16 News

A landmark plan that allows farmers to diversify income and create better environmental outcomes will turbocharge investment and job opportunities across regional NSW. 
 
The Natural Capital Statement of Intent sends a clear signal to finance, agriculture, and environment groups about how the NSW Government intends to develop land stewardship and other instruments as a new type of investment to better conserve the environment.
 
Environment Minister James Griffin said NSW is the first state to release a plan for natural capital, and it signals to the global market that NSW is serious about accelerating nature-positive investment opportunities and attracting the jobs that go with them. 
 
“Natural capital is a global movement that is developing at light speed and I don’t want NSW to miss out,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Put simply, natural capital is essentially our stock of natural assets – the air we breathe, the food and water we need to survive, biodiversity and all living things that help economies and communities prosper and thrive. 
 
“More than 50 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product is dependent on nature, and Australia ranks fifth of 140 countries that are likely to experience the highest economic losses if environmental challenges are not addressed. 
 
“The evidence is clear: for a strong economy, we need a healthy environment.
 
“We need to seize the opportunity to drive investment in our natural environment and create new markets, and our Natural Capital Statement of Intent outlines the role Government can play.”
 
Through the Natural Capital Statement of Intent, the NSW Government will partner with financial, corporate, environment and agribusiness sectors to accelerate and unlock natural capital investment opportunities.
 
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Statement of Intent will frame and guide any future policies aimed at nurturing natural capital on farms. 
 
“I meet with farmers every day who are already natural capital experts; they are passionate about the environment and are championing some really important initiatives to preserve their land now and well into the future,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“This Statement of Intent has been developed in consultation with landholders right across NSW and lays the foundation to future-proof NSW primary industries, build greater economic and climate resilience in the regions, and support the creation of new industries while improving the environment.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to developing policies that improve on-farm productivity while still protecting the environment rather than implementing any unnecessary regulation or taxes like we’ve seen internationally.
 
“Primary industries, especially those in rural and regional New South Wales, are ideally placed to embrace this opportunity and deliver nature-based products into the next generation of environmental markets.”
 
The NSW Government is a member of the global Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) forum, which is working to supporting a shift in global financing towards nature-positive outcomes.
 
To learn more, visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/our-science-and-research/our-research/social-and-economic/natural-capital 

Football fans will be able to celebrate the FIFA World Cup final at hotels and clubs across the State with the NSW Government extending trading from 10pm this Sunday through to 5am on Monday morning, 19 December. 
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson said patrons will be able to watch the match which kicks off at 2am on Monday, 19 December at a range of venues.
 
“These extended hours will allow fans to enjoy one of the biggest global sporting events with friends and family at their local club or pub,” Mr Anderson said.   
 
“It is great to see the special extended trading hours bringing benefits to the hospitality sector in NSW, creating more jobs and options for people to celebrate different events.”
 
Since 2021, the NSW Government has implemented year-round trading hour extensions during major sporting and cultural events, helping to boost the 24-Hour Economy, create jobs and breathe life into local nightlife. 
 
Longer trading hours will be in place for the FIFA World Cup Final between 10pm on Sunday, 18 December and 5am on Monday, 19 December for hotels and clubs that are providing a live broadcast of the match. 
 
The extended trading hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales. Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. 
 
Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their liquor licence.
 

The biggest infrastructure project in New South Wales jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments is about to embark on another transformative stage with the third contract awarded for the Sydney Metro- Western Sydney Airport line.
 
This will provide faster and more reliable metro rail services for locals and visitors to Greater Western Sydney.
 
The Parklife Metro consortium has been selected to deliver the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) contract for the project, following a highly competitive tendering process.
 
The consortium will construct all six new metro stations between St Marys and the new Aerotropolis, and will be responsible for running the new Western Sydney Airport line for 15 years after it becomes operational.
 
The contractors will also deliver a stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills, and provide rail infrastructure and systems for the supply, commissioning and operation of a fleet of 12 new metro trains.
 
Bringing together global and local expertise, Parklife Metro comprises RATP Dev, whose parent company operates Paris Metro, Plenary Origination, Webuild, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Mobility GmbH, Siemens Project Ventures and Siemens Mobility Austria.
 
The Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver the city-shaping Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line to coincide with the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026.
 
The total project cost will be around $11 billion. 
 
The awarding of the final contract coincides with another significant project milestone, with Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport becoming the first rail infrastructure project in Australian history to commit to being certified carbon-neutral from the start of construction through to operation.
 
All carbon emissions generated during construction and operation will be reduced and offset.
 
For more information, visit www.sydneymetro.info/westernsydneyairportline. 
For vision: https://app.frame.io/presentations/8a8682c5-1ce8-4259-8885-9deb4e78f7d5
 
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
 
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering vital infrastructure for Western Sydney as part of a genuine partnership between levels of government that will enhance liveability, and support the growth of industry and enterprise.
 
“This project will connect commuters and travellers with the new Western Sydney International Airport, providing major economic stimulus and supporting more than 14,000 jobs during construction.
 
“Having the project certified carbon neutral from construction to operation is a huge tick as the Albanese Government works towards emission reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030, and net zero by 2050.
 
“I’m proud we’re helping to shape the future of this vibrant and growing region.”
 
Quotes attributable to NSW Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney Minister David Elliott:
 
“The NSW Government is delivering metro services to this key growth area in order to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Greater Western Sydney. 
 
“World-class metro services will be a game-changer for Sydney’s Greater West in every sense and this final contract is key to making that a reality.
 
“The SSTOM contract has the largest scope of any Sydney Metro contract awarded to date, and is the largest Public Private Partnership contract awarded in New South Wales.
 
“We are already seeing plenty of activity underway as part of this new mega project, including preparations at the future Aerotropolis Station for tunnelling from the airport to the Aerotropolis site, which will commence in the first half of 2023.”

A decade-long project to completely seal 153 kilometres of the Silver City Highway has been achieved, providing safer and more resilient road for motorists in the state’s Far West.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW is one step closer to a fully sealed highway network with the completion of works on the Silver City Highway. 
 
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is building the infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier for regional communities and our $195 million investment to seal this vitally important highway is just one example of how we’re doing that,” Mr Farraway said. 
 
“The completion of construction and sealing on the Silver City Highway is an incredible milestone for people living in the Far West of NSW, not to mention the many freight operators and tourists who use the road every year.
 
“About 840,000 tonnes of locally-sourced crushed gravel and 50,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the highway and the result is a legacy project that will benefit the people and businesses of the state’s Far West for generations to come.
 
“The Highway is a vital north-south connection between Victoria and Queensland with sections closed for up to 70 days a year due to poor weather – and often for weeks at a time – directly impacting local residents and businesses, essential services and interstate road users.
 
“A sealed highway not only means quicker, safer journeys for all road users but will also mean it can stay open more often when the region experiences extreme weather.
 
“Sealing the Cobb Highway remains the final piece in the puzzle for a fully-sealed highway network, which is due to be completed mid-2023.”
 
For more information go to nswroads.work/farwestseals.

Results are in for 67,000 HSC students across the state, marking the end of their 13-year schooling careers and the next exciting chapter of their lives. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said young people are finishing the HSC more prepared for life after school than ever before.

“The fact that more school leavers than ever before are engaged in employment, education or training is incredible and a sign of bright future ahead for the Class of 2022,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My message to all those who received their HSC results today is to take all that you have learnt and the resilience and determination you have shown over your final years of school into whatever it is you choose to do next – whether that be university, training or work.”

A recent post-school destination survey shows that last year, more than 90 per cent of all school leavers were in education, training or employment. This is up from 86 per cent on the previous year and the highest rate since the survey began in 2014.

“The Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring young people have a smooth transition into life after school. We are proud to have announced the first phase of a comprehensive senior secondary reform program, which is delivering stronger pathways from high school to future careers and modernising the HSC,” Ms Mitchell said. 

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government’s focus on the transition from school to university or vocational education and training (VET) was helping more young people kick-start their future careers. 

“Many young people want the real world skills that VET delivers and the NSW Government’s investment in fee-free training is seeing the number of young people entering apprenticeships and traineeships after school increasing,” Mr Henskens said.

“There’s so many exciting post-school opportunities available for young people and our new Pathways for Secondary Students Strategy is strengthening the suite of options for young people to explore their next destination, forge their career path or land their dream job.”

This year, HSC results across the board remained consistent with previous years, including for students who were affected by flooding in parts of the state.

1,412 students were recognised on the ‘All-round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 780 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.

17,473 students received at least one Band Six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.

The 2022 HSC Merit Lists will be available on the NESA website at 12pm.

Plans to breathe new life into a forgotten piece of Sydney’s iconic harbour have received the final tick of approval with the rezoning of the Blackwattle Bay precinct now finalised.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal National Government was unlocking yet another section of underutilised harbor foreshore.

“Sydney is home to one of the most spectacular harbours in the world but for so long, much of the foreshore, such as Blackwattle Bay, has been neglected and left underutilised,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This is all set to change with Blackwattle Bay to be transformed into an exciting new foreshore precinct and tourism drawcard. 

“After more than five years of careful planning and engagement we now have the green light to breathe new life into the precinct, returning it back to the community as an iconic waterfront destination.”

Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the new Sydney Fish Market at the head of Blackwattle Bay is powering ahead, and with its striking design, will undoubtedly become a must-see attraction on Sydney’s famous Harbour.

“We’re transforming a patchwork of industrial uses into a spectacular harbour precinct with a wide mix of housing diversity,” Mr Stokes said. 

“Blackwattle Bay will no longer be a place you come to grab some seafood before driving off, but a destination in its own right, forming part of the best waterfront walk in the world.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said close collaboration with the community, the City of Sydney and stakeholders had been crucial in getting to today’s rezoning milestone.

“We have worked hard to balance technical considerations with the community’s feedback in order to create a destination with key transport, social, cultural and urban infrastructure that people will enjoy now and into the future,” Mr Roberts said.

Once complete, the 10-hectare Blackwattle Bay will be a vibrant mixed-use precinct anchored by the new Sydney Fish Market, with 1,200 new homes, more than 5,600 new jobs, more than three hectares of public open space including a new waterside park, ferry wharf, cafés, restaurants and retail, all within walking distance to the CBD.

It will also be supported by the new Sydney Metro station at Pyrmont, light rail and new active transport infrastructure.

To find out more, visit https://infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/blackwattlebay

The NSW Government is charging ahead with its transition from diesel to electric buses with the approval of $3 billion to fund the next stage of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBS) and new charging infrastructure.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott and the Minister for Environment and Member for Manly James Griffin visited Brookvale Bus Depot today – one of 11 depots across Greater Sydney to receive funding for an electric charging upgrades.

“This is a big-bucks investment in the next-generation of buses and proof that the Liberals and Nationals Government is serious about Australian manufacturing,” Mr Elliott said.

“The release of $3 billion by the NSW Government will not only benefit the environment but will also provide a spark for local industry, including across Western Sydney where some of these buses are already being made.

“This major investment will make NSW a global leader and will also deliver benefits to the local economy by supporting over 1400 jobs as we ramp up local bus production.”

More than 1200 new buses will be manufactured under the ZEBS program as part of a plan to eventually replace the entire fleet with electric vehicles. 

The funding will also allow 11 existing depots across Sydney to be converted for electric charging and a new depot constructed at Macquarie Park.

Mr Griffin said the NSW Government’s investment decision is a win for the environment and for commuters.

“Transitioning the entire fleet of buses will reduce emissions from the State’s public transport network by 78 per cent, reduce noise on the streets, improve air quality and ensure our commuters enjoy a smoother ride,” Mr Griffin said.

“Brookvale Bus Depot is one of 11 depots receiving a significant funding boost to upgrade its electric charging infrastructure.”

The key conversions will occur at bus depots in Leichhardt, Tempe, South Granville, Kingsgrove, Menai, Taren Point, Port Botany, Willoughby, Randwick, North Sydney and Brookvale. 

The NSW Government will transition the entire 8000 plus bus fleet to zero emissions technology by 2035 in Greater Sydney, Outer Metro regions by 2040 and regional NSW by 2047.

The Government is already operating Australia’s largest Zero Emission Bus fleet, with more than 100 buses currently in service. This funding will build on that record. 

Find out more about the project at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/zeroemissionbuses.

More young people in out-of-home-care (OOHC) will have an opportunity to pursue their university dreams, with the NSW Government funding 10 scholarships across Charles Sturt University’s six regional campuses.
 
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the scholarships will provide a life-changing opportunity for young people in regional NSW who want to pursue further studies after school.
 
“More young people across the regions will receive financial support so they can continue their studies, while being able to attend university closer to home,” Mr Toole said.
 
“It is another way the NSW Government is helping those in rural and regional areas reach their full potential without having to leave their communities.”
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said each scholarship provides up to $28,500 across three years of study; enough to earn an undergraduate degree. 
 
“These scholarships will support young people who have experienced trauma and other challenges to secure a brighter future,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“They will offer much-needed support to students from regional, rural and remote areas across the State who are in OOHC, or have been in Foster or Kinship care in the last three years.”
 
Director of University Advancement Sarah Ansell welcomed the partnership with the NSW Government. 
 
“The University looks forward to working with the Government to make a positive impact on young people who have aspirations to come to university, but may lack traditional family support structures,” Ms Ansell said. 
 
“The scholarships ensure they can study with confidence, knowing that they are adequately supported throughout their degree.”
 
The scholarships will be available at each of the Charles Sturt University campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga. 
 
The NSW Government also funds scholarships for young people in OOHC through Western Sydney University.
 
Information about the CSU scholarships can be found here.