Category: NSW News

Temporary accommodation pods are continuing to be delivered to the hardest hit residents in bushfire affected areas across the state, with more pods arriving in Kempsey and Eurobodalla this week.
More than 100 temporary accommodation pods will be provided to residents in bushfire affected communities across the state, thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government and Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said it was important to offer safe and secure shelter to help people stay on their land, if they choose to do so.
“We have provided emergency and temporary accommodation to 8,000 people since November last year, however we recognise that for some people a hotel or motel in the next largest town doesn’t suit, as they have responsibilities like looking after animals and tending to livestock”, Mr Barilaro said.
“Over the next few weeks, we will see an additional 50 pods allocated, which is great news for many residents. The current temporary accommodation pods can house up to four people, however we are looking to develop larger pods to suit larger families.
“We are doing all we can to keep families and communities together wherever possible.”
Minderoo Foundation CEO Andrew Hagger said the recovery pods had been well received.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact our recovery pods have had. The feedback from recipients has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Hagger said.
“The Minderoo Foundation team has been working tirelessly to get pods out, despite the new challenges COVID-19 has presented.
“We will continue to work with the NSW Government, to help as many people impacted by the fires as we can, for as long as it’s safe to do so.”
The temporary accommodation pods will allow people to stay on their land while they rebuild, with the first pods arriving in Kempsey and Eurobodalla Local Government Areas. Pods have also been approved for deployment to the Tenterfield and Glen Innes Local Government Areas, with delivery and installation to be scheduled shortly.
The pods will be provided for up to two years, tying into recent planning amendments which allow temporary accommodation on private property for up to two years.

Better protections, stronger assessment and more environmental offsets will ensure Sydney’s drinking water supply is safeguarded, following an extensive review by an independent expert panel.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Government had accepted all 50 recommendations of the expert panel led by the office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer.
“We want to ensure we have every measure in place to protect Sydney’s water supply for generations to come,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve accepted all of the recommendations from the panel and have established an interagency taskforce to implement a detailed action plan throughout this year.
“These actions will improve our existing comprehensive assessment and monitoring of underground coal mining while providing certainty for both Sydney’s water supply and thousands of jobs across NSW – particularly 5,000 workers in the Illawarra.”
The action plan includes:

• Ensuring there is a net gain for the metropolitan water supply by requiring more offsetting from mining companies;
• Establishing a new independent expert panel to advise on future mining applications in the catchment;
• Strengthening surface and groundwater monitoring;
• Improving access to and transparency of environmental data;
• Adopting a more stringent approach to the assessment and conditioning of future mining proposals to minimise subsidence impacts;
• Reviewing and updating current and potential future water losses from mining in line with the best available science;
• Introducing a licensing regime to properly account for any water losses; and
• Undertaking further research into mine closure planning to reduce potential long-term impacts.

The Independent Expert Panel for Mining in the Catchment’s final report is available at https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/reports/independent-expert-panel-for-mining-in-the-catchment

Police have charged six people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 31 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling the CBD just before 2am (Sunday 19 April 2020), when they approached a woman on the corner of Goulburn and Cunningham Streets, who had price tags visible on her clothing. During a search of the woman, police located an array of clothing with price tags on them, suspected to be stolen. Checks revealed the woman had multiple warnings and a recent fine for breaching Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act. She was subsequently charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and appeared in court yesterday, where she was convicted and given a $220 fine.

• About 2.15am police from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command spoke to a 22-year-old man on Luxford Road, Mt Druitt, who was walking with two other males. It was ascertained the man had been issued with two prior PINS for breaching the Public Health Act. The man was informed he would be issued with another PIN and instructed to walk directly to the Mt Druitt Railway Station and return home. The man was arrested after he ignored the direction. He was charged with not comply with noticed direction and granted conditional bail, due to appear in Mount Druitt Local Court on 13 May 2020.

• About 9am (Sunday 19 April 2020), a 50-year-old man attended Westfield Warringah Mall – allegedly in breach of a banning notice – and became aggressive with security officers before leaving. About 11.40am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command located the man on Howard Avenue, Dee Why, seated on a bench drinking a beer. When asked about a jacket in his possession, the man stated it was stolen from the donation bins. The man was subsequently charged with breaching the Public Health Act, enter enclosed lands, larceny and goods in custody. He’s been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Monday 20 April 2020).

• About 1.15pm police from the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command attended a multi-story carpark in Croyden Street, Cronulla, responding to reports of a man who appeared to be unconscious in his car. As police approached the 50-year-old man he became aggressive. Police asked the man to participate in random breath test and he allegedly grabbed the officer’s arm and attempted to spit in his face. The man was removed from the car where it is further alleged he attempted to bite police. He was taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with assault police and not comply with noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was refused bail and is expected to appear via AVL in Parramatta Local Court today (Monday 20 April 2020).

• At 2.20pm police attached to the Mid North Police Area Command attended a service station on Smith Street, Kempsey following a theft. The 27-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Kempsey Police Station. The woman informed police that she had recently been tested for Covid-19 and was informed to self-isolate until she received results. She was charged with three counts of shoplifting, larceny, dishonestly obtain financial advantage, breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction. She was refused bail and will appear in Kempsey Local Court via AVL today (Monday 20 April 2020).

• About 4.10am yesterday (Sunday 19 April 2020), officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command were patrolling the St Ives area, when they came across a group of youths congregating on Bedford Avenue. One of the boys, aged 16, was allegedly in breach of his bail conditions. The youths then ran from police before the 16-year-old boy was arrested. He was taken to Hornsby Police Station, where he was charged with breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear a Children’s Court on Tuesday 16 June 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 9.30am yesterday (Sunday 19 April 2020), officers from Burwood Police Area Command were called to a unit complex in Swan Avenue, Strathfield, over a noise complaint. On arrival, officers located six men allegedly having a social gathering. All six men – aged 21, 26, 26, 27, 27 and 31 – were issued PINs.

• Just before 1pm yesterday, officers from Central North Police District were patrolling the Kamilaroi Highway, when they stopped a vehicle at Brewarrina. Officers spoke with the driver, a 41-year-old woman, who could not provide a reasonable excuse for not being at home and allegedly had camping equipment. She was issued infringement notices for defected tyres, not obey police direction, exceed speed more than 20km/h, and fail to comply with notice direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID19.

• Officers from Murray River Police District were patrolling the West Albury area, when they came across a car parked in Kremur Street just after midnight yesterday. Inside the vehicle, officers located four men, aged 18, 20, 21 and 21, who were allegedly drinking alcohol and not following social distancing regulations. All four men were issued 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.

Police have charged seven people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 45 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 1am (Saturday 18 April 2020), police were called to Stuart Avenue, Wahroonga, after reports a 15-year-old man had been assaulted in a nearby park. Officers from Kuring Gai Police Area Command attended and following inquiries, two boys – both aged 16 – were arrested at homes in St Ives and Turramurra. One of the boys was charged with affray, not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The second boy was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. They were both were refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Sunday 19 April 2020).

• About 1.20pm (Saturday 18 April 2020), three males attended a home on Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania, and allegedly threw a rock and a glass bottle at a window. The incident was reported to officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command and following inquiries, two boys – both aged 16 – were arrested at a Miranda shopping centre. They were both charged with destroy or damage property, three counts of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic), and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. They are due to appear at a children’s court on Wednesday 22 June 2020.

• About midnight (Saturday 18 April 2020), officers from Tweed/Byron Police District were patrolling Missingham Park, Ballina, and spoke to three men, before issuing them a warning about the current restrictions under the Public Health Act. Just before 2am the same day, police were called to Owen Street, Ballina, and spoke to five people – three men and two women – who were consuming alcohol. The group claimed they were fishing when warned about the current restrictions, before being moved on from the area. About 2.30am, police were called to Meldrum Park. A 21-year-old man refused to leave and was arrested. Following a struggle with officers, he was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, furnish false or misleading information, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14, resist officer in execution of duty, and breach of bail. He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court today.

• About 1.45am (Saturday 18 April 2020), detectives from Redfern Region Enforcement Squad stopped and spoke with a 24-year-old man who was sitting in a stationary car outside a unit complex on Station Street, Newtown. During a search of his vehicle, officers allegedly located $41,180 in cash in a hidden compartment. The man was arrested and taken Newtown Police Station where he was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime and not complying with noticed direction – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today.

• Shortly before 3pm (Saturday 18 April 2020), officers from South Coast Highway Patrol noticed a Nissan patrol wagon with modifications travelling north on the Princes Highway. Shortly after, officers attended the home of the driver on Gunbar Way, Nowra. A 24-year-old man answered the door, and allegedly became aggressive towards the officer, before spitting at the male senior constable and assaulting him. Further police were called to the scene and the man was arrested. He was taken to Nowra Police Station and charged with seven offences including assault police, resist arrest (x2) and not comply with noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Nowra Local Court on Monday 15 June 2020.

 
Yesterday’s PINs include:

• Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended a home on Nott Street, Merewether, at 12.50am, following reports of a party. Upon arrival, police observed six people sitting on an upstairs balcony area. Three people were directed to leave as it was not their place of residence. One of the men – aged 40 – allegedly refused to leave and yelled at police. He eventually complied and together with a 49-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman, they were issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with Ministerial Directions.

• Four men – aged 19, 23 and two aged 18 – travelling together in a vehicle were stopped by officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District around 10.45pm on Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey. The 23-year-old man allegedly told police he had been picked up by friends in South West Rocks because he had recently lost his licence and needed to return to his home in Cessnock. All four occupants were issued $1000 PINs.

• Just after midnight, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command stopped a McLaren 650S travelling on Ward Avenue, Potts Point. The driver, a 43-year-old Fairfield man, told officers he was driving to Woolloomooloo to get petrol. After being warned, he informed officers driving is a form of exercise. The man and his 60-year-old passenger were each issued a $1000 PIN. The driver allegedly told police “do what you want mate, I don’t care. This $1000 fine won’t hurt with my $15 million.”

• About 10.30am, officers from Auburn police Area Command were conducting patrols of Auburn Central Plaza when they stopped and spoke to a 27-year-old man. Police explained the current restrictions and the man left. Police returned to the plaza just before 3pm and spoke to the same man. He was issued a $1000 PIN after allegedly telling officers “I thought you just meant go for an hour.”

• About 8.40am, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command attended a home on Sheffield Street, Auburn, and found four men congregating in a small room, with one man hiding behind the door. Only one of the four men, a 39-year-old, resides at the address and no one in the group – including a 25-year-old man from Guildford, a 36-year-old man from another Auburn address and a 40-year-old man from Fairfield East – are related. They were each issued a $1,000 PIN.

• About 12.30am, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 29-year-old man on Pendle Way, Pendle Hill. The man was issued a $1000 PIN after telling police he was out to go a visit a friend.

• About 2am, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 19-year-old woman on Station Street, Enmore. The woman was issued a $1000 PIN after telling officers she was going to pay rent in Lakemba and then drive to Cabramatta to buy a pork roll.

• Just after 4pm, officers attached to Mt Druitt Police Area Command spoke with a 22-year-old man at a shopping centre on North Parade, Mt Druitt, about being in a public place without a reasonable excuse. The man had previously been warned and after telling police he was on his way to a friend’s house to “smoke weed” and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.55am, officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling the Waterloo area when they observed a group of about 10 people sitting in a park on Cope Street. The group were all given a warning and left the park. At 2.15pm the same day, police observed two men from the group sitting in a park on Pitt Street with another group of people. All were warned and directed to move on. Shortly after, about 2.45pm, police observed the same two men – aged 71 and 77 – on Raglan Street and issued them with a $1000 PIN each.

• About 6.45pm, offices attached to Sydney City Police Area Command spoke with a 43-year-old man sitting near the intersection of George and Park streets, Sydney CBD. He was warned about being outside his place of residence and allegedly began yelling and swearing at police before trying to walk away. Officers placed the man under arrest, however, he started swinging his hands in the direction of the officers. The man was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 19 April 2020). He was also issued a $1000 PIN for being out of home without reasonable excuse.

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 boy has been cautioned over a coughing incident in the Hunter Region this week.
Just before 2pm (Sunday 12 April 2020), a 73-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were walking along Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, and as they approached the pedestrian crossing, a white Nissan Navara slowed and pulled up beside them.
Police have been told that a boy leaned his head and shoulders out of the passenger window and coughed over the couple.
He and the other occupants in the vehicle started laughing before the vehicle drove off.
The couple contacted police and officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District commenced an investigation.
Following an investigation, a 16-year-old boy attended Ryde Police Station and he will be issued a caution under the Young Offenders Act.
Two other occupants of the car have been issued warnings for breaching the Health Minister’s Direction.

A man will appear in court today charged over allegedly spitting and trying to cough on police after he was stopped for riding an unregistered motorcycle in Sydney’s south.
About 5.45pm yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling the Beverly Hills area, when they spotted a motorcyclist riding without a helmet on Tooronga Terrace.
Officers stopped the motorcycle to speak with the rider, a 31-year-old man, before he allegedly tried to cough on them and spat at them.
The man underwent a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result.
He was arrested and taken to St George Police Station, where he underwent a breath analysis test and allegedly returned a reading of 0.079.
The man was charged with 10 offences, including:

• drive with low range PCA,
• use unregistered Class A motor vehicle,
• use uninsured motor vehicle,
• drive motor vehicle unlicensed for Class,
• motorbike rider not wear helmet,
• drive on path,
• resist officer in execution of duty,
• refuse to produce Australian Licence/State Name and residential address,
• not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19, and
• not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.

The Tregear man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Saturday 18 April 2020).
 

A man has been fined after he allegedly spat in the face of a security officer at a Central Coast hospital last week.
About 11.30pm on Thursday 9 April 2020, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended a home on Henry Parkes Drive, Berkeley Vale, following reports of a domestic violence related incident.
Police had been told a man had left the home and been involved in a motor vehicle crash nearby on Laguna Avenue before returning.
A 25-year-old man was detained and taken to Wyong Hospital for assessment.
While being treated, the man had to be restrained by police and security. It is alleged the man spat in the face of a 56-year-old security officer.
Following inquiries, the 25-year-old man was issued a $5000 PIN yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), for not comply noticed direction in relation to spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
Inquiries continue.

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

• About 7am yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), a 44-year-old man was detained by security after entering a residential building in Chatswood and attempting to steal mail. Officers from North Shore Police Area Command attended and located documentation, clothing, a police exhibit bag and jewellery inside the man’s backpack. The man was arrested and assessed by paramedics after he told security he was unwell and had been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital before being taken to Chatswood Police Station and checks revealed he had received a prior warning under the Ministerial Direction on Saturday 11 April 2020. The Surry Hills man was charged with enter inclosed land not prescribed premises w/o lawful excuse, larceny, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 18 April 2020).

• About 6.30pm yesterday (Friday 17 April 2020), officers from Inner West Police Area Command spoke with a 58-year-old man after observing him drinking on a bench near Newtown Railway Station. Checks revealed the Camperdown man had previously been charged with not complying under the Public Health Act on Wednesday 8 April 2020 and Friday 10 April 2020. The man was arrested and taken Newtown Police Station and charged with detention application and not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today.

The other individuals charged have been highlighted in previous media releases.
Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 5pm, officers from Mount Druitt Police Area Command attended Dawson Mall and spoke to five people consuming alcohol. Four were issued warnings while a 28-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned. Officers returned to the mall just before 8pm and found a 29-year-old man consuming alcohol. He was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.

• Just after 8.30pm, officers from Murray River Police District stopped an unregistered Audi on Dallinger Road, Lavington. Officers spoke to the occupants who told police they were going shopping. The passenger, a 35-year-old man, was found in possession of tattooing equipment. He was issued a $1000 PIN. The driver, a 27-year-old man, was issued traffic infringements for the unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

• Officers attached to South Coast Police District stopped a 24-year-old man riding a bicycle in a dangerous manner and without a helmet in the middle of Knapp Avenue, East Nowra. Police observed the man throw a small plastic bag onto the footpath. The man was arrested and stated he was on his way to leave the bag, allegedly containing 0.7g methylamphetamine, in a location for a friend to pick up. He was issued a $1000 PIN and a Field Court Attendance for possess prohibited drug and possess implements for the self-administer of a prohibited drug. He is due to appear at Nowra Local Court on Monday 29 June 2020.

• About 4.45pm, officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District spoke to a man at Apex Park, Byron Bay, in the company of a group of people. The 63-year-old was on conditional bail – not to enter Byron Bay – and had also been spoken to by police on three separate occasions in the past 10 days about breaching Ministerial Directions and subsequently issued a $1,000 PIN and charged with breach of bail. He was due to appear at Lismore Local Court today (Saturday 18 April 2020).

• Officers from Wollongong Police District spoke to two men – aged 42 and 55 – after they were observed drinking alcohol in McCabe Park, Wollongong, about 10.45am. The men were each issued a $1,000 PIN.

• At 3.55pm, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were patrolling the Kingswood CBD when a 20-year-old man was stopped on Richmond Avenue. Police were aware the Penrith man had been issued warnings on Thursday 9 April 2020 and Tuesday 14 April 2020 and he was subsequently issued a $1,000 PIN.

• About 3am, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command spoke to a 34-year-old man outside a house on Prospect Highway, Seven Hills. The man had previously been warned by officers on 4 April 2020 at Surry Hills and was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• Just after midday, police from Coffs/Clarence Police District were patrolling South Grafton when they noticed a man riding a mountain bike on Vere Street without a helmet. When police spoke to the 42-year-old man he informed officers he had been visiting a friend. Police searched the man and found a small amount of cannabis in his pocket. The man was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station. He was charged with possess prohibited drug, rider not wear approved helmet and ride bike without working warning devices. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Grafton Local Court on 6 July 2020. It was also ascertained the man had been issued with a warning on 16 April 2020 by Grafton Detectives and was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 6.30pm, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District were patrolling when they noticed a man and woman walking along Byamee Street, Dapto. The man allegedly told police he had been at a mate’s house. Police searched the pair and will allege they located cannabis in a backpack. The 41-year-old man was arrested and charged with possess prohibited drug. He was granted bail to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 15 July 2020. He was also issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Act.

• About 7pm, officers from the Murray River Police District were patrolling when they noticed a man riding a bicycle on the footpath on Griffith Road, Lavington, with no helmet. When police stopped and spoke to the man it’s alleged he became aggressive and argumentative towards police. The 18-year-old man was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being in the area when he lived in Narrandera. Subsequent checks revealed the man was wanted for an aggravated break and enter and he was arrested. He was charged with aggravated break and enter and breach of bail. He was refused bail refused and appeared at Wagga Wagga Local Court today where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court on Monday (20 April 2020). He was also issued with 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.
 

More than 2500 small businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 have already been approved for grants of up to $10,000 in the first three days of the NSW Government’s new Small Business Support Fund.
Applications opened earlier this week, with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, saying getting money out the door to ensure businesses could stay in business and help keep people in jobs was vital.
“This is about providing cash quickly to eligible small businesses when they are struggling. These grants could help your local cafe or corner shop during this very difficult time,” Mr Perrottet said.
The $750 million Small Business Support Fund was announced on April 3 as part of a range of Government support, and can be used to pay for unavoidable expenses such as utility bills and council rates.
Mr Dominello said successful applicants for the grants could receive the funds in as little as five days.
“It is the Service NSW way to make the process of applying for grants as painless and efficient as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“That’s why we asked them to deliver these grants to small businesses in their hour of need.
“Businesses in highly impacted sectors can expect to have their applications processed quickly and see money in their bank accounts within five days of approval.
“Businesses outside those industry codes will be subject to a manual assessment process which may require slightly more documentation and processing time.”
Eligible businesses must meet a range of criteria including:

• Between 1-19 employees,
• A turnover of more than $75,000,
• A payroll below the threshold of $900,000, and
• Be heavily impacted by the Covid-19 shutdowns.

Businesses will be expected to demonstrate a 75 per cent decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, relative to an equivalent period in 2019 of at least two weeks.
Applications for the grant must be received by 1 June 2020. For more information on eligibility or to submit an application please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government has today made a series of regulatory changes to ensure council resources continue to be focused on frontline COVID-19 response efforts and allow councils to provide financial relief to businesses and residents.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the changes acknowledge that councils are redirecting resources to ensure the delivery of essential services to their communities across the State.
“Councils are playing a vital role in supporting and protecting local communities during these unprecedented times,” Mrs Hancock said.
“The changes provide councils with the flexibility to adjust to rapidly shifting circumstances.
“Importantly, they also give ratepayers more time to pay their rates notices and allows councils to provide financial support to businesses suffering from reduced cash flows or forced closure by waiving or reducing fees.”
Amendments to local government regulations include:

• Allowing councils to delay sending out the first quarterly rates notice for 2020-21 and extend the payment deadline by one month;

• Enabling councils to immediately waive or reduce fees for services such as food premise inspections and footpath usage for COVID-19 affected businesses, without the need to provide 28 days public notice;
• Providing councils with a one-month extension to adopt their 2020-21 operational plans and budgets and submit their 2019-20 audited financial statements and annual reports. Councils will also have an extra month to submit their last quarterly budget review statement for 2019-20;
• Removing the requirement for documents to be made available for inspection at council offices, if the document is published on the council’s website or available electronically; and
• Removing the requirement for council notices to be advertised in newspapers and instead allow the relevant notice to be published on the council’s website.

“The NSW Government will continue to work with local councils to identify, develop and implement more measures to support them and their local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mrs Hancock said.