Category: NSW News

Opal fares will change from July 6, including a temporary 50 per cent discount for off-peak travel on bus, train, metro and light rail services to help manage social distancing measures and keep staff and customers safe on public transport.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said customers are encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak incentive to help stagger essential travel on the public transport network as COVID-19 restrictions ease and patronage steadily increases.
“The vast majority of commuters will benefit from these changes with either cheaper travel or no change to their fares. A third of commuters will save an average of $3.60 a week based on current travel patterns,” Mr Constance said.
“We’ve waived the usual CPI increase and have rejected recommendations by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to increase Opal fares by 20 per cent over four year.”
New peak travel times will be introduced from July 6:

• 6:30am–10am on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 7am-9am)
• 6am-10am on Intercity Trains (currently 6am-8am)
• 3pm-7pm on Sydney Trains, Intercity Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 4pm-6:30pm)

Travel outside these times will be eligible for the 50 per cent fare discount. This is the first time bus and light rail commuters will benefit from off-peak fares.
The 50 per cent off-peak discount will remain for 3 months, then a permanent 30 per cent discount for off-peak travel will be introduced on bus and light rail, which is in line with current off-peak fares for train and metro.
A new $8.05 all day travel cap will be introduced on Saturday and Sunday. This is to help spread weekend public transport loads and encourage people to enjoy capped public transport travel on Saturday as well as Sunday.
Fares for bus and light rail peak journeys between 0-3 kilometres will be increased, to encourage people to walk or cycle for short distances or travel off peak. All other fares will either remain at current levels or reduce by the off-peak discount.
Existing Opal benefits remain the same, including:

• The $2 transfer discount,
• The daily cap of $16.10 ($8 concession),
• $50 weekly travel caps ($25 concession),
• Half price trips after eight journeys in a week,
• $2.50 unlimited travel for Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card holders.

“We want everyone to remember they have a role to play in making the public transport network as safe as possible. Our frontline transport staff have been doing an amazing job during this unprecedented time and we urge customers to keep showing them their respect and understanding,” Mr Constance said.
Journey examples:

Adult one way fares		Peak		Off-peak
Journey	Mode	Current price	New price	Current price	New price
Penrith to Town Hall	Train	$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44
Kellyville to Chatswood	Metro	$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57
Redfern to Martin Place	Train	$3.61	$3.61	$2.52	$1.80
Blacktown to Baulkham Hills	Bus	$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Broadway to Central	Bus	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
Central to Star City Casino	Light Rail	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
Rose Bay to Circular Quay	Ferry	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12

 

	Fare band	Peak travel		Off-peak travel
		Current Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July	Current Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July
Train and Metro
0-10 km		$3.61	$3.61	$2.52	$1.80
10-20 km		$4.48	$4.48	$3.13	$2.24
20-35 km		$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57
35-65 km		$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44
65+ km		$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43
Bus
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Light rail
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Ferries
0-9 km		$6.12	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12
9+ km		$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65

Police have charged two men after they allegedly held a tenant against his will when he was unable to pay his rent due to the COVID crisis.
Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command have been told the tenant and a friend arrived at a rental property on Clifton Reserve, Surry Hills, about 3.30pm on Wednesday (17 June 2020), and were met by the property owner and another man.
The tenant, a 24-year-old man, told police he owed back-rent after getting into financial difficulties due to the COVID crisis, but believed he’d negotiated a payment plan with the property owner.
The tenant was met at the property by the two men who, police allege, threatened then assaulted him and prevented him from leaving the premises until he’d paid the outstanding rent in full.
After the tenant transferred funds, he and his friend were allowed to leave. They went immediately to Surry Hills Police Station and reported the incident.
Following inquiries, a 56-year-old man – who police allege is the property owner – was arrested about 10.30pm (Wednesday 17 June 2020), at Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with detain person for advantage.
He was refused bail overnight and appeared in Central Local Court yesterday (Thursday 18 June 2020), where he was conditionally bailed to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 13 August 2020
A 57-year-old man was arrested when he presented himself to Surry Hills Police Station about 5pm yesterday; he has now been charged with take/detain in company with intent to obtain advantage occasioning actual bodily harm.
He has been refused bail to appear in Central Local Court later today (Friday 19 June 2020).

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has seized 14 illegal firearms and arrested three men over their alleged involvement in the supply of firearms in Sydney’s south-west.
Earlier this year, members of the NSW JCTT – comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force (NSWPF), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission – received information relating to a group with possible access to illegal firearms and members with suspected extremist ideology.
Operation Bouwel was subsequently commenced to investigate the group’s involvement in the acquirement and supply of firearms and explosives.
During the course of the investigation, the JCTT seized 11 firearms, including four SKS rifles (two of which were semi-automatic), a Taurus 9mm pistol .45 calibre self-loading pistol, a .45 calibre handgun, a semi-automatic .22 calibre rifle with silencer, a semi-automatic M1 carbine, and a pump-action shotgun.
Investigators also seized two banana magazines and more than 500 rounds of ammunition (various calibres).
Following extensive inquiries, Operation Bouwel investigators, with the assistance of the Tactical Operations Unit, the Public Order and Riot Squad and South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group, executed five search warrants and conducted three Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) searches across south west Sydney from 9.30am today (Friday 19 June 2020).
Three men – aged 26, 29, and 30 – were arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where they are in the process of being charged.
During the arrest of the 29-year-old man, police seized a further three firearms – an MK5 rifle, a Berretta 9mm pistol, and a 9mm mini-Glock pistol.
All of the firearms will undergo extensive forensic and ballistic examination.
Charge details and bail/court information will be provided when it comes to hand.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

The NSW Government will invest a record $1.6 billion into its Digital Restart Fund to make the State the digital capital of the southern hemisphere.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the landmark funding would enable the Government to turbocharge digital projects that make life easier for people.
“We are leading the country on digital transformation and this investment will cement our reputation as a world leader in technology and innovation,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are already using technology to make life easier for customers. Whether it’s the Digital Driver Licence, Energy Switch or Park’nPay, our digital products provide added choice and convenience.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding is a game changer and will make NSW the envy of the southern hemisphere.
“This record investment in technology recognises that digital infrastructure is as important as transport infrastructure to the State’s economic growth,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We must be fast followers in the Digital Revolution to accelerate agility, lift productivity and generate the jobs of tomorrow.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the funding includes $240 million to bolster the Government’s cyber security capability and create a world leading cyber industry.
“This is the biggest single cyber security investment in national history, and will strengthen the Government’s capacity to detect and respond to the fast moving cyber threat landscape,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are leading the nation on bricks and mortar infrastructure and this historic investment will positon us to develop a world leading cyber security industry and be a jobs hub for this critical multi-billion-dollar sector.”
The Cyber Security funding will go towards protecting existing systems, deploying new technologies and increasing our cyber workforce.
The funding will include:

• $240 million commitment to enhance the Government’s cyber security capability;
• Providing more government services online and via Service NSW; and
• Improving the digital experience across agencies, including in education and health.

The NSW Government today re-iterated its commitment to creating jobs for the tens of thousands of people unemployed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latest jobs data released by the ABS shows the unemployment rate in NSW has risen from 6.3 to 6.4 per cent – from a low of 4.5 in January this year.
The Australian unemployment rate is 7.1 per cent as about 228,000 people across the country lost their jobs in May with 43,900 of these in NSW.
The NSW participation rate, that is the number of people employed or actively seeking employment, has fallen by 0.7 percentage points in May, which has cushioned the rise in the state’s actual unemployment rate.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs Stuart Ayers said the Government had committed more than $13.6 billion in health and economic stimulus measures in the past three months to support people, businesses and communities and help create jobs.
“These are again sobering unemployment numbers and show why creating jobs has been the very highest priority for the Government at this time,” Mr Perrottet said.
“There is no more important purpose than ensuring people have a job as we move from response to the recovery phase of the pandemic. This will not only help people and their families but will benefit the wider community through direct spending.”
Mr Ayres said the focus is on returning people safely to work as well as creating new jobs with major infrastructure projects getting underway faster including the $750 million redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Market and Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line.
“The rolling back of COVID restrictions will help restore jobs in the hard hit services sector and our $3 billion fast tracked infrastructure program will support the return of jobs in the construction sector.”
“Just last week we also announced a major industrial precinct on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney Airport, which will provide a huge jobs boost in that region in coming years.”
The $2.6 billion Mamre Road Precinct was one of 24 projects included in Tranche 2 of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assessments.
“Now more than ever we need to pull together to create jobs for those hit hard by the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.

The much-awaited revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay is one step closer, with the NSW Government today approving the final plans for the new Sydney Fish Market.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the green light paves the way for construction on the site to begin, creating 700 construction jobs and more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new markets open in 2024.
“Projects equal jobs. Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery out of this pandemic which is why we have already accelerated a number of infrastructure projects in NSW, creating thousands of jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is an exciting step forward for the new Sydney Fish Market, with construction to soon get underway on this incredible new precinct on the doorstep of the CBD.
“Not only will the new Sydney Fish Market continue to be the beating heart of our State’s seafood industry, it will also continue to lead the way as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”
The new Sydney Fish Market has been designed by Danish architect 3XN, in association with Sydney firms BVN and Aspect Studios, and will be built over the waters of Blackwattle Bay and adjacent to the current site. Visitor numbers to the market are expected to double over the next 10 years, from three million to six million each year.
The new building will include a variety of fishmongers, restaurants, cafés, bars, and specialty food retailers in a four-storey market hall setting, as well as new public promenades and a ferry wharf.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Sydney Fish Market was approved through the Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assesments to keep people in jobs and the economy moving.
“This is the 33^rd project determined through the new accelerated assessment program, introduced as part of the NSW Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.
“Building the new Sydney Fish Market at the head of Blackwattle Bay is an incredible opportunity to transform an under-utilised area into a vibrant, accessible and attractive waterfront precinct. The approved design also provides more than 4,700 square metres of new public open space, and paves the way for a future shared pedestrian and cycle path that will provide waterfront access all the way to Woolloomooloo.”
Early works for the Sydney Fish Markets are expected to commence within the next eight weeks, with a stage one contract to be awarded shortly. A tender process is also underway for the major construction phase, which is expected to start in early 2021.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism, and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the development will help NSW’s economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a great development for the tourism, construction and hospitality industries of NSW, with hundreds of new jobs to be created in this vibrant new precinct,” Mr Ayres said.
“With over 3 million visitors each year, the Sydney Fish Market is one of NSW’s busiest tourist attractions.”
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Assess-and-Regulate/State-Significant-Projects/Sydney-Fish-Market

More customers will be welcomed back to the public transport network with an increase in the number of people now allowed on our trains, buses, ferries and trams from July 1, consistent with NSW Health advice.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said health experts had advised that capacity on all modes of transport can now be increased in a COVID safe way.
“We are at a stage where we can safely allow more people back on the public transport network,” Ms Berejiklian said.
A Waratah train will now be able to carry 68 customers per carriage, up from 32, a typical two-door bus will be able to carry 23 customers, up from 12 and a Freshwater ferry will be able to carry 450 customers, up from 245.
“Passengers still need to leave a space or an empty seat between themselves and other customers and continue to find green dots for the safest places to sit and stand. No green dot, no spot,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Employers should continue promoting flexible working arrangements where possible and people are reminded to travel outside the commuter peak hours when they can, or to walk or cycle short distances.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said increased cleaning, services and staff will continue to support customers as they return to the public transport network.
“Customers will still be seeing hundreds of additional transport staff including Transport and Marshalling Officers across the network as well as the hundreds of cleaners who have already carried out more than 240,000 hours of cleaning since the start of March this year.
“The thousands of extra weekly services we added to the network in early June will also continue to help customers make better travel choices and practise physical distancing on all modes,” Mr Constance said.
Work is continuing to establish pop-up cycleways across Sydney and in the regions. Pedestrian access has also been enhanced with speed limits already reduced at eight busy locations across Sydney to provide alternatives for those considering other travel options.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said plans are still in place for pop-up parking hub opportunities across Sydney, similar to the existing arrangements in Moore Park.
“If the demand requires it, we are also looking at other key locations, including Parramatta and Macquarie Park, for people who are able to drive to work.
“This has been a challenging time for everyone and we really want to thank all customers for listening to advice and considering their travel options,” Mr Collins said.

Jordan Springs Public School is one of 19 new and upgraded schools being built in Sydney’s north-west, which has seen enrolments grow by 24 per cent over the last five years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres visited the $50 million Jordan Springs Public School that will open its doors to students next month.
“Even during a pandemic we have continued to build schools across NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“No matter where you live or what your circumstances are, all students deserve access to world class education.
“In the last 18 months, we have already opened eight of the 19 schools being built in Sydney’s north-west and another three are scheduled to open early next year.”
Ms Mitchell said Jordan Springs Public School is one of several new schools being built using innovative technology.
“For the first time in NSW, we’re harnessing a new way of building schools. Ninety-five per cent of the school is constructed off site reducing the on-site build time to weeks,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The construction method will be used in select locations, meaning we can deliver new, high quality schools with minimal disruption to those communities.”
The construction model is currently being used for the new schools at Jordan Springs, on Farmland Drive near Alex Avenue at Schofields and in Catherine Field, Leppington and Wagga Wagga.
Mr Ayres said there is need for new schools in this area.
“The NSW Government is fast tracking infrastructure programs across the state,” Mr Ayres said.
“These projects will provide jobs and boost the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new Jordan Springs Public School will provide 27 permanent classrooms, a school hall, a library, a covered outdoor learning area as well as administrative and staff facilities. It will have capacity for more than 1000 students.
The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Eight schools already open in Sydney’s north-west:

1. Claremont Meadows Public School (upgrade)
2. Riverstone High School (upgrade)
3. Quakers Hill East Public School (upgrade)
4. Riverbank Public School (upgrade)
5. Bella Vista Public School (new)
6. North Rocks Public School (upgrade)
7. Excelsior Public School (upgrade)
8. North Kellyville Public School (new)

11 schools currently being built in Sydney’s north-west:

1. Jordan Springs Public School (new) *students commence in Term 3
2. Matthew Pearce Public school (upgrade)
3. Castle Hill Public School (upgrade)
4. Samuel Gilbert Public School (upgrade)
5. Marsden Park new high school (new)
6. Marsden Park new primary school (new)
7. Alex Avenue new primary school (new)
8. Glenwood High School (upgrade)
9. John Palmer Public School (upgrade)
10. Schofields Public School (upgrade)
11. Tallawong new primary school (new)

Restrictions imposed during COVID-19 will be further eased next month with strict social distancing rules, the NSW Government announced today.
From July 1, the new rules keeping the state COVID-Safe mean:

• The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres. All activity must be seated only.
• Cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
• On compassionate grounds, restrictions on funerals will immediately be eased to allow the four square metre rule to apply.
• All other restrictions including 20 guests inside the home and 20 for outside gatherings remain the same.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW was able to further ease restrictions due to the limited community transmission of COVID-19.
“The community has worked incredibly hard over the past few months which has allowed us to be where we are today,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“However we can’t let our guard down. People need to come forward for testing with the mildest of symptoms and practise good hand hygiene and social distancing.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello have consulted with peak business, industry and community bodies on the changes as part of the Government’s reopening strategy.
“We are keen to open the economy in a COVID-safe way. The government will also be considering solutions for smaller venues, particularly in regional NSW, where the 4m2 rule is not practical for small businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The July 1 measures will allow vital community hubs in the regions to open, such as showgrounds, providing a big boost for communities many of which are still recovering from the devastating impacts of drought and the bushfires.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said rebooting these sectors of the economy was vital for the state’s economic recovery.
“We have made the investments needed in our health system and now we need to get our economy firing on all cylinders,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Allowing these centres, facilities and venues to safely open will provide a significant boost to the economy and help keep more people in jobs and businesses in business.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the government would be helping business and industry open safely through a variety of simple and easy to use tools through Service NSW.
“We recently launched the online COVID Safe Check, which is simple to use and helps businesses continue to build their hygiene and compliance plans by checking and testing their safety plans – more than 30,000 businesses have already downloaded a COVID Safety Plan template,” Mr Dominello said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged the community to be mindful of their own health as well as the health and well-being of their families and fellow citizens.
“We still need to be vigilant because we have to assume the virus hasn’t gone, and there is no vaccine or treatment on the immediate horizon,” Mr Hazzard said.
“So I encourage people to go about their daily lives, enjoy playing sport or a night out visiting friends but do it in a COVID safe way – maintain physical distancing, good hygiene and if you feel unwell stay home and get tested.”
Music festivals and nightclubs will continue to remain closed in July as the Heath advice remains that these venues and activities pose a high risk of the virus spreading. It is anticipated that restrictions will be eased further in August if community transmission of the virus remains low.
For the latest information please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Plans for a major industrial precinct on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney Airport have been approved today by the NSW Government, paving the way for a significant boost to jobs and investment in the region.
Approval of the $2.6 billion Mamre Road Precinct, one of 12 key precincts in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, will unlock 850 hectares of new industrial land and see the creation of new public spaces and conservation areas.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the green light for the Precinct is a significant step forward in securing Western Sydney’s future as a global hub for logistics and advanced manufacturing.
“We’re getting on with the job of building a new city around the airport well before the first plane takes off,” Ms Berejikilian said.
“This land release will provide opportunities for international and domestic businesses to invest in Western Sydney, enabling major warehousing, logistics, manufacturing and circular economy operations to be established.
“It will also bring a huge jobs boost to the region, creating opportunities for more than 5,200 jobs during the construction phase alone.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the Mamre Road Precinct will also include 50 hectares of open space, including new cycling and walking paths that will open up previously inaccessible land to the public. A further 70 hectares of conservation land, including the Cumberland Plain Woodland, will also be protected within the Precinct.
“Not only does this rezoning secure much-needed productive industrial land, it also safeguards critical environmental areas and provides some fantastic new public spaces for the future residents of the Western Parkland City,” Mr Stokes said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the rezoning is another milestone in the transformation of the Western Parkland City into a thriving hub, with new jobs, homes, infrastructure and open spaces.
“We already have interested businesses from the transport and logistics, pharmaceutical and data storage industries ready to move into the precinct and capitalise on its future connections to local, regional and overseas markets,” Mr Ayres said.
The first industrial estates for the Mamre Road Precinct are expected to be occupied from mid-2021.
The Mamre Road Precinct was one of 24 projects included in Tranche 2 of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assessments to keep people in jobs and the economy moving during the COVID-19 crisis. To date, the program has created opportunities for more than 16,400 direct  jobs and almost $11 billion worth of economic investment across NSW.
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/mamreroad