16 News

Flood affected communities in NSW will be able to obtain free legal advice as a result of a $7 million Commonwealth funding investment to aid ongoing relief and recovery.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the new funding for community legal services in NSW meant people will have ongoing ready access to free, independent and confidential support to help navigate legal problems including insurance claims, housing and tenancy rights, employment issues and social security, credit and debt, domestic violence, destroyed documents and parenting arrangements.

“These devastating floods have taken every material thing from those affected. The Commonwealth’s extra funding for Community Legal Centres means they’ll now have the legal assistance they need to help rebuild their lives,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“Every part of people’s lives is impacted by these natural disasters and we want to ensure that legal assistance is available to them at this critical time.”

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will help Community Legal Centres (CLCs) continue to support people through the ongoing flood recovery.

“The floods wreaked havoc on our State,” Mr Speakman said.

“In the challenging aftermath of a natural disaster free legal assistance is crucial, especially to people who are socially and economically disadvantaged.”

Seven CLCs will each receive $250,000 per year, over four years:

· Northern Rivers CLC

· Shoalcoast CLC

· Mid North Coast Legal Centre

· Illawarra Legal Centre

· Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains CLC

· Welfare Rights Centre

· Tenants’ Union of NSW

Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Liberal Government’s vision to transform the Port of Eden into a thriving maritime precinct and cruise destination is taking shape with the construction of a $32 million wave wall at Snug Cove.

“The South Coast Boating Network Plan identifies investment opportunities to revamp existing boating infrastructure and services that support marine tourism at 17 of the region’s waterways,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This plan is supported through the NSW Government’s $205 million Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus Program and the Boating Now Program which has delivered more than 330 projects since it began in 2014.

“Eden has already been identified as a significant investment location to support not only the cruise industry but also commercial fishing, tourism and recreational boating in NSW. The delivery of major projects such as these will help further unlock the Sapphire Coast’s tourism potential.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the 366-metre-long wave attenuator on the NSW far South Coast, due to be completed within the next few days, marks another major milestone in the transformation of the Port of Eden. 

“This is an engineering feat which required mega purpose-built marine construction equipment and materials to build this game-changing maritime asset,” Mr Elliott said.

“The purpose of the wave attenuator is to deliver a safe harbour for commercial boats, private vessels and maritime infrastructure by providing protection from high winds and wave conditions.

“Providing a safer harbour will not only enhance Eden’s reputation as a first-class boating destination but will also stimulate local investment in the community’s maritime and tourism sectors and boost the local economy.

“The design of the wave wall was developed based on extensive site-specific wave data, weather history, environmental and geotechnical conditions plus ship and vessel simulations.”

Projects that have already been funded through these programs include: 

• repairs to the Wollongong Harbour Slipway to enable continued operation
• a new Kayak launch and pontoon at Shell Harbour Marina 
• an upgrade of the Woolamia and Myola Boat Ramp facilities, near Jervis Bay 
• a new boat ramp precinct at Lake Conjola
• an upgrade of the boat ramp facility at Hanging Rock, Batemans Bay
• an upgrade of the Narooma Town Wharf

The state’s first hydrogen-powered electric bus will soon take to the streets of the Central Coast in a local trial of the technology.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the trial was one of many that were paving the way to a zero emissions future by bringing together industry and the transport and energy sectors.

“These hydrogen buses are the first step in growing our green hydrogen industry which is estimated to grow the NSW economy by an extra $600 million each year from 2030 onwards and attract $80 billion in investment by 2050,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the trial is an important milestone in the plan to transition the state’s 8000-plus public transport buses to zero emissions technology.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is keeping our state moving forward by investing in the technology that will deliver widespread benefits to our communities, commuters and our economy,” Mr Farraway said.
“The new hydrogen bus is believed to be the first of its kind manufactured in NSW and we know this trial will be key to supporting the development of the hydrogen industry right here in NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector will ensure investment in clean technology, grow the economy and support regional jobs and manufacturing.

“This state first trial will help determine the most suitable zero emissions technology to deliver the best services for our regional and rural communities.

“Hydrogen may have the potential to travel longer distances without refuelling and have faster refuelling times, which is an important factor in regional NSW.

“Red Bus has already conducted a trial using a battery electric bus so this trial will allow for a direct comparison between how electric and hydrogen perform in the same location.”

The project is a partnership between the Department of Planning and Environment, local bus manufacturer ARCC, Central Coast operator Red Bus, and Origin Energy.

The new hydrogen bus will be in service from Monday 6 March until the end of June 2023.

More information is available at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses  

For the first time, key waterways in Sydney Harbour will be equipped with innovative technologies to help reduce the amount of rubbish polluting the Harbour, thanks to the new Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour initiative co-funded by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the pilot program is using cutting-edge science and technology to protect one of Australia’s most iconic environments by preventing rubbish from making its way into the Harbour.

“Sydney Harbour isn’t just the world-famous jewel in Sydney’s crown, it’s an important ecosystem that supports abundant marine life such as seals, seahorses and little penguins, which will be even better supported thanks to this initiative,” Mr Griffin said.

“Through the Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour project, we’re investing in technology that will keep our Harbour cleaner and create healthier ecosystems by using cameras and sensors to monitor litter moving along estuaries and creeks in real time.

“Through this initiative, almost 80 sensors will be fitted to traps on local waterways to alert councils and government authorities in real time when they need emptying, helping them remove litter before it reaches the Harbour.

“This initiative complements our $9.1 million Seabirds to Seascapes project, which is helping restore Sydney Harbour by replanting seagrass meadows, installing hundreds of Living Seawall panels, supporting fur seals and little penguins.”

The Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour project will help reduce the 3,500 cubic metres of litter currently entering Sydney Harbour, equivalent to about 44,000 wheelie bins.

Cameras will be fitted to bridges along key waterways, including throughout Sydney Olympic Park, and will detect litter in the water using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, detecting build up in gross pollutant traps.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the initiative will help authorities proactively manage waterway health, making maintenance more efficient, timely and cost effective.

“AI software will be used to identify the types of litter floating in the water – distinguishing between a chip packet, a bottle and can,” Mr Dominello said.

“This data will help water authorities work out where the litter hot spots are and how to better target litter prevention activities.

“At the end of the trial we will assess its success with a view to the technology being rolled out across the Greater Sydney region to be used by all councils who manage stormwater networks.”

The Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour pilot is a collaboration between Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Sydney Coastal Council Group Inc, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Parramatta River Catchment Group, and is co-funded by the NSW Government.

The pilot received a $545,000 co-contribution from the $47.5 million Smart Places Acceleration Program, part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Digital Restart Fund. 

For more information, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/industry/cities-and-active-transport/smart-places

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is partnering with the Qantas Group in a move that would bring thousands more interstate tourists to Bega and drive more dollars into local businesses.

Qantas and Jetstar routes into Merimbula from select interstate ports are being supported through the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, ensuring increased capacity is available for domestic visitors.

Liberal Candidate for Bega, Russell Fitzpatrick said the partnership was great news for Bega and local businesses engaged in the visitor economy.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is making it easier for interstate visitors to come to Bega which will mean more people staying in local hotels, enjoying our local hospitality and spending with local retailers and attractions,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“Our businesses and community are ready to welcome visitors and show them what makes Bega a special place to live, work, stay and play.”

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said this initiative would accelerate the NSW visitor economy’s road to recovery.

“This partnership with the Qantas Group will see an increase in flights into Bega, delivering economic and social benefits to the region,” Mr Franklin said.

“We expect this partnership will support more than 86,000 inbound seats, injecting almost $12 million into the regional NSW economy.

“Over the past 12 months we have secured partnerships with 20 airlines, across more than 25 routes, supporting the delivery of up to 1.7 million additional inbound seats to NSW.”

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said this support from the NSW Government has helped make a number of these routes possible and is key to driving tourism in regional New South Wales.

“As the national carrier, we know how important tourism is for regional economies and through this partnership with the NSW Government we will see more people experiencing all that regional New South Wales has to offer,” Mr Gissing said.

QantasLink operates to 15 destinations in regional New South Wales with 12 direct interstate routes.

The supported routes are Melbourne to Merimbula (five flights per week).

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will open one of Sydney’s most historic gems, St James Station Tunnels, to the public following its restoration and revitalisation.

The public will be able to explore the hidden parts below one of Sydney’s busiest train stations, which was once utilised as an air raid shelter and RAAF control room during the Second World War.

Constructed in the 1920s as part of John Bradfield’s grand transport vision for Sydney, these long forgotten “ghost” tunnels are being re-imagined as a tourist attraction.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said these precious relics have long been hidden underneath our feet, and it’s high time the public were able to benefit.

“Subterranean Sydney will be a secret no longer,” Mr Stokes said.

“This is an incredible opportunity to bring Sydney’s ghost tunnels to life and share our city’s forgotten past with a new generation.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said with concept designs and selected early safety works complete, public access to the disused tunnels will soon be a reality, with work already underway to facilitate exciting and authentic guided tours of the southern tunnel, supported by innovative visitor experiences.

“As Veterans and Transport Minister, it is always a pleasure when my portfolios intersect. These tunnels are not only a gateway to Sydney’s transport history, but our war efforts and to this day bear the signatures of soldiers,” Mr Elliott said.

“The tour is expected to include an immersive experience which covers John Bradfield’s 1920s vision for Sydney’s transport, the construction of the City Circle as well as the experience of those who so valiantly served to defend their country in the Second World War.”

Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) CEO Benedicte Colin said it would be a great opportunity for visitors to the tunnels to become urban explorers, venturing through the long-hidden platform behind the St James concourse to the tunnels which run under Hyde Park.

“The project supports TAHE’s social responsibility objectives, and this innovative approach will see the value of this otherwise disused asset unlocked,” Ms Colin said.

Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said teams have been working hard to remediate and renovate this almost forgotten historic piece of NSW infrastructure.

“Like any area that has been unused for many years we need to ensure we not only have a safe and practical plan, but also look after the heritage aspects which will make them so interesting for visitors,” Mr Collins said. 

The official opening and commencement of tours, initially in the southern tunnel, is expected to take place in late 2023.

Road space will be re-allocated to prioritise bus commuters, pedestrians and bike riders along two major Inner West roads, slashing commute times and creating more opportunities for local businesses.

The new vision for Parramatta and Victoria roads is only possible thanks to the Liberals and Nationals Government’s record investment in underground motorways.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the new plans show how both roads will be reimagined in the short, medium and long-term with revitalised high streets, opportunities for affordable housing and more tree canopy.

“Our record investment in underground motorways like WestConnex and the Western Harbour Tunnel will result in fewer cars above ground on Victoria and Parramatta Roads, meaning they can be reimagined as places for people,” Mr Stokes said.

“Successive Labor Governments allowed the health of these roads to deteriorate, becoming clogged arteries in the city’s road network, dreaded by motorists and avoided by pedestrians

“This is a golden opportunity to restore these roads to their former glory as the beating hearts of their community, with more alfresco dining, more opportunities for affordable housing and greater priority for public and active transport.”

The new vision includes:

· Extension of Victoria Road bus lanes in Rozelle, Drummoyne, Gladesville, Ermington and Melrose Park.

· New bus and transit lanes along Parramatta Road in Leichhardt and Ashfield.

· Greater priority for buses at traffic lights.

· Additional space for Victoria Road pedestrians and bike riders following completion of Western Harbour tunnel.

· Investigations into opportunities for wider footpaths and safer bike lanes. 

Short term work to improve bus lanes on Parramatta Road and Victoria Road are funded under the Bus Priority Infrastructure Program and will commence in 2023. The medium term and long term visions are subject to a final business case to be completed in the future.

For more information, visit: nswroads.work/parramatta-road-vision and nswroads.work/victoria-road-vision

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will introduce a package of measures this year to provide greater protection and support for renters.

The proposed reforms include:

· Moving to a ‘reasonable grounds’ model for evictions during periodic leases, with the final list of reasonable grounds to be subject to consultation with key stakeholders, including landlords.

· Extending notice periods for end of fixed term leases from 30 to 45 days, allowing tenants more time to find a new home.

· Introduce a new, optional standard lease agreement with three and five year terms, to improve uptake of long-term leases and improve the ability for tenants to ‘make a home’. These standard forms will be developed in consultation with industry.

· Introduce a rental bond rollover scheme to reduce the financial impact associated with moving homes.

· Regulating information collected and stored from tenants and applicants.

These measures are in addition to a range of initiatives already implemented, including: 

· Prohibiting solicited rent bidding; 

· First Home Buyers Choice initiative, to help first home buyers enter the market; 

· A shared equity scheme to assist key workers, single parents and singles over 50;

· Planning reforms to increase the supply of homes. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the reforms would provide greater protections and certainty for renters across the state, while protecting the rights of landlords.

“We are supporting renters to get into housing in a fairer way, without stressful bidding wars where people get pushed beyond their comfort levels,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our ban on solicited rent bidding is already improving affordability for those looking for rentals.

“These new measures will provide even greater certainty and flexibility for nearly a million renters across NSW.

“This package supports a range of existing measures introduced by the NSW Liberal and Nationals to drive housing supply, improve rental affordability and increase home ownership.”

Minister for Fair Trading Victor Dominello said the changes build on new rules introduced by the Government last year to stamp out rent bidding in the market.

“Whether you are a university student, a young family or retiree, these reforms will strengthen the rights of renters,” Mr Dominello said.

“This package will complement work undertaken since 2020 to improve and enhance residential tenancy laws, including allowing tenants to take immediate action to end their tenancy, without penalties, if they or their children are experiencing domestic violence.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has listened to the concerns of tenants’ advocacy groups, and now is the time to act to give more protections to renters.”