Category: NSW News

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.

A review of NSW’s graffiti laws is giving people across the State the opportunity to make their own mark in shaping these laws for the future.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the review of the Graffiti Control Act 2008 would examine whether the legislation was delivering on its objectives of combatting graffiti.
“Tackling graffiti and illegal bill posting helps drive down crime in local communities and protect public facilities and private properties. We want to find out whether graffiti laws are helping to reduce costs for councils, local businesses and residents who foot the bill for clean-ups,” Mr Speakman said.
The Graffiti Control Act 2008 deals with graffiti offences, the supply of spray paint cans to minors, possession of graffiti implements, removal work by local government and bill posting. The NSW courts finalised a total of 960 charges for offences under the Act in 2018 -19. 570 of these were dealt with in the Local Court and 390 in the Children’s Court.
There are eight criminal offences under the Act, including an offence targeting serious and persistent offenders who intentionally mark premises that is not readily removable with a maximum penalty of $2,200 or 12 months imprisonment.
Mr Speakman said the community was frustrated waking up to find trains, buses, schools, fences and buildings being marred by ugly graffiti tags.
“Our government has taken a strong stance on graffiti including introducing tougher penalties and giving magistrates the power to put offenders on community based orders so they are forced to fix the damage caused by their vandalism,” Mr Speakman said.
The Department of Communities and Justice has prepared a discussion paper which provides an opportunity for people to have their say on the Graffiti Control Act 2008. For more information please email policy@justice.nsw.gov.au or visit the website
Submissions close on 15 December 2019 and should be sent to policy@justice.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government will partner with Prince’s Trust Australia on a mixed tenure housing project to deliver 75 new dwellings in the inner-city suburb of Glebe, including additional social and affordable housing.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the landmark agreement between NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Prince’s Trust Australia will enable new housing for those most vulnerable.
“Today, we are releasing our vision to transform a 1,800 square metre site into a showcase housing project with significant community benefits,” Ms Pavey said.
“This project will include a multi-purpose community hub which will be managed by Prince’s Trust Australia.
“Importantly, the project will partner with local education and support services to help build career pathways for young people.”
Prince’s Trust Australia Trustee and sustainable communities champion, Dominic Richards said Prince’s Trust Australia was delighted to be working with the NSW Government on its first Sydney project (and its second in Australia).
“The ongoing challenges of increasing urban density, housing affordability and climate change mean we are all responsible for improving urban livability and minimising development impacts on our natural environment,” Mr Richards said.
“This project will help address these and other challenges – contributing to the wellbeing of the Glebe community through excellence in environmental sustainability, design, place making and community engagement.
“Our aim is for this project to be sustainable, respect local character and create a mixed income community which includes social and affordable housing.”
Prince’s Trust Australia, inspired by the values of its founder, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, seeks to deliver social impact by transforming lives and building sustainable communities in Australia.
Architects Kiong Lee and Graeme Dix from Sydney-based firm Johnson Pilton Walker have prepared a project design that celebrates historic and iconic building forms.
The project is located on two blocks, on Cowper Street and Wentworth Park Road, separated by a laneway and adjacent to Wentworth Park and MJ Doherty Reserve. The 75 dwellings will include a mixture of social, affordable and private housing.
The NSW Government will engage with the local community and stakeholders prior to lodging a planning proposal with the City of Sydney Council.
For more information on the project visit www.communitiesplus.com.au. For more information about Prince’s Trust Australia visit www.princes-trust.org.au

The NSW Government will give an additional $220,000 to BlazeAid and local government partners to enhance support for bushfire affected communities in northern NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott visited bushfire impacted areas today around Kempsey and Port Macquarie to speak with locals and thank firefighters for their continued efforts battling the blazes.
BlazeAid, a volunteer-based organisation in regional NSW that assists families and individuals hit by bushfires, will receive $100,000 to purchase fencing materials and tools. A further $120,000 will be provided to local councils to assist BlazeAid with their vital work, on top of the $160,000 already committed to affected local councils.
Mr Perrottet said this much needed funding would help BlazeAid’s hundreds of volunteers on the ground supporting more than 200 landholders to clean-up and remove destroyed fences so they could start repairing or replacing fences as quickly as possible.
“While our combat agencies continue to work tirelessly to contain these fires, we know that many kilometres of fencing has been destroyed and there is a large amount of debris to be cleared. This extra funding will assist communities devastated by bushfires here in northern NSW begin the recovery process,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Elliott said there are many impacted communities across NSW in various phases of response and recovery and it was vital to support organisations like BlazeAid who help local communities get back on their feet faster.
“As our firefighters are on the frontline fighting the blazes, we as a Government are acutely aware that there are many residents who have been displaced because of the bushfires and who need immediate financial and practical support,” Mr Elliott said.
BlazeAid currently have base camps established in Casino, Tenterfield, Ewingar and Ebor and are investigating preferred locations for additional base-camps to support those communities impacted by fires in the Mid North Coast, including in Nymboida, Wingham and Nabiac.

More than 2,000 small businesses across the State are expected to receive a NSW Government rebate on buying or leasing energy efficient commercial refrigerators.
Energy Minister Matt Kean announced $3 million worth of rebates available to small businesses to claim between $100 and $1490 per unit for up to five energy efficient plug-in commercial fridges and freezers.
“We’re all about supporting our small businesses and keeping energy prices down, and these rebates will do just that,” Mr Kean said.
“Through this initiative, small businesses could save more than $350 a year on their energy bills, on top of the fridge rebate.
“These rebates will give over 2,000 small businesses such as cafes, restaurants, convenience stores and take-away shops the opportunity to update to better performing, modern fridges and save on their energy bill.”
Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the Government is always looking for ways to support small businesses across NSW.
“Small businesses play a vital role in the State’s economy and we will do what we can to encourage business growth while reducing their costs,” Mr Tudehope said.
Successful applicants will have their rebate processed within four weeks from online application to help businesses across NSW maintain a healthy cashflow.
The offer, which will be available up until September 2021, is part of the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund that provides incentives to households and small businesses to install energy efficient appliances and equipment.
Businesses can view the list of eligible fridges, buy the product from their own supplier, then submit a rebate application at the Energy Saver website.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today announced the NSW Government will hold Community Cabinet in Bourke, in the NSW Far West, on the 25^th November 2019.
Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government was proud to accept an invitation from the Mayor of Bourke, Barry Hollman, to host Community Cabinet in the local area.
“These are incredibly trying times for people in Bourke and across regional NSW. The visit is an opportunity for Cabinet to listen and meet resilient locals who are experiencing the drought – farmers, small business owners and community organisations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government has already committed $3 billion to drought affected communities but we know there is more to do.”
Mr Barilaro said Bourke is one of Australia’s most iconic outback towns and in the grips of crippling drought and water restrictions.
“Bourke is one of Australia’s most iconic and resilient towns, but even hardy communities like Bourke are battling under these severe drought conditions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This will be a historic occasion with every minister from the NSW Government travelling to Bourke, making the city the epicentre of government for the day.
“The entire Cabinet will experience first-hand how tough conditions are in the Far West and witness the resilience and ingenuity of these communities.”
Clr Hollman said he was extremely pleased the Premier and Deputy Premier had accepted the invitation of Bourke Shire Council to host Community Cabinet in Bourke and was looking forward to welcoming them to the region.
“Bourke Shire Council has benefited considerably from the grant funding that had been made available to Bourke over the past few years and these funds had resulted in the ability of Council to embark on a number of projects which would have otherwise been impossible to achieve,” Clr Hollman said.
“The fact that the Premier and Deputy Premier have elected to come to Bourke is a clear demonstration of their support for rural and remote New South Wales and their willingness to travel out and see the problems that have being faced by the rural communities in the face of the extended drought.
“On a positive it is also a great opportunity for Bourke to be able to showcase what they have been able to achieve with the funding provided.”
NSW Cabinet will formally meet with local organisations, members of the community and visit farmers in the region.

The new dedicated Office of Drought Response has been formed to better coordinate support delivered by all NSW Government agencies for farmers, communities, businesses and towns affected by drought.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall announced the formation of the new Office today which will work to ensure water security, address the impact of drought on business and communities and provide ongoing support to farms.
“The Office will be staffed by 10 dedicated people and will continue to develop policy and strategy to address the impacts of this devastating drought,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The crippling effects of drought have reached beyond the farm gate and are impacting families, businesses and local economies right across regional NSW and the Office will ensure communities are aware of what support measures are available.
“The NSW Government has already provided $1.8 billion in emergency assistance to farmers and communities along with $1 billion for water security projects and the Office of Drought Response will coordinate the delivery of this assistance.
“Immediate support is vital but we are also developing long-term strategies to help communities and farmers through recovery when the drought finally breaks,” he said.
Minister Pavey said the relentless intensity of the drought warranted a dedicated office to co-ordinate a response coming into summer.
“We have seen the impact of this crippling drought move from the farm sector to the very social and economic fabric of regional communities,” Minister Pavey said.
“Government has recently added to our already extensive investment in rural water infrastructure, with new dams announced and numerous crucial projects fast-tracked.
“I welcome this latest action to provide easily-accessible, cohesive support for our farmers and regional communities as we approach the challenging summer ahead.”
Mr Marshall said as the State’s farmers battle the worst drought in living memory, the NSW Nationals’ top priority is to continue delivering the support they so desperately need.
“We know our farmers are doing it tough, and as a result so are regional and rural communities, which is why we’re doing everything we can to carry some of the burden,” Mr Marshall said.
“We will continue to listen and adjust our assistance measures accordingly.”
The Office of Drought Response will operate within the Department of Planning Industry and Environment, led by Coordinator-General Gary Barnes with the support of the Deputy Secretary, DPIE Water Jim Bentley. Dubbo-based Ken Harrison has been appointed as Director of Drought Response Operations.
Mr Barilaro said Regional Town Water Supply Coordinator James McTavish will continue working with communities and local councils to ensure regional towns do not run dry and ensure emerging local water issues are quickly identified and resolved.
“Since his appointment in January this year, James has been a credible and hardworking voice for our regional communities, listening to locals and delivering the infrastructure needed to provide an ongoing supply of drinking water,” Mr Barilaro said.

People recovering from bushfires that have ravaged NSW communities and taken lives and property are being encouraged to access mental health and counselling services.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the resilience of people in regional communities is well known, but no one should feel like they need to go it alone in the coming days, weeks, or months.
“My message to the brave people in fire ravaged communities like those of Northern NSW, the Mid-North Coast and the Hunter is to reach out for help and tap into the counselling and mental health services available on the ground,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The widespread loss and distress caused by a major event such as this impacts the whole the community, and those affected need support now and in the months ahead.
“Disaster Welfare Services, including counselling support, are currently being provided at 21 Evacuation Centres across the state.”
NSW Chief Psychiatrist, Dr Murray Wright, said many people, including those who are usually healthy and strong, may be experiencing sadness, sleep disturbance, fear or anxiety.
“This is a very normal reaction, and may be experienced immediately or sometimes much later,” Dr Wright said.
Anyone experiencing persistent issues impacting their day-to-day lives are encouraged to talk to their General Practitioner or regular health care provider.
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), which operates across rural and remote NSW, has coordinators in fire affected areas working directly with communities, providing on the ground support, connecting people to support and assistance and visiting evacuation centres daily.
To contact your local RAMHP Coordinator go to https://www.ramhp.com.au/ and type in your postcode.
To contact your local mental health service call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. Alternatively you can call Lifeline on 131114. For practical assistance call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line 1800 018 444.
In 2019–20 the NSW Government is investing a record $2.2 million into services and infrastructure for people living with mental illness, and their families and carers.

The NSW Government has passed the Water Supply (Critical Needs) Bill 2019 that will fast track critical water infrastructure projects including dams and pipelines in Orange, Dubbo and Tamworth by up to six to nine months.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the temporary legislation will provide streamlined approvals for water infrastructure projects where there is critical town water supply need for the next two years.
“This is the breakthrough our regional towns and cities have been waiting for,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Improving water storage is critical to the longevity and growth of regional NSW and this temporary legislation allows us to get on with the job of building dams,” he said.
Three key developments to be fast tracked for authorisation are the Burrendong Dam deep water storage project, the Chaffey Dam to Dungowan pipeline and the Macquarie River to Orange pipeline.
The Burrendong Dam project will secure additional water for Dubbo, Wellington, Warren, Nyngan and Cobar, by providing access to an additional 21 gigalitres of water that is currently inaccessible.
The Chaffey Dam to Dungowan pipeline will help secure Tamworth’s water supply by reducing evaporation and transfer losses during delivery.
Orange City Council can now seek authorisation to amend operating conditions for the existing Macquarie River to Orange pipeline, which will allow for pumping outside of high flow events.
This is critical for the Orange community, which is on level 5 restrictions and has less than 12 months water supply remaining.
The Bill allows for the Wyangala Dam upgrade, the new Dungowan Dam, a proposed new dam on the Mole River and the Western Weirs Program to be assessed as Critical State Significant Developments under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
Minister Pavey said the Dungowan Dam will be the first major water storage project in NSW in 30 years.
“With 98 per cent of NSW in drought and a hot and dry summer predicted, urgent action is needed to accelerate the environmental planning assessment and approval times for critical developments that will help secure water supply to those towns in need,” she said.
This new legislation will be in effect for two years and can only be extended by up to 12 months by the Minister for Water, should towns continue to experience severe drought risks.
Since 2017, the NSW Government has invested $1.8 billion as part of its Drought Package to date.