16 News

The NSW Government has today released its Half-Yearly Review following the September Budget.

The review is reporting a $1.7 billion budget deterioration this financial year, followed by modest surpluses over the forward estimates.

High inflation, high bond yields, a reduction in the national GST pool and the Federal Government’s infrastructure cuts are responsible for the pressure on the budget result.

The Federal Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook delivered yesterday identified $9.8 billion in savings and reprioritisations.  $7.4 billion of those savings over the forward estimates are through cuts to state infrastructure funding.

The federal infrastructure cuts will create an estimated budget deterioration to NSW of $1.6 billion over five years.

The NSW Government remains clear that it expects every cent taken out of NSW to be returned to NSW. Those conversations continue.

Interest costs have also risen by $500 million in 2023-24, arising from higher bond yields charged against the record levels of debt the government inherited.

The state’s insurance liabilities have also grown and have worsened the budget result by $900 million over the four years to 2026-27. It follows additional claims against the iCare administered Treasury Managed Fund as well as lower than expected investment returns.

High inflation and rising interest rates are impacting household consumption, with the State’s GST receipts forecast at $1.9 billion lower over the four years to 2026-27.

In the months since the September budget, global ratings agencies Moody’s and Fitch both affirmed NSW’s triple-A credit ratings, while S&P maintained its double-A plus rating – all endorsing the Minns Government’s responsible budget approach.

Read the full Half-Yearly Reviewlaunch

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“I’ve been upfront about how challenging it is to return the state’s budget to surplus. Recent decisions by the Federal Government haven’t helped.

“The review is another reminder about why it’s so important for the government to carefully manage its finances, just like every NSW family is having to do.

“By continuing to repair the state’s finances we will be in a better position to help families through this once in a generation cost of living crisis.”

Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos said:

“In this year’s Budget, the Minns Labor Government began the long process of winding back 12 years of waste and mismanagement under the Liberals and Nationals.

“It’s clear NSW still faces external challenges with economic headwinds and the withdrawal of significant Commonwealth government funding.

“We’ve reined in the previous Liberal-National Government’s waste, adjusted the state’s debt trajectory, and instituted fiscal discipline. This has made NSW more resilient to withstand external pressures.

“We understand the pressures that families and households are facing, and our Government has begun to rebuild the essential public services they rely on.”

Grassroots groups across NSW are set to share in more than $400,000 worth of new funding thanks to Community Road Safety Grants delivered by the Minns Labor government.

Supported through the Community Road Safety Grants program, 19 groups will each receive up to $30,000 to roll out projects that will increase road safety awareness and support safer road use.

Projects approved in round 9 of the grants program include:

• free or subsidised driver education for disadvantaged and indigenous youths
• a courtesy bus to reduce drink driving in Regional NSW
• a program to help newly arrived refugees navigate NSW road rules
• training to improve road safety for children with disabilities as passengers in motor vehicles
• an 8-episode bilingual radio series on youth road safety.

The new projects funded by the Community Road Safety Grants program are among more than 200, worth a total of more than $3 million, that have now been delivered by Transport for NSW since the program was established in 2015.

For more information about the Community Road Safety Grants and the full list of projects visit Transport for NSWlaunch.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“These grants will empower community groups to tackle a range of road safety issues head on, with a laser focus and at a local level.

“Projects to be delivered will be spread across metropolitan and regional areas, with key at-risk groups a major focus, as we look to promote further awareness of Towards Zero and getting everyone home safely.

“Community groups like the Clontarf Foundation, PCYC and all those receiving funding do such important work and the Minns Labor government is proud to be backing in their efforts on road safety.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We know that while around one-third of the population lives in regional areas, this group makes up nearly two-thirds of deaths that occur on regional roads.

“The statistics sadly reinforce the need to deliver critical road safety investments in the regions and these Community Road Safety Grants are part of the Minns Labor government’s commitment to reducing the road toll across every corner of NSW.

“From Gulgong to Collarenebri and Singleton to the Central Coast, these projects and the community groups delivering them will save lives and make our roads safer for everyone.”

With temperatures continuing to soar, the people of Western Sydney only have a short wait until they can cool off at a major new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes this summer.

Penrith Beach will be open for public access from the afternoon of Tuesday, 19 December in time for the start of the school holidays.

The new beach is backed by a $1.7 million investment from the NSW Government for vital construction and safety work currently underway.

The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement with Western Sydney Lakes.

The beach will be open seven days a week from late December to early March 2024 except for Christmas Day.

The first week will be used to gather feedback and fine-tune the experience, and we ask that people be patient during this time in case of delays.

Public safety at the site is paramount – it’s currently closed for public access while vital measures are put in place, including facilities and car parking, change rooms, toilets and access for people with disabilities to make sure the beach is ready for visitors.

Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone and the water quality will be monitored regularly during the summer.

A ‘Kiss and Ride’ zone will be available at Penrith Beach for visitors and there will also be a shuttle bus service from Penrith Station.

Online registration is essential for car parking. There are 700 car spaces and access will be provided through free parking vouchers. 

Register for updates and find more details on how to book.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“There are just five more sleeps until Western Sydney’s first ever beach is open.

“The creation of this new beach means the people of Western Sydney will no longer be faced with drives of up to an hour to cool off over summer.

“I cannot wait for this spectacular new swim spot to open. See you at Penrith Beach!”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney’s always been a great place to live, and this new beach will make it even better this summer.

“This is about rebalancing the benefits of everything that living in Sydney has to offer and making sure communities have access to the best facilities whatever their postcode.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I don’t think I’ve been more excited for the people of Penrith for a long time, this new gem of a beach will put many smiles on many faces this summer.

“It’s an incredible boost for local families and a great place to bring the kids to cool off in the heat during the school holidays.”

HSC results will today be delivered to the outgoing NSW Class of 2023 as the Higher School Certificate officially comes to an end.

Some 67,234 students completed their HSC this year, with 55,519 students now eligible to receive an ATAR, and another 20,000 leaving school with a vocational qualification.

Around 12% of this year’s HSC results are in the top performance band and 72% of results are in the top three bands.

For more than 67,000 students today marks the end of 13 years of school, and the successful completion of their schooling careers.

Finishing school and receiving HSC results can bring mixed emotions for some, and students and families are urged to remember that there are many pathways to a successful future.

This comes after 128 students were celebrated on Wednesday for achieving first place in a HSC course, and today 18,516 students are being recognised for their outstanding achievement in their studies as they are placed on the state’s Merit Lists.

Some 1420 students were also recognised on the “All Round Achievers” list for gaining results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study.

Another 780 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning 1 of the top places and a result in the highest band, and 18,516 students received at least one band six result, earning them a place on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.

Visit the NESA website to view the 2023 HSC Merit Lists from 12pm today.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is an important milestone for the Class of 2023, who today finish their schooling and move on to the next chapter of their lives.

“Whether or not today’s results are what you wanted – remember that this is just a step on your journey and there are many pathways to success.

“I want to say a huge well done to 67,234 students who have worked hard to get to this point and I wish them all the success in their futures.”

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

“Today is a massive day for the Class of 2023, and I want to congratulate every student finishing Year 12.

“I want to wish every student the very best for what comes next – whether that be heading off to university or furthering your training in a trade or a new job.

“I also want to say thank you to all the teachers, support staff, parents and family members who helped our students along the way.

“The hard work is now over, and I know students and their families will be celebrating the culmination of many years of dedication and effort.

“Today is a day to enjoy what you have accomplished. Well done to the Class of 2023!”

The NSW Government is one step closer to engaging an independent NSW Agriculture Commissioner with tenders now open for a skilled and experienced professional to provide expert advice on strategic agricultural land use that will create a more sustainable and productive agricultural industry in NSW.

The NSW Government has considered a report prepared by Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Daryl Quinlivan on the possible functions of an independent Agriculture Commissioner, based on his previous experience and consultation with stakeholders.

The Commissioner will chair a pilot Farm Practices Panel, testing an alternative approach to provide guidance on acceptable farm practices through review of an agricultural industry code of practice, to assist in providing clarity and consistency for planning decisions and mitigating land use conflict.

The Commissioner will also provide advice to NSW Primary Industries (DPI) concerning agricultural land use, and work across government on its strategic approach to balancing competing policy objectives for agricultural and rural land use planning.

The independent Agriculture Commissioner will be engaged for a term of 3 years. 

The NSW Government is committed to accommodating a range of land use priorities that support primary producers and regional communities while improving sustainability and economic growth in NSW. 

To submit a tender, visit the Independent Agriculture Commissioner details pagelaunch or visit the NSW Gov eTendering platformlaunch before 10.00am AEST on Monday 29 January 2024.

Get more information on contracting an Independent Agriculture Commissionerlaunch.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is delivering on our election commitment to establish an independent Agriculture Commissioner to provide expert and independent advice directly to Government on issues relating to agricultural land use.

“Balancing and prioritising competing policy objectives and demands for land use is complex and will need to be carefully considered.

“There are a number of challenges, including increasing competition for rural land from population growth and demand for housing, demands from industrial and service providers, energy production, increased investment within the agricultural sector and a need to improve carbon and biodiversity outcomes.

“Our primary producers need clarity about how these emerging issues will impact them.

“It is our job to develop strategies that will support strong primary production whilst balancing other competing land use priorities for the benefit of the economy, environment and communities to inform strategic planning decisions and support a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.

“I invite those with extensive high-level professional and technical expertise in agricultural land use conflict issues to respond to the tender.” 

The 120 year-old Gunnery warehouse at Woolloomooloo is re-opening as an internationally significant contemporary art and cultural space that will support emerging and established artists.

Following an extensive transformation, the former warehouse and naval facility has been given new life and will continue to be the home of Artspace, one of the leading institutions for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia-Pacific.

The Gunnery features expanded gallery spaces over 3 floors, 10 artist studios, a 250m² multi-purpose space, an accessible archive, offices and new facilities for learning, performance and public programs.

Each year, 10 artists will take up residence in the spacious, light-filled studios during Artspace’s 35-year lease.

The building will become an important space for the development of new work, and to support a total of 350 artists over the next 3 and a half decades.

Responding to the community’s need for a more connected, visible and inviting space, the gallery’s entrance has been reoriented onto the Forbes Street pedestrian plaza, reinstating an original doorway to connect with neighbouring pubs, cafes and restaurants surrounding the tree-lined public space.

The acclaimed premiere of Wiradyuri and Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones will be the first exhibition held at the gallery. Jones’ work ‘untitled (transcriptions of country)’ examines the impact of Australia’s colonial past.

‘Colouring Memory, 2023’ by Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist Dennis Golding, will be the first instalment as part of the Banner Series, and ‘LOUPE’ by Debra Phillips is the inaugural of 3 artist-led archive-focused projects presented in the Ideas Platform.

Much of the building’s original heritage features have been restored, with brickwork and structural elements retained, including timber trusses and columns. Integrating renewable energy and designed to be fully accessible, the building has been equipped with modern improvements to complement the heritage restoration.

The project was proudly supported by the NSW Government, through Create NSW, assisted by NSW Public Works, and led by award-winning architects DunnHillam.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
“The Gunnery has played a number of significant roles in Sydney’s cultural history – as a bond warehouse for the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper; a naval gun training facility during the second World War and for the past 35 years it has been a home for artists. It has housed some of NSW’s most significant arts organisations, and run an important artist residency program.

“Now with Artspace as the sole permanent resident, and an extensive artist residency and exhibition program it is firmly positioned as an integrated and holistic space for the development, production and presentation of contemporary art.

“The residency program will nurture hundreds of artists within this collaborative and supportive space, while the gallery, learning and public spaces will bring audiences in their thousands to experience many beautiful, thought-provoking exhibitions and presentations.

“This reimagined space promises to remain an important home for artists and creativity – shaping careers of artists and enrich the cultural life of NSW for generations to come.”

DunnHillam Principal Architect Ashley Dunn said:
“The adaptive re-use of heritage buildings is a challenge we thoroughly enjoy – we like to see heritage buildings live on, with contemporary uses adding meaning and stories to those that are already part of a place.

“The Gunnery is a distinguished building that has supported a wide range of activities over its 120-year life. Now and for the next hundred years it is set up to facilitate the development of Australia’s most innovative and important contemporary artists through exhibition spaces, studios and function rooms, connecting them to the global art scene.

“Our architectural ambitions were to reveal the nature and beauty of the original structure, to facilitate flexible and diverse art curation practices and to make a welcoming building for visitors from around the corner and from around the world.

“One of the architectural interventions we are most proud of is a simple one –reinstating the old front door, bringing the entry back to the public plaza and creating great opportunities for the life of the art gallery to connect with the life of the street.”

Artspace Executive Director Alexie Glass-Kantor said:
“In 1992, Artspace began its journey in The Gunnery, a building with a unique and remarkable history which we will continue to celebrate for the next 35 years. With The Gunnery’s transformation, led by architectural firm DunnHillam, Artspace now has the capacity to support multi-platform programming by artistic and creative leaders that are going to be living, making and working for decades to come.

“The Gunnery building has now been transformed to be fit for purpose to allow for the agility of exhibitions, residencies, public programs, community gatherings, supporting the production and presentation of new work by living artists.

“The NSW State Government’s tremendous leadership and enduring investment has secured the building as a space for contemporary art, bolstering Artspace’s unique opportunity to demonstrate the potential for artistic leadership in the state. We are so excited, not only for what is happening today, but for tomorrow and generations to come.”

About The Gunnery

Built around 1900, the historic building has served variously as a warehouse, a gunnery and trainee centre during World War II, an artist squat, home to various arts organisations including at one time the Biennale of Sydney and, more recently, the Arts Law Centre of Australia alongside Artspace.

The Gunnery has been home to Artspace since 1992, where it has become a place for artist experimentation, collaboration, and dialogue. Artspace now has a 35-year lease of the entire building to expand its vital contribution and legacy to the art community.

A new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) introducing housing reforms to make it faster and easier to build more affordable housing has come into effect today, following a policy announcement made by the Minns Government in June of this year.

The reforms introduce a new bonus Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of up to 30% and a height bonus of up to 30% where a proposal includes a minimum of 15% of the gross floor area (GFA) as affordable housing.

They also allow state-owned housing agencies to build more affordable housing without needing council approvals.

To create a system that works for industry, councils, and Community Housing Providers, the Government undertook extensive consultation on the reforms to make sure that a range of views from stakeholders were considered.

The consultation raised the following key points and has resulted in the following key changes to the policy as originally proposed:

• Views were expressed that the bonuses needed to be scalable, depending on how much affordable housing can ultimately be delivered on a site. As a result, the policy has been changed so that if the full 30% bonus can’t be accessed (due to limits like height restrictions on the land or flight path impingement among other limiters), the bonus percentage for the amount of affordable housing can be reduced. For example, if only 20% of the bonus can be accessed due to site restrictions, then the number of affordable homes can be reduced to 10%. However, the amount of affordable housing can be no less than 10%. This will also make it easier for applicants to use the NSW Government’s state significant development pathway providing certainty and consistency. This change was recommended by both developers and councils.
• A range of stakeholders felt that the bonus should apply to the whole of a development, not just the residential component. This was considered particularly important for mixed use development like shop top housing. While Councils felt that the FSR bonus should only apply to the housing component on top of a shop location, the SEPP will be updated to allow the FSR bonus to apply to the whole development, not just the residential component. This is likely to deliver more affordable housing per site and encourage the uptake of the scheme in well located areas. It will also simplify the calculation of the bonus.
• Developers believed that the threshold that allows a project to be considered a State Significant Development (SSD) should be reduced from a capital investment value (CIV) of $75 million in Greater Sydney to $50 million, and $30 million in regional NSW. Councils felt that the bonuses should only apply to developments with a CIV greater than $75 million as originally proposed. While the CIV threshold will be retained at $75 million in the Greater Sydney Region, the CIV will be lowered to $30m for regions to encourage more affordable housing in regional areas.
• Amendments have also been made to ensure the bonuses are available to Build to Rent developments, by allowing them to apply in commercial zones, even if residential accommodation is prohibited under the relevant Local Environmental Plan.
• It was unclear to stakeholders if the new SEPP overruled a local Development Control Plan (DCP). The wording of the SEPP has been updated to ensure that the DCP provisions are of ‘no effect’ when there is a conflict between the DCP and the SEPP/Apartment Design Guide.

These changes and others occurred after the Government undertook a second round of consultation on the policy and draft SEPP. As part of this consultation 15 feedback sessions were held which resulted in 70 submissions from stakeholders including, peak bodies, planning professionals, developers, councils and community housing providers, which informed changes to the policy.

While the consultation has been comprehensive and a range of key changes have been made, the measures will remain under review to make sure they are achieving the intended outcomes.

Stakeholder feedback has informed how the State Environmental Planning Policy will operate and details are available on the Housing SEPP websitelaunch.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These reforms build on our recent housing announcements by making sure affordable housing is maximised so key workers who are the engine room of our cities can afford to live close to their jobs.

“While we want to maximise the amount of social and affordable housing in new developments, developers also need incentives to include these homes in future projects.

“The provision of affordable housing is a shared responsibility which is why the changes we have made from the consultation have tried to achieve balance, to get the best outcome for all rather than any single group.

“The large amount of consultation has been essential to make sure more affordable housing can be created. I want to thank industry, councils and other stakeholders for their support and input.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Affordability and availability are at their lowest levels in decades. This announcement builds on our commitment to working across all levels of Government and industry to confront the housing crisis.

“We are cutting the red tape for Government owned agencies such as Land and Housing Corporation, (LAHC) Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and Landcom to expedite the delivery of more homes.

“These reforms are about bringing together all key delivery partners while making sure we consider the views of councils and communities, so we get high quality homes supported by the right infrastructure and amenity.”

Businesses, households and NSW Government agencies are being encouraged to temporarily reduce non-essential use of electricity late this afternoon and early this evening, when hot temperatures will increase demand for power.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has measures in place to maintain reliable electricity supply.

However, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in parts of NSW including Sydney, AEMO is forecasting that the reserve of electricity supply will be under pressure.

AEMO forecasts power use in NSW to peak between 5pm and 9pm.

To prepare for this, AEMO has notified market participants, which may result in increased generation or reduced consumption.

The NSW Government is also taking steps to reduce demand. The Government Energy Action Response protocol has been activated and will see NSW Government agencies reduce electricity use.

Agencies will reduce air conditioning where safe and feasible, switch off non-essential lights and turn off equipment when not in use.

As a precaution, the NSW Government is also encouraging the community to reduce energy use between 5pm and 9pm, where it’s possible and safe to do so.

There are several simple ways to reduce energy usage late this afternoon:

• If you are using air conditioning, raise the set point temperature to between 24 and 26 degrees. Each degree reduces energy use by around 10%.
• Reduce use of non-essential appliances. Use dishwashers, washing machines and dryers late at night or wait until the morning.
• If you have a pool, temporarily turn off the pool pump.

Reducing electricity use must not compromise health. Community members are assured they should use air-conditioning if it’s needed.

For tips on how to keep safe if you suffer from a medical condition and could be affected by the heat, visit the NSW Healthlaunch website.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The NSW Government has worked closely with AEMO and network operators to prepare for this El Nino summer. Today’s events are an opportunity to put these arrangements are in place.

“With the community and the NSW Government working together during hot weather we can help minimise the risk of disruption to the energy grid.

“Nobody should turn off an appliance they need. Instead, we’re asking households to make small changes to the way they use non-essential appliances, to make a big difference to demand on the network and power bills.”