coast.
“We’re cracking on with major infrastructure projects like this one to ensure we support jobs, communities and the economy at this critical time,” Mr Constance said.
“Today’s announcement means we are keeping people in work and creating about 350 direct new jobs and around 200 indirect jobs located either in Sydney or on the South Coast.”
The jobs will cover a range of disciplines including engineers, rail construction workers, security guards, truck drivers, electricians, plumbers, labourers, concrete workers and apprentices.
The employment drive will also be focused on developing a diverse workforce by providing opportunities for skills development and training to groups such as women, young people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“The work will support the introduction of new suburban and intercity trains and allow us to deliver more frequent train services, with less wait times and a more comfortable journey for customers on the T4 Illawarra, T8 Airport and South Coast lines,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re prioritising these lines because they are among the busiest on the network, catering for 440,000 trips in a typical day, which is around one third of daily rail customers.”
The infrastructure upgrades, which form part of the NSW Government’s $4.3 billion More Trains, More Services program, will be delivered as two separate packages of work, each worth around $300 million.
The Next Rail partnership comprising of John Holland & Jacobs will deliver all projects from Central to Hurstville, while the Transport for Tomorrow partnership comprising of Laing O’Rourke & KBR will deliver all projects between Mortdale and Kiama.
Construction for the rail upgrades will begin in the middle of this year and be completed in advance of the service improvements, which are planned for late 2022.
Further improvements will be delivered for customers in 2024, including on the T4, T8 and South Coast Lines, as part of the More Trains, More Services Program to effectively integrate Sydney Metro City and Southwest.
KEY SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS FOR CUSTOMERS
T4 Illawarra Line

• A 20 per cent increase in peak services on the T4 Illawarra Line. This includes an extra three services an hour in the peak for key hubs like Hurstville and Sutherland
• Additional capacity to carry 3,600 more customers in the peak

T8 Airport Line

• More services for the T8 Airport Line, including a 60 per cent increase at the International, Domestic, Mascot and Green Square stations during the morning peak, meaning trains on average every three to four minutes instead of every six minutes today
• Additional capacity to carry 2,400 more customers in the peak

South Coast Line

• During peak times, all New Intercity Fleet trains will operate as 10 car trains instead of eight, proving a new level of comfort, convenience and reliability for customers
• An extra off peak service each hour between Wollongong and the Sydney CBD, meaning a train every 30 minutes on average

Up to 2,000 new jobs will be created and $4.6 billion will be injected into regional NSW with Australia’s biggest energy storage project getting the go-ahead today from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said planning approval for the Snowy 2.0 Main Works would mean new jobs, big investment and big infrastructure for regional NSW.
“Snowy Hydro is an icon of our community, with Snowy 2.0 already employing about 500 people, directly injecting more than $35 million into the Snowy Mountains and involving more than 100 local businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This latest approval will see the creation of an extra 2,000 jobs during the construction phase, unlock billions of investment in regional NSW and allow the next stage of construction to further progress this legacy project.”
The project involves the construction of a pumped-hydro power station that sits about 800 metres underground and is about 240 metres long – the equivalent of two football fields.
It also includes the construction of 27 kilometres of tunnels between the Talbingo and Tantangara Reservoirs, lined with 130,500 concrete segments manufactured locally in Polo Flat.
Once complete, the project will add 350 gigawatt hours of energy storage and 2,000 megawatts of generation capacity to the State’s grid – enough to power 500,000 homes during peak demand – and play a major role in the National Electricity Market (NEM) by facilitating the development of renewable energy and putting downward pressure on electricity prices.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the project’s approval includes strict conditions to minimise and offset environmental impacts.
“In March we approved the Snowy 2.0 Segment Factory, and this month we have approved the Snowy 2.0 Main Works, enabling the creation of new jobs and the flow of substantial investment into our State,” Mr Stokes said.
“The projects approval also requires Snowy Hydro to invest almost $100 million for biodiversity and environmental offsets to protect threatened species and deliver long-term conservation and recreational benefits for the Kosciuszko National Park.”
Snowy Hydro’s CEO, Paul Broad, said that today’s announcement is another major milestone for Snowy 2.0 which is progressing full steam ahead, creating more jobs and significant investment in regional communities.
“Snowy Hydro has been operating responsibly in Kosciuszko National Park for almost 70 years,” Mr Broad said.
“For a small and temporary construction footprint covering just 0.10% of the park, we will deliver 2,000MW of large-scale energy storage to support many other wind and solar projects coming online.”
As part of the approval, the proponent will be required to invest $5 million to develop a captive breeding program for the threatened Stocky Galaxias and Macquarie Perch, install fish-screens to minimise the risk of transfer of pest species downstream, develop an app to share information gathered for the project with visitors of the national park, and restore native vegetation and threatened species habitat once construction infrastructure is decommissioned.
While Exploratory Works continue to progress on site, the project will now be referred to the Federal Government for final approval before Main Works construction commences in the coming months.

A man has been charged after allegedly spitting at a bus driver in Sydney’s Inner West earlier this week.
About 11.45am on Monday (18 May 2020), a man boarded a bus on Marrickville Road, near the intersection of Garners Avenue, Marrickville.
Police will allege in court that the man failed to pay his fare before allegedly spitting at the bus driver, a 42-year-old man.
He ran from the bus towards Marrickville Railway Station.
Officers from the Inner West Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries and a public appeal, a 30-year-old man was arrested at a home in Wardell Road, Marrickville, about 11.40am yesterday (Thursday 21 May 2020).
He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with common assault and fail to pay fare.
The Marrickville man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Friday 22 May 2020).

NSW residents will be able to take a holiday anywhere in NSW from next month, with intra-state travel restrictions to be lifted from Monday 1 June, 2020.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro said NSW citizens will be able take recreational trips across NSW, as long as they maintain social distancing and good hygiene.
Ms Berejiklian said lifting the holiday travel restriction will give everyone a much needed break and help get small businesses and the tourism industry moving again.
“This is the day we’ve all been looking forward to since the COVID-19 travel restrictions were put in place earlier this year and I would like to thank everyone for their patience during the past few months of being cooped up at home,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I must stress to everyone that, while we want people to enjoy a well-earned holiday, we must do this responsibly and continue to abide by physical distancing measures, as the last thing we want is further outbreaks that will force us to reintroduce restrictions.”
Mr Barilaro said while regional NSW will welcome visitors with open arms, holidaymakers should call their planned accommodation venues and attractions to ensure they will be open and confirm their bookings before travelling.
“COVID could not have come at a worse time for regional NSW, with towns already doing it tough due to bushfires and drought and so I encourage everyone to make plans to safely and responsibly visit their favourite regional holiday destination, or discover a new one,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I encourage holidaymakers to visit local businesses, enjoy local attractions and feast on the best food regional NSW has to offer, and for those not able to get away in June, to start making plans for later in the year when even more businesses will be open.
I’m very pleased to share that this means we will have a ski season this year, however holidaymakers should be aware that ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should make contact before visiting.
Venues are also encouraged to review their booking policies to allow travellers to easily cancel their trip if they have any symptoms.
A number of caravan parks and camping grounds will be open from 1 June, but travellers should call ahead and confirm bookings, while travellers planning to visit national parks should check www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for further information. Travellers need to especially practice strong hygiene around shared facilities.
Travellers from interstate will be able to visit NSW for a holiday from 1 June but will need to comply with the rules of their home state when returning.

Three men have now been charged following investigations into a public place shooting at Raymond Terrace earlier this month.
About 11am on Saturday 2 May 2020, the occupants of a home on Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, located a .22 calibre bullet had penetrated the front door and lodged in an internal wall.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called, and an investigation commenced.
About 4.40pm yesterday (Monday 18 May 2020), officers arrested a 20-year-old man at Raymond Terrace Police Station.
He was charged with fire firearm at dwelling house with disregard for public safety.
He was granted strict conditional bail and will appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 15 June 2020.

A man has been charged after allegedly shoplifting and spitting at an employee at a Marrickville supermarket this week.
Police were called to a supermarket at a shopping centre on Victoria Road, about 2.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 May 2020), following reports a man spat on an employee.
Police have been told, the man left the store after allegedly failing to pay for some items, and when confronted by the 26-year-old male employee, spat on him.
Following inquiries, a 40-year-old man was arrested by officers from Inner West and Leichhardt’s Police Area Command’s at a Broadway shopping centre 9.20am today (Wednesday 20 May 2020).
He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with shoplifting and common assault.
The man has been refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 20 May 2020).

Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.
The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.
Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygiene practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.
“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”
Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practice good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.
Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.
“Our Principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.
“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.
“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.
“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”

The NSW Government has today released its plan to provide a COVID-safe transport network.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said as restrictions are eased and people travel more, we need to ensure physical distancing is maintained across our public transport network.
“As we ease restrictions, we will see more activity and more people returning to work, school and university,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our number one priority remains keeping commuters safe so we are ensuring there are plenty of safe and efficient options to get people moving throughout our State during the pandemic.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said for the foreseeable future, the public transport system could not run as usual, and the current low patronage levels were already close to the safe capacity in the peak.
“Everyone will need to maintain physical distancing during this pandemic,” Mr Constance said.
“That means if you are not already using public transport during the peak times, please do not use public transport during peak periods.”
The NSW Government’s COVIDSafe Transport Plan includes:

• Avoiding peak travel: If you are not already using public transport in the peak, please do NOT use public transport in the peak. Services are already close to capacity to allow for distancing at these times. Off peak times are between 10am and 2pm;
• Deep cleaning and more hand sanitisers: Intense and ongoing cleaning will occur throughout the transport network and there will be a continued rollout of hand sanitiser at key transport hubs, including at high demand stations;
• Boosting parking: Special event-style parking arrangements will be in place at Moore Park for people who are able to drive to work. Other locations will be rolled out soon. In addition car park operators will be offering special deals for all day parking;
• More cycling and walking options: The Government is working with councils on establishing pop-up cycleways and enhancing pedestrian access to allow more people to find alternative routes to work;
• Physical distancing – ‘No dot, no spot’: Distinctive green dots will be used on trains, buses and ferries to show passengers the safest places to sit and stand. A ‘No dot, no spot’ will see passengers asked to wait for the next service. School children will be given priority access;
• More data: Customers to be given real time information through Apps, social media and Transport Info to see which services have space available to maintain physical distancing; and
• More services: Changes will be considered to increase services eg; more ferries, water taxis and private vehicle passenger services on the water.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said cleaning continues to be ramped up, with an extra 132,000 hours of cleaning since March.
“The network has never been cleaner, however to maintain physical distancing you will continue to see fewer people on our network and we want people to continue to drive, cycle and walk whenever they can,” Mr Constance said.
“We will be monitoring patronage and have staff at key locations across the metropolitan area to assist customers.”
Ms Berejiklian said it is important the community continues to come together to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Our frontline transport staff have been doing an amazing job during this unprecedented time and I urge you to keep giving them your respect and understanding,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Be prepared your trip will look different and please consider all options available before you start your journey.”

The NSW Government will fast-track the delivery of new fit-for-purpose social housing properties across the State through a pilot program aimed at getting high-quality affordable housing built quickly.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said about 100 new one and two storey homes will be constructed on around 50 suitable sites scattered across metropolitan and regional areas through the Fast-Tracked Social Housing Pilot Program.
“This initiative will deliver more well-designed homes and provide new social housing faster and more efficiently,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This pilot will deliver suitable housing that complies with rigorous design and building standards and Councils’ zoning rules three time faster than traditional processes – speeding up the delivery of new well-designed homes across NSW by up to a year.
Small scale dual occupancy homes and manor houses with backyards for families will be built on underutilised lots.
Mrs Pavey said these types of homes can provide attractive and affordable housing for our society’s most vulnerable across the State.
“The Government’s pilot program will not only provide well-designed quality homes for those in need, it will help stimulate the NSW economy and create much-needed construction jobs.”
Housing Industry Association NSW Executive Director David Bare said the pilot program is a great initiative by the NSW Government to showcase the type and quality of low-rise medium-density housing that the industry can deliver.
HomeWorld Chair Mike Scott said his organisation strongly supports the Pilot Program as another means of delivering more much-needed social housing, working with the NSW Government.
The Pilot Program forms part of the NSW Government’s Future Directions Policy for Social Housing – a 10-year plan to drive better outcomes for tenants by providing more and better social housing.
The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) will work with project home builders to deliver ‘off-the-shelf’ designed properties at a reduced cost to taxpayers, through the Pilot Program.
The NSW Government is calling on project home builders with suitable expertise in designing and building dual occupancies and manor houses to lodge an Expression of Interest application.
For more information and to lodge an application visit here.

Patients at hospital emergency departments and COVID-19 clinics will benefit from an $8.6 million expansion of the NSW Government’s award-winning Patient Experience Program.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said an additional 86 staff will be recruited to 50 hospitals across NSW, with COVID-19 clinics a priority, as part of the Australian-first program.
“This valuable program has proven to be a huge help to patients and carers during what is often a very worrying time, ensuring they receive all the information and support they need from the minute they arrive in our care,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The additional full-time staff will welcome patients and their families and provide them with directions and information about what to expect at each stage of their care and treatment. The extra support will go a long way as we continue to combat COVID-19.”
The funding boost to the Patient Experience Program is part of the NSW Government’s $800 million investment to support the health system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including significantly increasing capacity in NSW public hospitals, particularly in ICUs.
As part of the program patients receive:

• access to free Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging stations, additional power points, water and other refreshments
• information sent to their mobile device about what to expect during their stay
• fact sheets on their particular condition/ treatment options
• ongoing care instructions after discharge, available in multiple languages.

Advice in multiple languages will also be given on safety, hygiene and COVID-19 symptoms.
The Patient Experience Program was piloted for six months at Blacktown, Liverpool, Nepean and Lismore hospitals and won the 2019 NSW Premier’s Award for world-class customer service.
For more information visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Performance/Pages/experience.aspx
The new 86 positions will be based at the hospitals in the following Local Health Districts and Specialty Networks

Local Health District/Speciality Network	Emergency Departments and COVID Clinics
Sydney Local Health District	RPA, Concord, Canterbury
Northern Sydney Local Health District	RNS, Ryde, Hornsby
Western Sydney Local Health District	Blacktown, Westmead, Auburn, Mount Druitt
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District	Nepean
St Vincent’s	St Vincent’s
Illawarra Local Health District	Shoalhaven, Shellharbour, Wollongong
Southern Local Health District	Bega, Goulburn
North Coast Local Health District	Lismore, Ballina, Grafton, Tweed
Mid North Coast Local Health District	Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie
Children’s Hospital Network	Sydney Children’s and Children’s Westmead
Murrumbidgee Local Health District	Wagga , Griffith
Hunter New England Local Health District	John Hunter, Taree, Moree, Cessnock, Maitland, Calvary Mater, Tamworth, Armidale Belmont
Western Local Health District	Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo
Central Coast Local Health District	Gosford, Wyong
Far West Local Health District	Broken Hill
South Eastern Local Health District	POW, St George, Sutherland, Sydney Hospital
South Western Local Health District	Liverpool, Fairfield, Bankstown, Campbelltown, Bowral