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Communities in Sydney’s inner west will benefit from new and improved public spaces, thanks to $20 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said this funding will help Inner West Council deliver 10 projects across Annandale, Leichhardt and Petersham, including improved public spaces, three new cycleways and a new neighbourhood park.
“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the vital role our public spaces and the green links that connect them play in bolstering both our wellbeing and our local businesses,” Mr Stokes said.
“We will continue to support councils to deliver attractive, usable public spaces for their communities to enjoy now and once this crisis is behind us.”
The 10 projects include:

• A new cycleway along Dot Lane between Norton Street, Balmain Road and through to Hay Street in Leichhardt;
• A new shared pedestrian and cycle path along Johnstons Creek from Wigram Road to Chester Street in Annandale;
• A new dedicated cycle path at Pyrmont Bridge Road between Mallet Street and Parramatta Road in Annandale;
• Converting Petersham Street between Parramatta Road and Queen Street into a 300 square metre park with new trees, benches and bike racks; and
• Improvements to six streets that cross Parramatta Road in Leichhardt and Petersham, including new trees, benches, lighting and cycleway markings.

Mr Stokes said the projects are a fantastic example of the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering great public spaces while providing much-needed jobs to keep the economy moving in these uncertain times.
These projects are in their final stages of planning and design and will create 50 jobs once construction begins in the spring.
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/pruaip

Critical construction and maintenance work across NSW roads and transport networks is being ramped up to keep people in jobs during COVID-19, and protect the livelihoods of more than 130,000 people directly and indirectly employed by Transport for NSW.
Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said transport infrastructure projects will also be key in rebuilding the State’s economy after the pandemic.
“The NSW Government is pushing ahead with delivering $57.5 billion worth of transport infrastructure across the next four years, so it’s essential to keep moving during a time like this,” Mr Constance said.
“Continuing work on critical transport infrastructure is great news for industry as thousands of jobs will be sustained in the coming months. This work will also provide significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors.”
Mr Constance said crews were already taking advantage of the reduced number of cars on our roads to fast-track projects.
“Earlier this month, the M5 East Motorway was completely closed to fast track resurfacing work in the usually busy tunnels,” Mr Constance said.
“This was a great result for drivers as the work usually would have been carried out across a number of weeks at night.
“Given the success of this work, we are now fast-tracking maintenance work in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which will be closed to traffic from tomorrow night until Monday morning.
“This is all part of our plan to keep people in jobs and the NSW economy moving.”
Transport is also playing a vital role in providing services for essential travel and keeping the supply chain moving as NSW navigates the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Constance said the freight network has been incredibly busy in the past few weeks, delivering supplies and materials to hundreds of locations.
“People are relying on us to keep road and rail routes open so we can get food to supermarkets and important medical supplies to hospitals and medical centres across the state,” Mr Constance said.
“This has been a very tough time for the people of NSW and it is crucial we keep our transport network moving for those who need to carry out essential travel.
“The main priority is to ensure the health and safety of all customers and staff.
“We’ve deployed hundreds of extra cleaners across the network who have worked an extra 83,000 hours since the beginning of March,” Mr Constance said.
“Thousands of litres of hand sanitiser and thousands of packets of disinfectant wipes have been distributed to all stations, depots, work sites and offices.
“I also want to pay special tribute to our front line workers who are keeping services running for those who can’t work from home or need to access essential services,” Mr Constance said.
“We do not underestimate the importance of a safe public transport and road network at a time like this and we will continue to work with all levels of government to deliver just that.”

NSW residents will be able to commemorate ANZAC Day from home this year with a broadcast of special services to honour our veterans and serving Defence personnel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said with traditional marches and local memorial services cancelled this year, ANZAC Day has a renewed meaning.
“As our community works together to stop the spread of COVID-19, we draw inspiration from the brave heroes we commemorate on this day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“One hundred and five years after they set foot on the Gallipoli shore, the ANZACs speak to us more resoundingly than ever. The legend forged more than a century ago guides us in this moment. It inspires us to dig in and look out for others, no matter the obstacles.
“The best way to honour our ANZACs is to echo them, and we will, for the ANZAC spirit lives in each of us. We will remember them.”
The day will begin with a 5:30am commemorative service  broadcast from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, followed by a NSW service at 10am.
The Premier, Governor Margaret Beazley, RSL NSW Acting President Ray James, a bugler and a vocalist will take part in the 30 minute service from the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park and the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said community safety is our top priority.
“Social distancing and staying home is saving lives and so continuing that trend will keep our community and veterans safe,” Mr Lee said.
“Let’s all unite with that Anzac spirit as we pay our respects at home and remember those who bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
Acting President of RSL, NSW Ray James said despite the pandemic, ANZAC Day is forever embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians.
“Nothing can ever take away the importance of ANZAC Day and what it means to all of us as well as the eternal respect, thanks and admiration the Australian people have for those who protect us,” Mr James said.
The NSW Government is encouraging people to share videos reciting The Ode and post photos on social media using the tag #ANZACspirit.
The NSW service will be broadcast live on ABC TV and streamed on the ANZAC Memorial and RSL Facebook pages. The service will not be open to the public and the community is urged to continue following the latest health advice by commemorating at home.

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 18 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 6.20am yesterday (Wednesday 22 April 2020), a 41-year-old man boarded a bus at Brookvale and allegedly failed to pay the fare. The driver confronted the man who threatened to spit on him. The driver opened the doors, and the man got off. Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were notified and attended a Brookvale home. After being arrested, the man threatened to spit on officers and during a subsequent struggle, he allegedly bit a constable’s wrist. The man was taken to Manly Police Station where it is alleged he repeatedly spat in the holding dock. He was charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, destroy or damage property¸ stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal), and breach of bail. An outstanding arrest warrant was also executed. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 23 April 2020).

• Just before 8pm yesterday officers from St George Police Area Command were called to a home on Northcote Street, Sans Souci, after reports a person was trespassing. A 48-year-old man was found in the garage and arrested. He was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic), not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

• About 8pm yesterday, officers from Inner West Police Area Command were called to Marrickville Road, Marrickville, after reports of mail theft. Police attended and spoke to a 29-year-old woman. Upon being searched, officers located bank documents and cards, methylamphetamine, and prescription medication. She was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where she was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, possess prohibited drug, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. The woman was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

The fourth individual charged has been addressed in a separate media release.
Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 12pm, officers from Ryde Highway Patrol stopped a Holden Astra on Quay Street, Haymarket, after the vehicle allegedly crossed double white lines. Police spoke to the driver, a 20-year-old man, who stated he had driven from Strathfield to Vaucluse to drop another man to a friend’s house. During a search of his car, police found prescription medication and cash. He was issued a traffic infringement notice for not keep left of dividing line and a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.

• Just after 9.30am, officers from the Police Transport Command spoke to a 67-year-old woman at Gosford Railway Station. She allegedly told police she had travelled from Newcastle with no reasonable excuse provided. Checks revealed she was issued a warning last Thursday (16 April 2020) and a PIN on Saturday (18 April 2020). She was subsequently issued a second $1000 PIN.

• About 3.10pm, police patrolling the Tea Gardens area stopped and spoke with a man sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car. After speaking with the 52-year-old man, officers searched his vehicle; seizing 10kg of cannabis and a syringe containing methamphetamine. It’s alleged the man admitted the reason he was out of his home was to purchase drugs. He was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with supply cannabis, two counts of drug possession, and self-administer prohibited drug. He was also issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Act.

• About 3.40pm, officers from Police Transport Command saw a woman at Wollongong Railway Station. The officers recognised the woman as they had issued her a warning for breaching a ministerial direction the day prior. Officers again spoke to the 18-year-old woman, who indicated she was out to visit a friend. She was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.40pm, officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle at Tregear, speaking with the 33-year-old male driver. The Bathurst man was questioned as to why he was away from his place of residence and could not provide a reasonable excuse. After checks revealed he had been given two prior warnings for breaching a ministerial direction, the man was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.30am, officers from Brisbane Water Highway Patrol stopped a Ford Ranger on the M1 motorway, Somersby, and spoke to the driver, a 48-year-old man. Checks revealed he was issued a Court Attendance Notice on Saturday 11 April 2020 for driving while suspended. The Mona Vale man was issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel and told not to drive the vehicle. About an hour later, police responded to reports of a man walking across the motorway. Officers attempted to speak to the man, however, he became abusive and was subsequently arrested. He was issued a traffic infringement for pedestrian not keep to far left or right side of road and taken to Woy Woy train station for alternative transport.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The Ruby Princess has departed Port Kembla following the conclusion of the joint operation to facilitate the movement and repatriation of crew members to their home countries.
NSW Police Force has worked closely with Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Health, Aspen Medical, Princess Cruises and government officials from numerous overseas jurisdictions to ensure the safe movement and eventual return of the crew members to their countries of origin.
Officers from Marine Area Command, assisted by Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Australian Defence Force coordinated the disembarking of 368 Filipino nationals from the Ruby Princess at Port Kembla today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
Eleven of those crew members, who tested positive to COVID-19, were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to enter quarantine.
The remainder were taken to Sydney Airport ahead of their return to the Philippines tonight.
Over the last three days, a total of 542 crew members have been escorted from the ship to be repatriated to their home countries which include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States of America.
This included a total of 33 crew members who were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to be cared for in isolation until they can be medically cleared.
Once these crew members have recovered – and subject to a medical clearance by NSW Health – they will be transported to Sydney Airport to fly back to their countries of origin.
Strict protocols are being maintained to ensure there is no health risk to the public.
The remaining crew have departed on board the Ruby Princess, which left Port Kembla about 4.30pm.
All agencies involved in the repatriation operation and the many agencies, departments, and companies who provided care and assistance to the crew in recent weeks wish them bon voyage.