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Thousands register for shared equity home buyer helper ahead of launch

Thousands of nurses, teachers and police officers have registered their interest in buying their first home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit under the NSW Government’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper which launches today.

Key worker first-home buyers, including nurses, midwives, paramedics, police officers, teachers and early childhood educators, can apply. Single parents and singles older than 50 can also apply, even if they have previously owned property.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Liberal Nationals Government would contribute up to 40 per cent for a new home or up to 30 per cent for an existing home bought by eligible home buyers with a minimum deposit of 2 per cent.

“Today is a great day for single parents, singles older than 50 and first home-buyer key workers who have been struggling to break into the market and buy their own home to live in,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s exciting to see the interest we’ve already received and to know that this initiative will help make the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands more people across this state.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $780 million shared equity initiative was part of a broader $2.8 billion housing package.

“Just like First Home Buyer Choice, Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper is a pathway forward for eligible home buyers who have been working to save a deposit but buying their own home has remained out of reach,” Mr Kean said.

“Smaller deposits, no lenders mortgage insurance and no interest on the Government’s equity share means this initiative is a great option for eligible singles and key workers who no longer want to rent and prefer the security of home ownership.”

Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said those interested should check the online self-assessment tool to see if they’re eligible for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper.

“If the online tool says you’re eligible, you’ll be directed to contact Bendigo Bank to apply for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper. Revenue NSW will be administering the program on behalf of the NSW Government,” Mr Roberts said.

“Through your application the lender will let you know how much you can borrow and confirm your place in the initiative and then you can make an offer to buy your own home to live in.”

Bendigo Bank is the launch lending partner for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper. Other lenders will have the opportunity to join the initiative this year, which will provide eligible home buyers with an additional choice of lenders.

Bendigo Bank has already received 3,500 enquiries for further information and is working through pre-approval applications. From today, eligible participants will have their applications assessed by Revenue NSW.

Under the NSW Government’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper:

· Up to 3,000 places will be available each year for two years

· Key worker first-home buyers who are nurses, midwives, paramedics, police officers, teachers and early childhood educators can apply.

· Singles over 50 and single parents with a dependent child or children can apply even if they have previously owned a property.

· Participants must have a maximum gross income of $90,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples

· Participants must have a minimum deposit of 2 per cent of the purchase price

· The Government will make a maximum equity contribution of 40 per cent for a new home and 30 per cent for an established home

· The maximum value of the property that can be purchased is $950,000 in Sydney and regional centres including the Central Coast, Illawarra, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the North Coast of NSW, and $600,000 in other parts of NSW.

To find out if you are eligible and apply go to: nsw.gov.au/shared-equity

Missing pieces of CBD cycleways on the way

Bike riding in and around the Sydney CBD will become much easier and safer for thousands of commuters thanks to a Liberals and Nationals Government commitment to build missing links in the King St and Oxford St cycleways.

Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the completion of the King St cycleway between Clarence St and Pitt St and the Oxford St East cycleway between Paddington Gates and Taylor Square were eagerly anticipated projects that will transform the way people move around the CBD and surrounding areas. 

“Bike lanes create opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy happier and healthier lives while reducing congestion and saving money, which is why we’re committed to building more of them right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.

“These crucial connections are the final missing links in major bike routes linking to the city. The King St cycleway will connect riders from the Anzac and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while Oxford St East will connect riders from Bondi and beyond.

“A growing number of riders are using dedicated bike lanes in the CBD, with counters showing more than 50,000 riders using Liverpool St this month alone, 45 per cent higher than the last.

The King St missing link is due for completion in 2023 and planning work on Oxford St East is expected be complete by 2023. This is in addition to a new permanent, separated bike lane  set for construction along Oxford and Liverpool St, providing a critical link between Taylor Square and the CBD.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said building cycleways created a safer road environment for pedestrians and road users alike.

“Having a better connected network of cycleways is great for our city because it gives people another safe transport option,” Ms Moore said.

“Active commuting can help improve health while freeing up space on our roads and public transport, and creating separated bike lanes means fewer people riding on pedestrian footpaths.

“King St and Oxford St are integral links in our cycleway network. There are more riders on these routes than anywhere in the city but there are also more crashes, so it’s important we improve the infrastructure to ensure anyone who chooses to ride can do so safely.”

The concept design for the King St cycleway is currently underway and the feedback is invited from 23 January to 6 February 2023. An interactive map for the Oxford St East cycleway is currently live online and the community is invited to provide feedback from 23 January until 28 February 2023.

The projects align with the recently released Active Transport Strategy, which aims to double the number of active transport trips and deliver 1000km of connected cycleways.

To provide feedback on the King Street cycleway click here. To view the interactive map and provide feedback on the Oxford Street East cycleway click here.

Innovative partnerships see inner city housing boom

The NSW Government has appointed a consortium including one of Australia’s leading community housing providers, Bridge Housing, and national infrastructure developer Capella Capital, to deliver the $230 million renewal of Elizabeth Street, Redfern.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the development will see around 300 new homes built, including over 100 social housing dwellings and a new 3,500 square metre community facility.

“We’re transforming Sydney’s inner city to deliver multiple benefits to the local community, including much-needed new housing close to jobs, public transport and open space,” Mr Roberts said.

“Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is proud to be partnering with Bridge Housing and Capella Capital on this project, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to working with the community housing sector to leverage private capital and expertise that delivers a diverse mix of housing and benefits for the Redfern-Waterloo community.”

The proposed development is located opposite Redfern Oval, walking distance to multiple train stations, and will feature a modern design and high-quality features, in line with the evolving look, feel and culture of the local area.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said in addition to more than 100 social homes, the project proposes a mix of housing including affordable homes, homes for key workers, disability support units and private homes.

“The new social homes to be delivered at Redfern will be used to accommodate local relocations from the planned renewal of the Waterloo Estate, supporting greater connection to Country for Aboriginal residents and the broader community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Bridge Housing CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone, said they were delighted to have been selected to bring the project to life as the project developer in collaboration with Capella Capital.

“The development will become a blueprint for how the community housing sector, working in partnership with government, institutional investors, commercial lenders and the private sector, can deliver social and affordable housing at scale,” Ms Pinkstone said.

“With thirty years’ experience in the delivery of quality housing and services, Bridge Housing is uniquely positioned to deliver affordable housing designed for the local community. The development will provide a template for how large-scale development can be undertaken to support a diverse and vibrant city.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, and will create over 700 jobs during the project, subject to planning approval.

For more information, please visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/greater-sydney/redfern

Missing teenager located – Newcastle

A teenager reported missing from Newcastle has been located safe and well.

The 16-year-old boy was last seen leaving a hospital at New Lambton Heights on Jacaranda Street, about 9.30pm last night (Friday 20 January 2023).

When he could not be located, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and immediately commenced inquiries to locate him.

Following inquiries, a geo-targeting SMS was sent out to the local area and a member of the public located the boy safe and well this afternoon (Saturday 21 January 2023). He has since been reunited with his family.

Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.

TASSIE DEVIL VOTE ABSURD AND DISGRACEFUL

A plan to reduce the speed limit on a 25km stretch of road responsible for a quarter of Tasmanian devil deaths on state roads* was quashed last night when the Circular Head Council voted down a motion to support the measure.

The Council instead supported amendments to reduce the speed limit on a nearby 3km stretch of road.

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has been campaigning in Canberra for increased funding for the Tasmanian devil and attended the Circular Head Council meeting last night.  

“The Circular Head Council’s decision is devastating, especially for local residents involved in the heartbreaking task of removing hundreds of dead Tasmanian devils from Woolnorth Road.

“The Federal Government has failed to provide any recent funding to the Save the Devil program, or assist in roadkill mitigation measures, and we were hopeful the local council would instead show leadership in protecting one of our state’s most iconic and endangered species. 

“Arguments that a speed limit reduction along Woolnorth Road would impact businesses are ridiculous. The 25km stretch of Woolnorth Road is used primarily by milk trucks servicing the nearby Van Dairy farm, which supports a speed limit reduction!***

“I’d like to acknowledge the councillors who voted for the speed limit reduction to reduce devil road kill on Woolnorth Road, and am deeply shocked and saddened that the other councillors ignored the evidence before them and showed such disinterest and disregard for our precious wildlife.”

*Government data shows between 350 and 450 Tasmanian devils are killed on Tasmania’s roads every year. Meanwhile wildlife rescuers removed approximately 181 Tasmanian devils in 24 months from the 25 km stretch of Woolnorth Road in the state’s North West.

** Federal funding has been critical to the Tasmanian devil’s survival, but this ended in 2017. Adding insult to injury, the Tasmanian devil has also had its recovery plan scrapped despite warnings that the species is battling a myriad of pressures, including on our roads.

***Van Dairy supports an 80km/h speed limit but said a night-time curfew on milk tankers was a matter for milk processors, such as Fonterra.

UNDERFUNDING TO BLAME FOR INEQUALITY CRISIS IN SCHOOLS

The Greens say the findings in today’s Productivity Commission report into the National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) are irrefutable evidence that the failure by Commonwealth, state and territory governments to fully fund public schools has created an inequality crisis in education.

Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Australian public school teachers must be reading the news today and thinking, ‘Tell us something we don’t know.’

“Eleven years ago David Gonski said that there was growing inequality in the school system, that the root cause was funding inequality, and here’s the model to fix that.

“But instead of embracing the Gonski recommendations, cowardly governments balked at taking funding from elite private schools. So now, more than a decade later, with public schools still underfunded across the country, no one should be remotely shocked by the Productivity Commission’s findings.

“It’s great that the report identifies inequality and student wellbeing as central issues, but there’s nothing in the report’s recommendations that doesn’t cost money.

“Around 85% of students with additional needs attend public schools. If governments really wanted to actually help those kids, instead of just performatively pearl-clutching in front of the cameras, they should give them the funding teachers have been pleading for since half-a-dozen prime ministers ago.

“The new NSRA was an opportunity for the Albanese Government to end the funding crisis and restore equity to the school system. Instead they’ve kicked the can down the road, consigning public school kids to another year of disadvantage. They should be ashamed.

“We don’t need more analysis, more accountability mechanisms, more working groups, more inquiries or more reports. Our public schools need more money, and they need it yesterday.

“The Greens will continue to fight alongside unions, parents and carers to ensure that all public schools receive at least 100% of their Schooling Resource Standard in the next NSRA.”

Jacinda Ardern reminds us that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive

Through the sheer power of her example, Jacinda Ardern has reminded us all that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive. Even more importantly, she has shown that a true leader possesses both.

It has been a privilege to work closely with Jacinda during her term as Prime Minister of New Zealand, and to witness the many qualities she brought to the role: empathy and insight; intellect and decisiveness; a powerful work ethic matched by a great policy brain; a lightness of touch backed by a firm hand.

Throughout it all, Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand and a great friend to Australia. She has been an inspiration to so many and, on a personal level, a friend to me.

It was only fitting that Jacinda was the first foreign leader to visit Australia following our election, and I was pleased to host her again for the 2022 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.

As a fellow Commonwealth leader, I met with Jacinda and co-operated on issues, particularly security in our Pacific region and climate change.

I witnessed her diplomatic skill at forums including the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, APEC and the East Asia Summit. To see her in action, elevating New Zealand on the world stage, was an inspiration.

Her response to the atrocity perpetrated in Christchurch is emblematic of the leader I so admired.

I will always carry in my mind that image of Jacinda in a headscarf, offering the embrace of a nation to a community stricken by grief and fear. When that community was brought so terribly low, she reached high and brought people together. Sadly, as we have seen only too clearly, that is not the instinct of every leader across the world, but it has emphatically been Jacinda’s every step of the way.

Jacinda Ardern has been the very embodiment of the common ground on which nations find their greatest cohesion and strength.

But Jacinda’s gift and her extraordinary qualities as a leader stemmed from more than knowing the right gesture at the right moment, or finding the right words in the right tone. She matched all this with action, with a determined pursuit of justice and with gun reforms to keep New Zealanders safe.

We saw it in response to the shocking loss of life – including 17 Australians – in the White Island disaster.

And we also saw it in her determination to address the ever-growing problem of climate change, not least the very real threat it poses to our Pacific neighbours.

Australia and New Zealand are family. Our relationship is one which transcends leaders and personal ties, and I look forward to the next chapter of our co-operation, with the next prime minister of New Zealand.

The story of the friendship between our two countries is a strong and a permanent one. Nevertheless, we have come to the end of a chapter.

Even the way Jacinda has brought it to a close has been a demonstration of her qualities. A model of modern leadership, after giving her all she will depart on her own terms, with deep humility, with hope for her nation’s future and with the grace she showed all through her time in office.

Not many leaders get to do that.

From prime minister to prime minister, from friend to friend, I wish Jacinda and her family well in the next stage of their lives. When she leaves office, she will go with my admiration and my gratitude.

Australia is losing a friend and the world stage is losing a class act, but her legacy will continue. May the example of her kindness and strength continue to cast its glow in a world that really needs it.

Blue Mountains Line back on track after crucial repairs completed

Passenger services on the main western rail line in the Blue Mountains will resume tomorrow following last month’s freight train derailment.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the 3.49am service from Lithgow to Sydney will be the first passenger train through now that repairs to the track between Lawson and Linden have been completed.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government prioritised getting this line reopened before the end of school holidays, because we know how important it is for commuters and families to have reliable  train services  through the Blue Mountains,” Mr Toole said.

“Crews have put in a mammoth effort to get this line reopened, replacing 18.1 kilometres of damaged track, installing more than 15,000 new sleepers and 24,000 tonnes of ballast and replacing or repairing 92 pieces of signalling equipment.

“I thank local residents for their patience; their cooperation has allowed us to get the job done as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains had to rebuild the entire damaged track in extremely difficult terrain, which required detailed planning and specialist engineering expertise.

“The Blue Mountains rail line is a critical freight corridor linking east with west,” Mr Farraway said.

“We worked closely with the freight industry during the repair period, opening the adjacent track to allow for diesel freight train movements across this critical supply chain.

“It’s great news that following the completion of repairs, full freight access will resume on the Blue Mountains line, as well as intercity and regional passenger train services.

“I’d like to thank our rail freight industry, passengers and the local community for their patience and understanding while the repairs were undertaken. I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of the engineering and trackwork teams who completed the significant repairs to the rail corridor.”

THE MASSIVE RECOVERY TASK BY THE NUMBERS:

  • Damage to infrastructure spanned about 10km, comprising broken rail and damaged and broken concrete sleepers, signaling equipment and electrical assets
  • Removed and disposed of 15,000 concrete sleepers (which will be recycled)
  • Removed and disposed of more than 18km of broken and damaged rail (which will be recycled)
  • Removed 24,000 tonnes of spoil and ballast
  • Removed 92 pieces of critical signaling equipment
  • Installed 26,500 tonnes of new ballast to build and stabilise the ground the track, sleepers and rail
  • Replaced more than 15,000 concrete sleepers, each weighing approximately 300kg, with the terrain requiring manual handling to position and align each sleeper
  • Installed and clipped into position more than 18.1km of new rail
  • Welded and adjusted more than 210 sections of rail to ensure alignment
  • Installed 92 pieces of new critical signaling equipment
  • Installed 1.1km of electrical leads
  • Tested 16km of signaling infrastructure
  • Inspected and adjusted more than 17km of overhead wiring
  • More than 140 frontline staff worked each shift, with a total of 420 staff working within each 24-hour window
  • More than 70 pieces of specialised machinery were used during each shift.

Boosting Tech Central’s R&D Infrastructure

A high-tech multiuse facility that provides critical infrastructure to the artificial intelligence, Medtech, space, and robotics sectors is among four projects set to share in $8 million, as part of the NSW Government’s Tech Central Research and Innovation Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the successful projects will provide specialised equipment and deliver collaborative programs with a focus on existing industry and research strengths across the Tech Central Innovation District which stretches from Surry Hills to Camperdown. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to translating our state’s incredible R&D capabilities into tangible outcomes that create new jobs and industries, which will grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for the people of NSW,” Mr Henskens said.

“Tech Central already boasts tech giant Atlassian as an anchor tenant, three world-leading universities, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and over 100 research institutes.

“Its status as a nation-leading centre of innovation and development will be enhanced by these projects, harnessing the power of local expertise to bring significant physical and digital infrastructure across its target industries and research areas, from the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and ARIA Research.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Fund brings further innovation, R&D and industry talent to Tech Central that will complement existing tenants.

“The successful applicants will accelerate the development of Tech Central as a place where people will come together to innovate, collaborate and explore new markets,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

“These projects, which also include a Vaccine and RNA Design Centre, have been chosen for their capacity to add to the already vibrant technological and innovative ecosystem, with the aim to realise their potential, commercialise and raise their profile locally and internationally.”

More information and full details about the successful recipients can be found online.

Australia celebrates its corrections staff

The country’s 25,000 frontline correctional staff, including more than 10,500 from NSW, are being celebrated today as part of the annual National Corrections Day.

The state’s custodial officers, Community Corrections staff, industries workers, psychologists and programs officers, Security and Intelligence, and administration staff are among those being acknowledged for the seventh year running.

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said National Corrections Day was an opportunity to applaud the vital work corrections staff do to rehabilitate offenders and keep the community safe.

“Today we rally around our exceptional Corrective Services NSW staff and give them a well-deserved pat on the back for keeping our prisons and communities safe while simultaneously working towards reducing re-offending,” Dr Lee said.

“CSNSW staff juggle a lot at once, including working face-to-face with offenders in custody and the community, collaborating with various units within corrections, and liaising and connecting with other government and non-government agencies too.

“It’s a tough job and I look forward to getting out to one of our state’s busiest prisons today, the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, to personally congratulate staff and spend time with them on the ground on this special day.”

CSNSW Acting Commissioner Luke Grant applauded the efforts of staff across the organisation, thanking them for what can be a dangerous job at times.

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff – our multi-disciplinary team – who work together every day to ensure our correctional system remains one of the best in the world,” Mr Grant says.

“Corrections staff don’t get enough recognition, so being able to publicly recognise them today is an honour. I hope National Corrections Day gives the entire workforce a morale boost and helps them to know how appreciated they are,” Mr Grant said.

Corrections Day was established by CSNSW in 2017 before it was adopted nationally and by New Zealand in 2018. The day will be marked across NSW with workplace morning tea, barbecues, and awards ceremonies.