Member for Goulburn Pru Goward joined Hilltops Council Mayor Brian Ingram and Liberal Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman on Tuesday to announce that funding has been secured through the NSW Government’s Restart NSW – Safe and Secure Water Program.
The Scoping Study will investigate the construction of a new bulk water supply pipeline from Harden to Boorowa.
“This funding reiterates the State Government’s understanding of how vital a decent supply of good quality water is to Boorowa families and how it will help the town to grow,” Ms Goward said.
“The NSW Government has recognized that this is a high priority project for the community of Boorowa and is providing up to $265,000 for 50 per cent funding of the estimated cost of $530,000 for this important project”.
“This funding is part of the NSW Government Safe and Secure Water Program to ensure regional communities have the right infrastructure into the future,” Ms Tuckerman said.
Mayor Brian Ingram welcomed the announcement and the support of the state government in the delivery of a scoping study for the Boorowa water security project.
“This pipeline is the number one infrastructure priority for Hilltops Council and I look forward to completing the business case so that we can move forward with delivery for the community.
“Thank you to Pru Goward MP for her help in securing this much needed funding,” Cr Ingram said .
The Safe and Secure Water Program enables local water utilizes to construct modern infrastructure to provide safe, secure and reliable water and sewerage services for their communities.
Category: NSW News
News Happening in NSW
4000 NEW COMMUTER CAR SPACES READY FOR NORTHWEST METRO OPENING
Thousands of new commuter car parking spaces have been completed along the Northwest Metro rail line, which will open to customers from Rouse Hill to Chatswood within months.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it is another major milestone on the $8.3 billion Metro project, which has only been made possible because of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s strong economic management.
“Sydney Metro will provide turn-up-and-go train services up to every two minutes and revolutionise the way we get around our great city,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As part of the major investment we are providing 4000 new commuter car spaces to make it as easy as possible for commuters using the Metro.
“This is the first time 4000 new commuter spaces have been opened at once in Sydney and it is 1000 more than we originally proposed.”
The capacity of the Sydney Metro Northwest car parks is:
- Tallawong -1000 spaces;
- Bella Vista – 800;
- Hills Showground – 600;
- Cherrybrook – 400;
- Kellyville – 1360
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said all of the new commuter car parks will open at the same time as the Metro Northwest rail line.
“The Metro Northwest rail line is being delivered by the NSW Government on time and more than $500 million under budget,” Mr Constance said.
“This project shows the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government delivers on its promises.
“You can’t trust Labor – when they were last in office they promised 12 rail lines and did not complete one in full.”
There are more than 340 spaces for bikes, 16 new bus stops, 52 taxi spaces and provisions for more than 100 kiss and ride spaces across the Sydney Metro Northwest line
Sydney Metro is being extended from the north west into the CBD, with services to start in 2024 – when Sydney will have 31 metro station and a new 66km standalone metro railway.
RICHARDS TO LABOR – DON’T PLAY POLITICS WITH OUR NATIONAL SECURITY
Liberal for Macquarie Sarah Richards is calling on Labor and their local Member Susan Templeman to reject a dangerous bill by federal newcomer Kerryn Phelps.
A briefing note from the Department of Home Affairs, based on advice from ASIO and the Australian Border Force, has today warned that Dr Phelps’ bill would dismantle regional processing – one of the three pillars of the Liberals’ successful border protection policy that has stopped the boats.
Labor has committed to removing Temporary Protection Visas and has endorsed legislation that will end regional processing.
“Labor’s support of this Bill would render us powerless to effectively security check people applying for a transfer to the mainland for a medical assessment – those in detention could essentially shop around for a doctor to approve the move.”
“Our intelligence agencies’ advice is that the Department of Home Affairs would be unable to stop people with violent criminal histories from coming to the mainland.
“Labor’s actions would undoubtedly be exploited by criminals and people smugglers who would view the move as a serious weakening of our borders.
“In 2016, the Labor member for Macquarie encouraged people smugglers, who make a profit by putting thousands of people’s lives at risk, by promoting an open borders policy. ‘Let them stay’ she said of illegal immigrants. But there is nothing compassionate or humane about a policy that will ensure boat arrivals start again.
“She said her open borders policy was about ‘fairness’, but there is nothing fair about a policy that also threatens the safety of Australians at home.
The Liberal Government has removed every child from Nauru or have delivered a clear path off it and strong border protection policies have stopped the boats meaning no more children are arriving.
“The Labor member for Macquarie said she was concerned about children ‘living a life in limbo’, but you don’t get children off Nauru by putting more on. That is what Labor wants to do, by tearing apart our strong border policies.”
“Our intelligence agencies have made it clear. A weakening of our border protection policies will have dire consequences for both national security and the potential victims of people smuggling.
“I call on Bill Shorten and his Labor member to rule out supporting this dangerous Bill.”
Woman charged over alleged domestic violence-related stabbing – Pyrmont
Police have charged a woman following an alleged domestic violence-related stabbing in Pyrmont overnight.
About 11pm (Thursday 7 February 2019), emergency services were called to Bank Street, near the Western Distributor, following reports a man had been stabbed.
Police have been told the pair had an argument, before the woman allegedly stabbed the 39-year-old man in his torso.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command established a crime scene and commenced investigations. A knife has been seized for forensic examination.
Police arrested a 49-year-old woman nearby. She was taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with reckless wounding (DV).
The woman has been refused bail to appear before Central Local Court today (Friday 8 February 2019).
17 NEW TRAINS FAST TRACKED FOR NSW COMMUTERS
The NSW Government will fast-track the delivery of another 17 new air-conditioned Waratah Series 2 trains in response to growing demand across the Sydney Trains network.
This is in addition to 24 new trains currently in delivery, bringing the total of new Waratah Series 2 trains to 41.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the investment in the new trains is only possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“We are investing record amounts into the existing rail network and delivering a world class turn-up-and-go service in Sydney Metro at the same time,” Mr Constance said.
“Already 12 of the new Waratah Series 2 trains have been introduced to the suburban network, and the rest are being progressively rolled out over the next few months.
“By bolstering our order by another 17 trains, we will make the network more reliable and more comfortable for customers.”
The newest trains will start rolling onto the tracks from 2020.
“This investment in new trains is needed because we have seen rapid growth across the rail system,” Mr Constance said.
“There has been a 30 per cent increase in patronage over the last five years, with the number of trips a year increasing from 300 million to more than 413 million last year.”
The new trains feature:
- Double deck carriages;
- Air-conditioning with temperature control;
- High definition customer information screens;
- Internal and external CCTV and customer help points;
- Priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops.
The NSW Government has already employed 450 additional train drivers since 2016 helping to deliver about 1500 extra train services each week.
CCTV CAMERAS TO MAKE OUR STREETS EVEN SAFER
At least 1000 community organisations and small businesses will benefit from funding to install CCTV cameras to make our streets even safer, under a program to be delivered by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said $5 million will be committed over four years to rollout CCTV cameras in Western and South-Western Sydney before being assessed for expansion to other areas of NSW.
“Community safety is the NSW Government’s top priority and this investment will keep residents and small businesses safe from crime and anti-social behavior,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“More CCTV cameras will increase community confidence and send a strong message to would-be criminals that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and punished.”
Police Minister Troy Grant said CCTV camera footage can be a vital source of information for NSW Police when gathering intelligence and investigating criminal activity, and acts as a deterrent to criminals, reducing the likelihood of crime.
“This is a great initiative that will improve public safety and community confidence by cracking down on criminal and anti-social behavior,” Mr Grant said.
“It’s about putting criminals on the back foot – if they know they’re being watched, it makes them think twice about doing the wrong thing.”
Mr Grant said the program will continue the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s strong record of investment in local community safety initiatives, including the Government’s commitment to deliver 1500 new police to put more cops on the beat.
“This program means funds can go directly to small businesses and community groups impacted by crime, empowering communities to make our streets even safer,” Mr Grant said.
Eligible community groups and small businesses will be able to apply for up to $5000 in funding, and will have their applications assessed by officials from the NSW Police Force and the NSW Department of Justice, from April 2019.
Community groups and small businesses in the following ten local government areas will be the first groups and businesses eligible to participate in the program:
- Blacktown;
- Camden;
- Campbelltown;
- Canterbury-Bankstown;
- Cumberland;
- Fairfield;
- Liverpool;
- Parramatta;
- Penrith; and
- Wollondilly.
A NEW NATIONAL PARK FOR NSW
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today announced a new national park for NSW – providing another significant boost for the State’s koala population – along with a major new package that will improve access to existing national parks.
The State’s newest national park will cover around 3680 hectares in the north of Goulburn electorate, bordering Wollondilly. The new park is centered around Tugalong Station – about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have been careful custodians of the State’s national parks and I am thrilled to be able to unveil a new one today,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This new national park will ensure that a vital koala wilderness area south of Sydney is preserved. Like all national parks, it will be open to the public so they can explore the wilderness country.”
Ms Berejiklian also announced a $150 million investment to improve access to national parks across NSW – funding made possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.
“This includes major upgrade works in places like Sydney’s Royal National Park and in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, making it easier for people to enjoy our wonderful natural beauty,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the new national park contains some of the Southern Highlands’ best koala habitat.
“Koalas are an iconic species and we are acting to ensure their survival,” Ms Upton said.
“The new national park will not only add to the State’s conservation lands, it is yet another example of how the NSW Government is moving to protect and preserve the koala population.”
The Government’s $150 million investment to improve access to existing national parks includes upgraded walking tracks, better visitor infrastructure and facilities and new digital tools such as virtual tours and livestreaming cameras.
This will include:
• More access – significant upgrade to the 13.6 kilometre Grand Cliff Top Walk from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area ($10 million). Also, upgrading access to iconic lookout points to a mobility impaired access standard ($9.9 million);
• Improved park visitor infrastructure and facilities – expansion of picnic areas, BBQs, water provision, facilities ($38.7 million) and increased support for families and people with restricted mobility ($45 million). This will include upgraded picnic facilities and the walking tracks at Audley Weir, in the Royal National Park.
• Safe access – Investment in making our extensive network of walking tracks and trails safer and more accessible ($36.4 million); expansion of the ‘Think before you Trek’ safety program for bushwalkers and work with other agencies to deliver other priority safety programs like rock fishing and enhanced mobile connectivity in the parks ($1 million).
“NSW boasts some of the most majestic and picturesque coastal lookouts, outback walking tracks, camping grounds and beaches in the world and we want more visitors to experience the natural beauty and wonder of our national parks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Ms Upton added: “As well as international and interstate tourists, we want to make it easier for families to get out there and discover the natural beauty our State.”
NEW MINISTER FOR PUBLIC SPACES, PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC LAND, $150 MILLION FOR NEW PARKS
For the first time, NSW will have a Minister for Public Spaces who will identify and protect publicly owned land for use as parks or public spaces, under a Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government will also provide $150 million for new and improved parklands across urban areas – an investment made possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals will also provide additional protections for Crown Land held for recreational use.
“Access to green and open space is crucial for communities to thrive,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have already worked hard to put local character at the heart of everything we do.
“Today’s announcement takes this to the next level with a dedicated champion for public spaces to be placed at the heart of Government.”
“Quality open space is so important to local communities, as a place to relax, kick a football or have a picnic or a barbecue,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The Minister for Public Spaces would have responsibility for enhancing and expanding the State’s parks and gardens and open spaces, ensuring that there is sufficient open space across NSW, and that public spaces are made welcoming and attractive.
The new Minister for Public Spaces will also have the first right to identify and protect existing Government-owned land that should be preserved as parkland or public space.
One example of land identified for protection is the Sydney Water pumping station at West Ryde. Under the Liberals & Nationals, land not required for Sydney Water operations will be preserved for community use, such as parks, commuter car parking, and community facilities.
Member for Ryde Victor Dominello, said: “This is great news for families across NSW.
“Open space strengthens communities, and promotes healthy living and participation in cultural and creative activities.” “The Government has demonstrated right here in Ryde that you can cater for increased growth and deliver necessary community open space. As part of the Meadowbank Education Precinct, the Meadowbank Public School site will become open space, and Marsden High School will be transformed into a dedicated community sports facility.” The $150 million in funding will create a network of connected parks and open space, and improve the quality of existing parks.
As part of this package, $50 million will be used to turn existing Government-owned land into new and upgraded parks at Penrith, Ermington, Appin, Leppington, Frenchs Forest, Carramar, Beaumont Hills and Hurstville.
A further $100 million is available to secure new parks to be developed across Sydney. This funding will be used to purchase open space in strategic locations, to improve community access to green space.
Legislation will be further strengthened to ensure Crown Land reserved for recreational purposes cannot be sold, leased or change purpose without approval by the Minister that any change is in the public interest. This is on top of changes introduced last year that have delivered the community more power than ever before over the use of Crown land held for public recreation.
Today’s announcement takes the funding of the NSW Government’s existing Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package to $340 million, which already delivered more new and upgraded playgrounds, local sporting facility upgrades and more access to school grounds for community use.
PRESCHOOL DOORS OPEN FOR FIRST YEAR OF SUBSIDISED THREE-YEAR-OLDS
Hundreds of community preschools across NSW are opening their doors to the first year of subsidised three year olds this week, thanks to an historic investment from the NSW Government to ensure every child has access to two years of early childhood education in preparation for primary school.
NSW is the first state in Australia to subsidise all three-year-olds in community preschools, under an investment of almost $200 million, which is only possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian visited Doonside Kindergarten today to welcome the new starters, and said she looked forward to seeing the impact this will have on both children and families.
“Not only does this investment mean better educational opportunities for children right across the State, it also means that on average, families will save $825 on preschool fees this year alone,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I am proud that as a Government – because of our strong economic management – we can do more to ease cost of living pressures for parents and improve educational outcomes for our children.”
Minister for Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said access to two years of preschool education provides benefits to both children and the community.
“We know that two years of quality early childhood education leads to better performance throughout primary and high school, as well as better university and TAFE attendance, and better outcomes post-tertiary education,” Ms Mitchell said.
Since the Start Strong program was introduced in 2016, which subsidised funding for one year of preschool to begin with, attendance figures have overwhelmingly improved and daily fees have dropped.
“Participation rates have increased by more than 40 per cent for children enrolled for 600 hours, and average daily fees decreased by 25 per cent,” Ms Berejiklian said.
For more information on Start Strong, visit the Department of Education website.
MILLIONS FOR HEALTHY HAROLD TO CONTINUE TO HELP KIDS MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES
More than a million NSW primary school children will be armed with the knowledge to lead healthy and happy lives, under a record funding boost to Life Education NSW.
The record $2 million funding delivered by the NSW Liberals & Nationals guarantees the not-for-profit organisation, which turns 40 this year, will continue to educate the next generation of young students with practical lessons delivered by the nation’s hardest working giraffe, Healthy Harold.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Healthy Harold and the Life Education experience has become a rite of passage in many primary schools and this funding would allow them to modernise their program by providing students access to cutting-edge augmented reality and 3D systems.
“Life Education is as important now as it has ever been. With boundless entertainment options in the digital age it is essential that important life lessons for children are delivered in an engaging and captivating way,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The new funding will assist with teaching young primary school students about issues including sun safety, road safety, and healthy eating.
For older students in Year 6, it will help them begin to tackle the complex issues they will face in high school, such as cyber safety and the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
“It is so important that there is a platform like Life Education that reaches students on their level and helps educate them about the choices they will face,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said Life Education was a priceless asset to teachers delivering important lessons on sometimes sensitive issues.
“Life Education consults with local schools to ensure they cover the topics that may impact that particular school community. The fact that this service is run in conjunction with schools means the lessons have a greater chance of really reaching students,” he said.
Life Education NSW CEO Kellie Sloane said the funding would mean any school across the State that wants a visit will receive one, particularly benefitting regional areas.
“In NSW, sign-ups for our program are at a decade high,” Ms Sloane said.
“As demand from schools for our help increases, this funding is critical to help us reach more children, no matter how remote.”
The funding, over four years, is in addition to nearly $19 million committed by the NSW Liberals & Nationals to Life Education since 2011.