Category: NSW News

A fast-tracked program of courts and corrections facility upgrades is about to pump $9 million through regional economies hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Attorney General Mark Speakman said the package includes improvements to 63 regional courthouses, with upgrades to fire safety and security, as well as structural repairs and general maintenance.
“The NSW Government has prioritised projects that can begin immediately, to help communities rebuild after the impacts of COVID-19, bushfires and drought. These projects will focus on awarding construction work to small-to-medium sized businesses and prioritise local builders where possible,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Local tradies will begin working on courthouses across the state from Bega to Broken Hill and Wagga Wagga to Wilcannia to deliver the upgrades efficiently and effectively.
“Accelerating renovations is part of a huge recovery effort to kick start the economy, create jobs, support local businesses and help regional NSW get back on its feet.”
The courthouse projects are part of $10 billion in NSW Government support measures to underpin our state’s recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $9 million funding forms part of more than $100 million for regional stimulus announced last month.
Mr Speakman said most of the projects will begin this month and be completed this year.
“It makes sense to carry out renovations while courts are sitting less due to the COVID-19 pandemic, because fewer disruptions mean the work can be completed faster,” Mr Speakman said.
“These investments will also put courts in the best possible position to address the busy period ahead when normal sittings resume.”
More information on the $9 million regional court upgrade program can be found at: www.coronavirus.dcj.nsw.gov.au/services/courts-tribunals-and-jury-services

The NSW Government is helping Creative Kids providers go digital in response to the COVID-19 crisis, expanding access to the popular program for kids across the State.
From today eligible Creative Kids providers will be able to access up to $5,000 in digital adaptation grants to help them offer creative learning activities online thanks to a $1 million injection.
This includes purchasing equipment and internet services to help them transition online so they can provide lessons to children or young people who are at home and can’t attend workshops or classes in person.
The program’s eligible activities are also being expanded to include those which support the 2020 school curriculum, with Creative Kids providers able to supply creative supplies and equipment such as instruments, art and craft supplies and other materials to children or young people.
The changes to the program announced today by Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello include:

• $1 million in digital adaptation grants of up to $5,000 for Creative Kids providers  to further support online delivery of Creative Kids programs
• A toolkit to help providers pivot to online delivery
• Extension of the use of Creative Kids vouchers for online programs and educational materials
• Improved Service NSW website to make it easier for parents to find an online provider

Mr Perrottet said $1 million in small business grants would help arts and cultural providers deliver programs remotely providing a vital economic boost for small businesses doing it tough and keeping kids connected to quality cultural and creative activities.
“Whether it’s school education or extra-curricular activities, we want our kids to be able to maximise every opportunity. Creative Kids has been incredibly popular, and these changes will help to ensure that continues,” Mr Perrottet said.
“At times like this, adapting your business can be the key to survival. Our digital adaptation grants will flow to more businesses and sole traders in the arts and creative industries, helping to keep people in jobs and businesses in business in a sector that has been hit hard by COVID-19.”
“They say William Shakespeare wrote King Lear in quarantine, and we want to give our own generation of budding creative geniuses every opportunity to keep honing the creative skills that will enrich our culture in the years ahead.”
Mr Dominello said the updated Service NSW Creative Kids webpage would list the eligible providers and help parents navigate the process.
“In a Covidian world we need to use technology to make life easier for people. That is why we are building a new online navigator that makes it simple and hassle free for parents to identify the right program for their children,” Mr Dominello said.
The Creative Kids program offers families an annual $100 voucher for every school aged child to contribute to registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities.
Applications for the Creative Kids provider grants will open 6 May 2020. To be eligible, grant applicants must:

• Be a Creative Kids Provider
• The provider must be a small business (have fewer than 20 employees). This also includes non-for-profit organisations.
• Clearly demonstrate adaptation and expansion of Creative Kids activities to online delivery
• Describe how this support can maintain or increase voucher redemption during COVID-19
• Meet the objectives of the Creative Kids program.

Find out more information including details on how to apply at www.create.nsw.gov.au

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued four COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• Just after 2am yesterday (Tuesday 5 May 2020), officers from Nepean Police Area Command were called to Station and Queen Streets, St Marys, following reports of a brawl. Upon arrival, police separated a group of seven people and directed them to leave the area. Two men – aged 21 and 22 – allegedly failed to leave after being moved on. Checks revealed the younger man received a $1000 PIN on 10 April 2020 and the older man received two $1000 PINs on separate occasions last month. The St Clair men were both issued a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. They are due to appear at Penrith Local Court on Monday 27 July 2020.

• About 4pm yesterday, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling when they stopped and spoke to a 23-year-old man outside a shopping centre on Patrick Street, Blacktown. Checks revealed the man was in breach of his bail conditions and has interacted with police on six prior occasions for contravening Ministerial Directions. He was arrested and as police were escorting the man, it’s alleged he threw a package of cannabis. He was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19, breach of bail and possess prohibited drug. The Marayong man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 6 May 2020).

• About 11pm yesterday, officers from North Shore Police Area Command were called to a unit complex on Dorris Street, North Sydney, after reports of a disturbance. Police attended and found a 27-year-old man in his underwear in the complex’s underground carpark. Checks revealed he was breaching his bail conditions and had previously been dealt with for contravening Ministerial Directions. It’s alleged the man attended the location for an arranged meeting via a dating application, however, was asked to leave. He was issued a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and breach of bail. The Islington man is due to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 28 May 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs included:

• About 11.40pm yesterday, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command observed a stationary vehicle on Maple Road, Casula, and spoke to the four male occupants. The vehicle was searched, and police allegedly found drug paraphernalia. Checks revealed three of the men – aged 20 and two aged 19 – had been given warnings on Sunday (3 May 2020) and were subsequently issued with $1000 PINs.

• About 12.30pm yesterday, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were conducting patrols when they stopped and spoke to a 35-year-old Waterloo man drinking alcohol on Raglan Street, Waterloo. It’s alleged he could not provide a reasonable excuse for being at the location and had previously been given a warning. He was issued a $1000 PIN.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Government is partnering with local universities and manufacturers to produce ventilators as part of its COVID-19 response, with two prototypes already underway.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said pre-production is expected to take around six weeks and if a shelf-ready model complies with the necessary regulatory requirements, full production can begin.
“We know with the easing of restrictions there could be a rise in COVID-19 infections and if a second wave hits, we want our hospitals to have all the equipment they need,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Pleasingly, five groups came forward to produce ventilator prototypes after our callout to industry, with two of those now selected for pre-production.
“If those models are confirmed to align with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements full production can commence, if our hospitals require more ventilators.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is doing all it can to combat global shortages of vital medical equipment to ensure NSW has the back-up it needs.
“Every country around the world is facing disrupted medical supply chains but we need ventilators – they can be the difference between life and death,” Mr Hazzard said.
“COVID-19 infects cells in the lungs causing oxygen levels to drop and a ventilator is a crucial piece of equipment that helps critically ill patients to breathe.
“To have local manufacturers who are able to supply much-needed equipment to support frontline health workers – in this case a consortium led by the University of Sydney and another by Newcastle-based AmpControl – is absolutely invaluable.”
The NSW Government invested an extra $800 million to support NSW Health during the COVID-19 crisis, with $10 million to encourage NSW businesses to urgently undertake pilot projects to produce ventilators and other critical medical equipment.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the universities and industry groups involved will produce 10 units of each ventilator for further testing.
“Should these models (CoVida and Anemoi) be successful in completing the pre-production phase, they could not only benefit patients here but overseas, saving lives as well as creating jobs,” Mr Ayres said.
“This ventilator program is a great example for others to follow. It shows how NSW manufacturers are adapting and upskilling to bolster the economy and employment.”

Real-time tracking and faster processing of local development applications is a step closer, thanks to nearly $10 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government is investing $9.7 million to enhance its ePlanning platform and ensure all councils can get online from 1 July 2020 onwards.
“ePlanning is an online platform that allows homeowners and businesses to lodge their development applications online and track them in real-time,” Mr Dominello said.
“We already have 37 councils successfully using the platform to process development applications (DAs) and this funding will deliver important upgrades to enhance and ensure the system can keep up with the increase in demand once all 128 councils are on board by July next year.”
The funding will deliver essential upgrades to the platform, including:

• expanding the digital services to improve integration between councils, state agencies and the Department;
• developing and implementing a service to allow applicants to lodge planning proposals in addition to DAs and process payments online;
• allowing the Land and Environment Court access to the system to assess and determine applications before the court;
• providing guidance, training and technical support to councils to get them on the system;
• developing comprehensive reporting and analytics to track progress; and
• upgrading the system to support increased demand.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said ePlanning will play an important role in helping councils keep the economy moving and construction workers in jobs during COVID-19.
“ePlanning is already helping councils slash processing times by up to 50 per cent and its roll out will help new projects get through the system faster,” Mr Stokes said.
“This investment shows the Government is serious about encouraging investment in NSW.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said ePlanning is a great tool for councils and the community.
“Homeowners can lodge applications safely from home, neighbours can see in real-time what development is proposed in their areas and councils will have up-to-date data to plan, track and improve their assessment processes,” Mrs Hancock said.
On 1 July 2020 all Councils across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Illawarra will be required to start accepting and processing DAs, complying development certificates and post-consent certificates via the NSW Planning Portal.
It will be mandatory for all greater metropolitan councils to process all applications via ePlanning by the end of 2020.
The remaining councils must process all applications through the NSW Planning Portal by 1 July 2021.

Police have charged a woman under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued seven COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 2.15pm yesterday (Monday 4 May 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling around Redfern when they spoke to a 35-year-old woman in a reserve on James Street. She was told she was in contravention of the alcohol-free zone to leave and checks revealed the woman had been given a warning on three separate occasions last month and issued a $1000 PIN on Sunday 26 April 2020. She was subsequently arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station where she was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The Redfern woman was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 20 July 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs included:

• About 2.50am yesterday, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command stopped a Holden Barina on Glencoe Street, Sutherland, after it allegedly failed to obey a traffic sign. The driver, a 48-year-old Balmain East man, could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Checks revealed he was given a warning on Monday 20 April 2020. He was issued a $1000 PIN and a traffic infringement for disobey no right turn sign – motor vehicle.

• About 10.45pm yesterday, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a car park on Colo Lane, Blacktown, following reports of a group of people gathering. The group were told to leave the area. A short time later, police spoke with one of the men on Flushcombe Road who had been given a move on direction from the area. He allegedly refused to provide officers with his personal details. He was identified as a 25-year-old Baulkham Hills man and issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 8pm yesterday, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command spoke to three occupants in a stationary Holden Commodore on Morehead Street, Redfern. One of the trio, a 50-year-old man, allegedly told police he was at the location to sell a Holden Astra to a 33-year-old man. Checks revealed the younger man had not had a driver’s licence since 2013. Police searched the Commodore and allegedly found cannabis. The 33-year-old man was given a warning on Tuesday 14 April 2020 and subsequently issued a $1000 PIN. The older man and a 39-year-old woman were given warnings. Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Government is inviting community feedback on the second stage of its 24-hour economy liquor law reforms, which propose a host of changes to kick start Sydney’s night time economy post COVID-19 and beyond.
The draft Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 aims to create a vibrant and safe 24-hour economy, with risk-based liquor laws that support business.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the proposals follow on from the Government’s response to NSW Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s night time economy.
“The proposals will help boost the state’s night time economy by removing outdated laws, simplifying licensing processes and creating a new incentives and sanctions system that rewards licence holders with a clear record,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want pubs, bars and hotels to hit the ground running on the other side, but we are mindful of how rules such as social distancing may need to be accommodated.”
Mr Ayres said the hospitality sector is a significant employer and lifeblood for many communities, but has been dealt a devastating blow and brought to its knees due to COVID-19.
“COVID-19 has hit the hospitality industry hard and fast. We recognise the importance of streamlining the previously complicated legislation to make it easier for industry to get back on their feet as social distancing restrictions ease,” Mr Ayres said.
“There is now clearly a light at the end of the tunnel for our hospitality sector and this will give them hope for the future.”
Key proposals include:

• A new incentives and sanctions system with ongoing fee discounts for licensed venues that maintain a clear record;
• Removal of outdated live music restrictions;
• Allow small bars to offer more family friendly services to customers, by permitting minors in certain circumstances;
• Reducing red tape by aligning liquor licensing and planning processes; and
• Enhancing same day alcohol delivery regulations.

Feedback must be submitted by 14 June by visiting https://www.customerservice.nsw.gov.au/consultations/laws-to-help-grow-a-24-hour-economy
A Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the second half of 2020.

Western Sydney will soon have more world-class health services right on their doorstep, with construction now complete on the Westmead Health Precinct’s new Central Acute Services Building.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new state-of-the-art hospital building, which includes two new emergency departments and more than 300 patient rooms, is the centrepiece of the $1 billion-plus Westmead Redevelopment.
“Major construction has finished three months ahead of schedule, meaning this cutting-edge building will bring additional health services to Western Sydney at a critical time.” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This redevelopment will help ensure our health system continues to provide high-quality healthcare, research and education facilities for decades to come, as well as ensuring the system can deal with potential surges in COVID-19 cases.”
The NSW Government is actively planning ahead for a range of options to expand physical and resource capacity of health facilities and areas for self-isolation due to COVID-19.
Due to construction finishing early, the Central Acute Services Building has the capacity to provide hundreds of beds to care for COVID-19 patients, should the need arise.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said that once up and running, the new facility will not only transform healthcare in Western Sydney, but will provide a centre for ground-breaking health research to benefit every Australian.
“Our health experts will be working alongside top medical and scientific researchers in this new 14-storey hub, which embeds staff from The University of Sydney, and includes research, education and training facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.
Once fully operational, key features of the new building will include:

• Two new emergency departments — one for adults and one for children;
• Digital operating theatres;
• Expanded imaging, pharmacy and logistics;
• More than 300 patient rooms (a high proportion of single rooms with dedicated carer zones);
• More spaces with natural light;
• Landscaped entry plaza and forecourt;
• Education, training and research facilities on every floor;
• 1.5 floors for the University of Sydney to enable greater integration of education, research and health services delivery.

The Central Acute Services Building is a collaboration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the University of Sydney and Health Infrastructure.
In the coming months, work will be carried out to complete equipment installation and other preparations for the opening and staged move of services and staff.
The NSW Government has also committed an additional $619 million for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Stage 2.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW RFS Commissioner Rog Rogers today honoured four brave individual members and five units as part of the annual St Florian’s Day awards for exceptional service and bravery.
Usually held on the fourth of May each year, the award ceremony coincides with the Feast Day of St Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters’ Day.
Mr Elliott said that while members could not gather together to acknowledge the worthy recipients in person due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a formal ceremony would be held at a later date.
“The threat of COVID-19 may keep us from gathering together but today is still a day to acknowledge the indefatigable hard work and professionalism of our 75,000 RFS volunteers,” Mr Elliott said.
“First responders, including our volunteer firefighters, are the bedrock of the community. The men and women of the RFS put their lives on the line without asking for praise or accolades, but after the year they’ve had, I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
Mr Rogers paid special tribute to Captain William (Jock) Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Alison Wade, who were awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.
Captain Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Wade responded to a house fire in the small township of Spencer on the Central Coast in early April last year. With the resident still inside the home and back up still responding, the firefighters forced their way into the building.
Crouching below the thick smoke, Captain Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Wade were able to locate the resident and his dog and lead them both outside to safety.
The Goodooga Rural Fire Brigade, who were called to a tragic motor vehicle accident last year where they worked with a local nurse to provide first aid to an impaled driver who died at the scene, have also been recognised with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.
“The past twelve months have been an incredibly difficult and testing time for many of our members, working through drought, the fire season, and now the COVID-19 outbreak,” Mr Rogers said.
“It’s important that we stop to recognise the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices our volunteers make each and every day to serve their communities.”
NSW RFS Internal Bravery and Service Awards 2020:
Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery (Individual):

• Captain William Ross, Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter
• Senior Deputy Captain Alison Wade, Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter

Commissioner’s Commendation of Service (Individual):

• Captain Gregory Speed OAM, Orchard Hills, Cumberland Zone, Area Greater Sydney
• Retired Group Captain Warwick Teasdale, Killcare/Wagstaff, Central Coast, Area Hunter

Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit):

• Captain William Pokarier, Deputy Captain Thomas Stanton and Firefighter Stephen Forrester, Goodooga, Far West Team, Area Western
• Crescent Head Brigade, Lower North Coast Zone, Area North Eastern
• Far North Coast Senior Management Team, Area North Eastern
• Southern Tablelands Zone Strike Team Echo 1, Area South Eastern
• South West Slopes Zone Senior Management Team, Area Western

The NSW Government has purchased almost $1 billion of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect frontline emergency workers, medical staff and the public.
The stockpile – containing hundreds of millions of pieces of protective equipment – is being held in a number of secure facilities in secret locations around Sydney, ready for use.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the collection of face masks, face shields, gloves and surgical gowns was a sign of the Government’s commitment to ensuring NSW was fully prepared.
“While NSW has successfully flattened the curve for now, we know the battle against this global pandemic is still a reality and we’re not taking any chances,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“That’s why we’ve spent almost $1 billion on PPE to ensure our frontline workers have the key safety equipment they need to fight this virus, and keep NSW residents safe.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Government had adopted a strategic approach to managing PPE supplies since worldwide shortages emerged at the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
“We’re confident we have now secured adequate stocks of PPE to meet our medium-term needs,” Mr Ayres said.
“That’s thanks in part to the efforts of NSW companies registered to produce or supply PPE through the Government’s Emergency Supplies portal, established last month,” Mr Ayres said.
“The procurement team including NSW Police, NSW Treasury and NSW Health with support from Rod McGeoch has done an excellent job to ensure NSW has what it needs for the fight against COVID-19.
“We’ve identified hundreds of new suppliers of these critical products through the portal and it has shone a light on the tremendous capacity of NSW companies.
“In addition, we’re also helping businesses connect with PPE suppliers through our new portal specifically for industry and the community, launched last week.”
Local governments and industry can access this by visiting buy.nsw.gov.au.