Category: NSW News

23 new metro trains will be ordered as part of a contract package to extend and operate Sydney’s first driverless Metro railway beyond Chatswood – into the city and on to Bankstown, delivering a 66 kilometre line by 2024.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance announced the NSW Government has approved Sydney Metro exercising a pre-agreed extension to the existing Northwest Rapid Transit Public Private Partnership contract, which was awarded in 2014.
The contract has been extended to deliver a seamless customer experience on the new metro, with Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT) to operate and maintain the full metro line from Rouse Hill to Bankstown – in total 66 kilometres of rail and 31 metro stations.
The contract package includes $1.7 billion for new metro trains and core rail systems as well as a $2 billion operations and maintenance component for NRT to operate the combined Northwest and City and Southwest lines for a period of 15 years until 2034.
Metro Trains Sydney, the railway operator appointed by NRT, will operate the metro railway in accordance with strict operational requirements set by Sydney Metro.
The NSW Government will own all the metro rail infrastructure, including the stations, tracks and trains.
Five years ago, following a competitive procurement process, NRT was awarded a contract to operate and maintain the North West Metro Line between Rouse Hill and Chatswood for 15 years. It included a pre-agreed option to operate the line beyond Chatswood to Bankstown

Households across NSW are expected to save $40 per year on their electricity bills and the State will have one of the highest reliability targets in the world under the NSW Electricity Strategy, released today.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Strategy will ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply for the people of NSW, particularly in peak summer periods.
“We want to create a competitive, low-cost market that delivers resilient energy supply while putting downward pressure on electricity prices,” Mr Kean said.
“Not only does this Strategy help us achieve that, it will attract $8 billion in investment for emerging energy technologies in NSW, diversifying our energy supply and creating jobs for the future.”
The Strategy includes a new Energy Security Safeguard to drive the roll-out of energy efficiency technologies and smart appliances that use electricity when it is cheap and off-peak, and an Energy Security Target to ensure there is enough capacity in the electricity grid on the hottest days, even with the two largest generating units offline.
It will also include a plan to deliver Australia’s first coordinated Renewable Energy Zone in the Central-West to support the new generation needed to get energy bills down.
“As our existing power generators approach the end of their lives, we need to ensure low-cost alternatives are coming online,” Mr Kean said.
“By focusing on reliability, we can ensure that we can get the benefits of renewables without the reliability problems we have seen in other states.
“While there will always be extreme events which impact the grid’s reliability, our Electricity Security Target will mean that changes to the State’s energy mix do not come at the expense of our system’s reliability.”
The NSW Electricity Strategy is available here and is published ahead of today’s COAG Energy Council meeting in Perth.

Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra will soon experience Level 2 water restrictions from 10 December to continue to protect Greater Sydney’s water supply from drought conditions.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Water Melinda Pavey announced the restrictions will take effect when the dam levels in the region reach 45 per cent which is expected around mid-December. To give the community certainty, the water restrictions will be in place from 10 December.
Ms Berejiklian said dam levels are currently close to 46 per cent and continue to drop every week.
“Usually, we would expect to have Level 2 water restrictions come into effect when dam levels reached 40 per cent. But given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level of restrictions sooner than planned,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’re experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record and we expect introducing Level 2 restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.
“We all need to do our bit to ensure we are using water wisely and these restrictions will help secure water for Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra.”
More than 85 per cent of Greater Sydney’s water is supplied by captured rainfall and because of the current drought dam levels have reached the lowest levels seen since the Millennium drought.
Under the new Level 2 water restrictions people will be required to use a bucket or watering can to water their gardens between approved times, cars can only be washed with a bucket or taken to a commercial car wash and topping up of pools and spas is limited to 15 minutes a day with a trigger nozzle.
Ms Pavey said the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted another hot summer ahead with on-going dry conditions.
“We’re doing the work to save as much drinking water as we can to ensure there is enough if the drought persists,” Ms Pavey said.
“Businesses who rely upon outdoor water use as part of their operations need to get an exemption.
If a business applied for and received a permit under the previous level of restrictions, they’ll need to contact Sydney Water to confirm it’s still valid.”
Fines will still apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. For up-to-date information on Level 2 restrictions visit lovewater.sydney/restrictions

Paramedics will be fitted with high-tech body cameras from tomorrow as part of the NSW Government’s $48 million reform package to improve the safety of frontline health staff.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said paramedics from Liverpool, Sydney Ambulance Centre at Eveleigh, and Hamilton in suburban Newcastle will be part of a 12-month voluntary trial.
“We need to look after the people who look after us and if this technology can help deter abuse and assaults against frontline paramedics, we need to give it go,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Hopefully, agitated individuals will modify their behaviour when they realise their actions are being recorded because our paramedics are not a punching bag for anyone’s frustration.
“Paramedics are there to help us and it is never OK to abuse them. Assaults carry heavy penalties and, if needed, bodycam footage will be used as evidence when prosecuting people.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said 60 body cameras will be used in the trial by paramedics and if it is successful, more could be rolled out state-wide.
“When the idea of body cameras was raised at the paramedic roundtable, the NSW Government listened and worked with us to introduce the technology,” Dr Morgan said.
“The cameras will be another set of eyes for our paramedics and in addition to hopefully deterring abuse, there is scope to use them for training purposes further down the line.”
The body cameras pilot follows additional NSW Government reforms introduced over the past 12 months to improve paramedic workplace safety including:

• $24 million for a technology upgrade including:

1. upgrade of mobile data terminals to pinpoint the location of paramedics.
2. new in-vehicle radios to ensure enhanced reception.
3. enhanced duress procedures and reporting.

• $3.3 million for face-to-face occupational violence training.
• $ 4 million for high-tech smartphones to overcome radio blackspots.

The NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance in 2019-20, including $27 million to employ 221 extra paramedics and call centre staff. These staff are the second tranche of a record workforce boost of 750 to be deployed over four years.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today released the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint, a landmark document designed as a roadmap for continued success.
The Blueprint forecasts NSW will continue to power the nation, with our State economy tripling in size to be worth as much as two trillion dollars by around 2040.
Prepared by NSW Chief Economist Stephen Walters, the Blueprint predicts a bright future for NSW on the back of our strong financial position, high levels of education, focus on innovation and growth, and proximity to the booming Asian middle class.
“The billions we are pouring in to infrastructure are helping drive the economy and create jobs now, but also positioning the State for ongoing growth,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The future success of NSW is unlimited if we are prepared to back ourselves, innovate, build our skills, and have both a domestic and global economic focus to attract investment and create the industries and jobs of the future.
“NSW is a leader not a follower – we are building success for future generations.”
Mr Walters said the Blueprint would continue to evolve with the initial document focused on both short and long-term strategies to grow the NSW economy.
“The Blueprint sets the tone for our continued success – it doesn’t shy away from the challenges, but highlights the opportunities we have to really grow our economy.”
The report outlines a range of aspirations for NSW to reach by 2040 including:

• The nation’s first trillion-dollar economy
• Healthy, productive people
• Liveable and connected cities
• Productive, vibrant regions
• Innovative and world class businesses
• A sustainable environment with reliable and affordable energy
• Enhanced performance of government

For more information: treasury.nsw.gov.au/nsw-economy/nsw-2040-economic-blueprint

A seamless trip to and from Sydney Airport is closer than ever with the proposed Sydney Gateway project moving to the next stage of the planning process.
The community can have their say on the project with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Major Development Plan (MDP) now on public exhibition.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the NSW Government is focused on completing the motorway network’s missing links to keep Sydney moving.
“The toll-free Sydney Gateway will improve connections to Sydney Airport and Port Botany with the CBD and beyond,” Mr Constance said.
“The new roads will have capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles a day, which will cater for growth to support our communities and economy, while enabling people and goods to move more safely and reliably.
“Sydney Gateway will provide a new route for around 10,000 trucks a day. This will help remove trucks from Mascot, reduce travel times and congestion, and return local streets to the community.
“This project will improve public transport to and from the Airport by providing faster and more direct access for buses, giving people freedom to choose how they move.”
Community can make a submission on the EIS at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s planning portal website. Submissions on the draft MDP, which is a Commonwealth requirement, will be managed by Sydney Airport.
For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-gateway.

Offenders convicted of certain crimes against children who fail to comply with reporting obligations will be better held to account under reforms that passed NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said offenders on the Child Protection Register who claim to have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for not complying with their reporting obligations will now have to prove that excuse in court.
“The reporting obligations of these offenders is critical to community safety,” Mr Speakman said.
“Offenders who breach their obligations without reasonable excuse are liable to imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of $55,000. This reform clarifies that the onus is no longer on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt the absence of a reasonable excuse.”
The NSW Government’s reforms will also improve legal procedures in certain cases for children under the age of 14 who are victims or alleged victims of sexual offences.
“These children are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and to date they have been at a disadvantage, as they may be unable to provide consent to share potentially crucial information in the proceedings,” Mr Speakman said.
“We want to rectify this to avoid unnecessary delays in what can already be highly traumatic court hearings.”
The amendments will enable a ‘suitable person’, like a parent or guardian, to consent to the child’s counselling records to become evidence in court. In the past, these records would have been inadmissible because of sexual assault communications privilege, which protects the relationship between a counsellor and a victim of sexual assault.

New laws that give the Children’s Guardian greater authority and oversight to help protect children and young people have passed NSW Parliament.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Children’s Guardian Bill 2019 brings religious bodies, and agencies that engage contractors who work with children, into the Reportable Conduct Scheme, with tough penalties for anyone who fails to comply.
“This legislation will provide the independent regulator with the powers they need to help detect, investigate and deal with those who behave inappropriately around children,” Mr Ward said.
“This legislation seeks to close existing loopholes and future-proof the Children’s Guardian to make sure the framework for protecting our kids is as strong as possible.
“When it comes to child protection, our Government makes no apology for taking a tough and necessary stance to keep children safe.”
The Bill will implement a number of recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The NSW Government has had the most comprehensive response of any state or territory to the Royal Commission, strengthening measures to prevent child abuse, ensuring greater access to treatment and support services and toughening the criminal and civil justice response to child offence matters.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian is an independent Statutory Authority that works to protect children and young people by promoting and regulating quality, child safe organisations and services

The NSW Government is providing disaster recovery relief to help bushfire affected communities get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott have committed up to $25 million to facilitate the cleanup of homes and properties damaged and destroyed by the recent fires.
“Having witnessed firsthand the devastation these bushfires have inflicted on local communities, it is vital the Government acts right away to provide assistance as quickly as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our tremendous volunteers are still on the fire ground battling these blazes, and while this mammoth effort continues, the recovery is already underway.”
Mr Barilaro said the funding will help pay for the cleanup of hazardous materials including the removal of asbestos-contaminated material released as a result of the bushfires, concrete slabs and all dangerous debris including destroyed homes and trees.
“Regional NSW is going through an incredibly difficult time with the drought biting hard and ferocious bushfires across the state and this funding is an important step towards helping communities get back on their feet,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Homes and lives have been destroyed and this Government will do everything we can to help regional families rebuild and recover for the long run.”
The NSW Government will also waive waste levy fees for residents disposing of bushfire-generated waste at nominated facilities saving households thousands of dollars. Building materials, furniture and any other bushfire-generated waste is included.
Mr Elliott said the NSW Government would be part of the disaster recovery for the long term and more support will be made available as the extent of the damage becomes clear.
“Communities are hurting right now and we hear their calls for assistance. We still have fire fighters on the frontline saving lives and property but we are already fighting to save livelihoods,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are in it for the long haul and by your side every step of the way.”
The next step in disaster recovery will involve additional funding for rebuilding and repairing infrastructure but the true of extent of the damage won’t be known until it is safe to enter all affected areas.

The NSW Government has waived the waste levy fee for residents disposing of bushfire generated waste in areas across NSW that have been declared bushfire Natural Disaster Areas.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said thousands of people across NSW are reeling from the effects of the November bushfires that are still burning.
“Where the emergency has passed in some areas, residents will face a hard and painful clean-up process,” Mr Kean said.
“To help these communities dispose of their bushfire damaged goods quickly and safely we have waived the NSW Government waste levy in levy-affected areas.
“Building materials, furniture and any other bushfire generated waste is included.
“We know that the effects of these bushfires will be felt for months and even years to come, and we hope that this streamlined waste process can provide a little relief for those coping with the effects of these horrible bushfires.”
The exemption applies until 29 February 2020 on debris and waste created by these bushfires.
The levy will be waived at waste facilities nominated by the councils listed below and local waste facility gate fees may still apply.
Residents should check with their local council for the name and opening status of the nominated facilities, as well as for any specific requirements to dispose bushfire damaged waste, noting that bushfire affected conditions can change rapidly.
Waste facilities will need to ensure the waste is bushfire generated before they can waive the Government’s waste levy.
“We hope this eases some of the pressure people are feeling after these devastating bushfires,” Mr Kean said.
For a full list of all Councils where waste levy exemptions apply click here.