16 News

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has delivered on a key promise for transparency in NSW by starting the process for releasing privatisation agreements signed by the previous government.

Mr Mookhey is writing to ports and energy companies notifying them he expects to make information about their agreements available to the public.

Where required, he has requested the consent of the relevant authorities to release the documents.

This includes the commitment deeds for Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle.

The key agreements relate to the privatisation and long-term leases of:

• Port Botany, Port Kembla and Port of Newcastle
• Ausgrid, Transgrid and Endeavour electricity networks
• Liddell, Bayswater, Colongra, Eraring, Shoalhaven, Mt Piper, and Vales Point power stations.

Subject to consent where required, the documents will be tabled in parliament.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The people of NSW deserve to know exactly what is in the agreements made when public assets were privatised.

“This will provide an opportunity for NSW citizens, for the first time, to be able to access important documents that set out what the state’s existing assets, rights and liabilities are from past privatisations.

“People should not have to wait until next century to learn what has been agreed to. The previous government should have revealed these details earlier.”

Motorists can start preparing for driving conditions inside the final piece of WestConnex, with the release of animations to help navigate the more than 16km of new tunnels that make up the Rozelle Interchange.

The animated in-car videos show motorists how to negotiate the underground interchange which links the M4 and M8, Anzac Bridge, City West Link, the toll-free Iron Cove Link, as well as the future Western Harbour Tunnel.

With Rozelle Interchange opening before the end of the year, the animations give an early glimpse inside, including signage in the tunnels and on adjoining surface roads, while a flyover video gives a useful overview of how Rozelle Interchange connects west and south-west of Sydney with the CBD and inner west.

About 100,000 vehicles a day are expected to travel through Rozelle Interchange every day and the Minns Labor Government wants them to do so with confidence from day 1.

The ongoing final phase of work to complete the interchange is testing the incident response, ventilation and IT systems to ensure the highest possible level of safety is delivered for motorists.

On Tuesday 7 November, the Crescent overpass will open to traffic to improve access from Annandale and Glebe to Victoria Road and the Anzac Bridge.  Drivers can access the overpass via Johnston Street or Link Road to travel over City West Link and onto Victoria Road or the Anzac Bridge.

There will be a temporary no left turn from The Crescent onto City West Link for approximately 4 weeks to allow for final elements of construction at the intersection.

NSW Roads Minister, John Graham said:

“Rozelle Interchange is a complex feat of Australian engineering, which has become a reality due to the hard work of a skilled local workforce, and we look forward to opening to traffic soon. 

“Now is a good time for drivers to start thinking about their journeys and how they may change after the opening of the interchange. These videos provide a preview of the new connections and will help in planning.

“When a major piece of road infrastructure like Rozelle Interchange opens, we expect drivers will take time to adjust to the new roads and route options, but these videos will give a head start.

“We are expecting an increase in congestion along Victoria Road and the City West Link as well as some queuing on the new M4 exit ramp in the AM peak until road users adapt and establish new travel patterns.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Rozelle Interchange is close to completion, and we look forward to opening 16.6km of new roads to give Sydney motorists more options to get where they want to go across our growing city.

We know from the opening of other major road infrastructure projects that motorists can take time to adjust to changes on the road network. 

“These driver animation and flyover videos will help people familiarise themselves with the new routes as motorists familiarise themselves with the interchange and its various connection points.

“These new additions to the road network will require a change of behaviour for drivers and we are eager to help the public as much as possible before the green light goes on for Rozelle Interchange.”

The public can view the driver animation and flyover videos on the Transport for NSW website.launch

The NSW Government is continuing to rebuild our frontline services today announcing an historic breakthrough agreement to address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers by paying Student Police Officers while they study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.
NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

• Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
• Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.

NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers. 

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers. 

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

The NSW Government has announced $60 million for councils across the state to improve walking and cycling, with a major focus on Western Sydney and regional communities.

From today, councils can apply for grants in the latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active funding programlaunch to deliver projects that will encourage walking and cycling, and vibrant places to live, work and play.

This year, the Get NSW Active program will include $10 million in funding for councils to deliver projects within walking catchments to primary schools to provide a safer and more comfortable walk or ride to and from school for kids and parents.

Upgraded and wider footpaths, cycleways, quality crossings, reduced speed zones, new trees, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians are some of the initiatives eligible for funding.

More than half of the funding will be prioritised for projects and initiatives in Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) and regional NSW.

The announcement coincides with the opening of the $19 million Alfred Street Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling connection across the Parramatta River at Alfred Street.

The bridge was funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program ($3.5m), NSW Department of Planning ($8.15m) and City of Parramatta Council ($7.5m). It provides a 200m long link over the river to the Parramatta Light Rail’s Tramway Avenue stop, as well as access to the 20km Parramatta Valley Cycleway, which weaves along the river.

The Alfred Street Bridge also connects to the new 5.7km shared path that runs alongside the Parramatta Light Rail corridor, a missing cycleway link built by Transport between George Street and Noller Parade on Alfred Street and will link to the future George Street East Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths, which are due to be delivered next year by council under Transport’s Get NSW Active program.

These projects form part of a growing network of safe cycleways and shared paths that will allow easier access to key attractions, community hubs, and current and future transport options including Sydney Metro West.

The City of Parramatta was also successful in the last round of Get NSW Active funding, receiving $341,000 for planning new or improved active transport links.

The Get NSW Active annual program (2023-2024) received a record 523 applications from councils across the state with funding allocated for 46 Greater Sydney projects and 41 regional projects.

Applications for Get NSW Active funding grants can be made from now until midnight 12 December 2023 on NSW Government grants and funding.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Get NSW Active program is all about working with councils to make it easier for people to walk and cycle through their neighborhoods.

“It is exciting to see projects funded by this program now coming to life. The Alfred Street Bridge is a stunning new connection across the Parramatta River for people walking or jumping on their bikes.

“With an estimated 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips taken each year across NSW, it’s vital we make it safer and easier. “

“I encourage NSW local governments make the most of this opportunity and put their applications in for the next Get NSW Active funding round.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Public Spaces Legacy program seeks to provide quality public open space for the community while speeding up the delivery of local projects.

“Alfred Street Bridge delivers on this commitment as well as providing a new active transport link catering for Parramatta’s growing population with a convenient, safe and scenic walking and cycling link over the river.

“Residents can now directly access the Parramatta Light Rail stop on the southern side, along with services, schools and recreational areas.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The only way is up for Parramatta and that means making the most of what we have by connecting our community via well-designed, attractive and reliable infrastructure.

“The NSW Government is committed to making Parramatta a destination to live, work, study and play with the revitalisation of the river and its surrounds.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said:

“Alfred Street Bridge is a distinctive new landmark for our city that will make it safer and faster for our growing community to travel throughout Parramatta.”

“We live in a beautiful City and Alfred Street Bridge will cut down commute times and make it easier to connect to public transport and travel to the CBD. It’s an important link that will connect the community to more than 20km of pedestrian and cycling paths to enjoy and explore our natural surroundings.”