Month: May 2020

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

• About 2.15pm yesterday (Monday 4 May 2020), officers from South Sydney Police Area Command were patrolling around Redfern when they spoke to a 35-year-old woman in a reserve on James Street. She was told she was in contravention of the alcohol-free zone to leave and checks revealed the woman had been given a warning on three separate occasions last month and issued a $1000 PIN on Sunday 26 April 2020. She was subsequently arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station where she was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The Redfern woman was granted conditional bail to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 20 July 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs included:

• About 2.50am yesterday, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command stopped a Holden Barina on Glencoe Street, Sutherland, after it allegedly failed to obey a traffic sign. The driver, a 48-year-old Balmain East man, could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Checks revealed he was given a warning on Monday 20 April 2020. He was issued a $1000 PIN and a traffic infringement for disobey no right turn sign – motor vehicle.

• About 10.45pm yesterday, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a car park on Colo Lane, Blacktown, following reports of a group of people gathering. The group were told to leave the area. A short time later, police spoke with one of the men on Flushcombe Road who had been given a move on direction from the area. He allegedly refused to provide officers with his personal details. He was identified as a 25-year-old Baulkham Hills man and issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 8pm yesterday, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command spoke to three occupants in a stationary Holden Commodore on Morehead Street, Redfern. One of the trio, a 50-year-old man, allegedly told police he was at the location to sell a Holden Astra to a 33-year-old man. Checks revealed the younger man had not had a driver’s licence since 2013. Police searched the Commodore and allegedly found cannabis. The 33-year-old man was given a warning on Tuesday 14 April 2020 and subsequently issued a $1000 PIN. The older man and a 39-year-old woman were given warnings. Inquiries are continuing.

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 NSW Government is inviting community feedback on the second stage of its 24-hour economy liquor law reforms, which propose a host of changes to kick start Sydney’s night time economy post COVID-19 and beyond.
The draft Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020 aims to create a vibrant and safe 24-hour economy, with risk-based liquor laws that support business.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the proposals follow on from the Government’s response to NSW Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s night time economy.
“The proposals will help boost the state’s night time economy by removing outdated laws, simplifying licensing processes and creating a new incentives and sanctions system that rewards licence holders with a clear record,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want pubs, bars and hotels to hit the ground running on the other side, but we are mindful of how rules such as social distancing may need to be accommodated.”
Mr Ayres said the hospitality sector is a significant employer and lifeblood for many communities, but has been dealt a devastating blow and brought to its knees due to COVID-19.
“COVID-19 has hit the hospitality industry hard and fast. We recognise the importance of streamlining the previously complicated legislation to make it easier for industry to get back on their feet as social distancing restrictions ease,” Mr Ayres said.
“There is now clearly a light at the end of the tunnel for our hospitality sector and this will give them hope for the future.”
Key proposals include:

• A new incentives and sanctions system with ongoing fee discounts for licensed venues that maintain a clear record;
• Removal of outdated live music restrictions;
• Allow small bars to offer more family friendly services to customers, by permitting minors in certain circumstances;
• Reducing red tape by aligning liquor licensing and planning processes; and
• Enhancing same day alcohol delivery regulations.

Feedback must be submitted by 14 June by visiting https://www.customerservice.nsw.gov.au/consultations/laws-to-help-grow-a-24-hour-economy
A Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the second half of 2020.

Western Sydney will soon have more world-class health services right on their doorstep, with construction now complete on the Westmead Health Precinct’s new Central Acute Services Building.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new state-of-the-art hospital building, which includes two new emergency departments and more than 300 patient rooms, is the centrepiece of the $1 billion-plus Westmead Redevelopment.
“Major construction has finished three months ahead of schedule, meaning this cutting-edge building will bring additional health services to Western Sydney at a critical time.” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This redevelopment will help ensure our health system continues to provide high-quality healthcare, research and education facilities for decades to come, as well as ensuring the system can deal with potential surges in COVID-19 cases.”
The NSW Government is actively planning ahead for a range of options to expand physical and resource capacity of health facilities and areas for self-isolation due to COVID-19.
Due to construction finishing early, the Central Acute Services Building has the capacity to provide hundreds of beds to care for COVID-19 patients, should the need arise.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said that once up and running, the new facility will not only transform healthcare in Western Sydney, but will provide a centre for ground-breaking health research to benefit every Australian.
“Our health experts will be working alongside top medical and scientific researchers in this new 14-storey hub, which embeds staff from The University of Sydney, and includes research, education and training facilities,” Mr Hazzard said.
Once fully operational, key features of the new building will include:

• Two new emergency departments — one for adults and one for children;
• Digital operating theatres;
• Expanded imaging, pharmacy and logistics;
• More than 300 patient rooms (a high proportion of single rooms with dedicated carer zones);
• More spaces with natural light;
• Landscaped entry plaza and forecourt;
• Education, training and research facilities on every floor;
• 1.5 floors for the University of Sydney to enable greater integration of education, research and health services delivery.

The Central Acute Services Building is a collaboration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the University of Sydney and Health Infrastructure.
In the coming months, work will be carried out to complete equipment installation and other preparations for the opening and staged move of services and staff.
The NSW Government has also committed an additional $619 million for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Stage 2.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW RFS Commissioner Rog Rogers today honoured four brave individual members and five units as part of the annual St Florian’s Day awards for exceptional service and bravery.
Usually held on the fourth of May each year, the award ceremony coincides with the Feast Day of St Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters’ Day.
Mr Elliott said that while members could not gather together to acknowledge the worthy recipients in person due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a formal ceremony would be held at a later date.
“The threat of COVID-19 may keep us from gathering together but today is still a day to acknowledge the indefatigable hard work and professionalism of our 75,000 RFS volunteers,” Mr Elliott said.
“First responders, including our volunteer firefighters, are the bedrock of the community. The men and women of the RFS put their lives on the line without asking for praise or accolades, but after the year they’ve had, I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
Mr Rogers paid special tribute to Captain William (Jock) Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Alison Wade, who were awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.
Captain Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Wade responded to a house fire in the small township of Spencer on the Central Coast in early April last year. With the resident still inside the home and back up still responding, the firefighters forced their way into the building.
Crouching below the thick smoke, Captain Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Wade were able to locate the resident and his dog and lead them both outside to safety.
The Goodooga Rural Fire Brigade, who were called to a tragic motor vehicle accident last year where they worked with a local nurse to provide first aid to an impaled driver who died at the scene, have also been recognised with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.
“The past twelve months have been an incredibly difficult and testing time for many of our members, working through drought, the fire season, and now the COVID-19 outbreak,” Mr Rogers said.
“It’s important that we stop to recognise the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices our volunteers make each and every day to serve their communities.”
NSW RFS Internal Bravery and Service Awards 2020:
Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery (Individual):

• Captain William Ross, Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter
• Senior Deputy Captain Alison Wade, Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter

Commissioner’s Commendation of Service (Individual):

• Captain Gregory Speed OAM, Orchard Hills, Cumberland Zone, Area Greater Sydney
• Retired Group Captain Warwick Teasdale, Killcare/Wagstaff, Central Coast, Area Hunter

Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit):

• Captain William Pokarier, Deputy Captain Thomas Stanton and Firefighter Stephen Forrester, Goodooga, Far West Team, Area Western
• Crescent Head Brigade, Lower North Coast Zone, Area North Eastern
• Far North Coast Senior Management Team, Area North Eastern
• Southern Tablelands Zone Strike Team Echo 1, Area South Eastern
• South West Slopes Zone Senior Management Team, Area Western

The NSW Government has purchased almost $1 billion of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect frontline emergency workers, medical staff and the public.
The stockpile – containing hundreds of millions of pieces of protective equipment – is being held in a number of secure facilities in secret locations around Sydney, ready for use.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the collection of face masks, face shields, gloves and surgical gowns was a sign of the Government’s commitment to ensuring NSW was fully prepared.
“While NSW has successfully flattened the curve for now, we know the battle against this global pandemic is still a reality and we’re not taking any chances,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“That’s why we’ve spent almost $1 billion on PPE to ensure our frontline workers have the key safety equipment they need to fight this virus, and keep NSW residents safe.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Government had adopted a strategic approach to managing PPE supplies since worldwide shortages emerged at the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
“We’re confident we have now secured adequate stocks of PPE to meet our medium-term needs,” Mr Ayres said.
“That’s thanks in part to the efforts of NSW companies registered to produce or supply PPE through the Government’s Emergency Supplies portal, established last month,” Mr Ayres said.
“The procurement team including NSW Police, NSW Treasury and NSW Health with support from Rod McGeoch has done an excellent job to ensure NSW has what it needs for the fight against COVID-19.
“We’ve identified hundreds of new suppliers of these critical products through the portal and it has shone a light on the tremendous capacity of NSW companies.
“In addition, we’re also helping businesses connect with PPE suppliers through our new portal specifically for industry and the community, launched last week.”
Local governments and industry can access this by visiting buy.nsw.gov.au.

More than 3,000 new homes, a new primary school and town plaza in Sydney’s North West have been given the green light today, with the NSW Government approving the concept plans for Ivanhoe Estate.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the approval paved the way for construction to begin on the project, which will transform an 8.2-hectare site on the corner of Herring Road and Epping Road.
“Ivanhoe Estate is one of the first projects to have its assessment fast-tracked through the Planning System Acceleration Program, which is creating jobs and driving investment right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.
“By supercharging the planning system and getting Ivanhoe Estate out the door, we are injecting $303 million into the State’s economy and providing 572 jobs.
“This approval paves the way for construction to begin on the first two residential buildings, which will deliver 740 new homes, with about one-third for social housing.”
Once complete, Ivanhoe Estate in Macquarie Park will include:

• 3,300 new homes, including 950 for social housing, 128 affordable housing, and 273 seniors living homes;
• 2.8 hectares of open space including new parks, a skatepark and a playground;
• A new primary school for 400 children and two childcare centres;
• A town plaza, new shops, cafes and restaurants; and
• A new road connecting Herring Road with Lyonpark Road, including a new bridge over Shrimptons Creek.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Ivanhoe Estate will be the first major project to be delivered through the NSW Government’s $22 billion Communities Plus Program.
“The program will deliver up to 23,500 new and replacement social and affordable homes and up to 40,000 private homes over the next 10 years across NSW,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Now more than ever it is important to put a roof over the heads of the most vulnerable members of our communities – to create vibrant communities, not just buildings.”
Construction of Ivanhoe Estate will begin in October.

The NSW property market will roll out the welcome mat from next weekend with agents and vendors able to hold traditional property inspections and on-site auctions after a six-week limited shutdown due to COVID-19.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the relaxing of restrictions was a sign of the ongoing success in limiting the spread of COVID-19, but warned there was no place for complacency, with community safety and social distancing to remain an ongoing priority.
“Choosing a home is one of the biggest decisions anybody makes, and easing the restrictions to ensure people can more easily inspect, buy or rent a property is an important step for NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The real estate industry has been adaptable in transitioning to online auctions, property inspections by appointment or online, and now as we make the move back to a more normal mode of operation we must ensure safety measures such as social distancing remain a key part of the process.”
Minister Hazzard said these measures were vital to ensure the safety of customers, property owners and real estate staff as a more traditional face-to-face way of inspections and auctions re-commenced.
“The community has done an outstanding job in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and we need to make sure we continue to exercise vigilance and care,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Real estate agents should limit the number of people viewing a property and attending an auction, follow stringent cleaning and safety guidelines, ensure clients do not touch surfaces and always have hand sanitiser available.”
Mr Perrottet urged a common-sense approach across the industry.
“If we want to keep as many people in jobs as possible and businesses in business it is important to follow the safety advice and not put others at risk,” Mr Perrottet said.
“If people are not genuinely in the market for a new home, now is not the time to be having a look through their neighbour’s house.”
Key health guidelines include:

• Ensure physical distancing of greater than 1.5m is maintained;
• Promote good hygiene on premises and at auctions including hand sanitiser;
• Use digital platforms where possible to discourage physical contact;
• Keep detailed contact records of people attending open homes and auctions;
• Ensure people with any symptoms of illness do not attend a property;
• Manage the number of people entering small spaces;
• Consider extended times for open house viewings and inspections;
• Use outdoor venues for auctions wherever possible;
• If auctions are held indoors, use large venues where physical distancing between household groups of one person per four square metres is possible.