16 News

Labor will deprive nearly 250,000 residents across Western Sydney of a Metro station in their suburb, cutting direct access to the new Western Sydney Airport and funneling more commuters onto the city’s road network.

Labor have announced they will scrap the Liberal and Nationals’ plans for new metro lines between Bankstown to Glenfield, and Westmead and the new Western Sydney Airport.

This will leave nearly 250,000 people without direct access to a Metro Station and without a metro connection to the new Western Sydney Airport. It will also impact 20,000 direct construction jobs.

This means that based on the current transport services:

· Someone living in Bankstown travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $150 for a taxi OR take a 2-hour journey via two trains and a bus.

· Someone living in Wentworthville travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $120 for a taxi OR take a 1.5-hour journey via two trains and a bus.

· Someone living in Chipping Norton travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $100 for a taxi OR take a 3-hour journey via two trains and two buses.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said Labor was walking away from the people of Western Sydney.

“Labor are already cancelling projects from opposition because they don’t have an economic plan and without an economic plan, they can’t build the transport infrastructure that Western Sydney needs,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Labor’s cancellation of projects to cover their budget blackhole will derail our state’s economy.

“Sydney Metro is already transforming the way we move around our city and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

“Under Labor, Western Sydney Metro jobs would go down the gurgler. This is exactly the kind of short-sightedness that will see our state stall under Labor.

“Under the Liberal and Nationals plan to complete the Metro, we are going to transform Western Sydney and future-proof our transport network.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this is another example of why Labor is not equipped to govern this State.

“This is Labor 101 – cancelling projects before they’ve even started,” Mr Elliott said. 

“This will leave a quarter of a million commuters without access to a fast and reliable Metro system that will get families home sooner.

“The Labor party has proved yet again they can’t deliver the infrastructure needs of a growing Western Sydney.”

The Liberal and Nationals have committed to finishing Sydney Metro with four new routes, including:

· Tallawong to St Marys

· Westmead to the Aerotropolis

· Bankstown to Glenfield via Liverpool; and

· Macarthur to the Aerotropolis

The two lines that Labor will scrap are extensions to the South West and  West lines, which are being built to accommodate up to 80,000 commuters per hour (in both directions) when opened.

Services on these lines will run 20 hours a day, from 6am to 2am, which equates to a commuter capacity of up to 1.6 million each day on the line.

The proposed new lines will be integrated with the broader Sydney Metro network, which includes:

· Sydney Metro North West – completed in May 2019.

· Sydney Metro City and South West – services from Chatswood to Sydenham to commence in 2024, then to Bankstown within 12 months.

· Sydney Metro West – on track to be completed by 2030.

· Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport – The Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver this project alongside the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026.

The Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Eurobodalla community being a step closer to expanded and enhanced healthcare services with early works now underway at the site of the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Early works of this vital health project have kicked off and that’s great news for the Moruya and Bateman’s Bay area,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This state-of-the-art health facility will be a game changer and provide crucial support for our community. Investments like this are only possible because of the Liberal Team’s strong financial record and having a plan to move NSW forward.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today visited the site, marking the important milestone for the new state-of-the-art hospital which will transform healthcare for the Eurobodalla community from Batemans Bay to Narooma.

Mr Hazzard said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the hospital has been finalised and will shortly be lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment.

“This marks a significant milestone in the planning for this new hospital, which will provide more health services than are currently available at both the Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will support core clinical services to be delivered at a role delineation Level Four, and has been informed by extensive consultation with clinicians, operational staff, community members, and local and state government agencies.

“Feedback from the local community has shaped key features of the hospital and we encourage everyone to view the latest plans and provide feedback as we move forward with this exciting project.”

Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said Aboriginal archaeological work will be carried out on site marking the important first step in early works construction.

“The local Aboriginal community has been central to helping shape the new health facility, and over the coming weeks, archeologists will be working closely with them to help identify significant Aboriginal objects or artefacts before construction commences,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is an important time for the community, which will see lots of activity happening on site over the coming months as we commence construction on the new hospital.

“Construction of a new roundabout on the Princes Highway will also start in the coming months, which will provide access to the hospital site during construction and become the main entrance to the hospital when it opens in 2025.”

The $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be a Level 4 health facility and services including: 

• Emergency Department
• Eight-bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit
• Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis
• Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit
• Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service
• Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services
• Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery
• Mental health beds for short term admission
• Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation lab

Construction of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is due for completion in 2025. It is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

The SSDA will be on public exhibition with the Department of Planning and Environment at: https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects

For more information about the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital development please visit the project website: www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Link to new drone footage of the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital site

A re-elected Liberal Government will guarantee that there will be no new taxes on households and small businesses in the next term of government in Drummoyne.

Liberal candidate, Stephanie Di Pasqua, said that this NSW Liberal’s guarantee would provide certainty to businesses and family budgets across Drummoyne.

“Since 2011, the Liberal Government has made 33 tax cuts which has put $10.5 billion back in the pockets of those who need it most,” Ms Di Pasqua said.

“Taxes, under a NSW Liberal Government, will always be lower in Drummoyne”.

“Only a re-elected Liberal Government can commit to no new taxes thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

The NSW Liberal Government has slashed payroll tax nine times, saving thousands of businesses over $5 billion. We’ve also increased the taxable income threshold by $522,000 to $1.2 million, meaning small businesses are no longer burdened with any pay payroll tax and medium-sized businesses are saving $28,500 a year.

Our landmark stamp duty reforms, which give first home buyers the choice of paying a small annual fee instead of a large upfront stamp duty payment, will save families $900 million over the next four years.

By contrast, during their last term of government – NSW Labor introduced or increased taxes at least two dozen times.

List of Taxes Abolished or Decreased since 2011

Stamp duty: introduce First Home Buyer Choice for properties up to $1.5m giving first home buyers a choice between larger upfront stamp duty or lower annual payment

Land tax: extending principal place of residence exemption for building or renovating a home

Payroll Tax waiver of 50% in 2021-22 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Stamp Duty waiver on Electric Vehicles sold for up to $78,000

Payroll Tax rate reduction from 5.45% to 4.85% in 2020-21 and 2021-22

Accelerate Payroll Tax threshold to $1 million from 1 July 2020

Payroll threshold increased from $1 million to $1.2 million

Payroll Tax waiver of 25% in 2019-20 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Payroll Tax exemption for additional wages arising from JobKeeper

Transfer Duty reduction for one year for first home buyers purchasing new homes valued between $650,000 and $1 million

Freeze of indexation rates for heavy vehicles

Extension of the rebate for Primary Producer Heavy Vehicle registration

Emergency Drought Relief through one-year relief from Local Land Services annual rates and Farm Innovation Fund loan interest relief

Broadened Toll relief Program

Indexing Transfer Duty thresholds to CPI

Free registration on Primary Producer Heavy Vehicles

Emergency Drought Relief Package that includes free registration to agricultural vehicles, waiving local land services rates and waiving interest loans under the NSW Farm Innovation Fund

Introduced new $1 million Payroll Tax threshold

Caravan motor vehicle weight tax reduced by 40%

NSW Tolling Reward Plan: Introduced free motor vehicle registration for large toll consumers

Abolish insurance duty on commercial vehicle insurance for small businesses

Abolish Insurance Duty on professional indemnity insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on product and public liability insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on lenders mortgage insurance

Abolish Insurance Duty on crop and livestock insurance

Transfer duty exemption for first home buyers on new and existing homes valued up to $650,000, with discounts up to $800,000

Lowering NSW wagering tax rates to match Victoria’s

Abolition of stamp duty on business mortgages

Abolition of stamp duty on unlisted marketable securities

Abolition of transfer duty on non-real assets

Payroll tax threshold increase from $689,000 to $750,000

Raise the property value cap on first home buyer stamp duty concessions for new homes from $600,000 to $650,000

Payroll tax rebate for workers with a disability

Up to $1,500 in cash will hit the bank accounts of sole traders within days as the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme is extended to small business.

Treasurer Matt Kean said eligible small business operators would be able to claim up to an additional $750 in rebates once they’ve spent $375 in a year on a business toll account.

“Sole traders can backdate claims to 1 July 2022 and claim 40 per cent of what they’ve spent, up to $750 a year. This is in addition to the up to $750 a year in rebates available to sole traders for tolls incurred for their non-business activities, giving them a total of up to $1500,” Mr Kean said.

“This will make a big difference to many small business operators who will receive cash in their accounts within days of claiming. Eligible drivers will also be able to claim free or half-priced rego until 30 June, in addition to the toll rebate.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said more than 65,000 drivers had already claimed $26.9 million in the first three weeks of the new scheme.

“More than $26 million has already been deposited straight back into the pockets of hard-working families, tradies and other workers who regularly travel on Sydney toll roads,” Mrs Ward said.

“Small businesses will now have the chance to benefit as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to deliver savings across the community.”

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Toll Relief scheme was one of more than 70 cost of living rebates available through Service NSW.

“The experience of the last month has shown lodging your claim through your MyServiceNSW account is quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes,” Mr Dominello said.

“Customers just need to verify their identity, link their NSW toll account and then submit their claim. The MyService account also features a Toll Tracker, enabling motorists to easily track their expenditure before lodging a claim.

“Over 99 per cent of the almost 124,000 motorists who have left feedback have reported a positive experience.”

Customers who need assistance verifying their identity, linking their toll account or submitting a claim can call Service NSW on 13 77 88 for guidance or by visiting their nearest Service NSW Service Centre for digital kiosk support.

For more information, go to: www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/driving-and-transport/tolls/toll-relief

The concrete slab has been poured and the first of 12,000 tonnes of structural steel has been installed in a major milestone for the construction of the state’s biggest museum Powerhouse Parramatta.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Parramatta Powerhouse would become a Western Sydney landmark and the cultural institution the region had been crying out for. 

“It took the long term economic plan of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to transform an idea like the Powerhouse Parramatta from a thought bubble to a reality, that will be cherished by generations of Western Sydney residents,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This project isn’t just creating a world-class cultural institution but is also creating jobs, with more than $200 million in contracts awarded to NSW businesses by construction partner Lendlease.”

Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said Western Sydney was the big winner, with Lendlease setting a target for 70 per cent of the construction workforce to be Western Sydney locals.

“Our record $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is powering the state’s economy and Western Sydney workers are reaping the benefits, with $75 million in contracts from the Powerhouse Parramatta project awarded to local businesses,” Mr Stokes said.

“Contractors like Azzurri Concrete are the foundation of this project, with the Wetherill Park business completing a 1000-cubic-metre concrete pour – the equivalent of 160 concrete trucks – in one day.”

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the project would hold one of the most extraordinary collections in Australia.

“Once complete, this incredible museum will see Parramatta become the home of arts, design, science and technology, bringing two million visitors from across Australia and around the world to Western Sydney each year,” Mr Franklin said.

“Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, sharing more of the Powerhouse Collection than has ever been seen before. The state-of-the-art exhibition spaces will host international travelling exhibitions, bringing the very best of the world to Parramatta.”

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Powerhouse Parramatta was the biggest investment in arts and culture since the Sydney Opera House and will be the cultural icon Western Sydney deserves.

“I know my community in Parramatta and across Western Sydney will be thrilled by this city-defining museum that will become a cultural anchor within the wider Parramatta precinct,” Mr Lee said.

Liberal candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said Parramatta was being transformed by the Liberals and Nationals record infrastructure pipeline.

“Whether it’s Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Light Rail, Commbank Stadium or Powerhouse Parramatta – our city has been transformed by this record infrastructure investment and residents will continue to benefit for generations,” Ms Mullens said.

In an Australian-first all cranes on site are now powered by renewable diesel – directly contributing to a reduction in emissions and helping achieve greater sustainability outcomes without any impact on productivity. 

Powerhouse Parramatta will be a 6 star green star building with net zero operations from the day it opens, with the project on track for construction completion in late 2024. For more information visithere.

Other Western Sydney Businesses engaged on the project to date include:

· Fredon Industries (electrical services) – Silverwater

· Planet Plumbing – Campsie

· Ultrasafe Fire Protection – Smithfield West

· Marr Contracting (cranes) – Sefton

· Bestbar Reinforcement – Prestons

Liberal candidate for Maroubra Bill Burst has welcomed the announcement that a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $10 million over four years to boost safety and security for faith communities.

Mr Burst said the funding would be put to good use for various faith communities who make a valuable contribution to the Maroubra area.

“There is a long history of many faith communities making valuable and significant contributions to the Maroubra area,” Mr Burst said.

“This investment in community safety will be put to good use to boost security and support religious institutions. We have a thriving community in Maroubra and cultural diversity is a big part of that.”

Through a $10 million grants program, faith organisations will be supported to strengthen safety and security at religious institutions where there is a demonstrated risk, including places of worship, schools, community centres, and buildings with religious symbols.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said everyone across NSW should be able to follow and practice their faith freely and without fear or concern for their safety and wellbeing.

“No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or the faith you follow, everyone deserves tolerance and respect in our state,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This commitment will build on this principle to protect communities, increase tolerance and ultimately help people feel safer.”

The $10 million program will provide capital and operational funding for a range of safety measures to strengthen preparedness and response to safety risks, including security and detection software and systems, communal security services, lighting, fencing, CCTV, training staff, and well-being programs for community members. Importantly, support for guards and management of security at high-risk venues or particularly at-risk sites will also be eligible for funding, as assessed by NSW Police.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this investment will empower faith groups and organisations to do what they need in order to keep their communities safe.

“We have worked incredibly hard over the years to foster a multicultural and multi-faith society built on mutual respect, understanding and harmony. This investment forms part of our vision to ensure that continues,” Mr Coure said.

Welcoming the announcement, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said anti-Semitic incidents are at their highest levels NSW has ever seen.

“An attack on one faith is an attack on us all, and this much-needed funding will go a long way to keeping all communities in NSW safe from harm,” Mr Bark said.

“Hate leads to violence, and today’s announcement ensures faith communities are equipped to deter violent attacks, and assists authorities with the prosecution of the offenders.

We thank the NSW Government and the members of the Religious Communities Advisory Council, who have made this a reality.”

Australian National Imams Council President Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman also welcomed the announcement.

“Islamophobia and other faith-based hate is on the rise, and all of our institutions need ongoing support in order to be protected,” Mr Alsuleiman said.

“Safety and security was identified as a priority when the Council was formed, and with increasing threats to our communities from right-wing extremists. We are very grateful to the NSW Government for this important funding.”

This commitment complements a range of measures implemented by the NSW Liberals and Nationals to improve community safety and social cohesion, including prohibiting the public display of Nazi symbols and creating a new offence of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on several grounds, including race and religious affiliation.

The NSW Government consulted with the new Religious Communities Advisory Council on safety and security during its inaugural meeting on Monday, 23 January 2023.