Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is fast-tracking $30 million in important safety work on the M4 following a fatal crash near the Church Street exit in May.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said work has started at the eastbound off ramp at Church Street near Parramatta to improve safety and help alleviate congestion with additional turning lanes.
The Centre for Road Safety conducted a review of safety on the M4 and its surrounds following the May crash.
The review examined a wide range of data including crash statistics, road user behavior and existing road safety mechanisms.
“As a result the Centre for Road Safety has recommended 12 actions for implementation by November 2019,” Mr Constance said.
“One of the first priorities is fast-tracking work on the exit ramp to ensure drivers can experience safer and smoother journeys as soon as possible,” Mr Constance said.
“The existing turning lanes on the ramp become congested quickly in peak times with a high number of vehicles using it to access Church Street and Parramatta Road, as well as Woodville Road towards Milperra and Liverpool.
“This congestion can create queues on the M4 Motorway, stretching back beyond the Burnett Street on ramp exit.
“This upgrade will provide a third right turn lane at the bottom of the exit ramp and extend the length of the existing left turn lane, to help keep traffic moving more quickly.”
Transport for NSW has also been monitoring traffic flow at the exit ramp, where drivers have been reported attempting to merge at high speed.
A traffic barrier installed between the ramp and city-bound lanes last July has significantly reduced crashes, and further upgrades are being considered.
Work will be carried out six days a week for the next six months, between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and between 6pm and 7am from Sunday to Friday.
Traffic control and a reduced speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and drivers.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

The NSW Government is continuing to support regional communities, businesses and workers experiencing the flow-on effects of the drought through a new regional economic stimulus package.
During a visit to Coolamon in the State’s southwest today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the upcoming State Budget would include $355 million to extend emergency drought support for farmers and funding to fast track investment in regional infrastructure.
The funding brings the NSW Government’s investment in drought support to more than $1.8 billion.
Ms Berejiklian said the package will fund many critical town water projects as well as other shovel-ready infrastructure projects that will stimulate local economies.
“The impact of this drought has spread quickly off farm and is now being felt by businesses and households in towns and cities across regional NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“When farmers can’t contract tradies and other workers, there is a flow on effect felt throughout local businesses such as cafes and local stores. This funding package will support these rural communities in their time of need.”
Examples of shovel ready projects that could be funded by the stimulus package include regional airport upgrades, activation of industrial lands and CBD revitalisation projects.
Ms Berejiklian was joined in Coolamon by Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.
Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government was continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with farmers and their communities battling the drought.
“The lack of rain on farm is having a devastating flow on effect in regional businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Every dollar spent by farmers at their local store helps keep someone employed in that business and a family in town. We recognise that in order to keep businesses open and jobs in town, the Government needs to fast track our investment in local infrastructure.”
Mr Perrottet said the package would boost water security for local communities and provide support for farmers and their local communities.
“The best drought package for regional NSW is rain, but until the skies open we will stand by communities that are doing it tough,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We will always back our farmers and rural communities as they continue to deal with this terrible drought.”
Mr Marshall said the assistance would allow farmers to cut the cost of farming fees and charges, continue to use transport subsidies and would provide funding for emergency water carting.
“Our farmers are doing it incredibly tough and that’s why we’re directing additional funds to help reduce cost of living pressures, drought-proof properties and transport stock and fodder,” Mr Marshall said.
“While what is needed most is simply more rainfall I’m confident this package will help alleviate the burden associated with one of the worst droughts in living memory.”
Under today’s announcement, $170 million has been reserved for a special purpose Drought Infrastructure Package, including:

• Up to $120 million to fast track identified major infrastructure projects;
• $30 million on new groundwater supply for Dubbo;
• $8.2 million construction of second water storage at Nyngan
• $2.2 million to augment bore water supply at Coonabarabran;
• $2 million for Albert Priest Channel critical maintenance (Nyngan and Cobar); and
• $1.97 million towards the Coolamon Industrial Estate development.

An additional $185 million in Budget funding will go towards on-farm drought support measures, including:

• $70 million for transport subsidies (stock, fodder and water);
• $50 million to waive Local Land Services rates;
• $30 million to waive fixed charges for NSW Water Licences;
• $15 million for emergency water carting; and
• $10 million to waive interest charges for Farm Innovation Fund loans.

For further information about NSW Government drought support measures, visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au

The 2019 HART Senior State Titles drew to a close after three fantastic days of action at the Campbelltown and Camden & District Netball Associations for Saturday to Monday, 8-10 June .
Formerly known as the Netball NSW State Championships, the Senior State Titles saw 180 teams from 89 Associations take part over the long weekend.
Three sets of State Champions were crowned with the Division 1 winners in each respective age-group (Opens, 17/U and 15/U) taking the titles – Newcastle, Penrith and Liverpool.
Campbelltown Netball Association hosted Divisions 1 and 2 of the Opens, 17s, and 15s age-groups, while the Camden & District Netball Association staged games in Divisions 3 and 4 of the 17s and 15s categories.
There was further success for Newcastle, who won the Weston OAM Country Championship Trophy, awarded to the highest ranked regional team in the top Opens division.
Netball NSW would like to congratulate all the winners and runners up listed below, as well at everyone who participated in another wonderful advertisement for the strength of grassroots netball.
Opens Division 1
Winners: Newcastle
Runners up: Manly Warringah
Opens Division 2
Winners: Ulladulla & Districts
Runners up: Maitland
Pat Weston OAM Country Championship Trophy
Winners: Newcastle
17/U Division 1
Winners: Penrith District
Runners up: Ku-ring-gai
17/U Division 2
Winners: Barellan & District
Runners up: Inner Western Suburbs
17/U Division 3
Winners: Brunswick Byron
Runners up: Coffs Harbour
17/U Division 4
Winners: West Wyalong
Runners up: Narranderra
15/U Division 1
Winners: Liverpool City
Runners up: Penrith District
15/U Division 2
Winners: Ballina
Runners up: Illawarra District
15/U Division 3
Winners: Shoalhaven
Runners up: Nelson Bay
15/U Division 4
Winners: West Wyalong
Runners up: Kurri Kurri

Residents across Sydney will soon have access to new playgrounds, walking trails, and cycleways as part of a $19 million transformation of government-owned land.
The upgrades are the next phase of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s $50 million commitment in the 2019-20 Budget to create new and improved open spaces.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said communities in Beaumont Hills, Kogarah and Frenchs Forest are next in line to benefit from the investment.
“We want everyone in Greater Sydney to have better access to high-quality open space, given the significant benefits it brings to health and wellbeing,” Mr Stokes said.
Improvements will include $9 million for walking tracks and bike trails in Frenchs Forest; $6 million for a new running track or playground at Kempt Field in Kogarah; and $4 million to add nature trails to open space at Withers Road in Beaumont Hills, as well as pathways between Smalls Creek and Caddies Creek.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the remaining $31 million will be used to upgrade open space in Appin, Ermington, Hurstville, Leppington and Penrith.
“We are also investing $100 million to buy land across the State that will be transformed into parks and playgrounds for communities to enjoy,” Mr Perrottet said.
The announcement of park upgrades coincides with the release of the Greater Sydney Outdoor Survey, which found residents want open spaces that are free, inclusive, and able to be used for activities including walking, picnics, and barbeques.
Mr Stokes said the findings of the survey would help inform how money under the Strategic Open Spaces program will be spent.
“Sydneysiders love the outdoors – whether it be running, hiking, cycling or relaxing at the park with family and friends, so this funding will go a long way to maintaining and improving that lifestyle,” Mr Stokes said.

Every student across NSW will have the opportunity to accelerate their learning and study at higher levels, under a NSW Government plan to lift academic performance at all public schools.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell unveiled the plan today at Alexandria Park Community School where they also announced a new selective school will be built in southwest Sydney.
Ms Berejiklian said the plan was part of the Government’s ambition for more opportunities, for more students.
“I was a product of a quality public education and would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the excellent teachers who inspired me,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunities to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Ms Berejiklian said the new selective school in southwest Sydney will provide another option for families in the key growth area.
“We know many students are travelling long distances to attend selective schools,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“There is strong demand for selective schools, with around 15,000 applications for only 4200 places. This new school will provide another convenient local option for these students and their families.”
Ms Berejiklian and Ms Mitchell also outlined two performance-lifting initiatives that will be rolled out in every public school across the State.
The new High Potential and Gifted program will identify students who will benefit from being challenged in areas where they show talent. Under the program, students will have access to a personalised learning approach depending on their ability, and will give them the chance to learn above their age.
In addition to this, the NSW Government’s Bump It Up program will be expanded statewide, providing every school in NSW with tailored targets for improving performance.
Bump It Up is currently in place in 137 schools that have the greatest potential for lifting literacy and numeracy and has been an important part of the Premier’s Priorities to raise academic performance.
The program has already lifted academic performance significantly, with more than a quarter of the first 137 schools achieving their targets in the first year alone.
Under today’s announcement, Bump it Up will be offered in every school and its targets will be expanded to focus on five key areas – literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, equity and attendance.
Ms Mitchell said all students should have equitable access to the support they may need to reach their academic potential.
“These programs not only will help lift academic results, they will help prepare young people for rewarding careers and ventures in the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
“NSW is the largest provider of public education in Australia, and we are committed to ensure that every student – from Gunnedah to Gordon – has access to a top quality education.”
The High Potential and Gifted program will be operating in all public schools in NSW by Day 1, Term 1 2021, and Bump it Up by 2020.

A new state of the art headquarters for the NSW Police Force’s Aviation Support Branch will deliver brand new infrastructure to reduce crime and strengthen community safety.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Commissioner Mick Fuller and Sydney Metro Airports CEO Lee de Winton to turn the first sod on the 2.5-hectare purpose-built facility at Bankstown Airport today.
NSW Police Force (NSWPF) will be the $35 million centre’s primary tenant, which will be funded by Sydney Metro Airports and will house five PolAir helicopters and three fixed wing aircraft.
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government is investing $34.7 million this year towards the upgrade of the Pol Air fleet.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to assist police in keeping the community safe by supporting search and rescues, operations targeting crime, reconnaissance missions and counter terrorism operations,” he said.
Mr Elliott welcomed the Sydney Metro Airports investment and said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government would deliver the new helicopters to support police investigations.
“It is vital our police work with the best technologies to keep our communities safe. This centre will be state of the art and the Government will deliver new helicopters to operate out of the facility,” he said.
Ms de Winton said Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown is the proud home to the majority of the region’s emergency air services.
“In an ongoing commitment to this we are pleased to start the construction of this new facility to support the service provided by Police Aviation Support Branch”.
The centre is due to open in July 2020, and the first of three new helicopters will arrive in late 2020

The HSBC Sydney 7s is headed west with the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium set to host the 2020 tournament from 1-2 February.
Following three successful years at Allianz Stadium and a fourth at Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, players and fans from right across the globe will descend on the heart of Western Sydney at Parramatta to celebrate the tournament next year.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Bankwest Stadium will be the perfect fit for the HSBC Sydney 7s tournament.
“The Sydney 7s is an exciting event in our State’s calendar – it’s as much about the enthusiastic fans in the stands as it is about the players on the field,” Mr Ayres said.
“About half of Sydney’s population lives in Western Sydney and it’s among the fastest growing regions in NSW, so it makes perfect sense to hold this fantastic multicultural sporting event at the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium, where there isn’t a bad seat in the house!
“Not only will it help grow the game of rugby union, but it will also encourage more people to spend a weekend in Western Sydney and make the most of what this beautiful region has to offer.”
Supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the HSBC Sydney 7s combines world-class rugby with a festival atmosphere, featuring live bands, rides and interactive entertainment.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “We are looking forward to taking the HSBC Sydney 7s to Bankwest Stadium, continuing our drive to showcase the event in Sydney’s west.
“The fan experience at Bankwest Stadium is nothing short of world class and it will lift the event to another level in 2020.
“It is a massive year for Rugby Sevens next year with the Tokyo Olympic Games and those who come along to Bankwest Stadium in February will find out just why it is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet.”
Fans are encouraged to register at sydney7s.com.au to take advantage of early-bird prices.

More than 1.3 million households across the State can now save potentially hundreds of dollars a year on gas bills thanks to an expansion of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s popular Energy Switch service.
In Lane Cove today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean launched the expansion of Energy Switch to include gas.
“Winter is here, so now is the time to compare gas and electricity plans. It takes only minutes but could save hundreds of dollars a year. Energy Switch helps ease the cost of living for families by helping them find the best deal,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Energy Switch is one of more than 40 NSW Government rebates and incentives easing the cost of living. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, $100 Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers and free registration for regular toll users.
Around 7,000 households have already switched electricity providers, bringing close to $3 million in annual savings since the free service launched last year. The average saving per household is more than $400 a year.
Mr Kean said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government was determined to make energy more affordable for NSW families.
“Energy Switch works by using a customer’s latest energy e-bill and comparing it with every retailer in NSW before presenting the top three plans available. If a switch is requested, Service NSW will make all the arrangements,” Mr Kean said.
“Last year, we saved 900,000 NSW households about $300 million through our NSW Government energy rebates. We’re absolutely committed to reducing living costs, and delivering lower energy prices for NSW families.”
It’s available at any Service NSW Centre or https://energyswitch.service.nsw.gov.au/
The top 10 areas with the highest number of electricity switches so far are:

Area	Average Saving
Mulgoa	$612
The Entrance	$583
Dubbo	$536
Kellyville	$507
Liverpool	$490
Gosford	$473
Lismore	$456
Wagga Wagga	$447
Westmead	$446
Bathurst	$431

More than 1.4 million train trips taken in Sydney every day will be safer and more reliable, including faster recovery from unplanned disruptions, with the opening of Australia’s first purpose-built rail operation centre in Alexandria today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Transport Andrew Constance to officially open the $296 million Sydney Trains Rail Operations Centre.
“The Rail Operations Centre begins a new era of rail in Sydney and will set new standards across the country,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Sydney has one of the most complex rail networks in the world, and the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has delivered a new Rail Operations Centre to ensure the best possible service for commuters.”
Mr Constance said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government continues to invest in infrastructure crucial for keeping people moving.
“Its massive display board is 33 metres long, bigger than that used by NASA’s Mission Control Centre and can track where every train is running at any given time across the Sydney Trains network,” Mr Constance said.
“At similar facilities in Hong Kong and Tokyo, all critical operation teams are positioned in one location, which means better` co-ordination and response to critical incidents on the network.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins said more than 660 employees will be based at ROC and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the final employees moving in over the next few months.
“We have dedicated teams of engineers, train controllers, rail technicians, communication teams and security personnel all working together to keep our customers moving,” Mr Collins said.

The NSW Government today officially opened the North West Metro – the first stage of Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance joined the community and construction workers to open the rail line and deliver a turn-up-and-go train service from Rouse Hill to Chatswood.
“This is truly an historic day for NSW with services starting on one of the world’s great metros,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I am so excited that our hard work and discipline has paid off with this rail line opening on time and more than $1 billion under budget.
“More than 22,000 people have worked on this important project since 2011 and I want to thank each of them for helping to connect Sydney’s North West like never before.”
Mr Constance said the project will leave a lasting legacy which will be felt for generations to come.
“Sydney Metro will forever change how we get around Sydney,” Mr Constance said.
“It is a transformational public transport investment on par with the Sydney Harbour Bridge a century ago.”
The North West Metro is a fully accessible railway and, in an Australian first, each of the 13 stations has platform screen doors to keep people and objects like prams away from tracks.
At full operation, trains will run every four minutes in each direction at peak times, with the ability to run up to every two minutes in the future.
The Metro line is currently being extended from Chatswood to Bankstown and by 2024 Sydney will have 31 metro stations and a 66 kilometre standalone metro railway.