Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has announced an update on COVID-19 restrictions and how our schools and retail outlets will look for the month of May.
There will be three key changes that will take effect across NSW next month:

• From Friday, 1 May up to two adults and their dependent children will be allowed to visit another household.
• We will see a return of face-to-face teaching from 11 May, and then will consider accelerating a full return to school as soon as possible.
• There have never been restrictions in NSW on what people can and cannot buy, however there may be increased retail activity, with some businesses choosing to re-open. It is important these shops maintain social distancing and hygiene requirements.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this update on visits to households has been made to reduce social isolation and improve mental health.
“It extends the existing guidelines of being able to leave home for ‘care or medical purposes’,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The two adults need not be related.
“The last thing any of us want to see is a huge spike in cases.
“We need anyone with even the mildest of symptoms anywhere in NSW to stay home and come forward for testing.”
There is no limit on how far you can travel within NSW so long as you respect the rules and the reason is consistent with one of the four categories for leaving home.
It is important when visiting another household social distancing is maintained and extra hygiene precautions are taken. When visiting, meeting in an outdoor environment such as home garden, backyard or verandah will help reduce the risk.
If you are visiting those aged over 70 or those with underlying health conditions we are urging you to be extra vigilant with social distancing and hygiene measures.
It is also important to remember that you do not visit anyone if you or they are unwell, even if you have mild symptoms like fatigue or a scratchy throat.
The two-person gathering limit still applies to public places.
For the latest information on COVID-19 please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

Testing is ramping up on the New Intercity Fleet with the first two new trains now travelling on the network under their own power.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Transport Paul Toole were given a close-up look at the progress being made.
“When the trains first arrived, on-track testing involved using a locomotive to haul the carriages. What we’re seeing today is a really exciting milestone because they’re now travelling around the network under their own power,” Mr Constance said.
“Over the next few months you’ll see more of these trains on the network as we progressively test all train systems including Automatic Train Protection, passenger door systems, passenger information, CCTV, ride comfort as well as the maximum speed of 160kph. We’ll also be using this time to familiarise the train crew with the new operating systems and technology on board.”
Mr Toole said work was continuing on important enabling works across the intercity network.
“These are modern trains featuring the latest technology, so we need to ensure we upgrade the infrastructure on the network to accommodate them,” Mr Toole said.
“Work is also continuing on sections of the Blue Mountains Line, which will enable customers living between Springwood and Lithgow to experience a new train for the first time since the last of the V-Sets were introduced in 1989.
“This work, along with the construction of the new maintenance facility at Kangy Angy, has helped to create around 1600 local jobs.”
The New Intercity Fleet is comprised of 55 10-car trains, which will service customers across the Central Coast, Newcastle, South Coast and Blue Mountains.
The new trains will feature more amenities for customers, including comfortable two-by-two seating, charging points for mobile devices, as well as storage for luggage and bicycles.

Police have charged seven people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 15 COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charge:

• About 12.30pm (Monday 27 April 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended a park on Botany Street, Randwick, and spoke to a 39-year-old man drinking alcohol at the location. Checks revealed he was in breach of his bail and had previously been charged for not complying with a ministerial direction on Wednesday 15 April 2020. He was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Tuesday 28 April 2020).

• About 1pm (Monday 27 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command stopped and spoke to two men on Goulburn Street, Sydney. During a search of a 43-year-old man, police allegedly located methylamphetamine. Checks revealed the Bondi man was issued a warning about breaching a ministerial direction on Friday 17 April 2020. He was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 2 July 2020.

• Just before 1pm (Monday 27 April 2020), officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to the intersection of Pittwater Road and Oaks Avenue, Dee Why, following reports of a brawl. Upon arrival, police found three separate groups of males. Two of the males – aged 17 and 18 – were arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station. The 18-year-old Punchbowl man was charged with affray, use offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, resist officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today. The youth was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court today.

• About 11.30am (Monday 27 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended Hickson Road, Dawes Point, and spoke with a 44-year-old man. He allegedly told police he was there to smoke and “chill out”. Checks revealed he was previously issued a warning on Saturday 18 April 2020 at the same location. Following a search of the man, police allegedly located cannabis. The Blacktown man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with possess prohibited drug and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 15 July 2020.

• About 3am (Monday 27 April 2020), officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were called to Ewos Parade, Cronulla, following reports of two males fighting in the street. Police attended and attempted to speak to the occupant of one of the units. It’s alleged the man, aged 25, verbally abused officers and a further man and woman also began to yell at the officers. Police arrested the 25-year-old man. He was taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with use offensive language in/near public place and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 16 July 2020.

• About 9.45am (Monday 27 April 2020), officers from Inner West Police Area Command were patrolling the Marrickville area when they stopped and spoke to a 29-year-old man on Illawarra Road, near Hill Street. It’s alleged he could not provide a reasonable excuse for leaving home and became verbally abuse towards officers. He was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged with use offensive language in/near public place, breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Tuesday 28 April 2020).

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 1.30am, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were patrolling Cronulla Street, Cronulla, when they stopped and spoke to a 39-year-old man who was not able to provide police with a reasonable excuse for leaving home. It’s alleged the man became abusive towards police. He was issued with an infringement for offensive behaviour and a $1000 PIN.

• About 8am, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were patrolling Patanga Street, Hawks Nest, when they stopped and spoke to the occupants of a stationary vehicle. The 41-year-old man and 39-year-old woman did not have a reasonable excuse for leaving home and checks revealed they were given a warning on Thursday 16 April 2020. Both were issued $1000 PINs.

• About 2.50pm, officers from Wollongong Police Transport Command were patrolling Wollongong Railway Station, when they stopped and spoke to a 30-year-old-man about a transport offence. The man was not able to provide police with a reasonable excuse for being in the area. The man had been given a warning last Thursday (23 April 2020) and was subsequently 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: 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.

Thousands of new homes, new industrial complexes and six schools are among the first wave of projects that will have their assessments fast-tracked to boost the State’s economy and create opportunities for thousands of new jobs in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet have today announced the first 24 projects to undergo a fast-tracked assessment process as part of the NSW Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program.
“By fast-tracking assessments, we will keep people in jobs and keep the construction industry moving as we ride out the COVID-19 pandemic and set our sights on economic recovery,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The 24 projects identified in the first tranche of fast-tracked assessments have the potential to: – Create almost 9,500 new jobs during construction and once complete; – Inject $7.54 billion into the State’s economy; – Deliver more than 325,000 square metres of new public open space, parks and environmental conservation lands; and – Allow more than 4,400 new homes to be built, including more than 1,000 social and affordable homes.
Mr Stokes said decisions will be made on the first tranche of projects within the next four weeks.
“This will mean shovel-ready projects can get underway and the construction pipeline can continue to grow,” Mr Stokes said.
“If approved, these projects will be a win-win for NSW: delivering jobs for today, and local community and business benefits tomorrow.”
“It’s important to note that this is not a greenlighting exercise, the same stringent checks, balances and community consultation that ensures transparency, public benefit and merit-based assessment of projects remain.”
The criteria to identify and progress projects through a fast-tracked assessment
process has also been released.
To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment, the development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, be able to commence construction within six months (for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application) or allow a DA to be lodged within six months (for a rezoning).
The criteria has been formulated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment in consultation with government agencies and key industry groups. A probity advisor will continue to oversee and report on the fast-tracked process to ensure it is transparent and robust.
Mr Perrottet said additional projects that fit the new criteria would go through the fasttracked process, with further tranches to be announced.
“We know our planning system will be a key lever in driving investment in NSW as we come out of this crisis,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW already has the country’s biggest infrastructure program and we need to do what we can now to make sure that continues.”
Fast-tracking project assessments is one of the key pillars of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that will create opportunities for more than 30,000 jobs by the end of September 2020.
Other elements of the Program include a new one-stop shop for industry, clearing the backlog of cases stuck in the Land & Environment Court and investing $70 million to co-fund vital new community infrastructure in North West Sydney.
To view the fast-tracked assessment criteria and list of projects visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessments.

Households struggling to pay their energy bills during COVID-19 now have access to additional financial support directly through Service NSW and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, thanks to a $30 million boost to the Government’s emergency support Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government is doing everything it can to ease cost-of-living pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic and has more than doubled the budget for the EAPA Scheme next financial year.
“For ease of access, residential energy customers can now apply for EAPA vouchers directly through Service NSW and will be called for an assessment without having to leave their house,” Mr Kean said.
“I encourage people that need bill support during this tough time to head to the Service NSW website and register for an energy voucher assessment.”
The EAPA assessment threshold has been temporarily increased so people can receive up to $400 per assessment twice per year, compared to the normal amount of $300.
“This means the annual maximum limit of vouchers for a household with both electricity and gas has increased from $1,200 to $1,600, up by $400,” Mr Kean said.
“We are expecting more people across NSW to need this emergency bill support as they are faced with unexpected changes to income and usage increases while working from home.”
During the assessment for EAPA vouchers, NSW Government representatives will also contact energy retailers with customers to assist with getting customers onto hardship plans, which will further protect customers during this extraordinarily difficult time.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding for EAPA was part of almost $100 million recently allocated to help our most vulnerable, including $34 million to prevent homelessness, $10 million to support charity programs and $6 million for Lifeline’s operations in NSW.
“We are deploying the financial strength of NSW to bolster the health system, keep people in jobs and assist those most in need of help during this difficult time,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This funding will help thousands of people meet their energy bills as we head into winter.”
People needing further information should visit service.nsw.gov.au and search EAPA.
At the same time, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders across NSW are being reminded to apply for the Seniors Energy Rebate now.
“With the COVID-19 virus keeping seniors, who are among the most at-risk in our community, confined to their households and using more electricity, we’re very aware of this extra pressure being applied on their back pockets,” Mr Kean said.
“This NSW Government annual rebate, which will ease electricity costs by $200 a year, has been available since July last year but a majority of those eligible are yet to apply, and we’re urging them to do so now before applications for this financial year close.”
The program extends NSW’s generous energy rebates to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders for the first time.
In 2019-20 over $329 million is being invested by the NSW Government on energy rebates alone, with almost a third of all electricity customers receiving a rebate.
To be eligible, applicants must hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) and be the primary account holder named on the electricity bill.
For more information and to apply online, customers can go to service.nsw.gov.au and type ‘Seniors Energy Rebate’ into the search function.
Customers who are unable to apply online can call Service NSW on 13 77 88. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders who have already applied this financial year can reapply again from 1 July 2020 for the new financial year.

A man will face court today, charged after a pursuit with police in Maitland overnight.
About 1.35am (Tuesday 28 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, were patrolling the Rutherford area when they saw a Hyundai Tuscon on Harvey Road.
After turning on to the New England Highway, officers attempted to stop the Hyundai; however, it failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated, travelling through several suburbs.
At the end of Wallace Street, South Maitland, the Hyundai drove through timber fence and through the backyard of a home on Anzac Street, before colliding with a police om Bloomfield Street.
The driver, an 18-year-old man, got out and ran away before being arrested by police, after a short struggle.
He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Maitland Hospital for treatment.
During a search of the car, officers allegedly located property, believed to have been stolen.
The man was later returned to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not m/v), and resist officer in execution of duty, and breach of bail.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 28 April 2020).

Police have issued three COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences on the Mid North Coast at the weekend.
Officers attached to Manning-Great Lakes Police District commenced an investigation into alleged breaches of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW), which had been documented on social media.
Police have been told a group of more than 10 men were at a gathering on a rural property near Taree on Saturday 25 April, in contravention of current ministerial directions.
Following extensive inquiries, today (Monday 27 April 2020), three men – two aged 22 and one aged 24 – have been issued with $1000 PINs for failing to comply with a ministerial direction.
The 24-year-old had previously received a warning for breaching the Public Health Act.
Inquiries are continuing to identify the other persons and continue investigations.
Investigations are also continuing into other potential offences, including potential breaches of the Firearms Act (1996) at the Taree property.
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.

A man has been charged after allegedly coughing at a security officer in a government building in Wollongong earlier today.
About 9am (Monday 27 April 2020), a 48-year-old man attended a government office on Burelli Street, Wollongong.
As the man was leaving the building, he allegedly became verbally abusive towards security staff.
As a security officer directed the man to leave the premises, the man allegedly turned and coughed in his face.
Officers from Wollongong Police District attended a short time later and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A 48-year-old man was arrested outside the building and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where he was charged with assault.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Wollongong Local Court today (Monday 27 April 2020).

Police have charged one person under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 23 COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charge:

• About 2pm (Sunday 26 April 2020), a 26-year-old woman was at Nepean Hospital seeking treatment, when she allegedly became aggressive towards staff. After threatening them, the woman then allegedly spat on two nurses, two women aged 26 and 34, and a 49-year-old female doctor. Officers from Nepean Police Area Command were notified and attended the hospital. The 26-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station, where she was charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID19, and common assault. The Penrith woman was refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court today (Monday 27 April 2020).

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 1am, three men – aged 20, 21 and 23 – attended a fast food restaurant on the Princes Highway, Nowra, and sat at an indoor table together. Staff spoke to the trio and informed them the restaurant was only open for take-away meals. They refused and continued to eat their meals before leaving. Officers from South Coast Police District were patrolling nearby and after speaking to staff, police stopped their vehicle. The 20-year-old driver told police he had driven from Bexley to Sussex Inlet to buy a boat with two friends. They were each issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.

• About 1am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling when they observed two males drinking alcohol on Penrith Avenue, Wheeler Heights. When approaching, it’s alleged they ran from police. Following a short foot pursuit, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested. Officers had previously spoken to the pair two hours earlier about the current Ministerial Directions and were issued with $1000 PINs. The youth was also issued with an infringement for trespass.

• Just after 2am, officers from Leichhardt Police Area Command were patrolling when they stopped and spoke to two men – aged 22 and 44 – on Glebe Point Road, Glebe. It’s alleged the men could not provide a reason for not being home. Checks revealed the younger man has previously been issued two warnings and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN. The older man was issued a warning.

• About 4pm, officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District were called to a unit on West High Street, Coffs Harbour, following reports of a gathering. Police spoke to a 38-year-old man who did not reside at the location. Checks revealed he was previously issued a warning on Thursday 2 April at the same location and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 9am, officers from Riverina Police District were called to Bentley Place, Wagga Wagga, following reports a woman – armed with a tomahawk – was outside a home unit threatening the occupants – a 72-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman. Police attended and arrested a 33-year-old woman. She was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal), destroy or damage property, and armed with intent to commit indictable offence. The woman was also issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with Ministerial Directions. She was refused bail to appear at Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Monday 27 April 2020).

• About 11.20pm, police attended a unit on Park Avenue, Kingswood, and spoke to a 36-year-old Werrington man and a 35-year-old St Marys woman. The pair allegedly told police they were at the location to visit two friends, who were the occupants of the unit. Checks revealed the man and woman had previously been issued warnings and the woman was issued a PIN last Wednesday (22 April 2020). They were subsequently issued $1000 PINs.

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 today announced a $395 million economic stimulus package to safeguard council jobs, and local services and infrastructure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the COVID-19 crisis has hit councils hard financially and the NSW Government is determined to limit the impacts to keep more people in jobs and allow councils to deliver for communities across the State.
“Our State’s 128 local councils are a critical part of the NSW economy, especially in many regional and rural towns where they are sometimes the largest employer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This about keeping people in jobs which will allow councils to continue to provide essential services in their communities throughout the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and bounce back faster once we come out the other side.”
The NSW Government’s local government economic stimulus package includes a $250 million increase in low-cost loans to eligible councils through the State’s borrowing facility provided by TCorp to kick-start community infrastructure projects.
This increase brings this low-cost loan facility up to $1.35 billion for the benefit of councils and their communities.
TCorp will also be offering principal and interest payments deferrals on existing council loans upon request for the next six months.
Other measures will include:

• Up to $112.5 million from the NSW Government’s ‘Jobs for NSW’ Fund to support a Council Job Retention Allowance of $1,500 per fortnight per employee to limit job losses in the NSW local government sector. The allowance will be paid for up to three months to qualifying staff working in the NSW local government sector.
• $32.8 million to assist councils meet the cost of the FY2020/21 increase in the Emergency Services Levy.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this comprehensive package safeguards valuable council jobs and ensures staff with a wide range of skills and experience can continue to serve their communities.
“This funding injection enables councils to redirect funds to critical core services and deliver much-needed financial support for local communities,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Importantly, this package builds on the NSW Government’s $82 million to support 260 council-run childcare centres and $25 million for local councils to rebuild and refurbish local showgrounds, bringing our total support for the local government sector to over half a billion dollars.”