Women who have IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in private clinics can now claim a $2,000 rebate in an Australian first thanks to the NSW Government.

The $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative, announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-2023 Budget, will extend rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing, introduce a new $2,000 rebate for fertility treatment, increase the number of IVF treatment places in publicly-supported clinics and increase fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need.

The new $2,000 fertility treatment rebate is estimated to help about 12,000 women with out-of-pocket costs associated with fertility treatments.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $80 million investment will see fertility treatments become more widely accessible to NSW families.

“The high costs of fertility treatment can be a hurdle and add stress to those experiencing fertility issues but the NSW Government is helping to lower these costs for families wanting to have a baby,” Mr Kean said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the cash rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and eligible women can apply now for the rebate through their MyService NSW account or in person at a Service NSW Service Centre.

“This rebate will make NSW one of the most affordable places in the world to have IVF treatment, easing the burden of out-of-pocket costs families face to access fertility treatments to have a baby,” Mr Hazzard said.

To be eligible for the $2,000 rebate you must:

· be a resident of NSW

· have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from a registered private provider

· have accessed the treatment from 1 October 2022.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said that 16 per cent of all couples will face fertility issues and the NSW Government is committed to easing the financial burden families face as they embark on their journey to start or grow a family.

“Costs associated with fertility treatments can often be prohibitively expensive and this rebate is going to make a big difference to that,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am incredibly proud of our continued commitment to making the road to parenthood smoother for anyone in NSW struggling with infertility.”

Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting people who need medical assistance to start or expand their families.

“The extra financial support available through this rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments and help more people across NSW fulfil their dreams of having children,” Professor Rombauts said.

The available rebate is separate to the existing rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing, and is not available for lower cost treatments provided by one of the existing NSW publicly supported IVF clinics.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said customers could apply through the Service NSW website or in Service NSW Centres.

“The rebate is available through Service NSW and ready to apply for now,” Mr Dominello said.

“It’s as simple as logging into your Service NSW account and uploading a completed Fertility Treatment Declaration form and evidence of out-of-pocket costs.”   

More information on how to submit an application form for the rebate is available on the Service NSW website here.

The $80 million extension and expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative over four years (2022-23 – 2025-26) also includes:

· extending rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing

· expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly-supported clinics

· boosting fertility preservation services for patients with cancer and other medical needs

· providing up to five days’ paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

Further information on how the NSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IVF services in NSW is available online here.

Liberal candidate for The Entrance, Nathan Bracken, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s announcement of a new ambulance station for Berkeley Vale.

“This community will be getting its first ambulance station, a major frontline emergency care boost, which will give the locals faster access to necessary support,” Mr Bracken said.

“The Entrance has really benefited from the Perrottet Government’s investment in our health care and services, and this is another great example of its work to make the lives of this community better.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it is a big win for the region and will ensure locals continue to receive quick access to emergency care when and where they need it most.

“This is an exciting day for Berkeley Vale and the wider Central Coast region. Along with new ambulance stations earmarked for Lisarow and Kincumber and a rebuild of the Woy Woy ambulance station, the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are ensuring the emergency health needs of the people of the Central Coast are met now and into the future,” Mr Crouch said.

“The exact location for the new ambulance station will be determined following further planning and consultation with key stakeholders including Council and our local emergency services personnel.

The construction timeline will be determined once a site has been confirmed.

“The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, staff parking, multipurpose spaces to support staff education and rest, logistics and storage spaces, an office area for administration as well as staff amenities,” Mr Crouch said.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the announcement forms part of a record $1.76 billion NSW Government investment which will transform NSW Ambulance services over the next four years with more than 2,000 extra staff, including 1,858 paramedics, and 30 new ambulance stations across NSW.

“Ambulance services are experiencing unprecedented demand across rural and regional NSW, and these three ambulance stations for the Central Coast will keep us ahead of the curve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The investment will bring more jobs to the local area and provide a better working environment for our amazing paramedics who are giving their utmost to serve communities across our great state.”

The new ambulance stations for the Berkeley Vale, Lisarow and Kincumber communities are being delivered as part of the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure program and will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency medical care now and into the future.

The Perrottet Government is committed to increasing the capacity of NSW Ambulance. In total, more than $1 billion is being invested across three major NSW Ambulance infrastructure programs, with more than 100 projects announced since 2014.

The Government’s $1 billion investment in NSW Ambulance infrastructure includes:

•        Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy ($184 million) – 19 projects – 18 projects completed to date with one due for completion late 2023. Program began 2014

•        NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million) – 30 projects – 8 in early planning. Program announced in 2022-23 State Budget.

•        RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million) – 54 projects – 39 complete, 15 underway. Program began 2015.

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More than $23 million is being invested by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to unlock housing, jobs, and opportunities for the Central Coast.

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth will be released today, together with the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan, supporting the NSW Government’s vision to drive growth and investment across the region.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth had a particular focus on unlocking land for employment.

“We know the Central Coast is an incredible place to live and play. We’re now investing in unlocking key employment sites to create the jobs and opportunities for the future, strengthening the local economy and improving lives,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Central Coast will thrive as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities vision. With commitments for faster rail at Wyong and a new university campus at Gosford, we’re backing the Central Coast to grow a stronger economy, invest in better services, and make lives easier for local families.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan has also identified 80 initiatives which include an upgraded interchange on the M1 at Ourimbah and more connected neighbourhoods.

“The Central Coast is a region on the move – with increasing tourism, expanding employment areas and a population that’s set to grow by 70,000 people by 2041,” Mr Farraway said.

“The draft plan highlights the initiatives worth investigating to ensure the Central Coast continues to be well-connected by a safe, efficient and accessible transport network.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the community’s feedback would continue to be critical.

“We’re already in the process of delivering some of these projects including an upgrade to the Pacific Highway at Lisarow, accessibility improvements to Tuggerah Station and changes to the intersection of Ocean Beach Road and Rawson Road,” Mr Crouch said.

“These changes will secure the future growth of a region which is already a great place to live, work and play.”

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth was informed by community consultation beginning in 2020 and can be viewed here. Its delivery will be further supported by the Six Cities Region Plan, to be developed during 2023.

Transport for NSW is asking residents and stakeholders to contribute to the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan by making their submissions by Friday, 24 February at future.transport.nsw.gov.au/CCRTP 

Liberal candidate for Pittwater, Rory Amon, has welcomed the Perrottet Government’s $255,000 capability boost for Northern Beaches’ NSW State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers, with the delivery of a new Medium Storm Vehicle and General Purpose Trailer.

Mr Amon said the new equipment will be a huge help for the local volunteers, who will be able to use it for storm damage operations, including dealing with complex tree and roof situations, and flood rescues.

“As an emergency services volunteer, I know that having access to the right equipment can make all the difference in the world to a successful operation or rescue,” Mr Amon said.

“This is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be campaigning for the Perrottet Government, which has been a great supporter of the NSW SES and its volunteers – including its commitment of $116 million for the strategic replacement of the SES fleet.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes, SES Commissioner Carlene York and SES volunteers and staff today to hand over the keys to the new vehicle and equipment.

“The Warringah-Pittwater Unit’s 128 members are some of the most active in NSW and I’m very grateful for their work in the Northern Beaches community as well as deployments to regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“The two new assets being officially handed over today form part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $116 million Fleet Replacement Program to provide our wonderful volunteers with the best possible resources and equipment.”

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the new vehicle and trailer are a welcome sight following relentless rain and flooding over the past year.

“The Medium Storm Vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of equipment to enhance the volunteers’ capability in storms and flood rescues, while the General Purpose Trailer will assist with the transport of sandbags, tools, water, food, medicines and other items,” Mr Stokes said.

“These new assets will help our volunteers better protect the community, keeping residents safer and stronger when severe weather strikes.”

Commissioner York said the new assets will provide additional capability for the Unit.

“This investment into the Northern Beaches community will ensure our volunteers will always be there to assist in a timely and efficient manner during a weather emergency,” Commissioner York said.

Warringah-Pittwater Unit Commander Mark Colwell said volunteers will utilise the trailer in their everyday operations.

“Over the past three years, our volunteers have responded to an astonishing 3,500 requests for assistance – that’s the equivalent of going out into the community three times a day to help tarp roofs, secure trees, resupply goods and ensure the wellbeing of residents,” Mr Colwell said.

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s listing of South Head added on the State Heritage Register.

Ms Sloane said the listing recognises one of the city’s most spectacular natural wonders, and ensures that it will be protected for future generations.

“We are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and I am a vocal champion of protecting the unique natural character of this community,” Ms Sloane said. “This listing shows the great job that the Perrottet Government is doing to preserve our heritage, and is just one example of why I am proud to be running to be a part of the Perrottet team.”

Minister for Heritage James Griffin said heritage listing South Head will ensure future generations can experience and learn about a place that helped shape NSW.

“With its soaring sandstone cliffs, much loved beaches and green open spaces, South Head is one of the most outstandingly beautiful parts of Sydney,” Mr Griffin said.

“Listing the South Head Cultural Landscape on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the diverse and important stories of this place, which deserve recognition because they helped shape NSW as we know it today.

“South Head has strong historical and archaeological links to the Birrabirragal people, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation into the middle of the 19th century, including at Camp Cove, which is known to have been the home to Cora Gooseberry, a significant Aboriginal leader.

“The site tells us stories of thousands of years of continuous Aboriginal occupation, first contact encounters between British and Aboriginal people, Sydney’s history as a working harbour, and South Head’s role in its defence during periods of war.”

The State Heritage Listing includes the South Head precincts of Sydney Harbour National Park, Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove Beach and the rock shelf that surrounds them.

Much of South Head has been a national park since 1977, and the site is a popular recreational area for locals and visitors to Sydney.

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said after years of working with the community towards this historic outcome, South Head is now protected forever.

“This has been a long journey and worth every bit of effort together with my community. South Head is a place of unique and international cultural, environmental and historical significance. It holds a special place in our hearts for its exceptional natural beauty with deep ties to our local and indigenous history,” Ms Upton said.

“As the heritage gateway to Sydney Harbour, South Head marked the entrance to Port Jackson for ships and served as a landmark for early European settlers’ arrival into the Harbour. Prior to that, it was an important place for Aboriginal people, including for fishing, art and other rituals.”

“The exceptionally high number of public submissions received in support of the heritage listing shows the importance of South Head and its value to the people of NSW.

“I am so proud we will soon be finalising the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Head Masterplan. The Masterplan will give more opportunities to enhance cultural and natural attributes and improve accessibility and amenity for locals and visitors alike.”

South Head is home to historically and technically significant buildings and ruins that illustrate the themes of maritime safety, defence and water policing.

These include Hornby Lighthouse, the extensive network of fortifications and defence structures at Inner South Head and Lady Bay, and the archaeological remains of important water policing structures.

Listing on the State Heritage Register provides legal recognition that an item or place is of State heritage significance and that the community wants to keep it for future generations.

For more information, visit the Heritage NSW website.