Category: NSW News

The revitalisation of the old Telopea housing estate is a step closer, with Frasers Property and Hume Community Housing announced as the successful proponents to transform the ageing 13 hectare site into a new, integrated community and vibrant town centre.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said Telopea would be transformed into a master-planned neighbourhood with new community amenities, more transport links, a mixture of high quality housing types and improved access to health, education, and jobs.
“The renewal of the Telopea site will set the standard for our new integrated communities under the Communities Plus program, delivering more social, private and affordable housing, in partnership with the private sector,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The proposal will see the current site redeveloped to create about 4500 homes, with a target of 1000 new, fit-for-purpose affordable and social housing dwellings.”
Mrs Pavey said Hume Community Housing will work with public housing tenants to break the cycle of disadvantage by providing access to education, training opportunities and wrap-around support.
“We are increasing the supply of social and affordable housing but at the same time we’re focused on providing opportunities to our tenants to create an aspiration to leave social housing.”
Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, said the partnership with the NSW government, Frasers Property and Hume Community Housing provided great opportunities for the community.
“This project will rejuvenate Telopea and has a focus on connecting people, ranging from enhanced mobility, community service access, creating places of congregation, and enhancing economic opportunities that arise when a community has the confidence to pursue its aspirations,” Dr Lee said.
Fraser Property AHL CEO, Rod Fehring, said forging long-term partnerships between Government, the private sector and specialist community housing providers was essential to extract the benefits of combining agile capital with place-making capabilities to build a balanced and resilient sense of belonging for residents.
Hume Community Housing CEO, Nicola Lemon, said: “The partnership brings together a shared passion for delivering and supporting a vibrant and welcoming Telopea of- the- future.”
The NSW Government’s $22 billion Communities Plus program has a target of 23,000 new and replacement social housing dwellings, 500 affordable housing units and up to 40,000 private homes across the greater Sydney, Illawarra, Newcastle and North coastal areas.

Drivers using the M4 Motorway off ramp at Church Street will be safer and face less congestion when new and extended lanes open ahead of tomorrow morning’s peak.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the project was a key safety priority following a number of incidents near the eastbound exit to Church Street.
“We fast-tracked delivery of this upgrade before Christmas, which will keep traffic flowing and drivers safe as they exit this busy part of the M4,” Mr Constance said.
“The eastbound left turn lane is nearly 100 metres longer to help reduce traffic queues and improve the efficiency and safety of the off ramp, especially in peak periods.
“The upgrades will allow even more vehicles to pass through the traffic lights each time they turn green, reducing queuing on the Motorway.”
A new right turn only lane for motorists heading towards Woodville and Parramatta Roads has also been installed, further increasing the capacity of the off ramp where thousands of vehicles exit the M4 daily.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the upgrade work follows a safety review of the M4 Motorway and its surrounds.
“The Government looked closely at data like crash statistics and road user behaviour, which showed completing this work near Parramatta was a key priority,” Mr Lee said.
“Transport for NSW will continue monitoring traffic flow now improvements are in place. We urge all motorists to please drive to the conditions, indicate and slow down on approach to ensure you merge safely and legally onto the extended off ramp.”
A maintenance bay is also being installed on the southern side of the off ramp, to help repair crews respond to any issues on the Motorway. Work will also be carried out to make the road surface smoother, and improve signage and lighting.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell today announced Professor Peter Shergold will be the new Chair of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Board.
Chancellor of Western Sydney University and former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Professor Peter Shergold AC, will take the helm of the authority responsible for curriculum, assessment, school regulation and teacher quality across NSW public and non-government schools.
Ms Mitchell said Professor Shergold’s experience is exactly what NESA needs as the organisation prepares to reshape the NSW Curriculum and support education reforms in 2020 and beyond.
“As NSW undertakes a review of the curriculum for the first time in three decades, and moves into the digital space for examinations and learning, the experience Professor Shergold brings from both the private and public sector will be vital,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Professor Shergold is well respected by education stakeholders and brings leadership credentials of the highest calibre to the role.”
“In addition to Professor Shergold’s announcement, we have also secured Paul Martin as NESA’s CEO and appointed six new board members,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“I’m excited that the leadership of NESA includes more members with hands-on teaching experience including four school principals and CEO Paul Martin a former English and History teacher.”
 
Professor Shergold said NESA has a crucial role to play at an exciting time of significant reform in education.
 
“The delivery of the curriculum review in 2020 will provide NSW with a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise the school curriculum so our students, community and economy continue to thrive well into the 21^st century,” Professor Shergold said.
“We know world-class syllabuses, assessment, teaching and school environments are the components needed for our students to achieve their very best.”
Professor Shergold will replace current Chairperson, Tom Alegounarias who is retiring after 30 years in education.
Ms Mitchell said Mr Alegounarias has had an extraordinary impact on education in NSW and will be remembered for many years to come as a passionate educator, policy maker, Chair of NESA and President of NESA’s predecessor, the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards.
“I wish Mr Alegounarias all the best for his retirement and I warmly thank the other outgoing Board members for guiding the establishment of NESA over the past three years,” Ms Mitchell said.
NESA Board members 
* = new appointment
* Chairperson, Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor of Western Sydney University
Mr Mark Scott AO, Secretary, NSW Department of Education
Mr Dallas McInerney, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Schools NSW
Dr Geoff Newcombe, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Independent Schools NSW
Mr Denis Fitzgerald, Executive, NSW Teachers Federation
Mr Mark Northam, Branch Secretary NSW/ACT, Independent Education Union
* Mr Nathan Towney, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Newcastle
* Ms Christine Legg, Chief Executive Officer, KU Children’s Services
Ms Katherine Grace, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Stockland Group
* Ms Jude Hayman, Principal, Griffith Public School
* Dr Anne Wenham, Head of College, St Stanislaus’ College
* Mr Gary Johnson, Principal, Cherrybrook Technology High School
* Ms Jenny Allum, Head of School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst
* Mr Paul Martin, Chief Executive Officer, NESA

The first metro railway tunnel to be built deep under Sydney Harbour has been completed in an historic milestone for public transport in Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today walked to the deepest point of the tunnel 40 metres below the harbour floor, meeting workers who built it.
“This is an engineering feat of historic proportions for our great city which will forever change how we get around Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Today we have made history walking deep beneath Sydney Harbour for the first time, inside one of two metro railway tunnels to be built as part of this mega project.”
Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Kathleen is digging twin railway tunnels under Sydney Harbour as part of Sydney Metro – Australia’s biggest public transport project.
The machine was pulled apart and its giant 90-tonne cutter head and front sections were barged back across Sydney Harbour where it is being reassembled to start digging the second tunnel.
The specialised TBM is named after Kathleen Butler, who played a vital role in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as technical adviser to engineer John Bradfield.
“It is incredible that Kathleen has already finished her first tunnel and we are able to walk through this crucial piece of infrastructure deep under the harbour,” Mr Constance said.
Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024 extending the North West Metro into the city and beyond to Bankstown
Sydney Metro will have the ultimate capacity of a train every two minutes in each direction under the Sydney CBD and will be able to move more people across the harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined.

More office space, good design and high-quality public places are the cornerstone of plans to supercharge growth and investment in Sydney’s CBD.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes today announced the NSW Government’s in-principle support of the City of Sydney’s Central Sydney Planning Strategy.
Mr Stokes said the Strategy will guide Central Sydney’s commercial, residential and recreational future and will enable more jobs and growth while protecting the city’s iconic heritage and public spaces.
“Sydney CBD is Australia’s economic gateway to the world, generating nearly $110 billion each year. This strategy means we will deliver nearly three million square metres of new office space to ensure Sydney remains the commercial hub of the nation,” Mr Stokes said.
“The NSW Government has been working with City of Sydney Council to get the plan moving and provide much-needed certainty to industry that Sydney is open for business.”
Following negotiations between the City of Sydney Council and the NSW Government, three amendments to the Central Sydney Planning Strategy have been agreed to in-principle:

• Allow for up to 50% more floor space for development in the four tower cluster areas (near Barangaroo, Circular Quay, Central and Town Hall) that demonstrate design excellence;
• Encourage more office space in the CBD by removing the residential accommodation bonus instead of implementing a proposed 50% cap on residential accommodation; and
• Prepare a new development contributions plan to help fund the delivery of new public infrastructure to ensure the city retains its valued public and green spaces.

The in-principle agreement allows for the Council to prepare the changes to the draft Strategy and planning proposal, and place both on exhibition early in the new year.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the 20-year plan is the most comprehensive urban planning strategy for Central Sydney in 45 years.
“If we want Sydney to maintain its status as a global city and economic powerhouse, it’s vital that we balance the need for commercial floor space with residential development in the city centre,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Central Sydney’s residents, workers and visitors are best served by collaboration between the City and the State Government. This plan strikes a balance between fostering new businesses and growth while protecting and enhancing the great public spaces that make our city unique.”

Women’s sport in NSW has received a significant funding boost to help increase participation, promote leadership and encourage inclusivity.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee today announced $635,000 in grants for 23 sporting organisations as part of the NSW Government’s ‘Her Sport Her Way’ program.
“We are rewarding organisations which are introducing programs to break down participation barriers, promote role models and foster inclusivity,” Mr Lee said.
“Women’s sport is on the rise and the NSW Government is committed to assisting growth at the grassroots, elite and recreational levels. We’re proud to be investing $2.6 million over four years to support this essential program.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said ‘Her Sport Her Way’ is breaking new ground.
“Important changes in attitude and awareness will ensure women and girls are valued, recognised and given equal choices and opportunities to perform,” Mrs Taylor said.
Nine-time Paralympic Gold Medalist Louise Sauvage said having a disability should never be considered a barrier to women playing sport.
“In my career I went from being in the newspaper’s human interest pages to the sports pages and that’s where I believe any anthete deserves to be, whether you have a disability or not,” said Ms Sauvage.
Former mixed doubles grand slam champion Casey Dellacqua said women’s sport needs to welcome everyone.
“Sport is such a powerful tool for change in society and if ‘Her Sport Her Way’ can continue to help break down perceptions and barriers surrounding participation and inclusivity for women, then we are onto a winning formula,” said Ms Dellacqua.
Successful grants programs include basketball, triathlon, hockey, AFL, sailing, football, golf, surfing, tennis, swimming, motorsport, deaf sports, disabled winter sport, water polo, diving, rowing, roller skating, wheelchair sports, rugby union, gymnastics, softball, hang gliding and paragliding.
For more details visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/her-sport-her-way

Plans for NSW’s newest city will be revealed today with the NSW Government calling on the community to help shape the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis Plan, which sets the vision for the region and provides a roadmap for the rezoning of individual precincts, will revolutionise NSW.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the chance to plan and build an international airport and its supporting city is a rare privilege.
“The Aerotropolis will be Sydney’s newest economic hub and will be a 30-minute city, where people live close to jobs, schools, health services and high-quality open space,” Mr Stokes said.
“With construction of the airport underway, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a brand new city, and we want the community to be part of the process.
“We’re getting on with the job of planning for a new city to make sure that land around the airport will be ready to build on well before the first plane takes off.”
Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres said the Aerotropolis will be a thriving economic hub for the region, with thousands of new jobs, homes, infrastructure and services.
“The Aerotropolis will be the beating heart of the Western Parkland City. It’s the most dynamic economic development precinct in Australia and is already attracting significant international interest with 17 global and regional partners ready to move in,” Mr Ayres said.
The next phase of planning paves the way for land to be rezoned by mid next year.
A draft planning package will be on exhibition until 28 February 2020 that includes the Aerotropolis’ overarching strategy, a policy to give statutory effect to the strategy, and a technical guide for the design of future development in the area.
To view the plans visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis

Trams will carry passengers through Sydney’s streets for the first time in nearly 60 years when the CBD and South East Light Rail opens on Saturday, 14 December.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance today announced the start date for the first light rail service to run down George Street since 1961.
“The CBD and South East Light Rail is a big step towards revitalising our city and will transform the way we live, work and go out in Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Trams will be fare-free for the opening weekend so the community can ride the new light rail to celebrate this historic event.
“The new network will move up to 13,500 commuters an hour during peak time in both directions, replacing the conga line of buses which used to sit in traffic on George Street. A coupled tram holds up to 450 customers, the equivalent of up to nine standard buses.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance revealed the first passenger services will start at 11am on Saturday and run between Circular Quay and Randwick until 1am.
“This is an exciting time and we expect a huge turnout at Circular Quay of people taking a ride on the new trams before regular services start on Monday,” Mr Constance said.
“With passenger services right around the corner it’s more important than ever for the community to pay attention to safety messages around trams.
“We have launched multiple safety campaigns telling people to stay safe around light rail. We need pedestrians to keep their heads up and drivers to stay out of the tram corridor and not queue across intersections.”
Services on the CBD and South East Light Rail will run from 5am to 1am every day of the week.

Work is underway on an innovative 73-unit housing complex in the heart of Sydney that will deliver improved support for young people leaving out-of-home care.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said Foyer Central in Chippendale is a state-of-the-art development that will help tackle youth homelessness by providing stable accommodation and wrap around services.
“Foyer Central will provide safe, affordable housing for young people combined with services that focus on work, study and development,” Mr Ward said.
“This new property is more than just a roof over a young person’s head. It gives them a solid foundation for life by providing the support they need to thrive.”
Foyer Central will support young people aged between 18 and 22 and aims to reduce the number of young people experiencing homelessness, increase completion of education qualifications and increase employment in the young adult population.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the project is an example of innovative Social Impact Investments the NSW Government is making to improve life for vulnerable people.
“These investments bring together the expertise of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to tackle challenging social problems,” Mr Perrottet said.
“An investment in our youth is an investment in our future and it’s encouraging to see projects like Foyer Central get underway that will give young people an opportunity to get their lives back on track.”
The NSW Government has partnered with SGCH, Uniting, Social Ventures Australia and the City of Sydney to deliver the project, which aligns with the Premier’s priority of halving street sleeping across NSW by 2025.
SGCH Group CEO Scott Langford said Foyer is the culmination of strong collaboration between the Government and non-government organisations.
“Drawing on the capacity and expertise of experienced partners, Foyer will have a positive impact on residents and the local community, bringing much-needed social and affordable housing to Sydney’s inner city,” Mr Langford said.
Foyer Central comprises 53 self-contained units for young people aged 18-22 years who have experienced out-of-home care. The property will also provide 20 affordable units, managed by SGCH, for low-income workers.
The model builds on the internationally recognised youth foyer, designed to help young people break the cycle of disadvantage. The project is due for completion in 2021