Category: NSW News

Two Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued after a serving member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) entertained a guest while undertaking mandatory quarantine in a Sydney hotel overnight.
ADF officers were conducting security at the hotel on Hickson Road, Sydney, about 12.45am (Tuesday 15 September 2020), when they heard a female voice in the room of a man, who is a serving member of the ADF undertaking mandatory hotel quarantine after recently returning from overseas deployment.
After the ADF officers conducted inquiries, the woman was escorted from the hotel’s quarantine area and police were contacted.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended the hotel, which is managed by the ADF, before speaking with the pair.
Following extensive inquiries, the 26-year-old man and 53-year-old woman, who was a guest staying at the hotel, were each issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – COVID19.
The woman was directed to check-out immediately and attend a COVID testing facility before self-isolating at her Hornsby home.
The man remains in hotel quarantine and the ADF are conducting further investigations.

The NSW Government’s fast-tracked planning program is leading the State’s post-pandemic recovery by creating 50,000 jobs and injecting $25 billion into the NSW economy over the last six months alone.
The Planning System Acceleration Program has already determined 90 major projects and planning proposals since April and in the next four weeks another 11 will be determined as part of the sixth tranche.
If approved, these could result in another $527 million worth of investment and the potential to create more than 1,400 jobs.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the planning system had been a key economic lever in the NSW Government’s immediate response to the pandemic, driving the state and the rest of the country to a strong economic recovery by accelerating a pipeline of projects.
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our lives and the economy and getting shovel-ready projects out the door to help NSW rebound from this crisis has been a critical priority,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our short-term drive to create a steady supply of jobs and investment has been a great success, with work already starting on construction sites across the State.
“Our focus now turns to a medium-term response, which will speed up and add greater certainty for more complex projects with longer timeframes of between six months and two years.
“With our nation in a recession, boosting the economy and creating jobs is more important than ever.”
The projects selected for accelerated assessment in tranche six include:
 

• Upgrade of the Fort Street Primary School
• Rezoning in St Mary’s for 500 new homes that will have an economic benefit of $126 million and create 250 jobs
• Rezoning in Appin for low density housing and environmental management of a biodiversity corridor, including 39 hectares protected for conservation
• Construction of 18-storey mixed-use student accommodation near the University of Sydney for 488 students, contributing $62 million and creating 245 jobs
• New Oran Park Town Centre in Camden, including dedicated public space, contributing $30 million and creating 60 jobs

“If approved, these 11 projects will mean that we’ve fast-tracked determinations of more than 100 projects since the accelerated program began in April,” Mr Stokes said.
The NSW Government is also driving major reforms to streamline the planning system to make it more efficient and to amplify the success of the acceleration work. Decisions will be made on tranche six projects by 9 October. For more information visit the fast-tracked assessments webpage.

More than 30 new and fast-tracked health, education and transport and roads projects will be delivered across the state within two years, creating up to 20,000 estimated jobs thanks to the NSW Government’s $3 billion Jobs and Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Fund is part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, which will include an accelerated $600m in funding for projects built in four separate fields: health, education, transport and roads worth $2.4 billion, creating thousands of jobs at a time when the state needs them most.
“We are committed to firing up the economy and are investing $3 billion to accelerate new and existing projects in priority sectors that will provide a path to employment for thousands of people in NSW, while assisting our economic recovery,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW has a $100 billion infrastructure pipeline and these projects will positively change the lives of people across the state.”
The projects that will receive accelerated or additional funding over the next two years to fast track employment, include:

• Health
  • $60m Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Randwick
  • $105m to start work on the $385m St George Hospital Integrated Ambulatory Care Precinct, Kogarah and deliver it 2 years earlier than planned
  • $52m to start work on the $700m Shellharbour Hospital to be built on a greenfield site
• Education
  • $100m TAFE NSW Asset Renewal Program
  • More than $300m for schools including an upgrade of Carlingford West Public School
• Transport, Roads and Precincts
  • $28.2m Mamre Road Stage 1 (M4 Motorway to Erskine Park Road)
  • $90m Spring Farm Parkway Stage 1
  • Initial $20m to start work on the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore precinct. Project up to $76m subject to further community consultation

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW economy was the engine room of the nation with the investment being integral for the state, and the country’s resurgence.
“We are committed to keeping people in jobs and businesses and in business across the state, with around half of this investment targeted to the regions. Funding projects that will
support 20,000 jobs is a huge win for NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
The full list of projects will be announced in coming months.

The NSW Government will deliver the final stage of the more than $700 million St George Hospital redevelopment two years earlier, with a $105 million initial injection, boosting local jobs and the economy.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the $105 million as part of the NSW Government’s $3 billion COVID-19 Recovery Plan to fast-track infrastructure.
“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering world-class health facilities across NSW, including the state-of-the-art St George Hospital,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This investment is creating hundreds of jobs, while also ensuring the local community gets the expanded and enhanced health facilities it deserves as soon as possible.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said the accelerated funding to fast-track the $385 million Stage 3 of the hospital’s redevelopment will be of huge benefit to the local community.
“St George Hospital is now up to Stage 3 of its redevelopment, totaling more than $700 million worth of investment, including a new emergency department, a new acute services building opened in October 2017, the recently completed birthing suite and additional parking,” Mr Coure said.
“Bringing forward Stage 3 will fast track the delivery of a new Integrated Ambulatory Care Precinct, increasing inpatient bed capacity as well as much needed enhanced outpatient and community-based services.
“This is wonderful news, particularly for people with complex and chronic conditions, who will now spend less time in hospital, thanks to this new, first-class health facility.”
Planning for Stage 3 will commence this year, with early works set to start in 2021. Main works are expected to start in early 2022, with completion in 2025.
Stage 2 of the St George redevelopment was completed six months ahead of schedule in October, 2017, with an eight-level Acute Services Building above the existing emergency department, and featuring additional inpatient beds, a new intensive care and high dependency unit, a cardiac catheterisation unit, a sterilising services department, new helipad and eight additional digital and interventional operating theatres.
Stage 1 delivered the $41 million new emergency department, together with the improved hydrotherapy pool.

Further to the updates sent over the weekend, NSW Police have issued three individuals with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for not complying with Public Health Orders.

• About 1.50pm on Saturday (12 September 2020), officers patrolling Central Railway Station stopped a 26-year-old man after he allegedly walked into a restricted area without processing a ticket. Checks revealed the man was denied entry into New South Wales from Victoria on two separate occasions last month. He was unable to produce a permit and was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 5pm on Friday (11 September 2020), a 38-year-old man was stopped by police after attempting to enter New South Wales on the Sturt Highway. Police allege the man was unable to provide a permit and was directed to return to Victoria. He allegedly returned to the checkpoint about 2pm the following day (Saturday 12 September 2020) with a permit allowing him to enter via plane and undertake mandatory isolation in a Sydney hotel. He was again directed to return to Victoria. A short time later, the man was stopped for a third time and subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 7.45pm on (Saturday 12 September 2020), police attended a home on Weber Crescent, Emerton, to conduct a check on a 20-year-old woman who had been ordered to self-isolate. Police will allege she had left the house to drove around the Rouse Hill and Riverstone areas earlier that day. The woman was reminded that she must isolate and was issued a $1000 PIN.

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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 a man and fined a woman in separate incidents since the last COVID-19 update.

• About 11.30am yesterday (Monday 14th September 2020), officers from Bankstown Traffic and Highway Patrol were at a home on Smith Street, Yagoona, when they were approached by a man who allegedly swore and spat at the officers. The 36-year-old man was arrested after a short struggle and charged with not comply with noticed direction (spitting/coughing) – COVID-19, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, use offensive language in/near public place/school, and assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm. He has been refused bail and is due to appear in Bankstown Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 16 September 2020).

• Officers from Murray River Police District issued a 40-year-old Wodonga woman with a $1000 PIN. She allegedly breached conditions of her border zone resident permit by travelling to a hotel on Union Road, Lavington, and playing poker machines about 11.45am yesterday (Monday 14 September 2020).

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.

With warmer weather and longer days ahead, amendments have been made to the Public Health Order – most significantly relating to private gatherings; with all attendees now risking $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) if the gathering exceeds the allowed 20-person limit.
Where previously, only the organiser of a gathering was liable to receive a fine if the number of people at the premises breached the Public Health Order, every person in attendance will now be held individually responsible for the breach.
The changes, which came into effect at midnight (Monday 14 September 2020), aim to ensure the safety of the community ahead of an expected increase in gatherings associated with Christmas and end-of-year festivities.
Operation Corona Virus Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said that as with the previous restrictions, these amendments have been made with community safety in mind.
“Coming into the warmer months, and with end-of-year festivities around the corner, it’s only natural that people will have additional reasons to want to gather and get together,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“These amendments aim to ensure that an increase in expected gatherings doesn’t mean an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“The new changes come in addition to other restrictions which remain in place, including a limit on numbers at outdoor gatherings and licensed premises.
“NSW Police will continue to work with the community to ensure compliance to all restrictions under the Public Health Order.
“While the vast majority of people within NSW are doing their part, we will continue to target those who don’t,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
Other amendments have also come into effect that impact places of worship, auctions/open homes, weddings, and party buses. To view the restrictions on gatherings and movement in full, please visit the following link: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules

Customers in Revesby and Engadine can now complete hundreds of NSW Government transactions and access cost of living support online and face-to-face, thanks to the opening of two new Service NSW Centres.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is on its way to opening a further 10 Service NSW Centres in Sydney, with Revesby and Engadine being the first to open.
“These new one-stop shop Service NSW Centres in Revesby and Engadine put the customer first. Gone are the days of waiting in line for hours to be served,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Whether it’s renewing your vehicle registration or driver’s licence, or applying for a Seniors Card or marriage certificate, these Centres will save customers time.
“Service NSW is also a gateway to up to 70 NSW Government Cost of Living savings and rebates, including Energy Switch, Creative Kids and Active Kids vouchers. Customers can also access nearly 1000 NSW Government transactions at Service NSW centres. Locals will be able to make an appointment with a Cost of Living Specialist who can help them identify potential savings. The average saving so far is $575.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said both centres feature a modern ‘digital first’ design with additional staff available to help customers on self-serve touch screens, or to complete a transaction over the counter.
“We’re turbocharging the customer experience to make life easier for people,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers have quickly embraced the new Centres, with more than 3000 people visiting them since 28 August.
“There are now 109 Service NSW Centres across the State, as well as four Mobile Centres that cater for customers in remote and regional areas.”
Eight more Service NSW Centres will be delivered across Sydney by 2023 as part of an election commitment. They include Merrylands, Randwick, Northmead, Glenmore Park/Edmondson Park, Roselands and Schofields.
Between 2017 and 2019 24 Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network.
Revesby Service Centre is located at 38-42 Marco Avenue, Revesby. It is open from 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am – 12:30pm on Saturdays.
Engadine Service Centre is located at Shops 7-10, Engadine Town Square Shopping Centre, 1040 Old Princes Hwy. It is open from 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am – 12:30pm on Saturdays.
Further information on Service NSW is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au

A landmark rezoning will see 6,500 hectares of land rezoned to provide for employment, residential and environmental uses in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, setting the State up for a strong economic recovery and paving the way for land to be developed before the first plane takes off in 2026.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the rezoning of the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway, Agribusiness and Wianamatta-South Creek was the catalyst for the creation of Sydney’s third city centred on a new global airport.
“These first five precincts will deliver much-needed jobs growth to Western Sydney, providing the potential for 100,000 new jobs, as well as homes for 30,000 residents once fully developed,” Mr Stokes said.
Mr Stokes added that the Aerotropolis would be supported by the Wianamatta-South Creek precinct, which sets up a central green spine to protect the environment and provide open space for future residents and visitors to enjoy.
“This 1,300-hectare precinct will include walking and cycling trails that connect open space along the creek as well as cafes and restaurants.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Aerotropolis will be a major contributor to the 200,000 future jobs that will be created across the Western Parkland City over the next 20 years.
“This high-skill jobs hub is set to become the most dynamic economic development precinct in Australia with jobs in aerospace and defence, manufacturing, healthcare, freight and logistics, agribusiness, education and research industries,” Mr Ayres said.
“Today’s approval lays the foundations for the transformation of 6,500 hectares of land into a thriving metropolis with new homes, jobs and public spaces supported by a new, world-class Metro line.”
In addition, the Agribusiness precinct will revolutionise local fresh food farming as produce can go from the farm gate to the international consumer plate in 36 hours.
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis rezoning is one of 10 projects in the fifth tranche of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 50,000 jobs and almost $25 billion worth of economic investment.

The station locations for the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project to service Greater Western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) airport have been revealed, with the project also set to deliver a multi-billion dollar boost to the New South Wales and Australian economies.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Transport Andrew Constance and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres today inspected the site of the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis Station.
“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will support 14,000 jobs, including 250 apprentices and inject billions of dollars to the NSW and Australian economies,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Where we are standing today will become a major new transport interchange, right in the heart of the future central business district for the Western Parkland City.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said construction would start this year on the around $11 billion mega-project that would deliver economic support and local jobs.
“This city-shaping investment is being fast-tracked to help our economy recover from COVID-19 and deliver a major stimulus right in the heart of Western Sydney,” Mr Tudge said.
“Western Sydney residents will reap the benefits of this investment well before the first train leaves the station.”
Exact station locations have now also been confirmed on the 23-kilometre driverless railway line at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham and two stations at the airport.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the tender process has also started to deliver 10 kilometres of twin Metro railway tunnels, with the call for registrations of interest.
“Construction starts later this year on a project that will become the transport spine for the Western Parkland City,” Mr Constance said.
“The new railway will link residential areas with jobs hubs, and connect travellers from the new airport with the rest of Sydney’s public transport network.”
New South Wales Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the project will be a game changer for the region.
“This will provide the backbone for the economic and broader development of the Western Parkland City,” Mr Ayres said.
Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said the Australian and NSW Governments are working together in preparation for the airport opening for passenger services.
“The huge investment in Western Sydney Infrastructure projects is creating an interconnected city that will enable innovation, support growth and create jobs to build an exciting future for Western Sydney,” Mrs McIntosh said.
Supporting the airport and Aerotropolis is a key part of the Western Sydney City Deal – a
20-year agreement signed in March 2018 by the Commonwealth Government, NSW Government and eight Western Sydney councils.