NSW businesses must follow the State Government’s COVID safety warnings and public health orders or risk a penalty of up to $55,000.
More than 117,500 COVID safety plans have been downloaded in less than a month but businesses also need to register to provide customers with confidence.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there are 10,500 registered COVID Safe businesses across NSW but she would like to see this number increase.
“Thanks to the hard work of the community, thousands of businesses and have been able to reopen their doors and welcome back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“While communities embrace the easing of restrictions and we kick start the economy, safety must come first and businesses cannot be complacent.
“Whether it’s a café, construction business, cinema or sports club, all organisations must ensure the safety of staff and customers. There are no more excuses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said help and assistance is available for businesses.
“Downloading an industry specific safety plan and registering as COVID Safe is simple and can be done online. Service NSW can help with any questions,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers are encouraged to give feedback to businesses. Our focus in June was on educating industry; while our focus in July will be on compliance.”
Any business found in breach of the public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 or an on the spot fine of $5000.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of any business, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.
To download a safety plan visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses
Month: July 2020
NSW Police Force commence operation ahead of NSW/Victoria border closures
The NSW Police Force will launch a large-scale operation to enforce the closure of the NSW/Victorian border tonight.
The Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, will be issued later today (Tuesday 7 July 2020). It will direct that from midnight (Wednesday 8 July 2020), no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can fulfil specific exemption criteria.
At present, the border is closed to those from Victorian ‘hotspot’ postcodes, with the entire greater Melbourne area now deemed a hotspot.
As the scope widens and the border closes entirely, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has appointed Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte as Operation Commander, to lead approximately 650 police officers in support of local police.
The high-visibility operation will include General Duties officers from across NSW, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and other specialist units, such as the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.
Police will also be assisted by the Australian Defence Force – with 350 personnel to be deployed from Thursday (9 July 2020).
Assistance will also be provided by other government agencies; including Transport For NSW, and NSW National Parks as required.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said that as always, safety remains the top priority.
“The aim of this operation is to keep NSW safe – the broader NSW community, as well as NSW Police officers and operation support personnel,” the Commissioner said.
“I know this closure will inconvenience many on both sides of the border, but the dangers and flow-on effects that accompany a second wave of COVID-19 are not something we want to see for our state.
“We have engaged with Local Members of Parliament and the Mayors of Albury and Wodonga to ensure local communities understand how the Public Health Orders impact on them and so we can work together to minimise disruptions to everyday lives.
“We anticipate the first 72 hours will be challenging, so we ask the community to be patient and work with us. Importantly, if you don’t need to cross the border, don’t,” Commissioner Fuller said.
There are 54 border crossings within five Police Districts across two Police Regions (Southern and Western), which will require both static and mobile policing strategies.
Of the 54 crossings, 34 have been prioritised into three categories (A, B, C) depending on the traffic flow, location and characteristics, while the remining 20 crossings are tracks and trails.
The six category ‘A’ locations – which are the main crossings – are:
Wodonga Place, South Albury
Hume Hwy, South Albury
Cobb Hwy, Moama
Newell Hwy, Tocumwal
Sturt Hwy, Buronga
Princes Hwy, Tambillica
Police will also continue to assist NSW Health at Sydney Airport and regional airports with the screening of passengers arriving from Victoria, who have exemptions under the Public Health Act.
Travellers who are departing from or arriving at airports in NSW are urged to adhere to the directions of airline staff, airport security, and NSW Health practitioners/officers.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
Anyone wishing to travel into NSW will need to apply for an exemption online via Service NSW.
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions. A substainal fine applies.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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.
Border closure exemptions now live through Service NSW website
Exemptions for those wishing to cross the border from Victoria to NSW are now available online via the Service NSW website.
The Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020 states that from 12.01am tomorrow (Wednesday 8 July 2020), no one can enter NSW from Victoria, unless they can meet exemption criteria.
Fines apply to those who breach Public Health Orders, or who falsify information when applying for exemptions.
A large-scale police operation will be in place to ensure compliance with the Public Health Order, with officers assisted by personnel from the Australian Defence Force, and other government agencies.
As those with exemptions begin to pass through checkpoints, police are asking people to come prepared and ready to produce relevant documents and identification information; such as drivers’ licences, and medical certificates. Those without exemptions will be turned back.
It is anticipated that the first 72 hours will be challenging while the process is in its infancy. Police are asking those who don’t need to cross the border to avoid doing so.
For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
Man charged after attempting to cross border without permit – Corowa
A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to cross the NSW/Victoria border near Corowa earlier today.
About 11am (Wednesday 8 July 2020), a Mitsubishi Outlander bearing Victorian number plates attempted to drive into NSW on Carlyle Road, Wahgunyah.
Police spoke with the driver, who allegedly declared his intention to cross into NSW despite not having a valid exemption.
Police allege the man was given several opportunities to comply with police directions, which he refused.
The man’s wife and three children complied with police direction and returned to Victoria.
The 34-year-old Barnawartha man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Albury Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 9 July 2020).
The public is reminded it is an offence to enter NSW from Victoria without a valid exemption.
Since midnight (Wednesday 8 July 2020), more than 50,000 vehicles have crossed the border from Victoria into NSW.
Man charged as part of investigations into Cessnock death
A man has been charged as part of investigations into the death of another man at a rubbish tip at Cessnock.
Emergency services were called to the waste management facility on Old Maitland Road just after 5pm on Sunday (5 July 2020), after a 54-year-old man was found critically injured. He died at the scene.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended and established a crime scene which was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Local detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Nargal to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death which is being treated as suspicious.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a property at Lovedale just before 10.30am today (Wednesday 8 July 2020), where they seized a Toyota Landcruiser.
A 30-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
Shortly after, investigators executed a search warrant at a home at Aberdare, where a number of items were seized.
The man was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death-driver manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required.
Police will allege in court that the man was driving the Toyota Landcruiser when he struck the 54-year-old – who is known to him – at the waste facility.
The Aberdare man was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 9 July 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
Morrison Government must rule out killing more jobs by abolishing local content rules
The Greens are calling on the Morrison Government to rule out killing more Australian jobs by permanently abolishing local content rules and to get on with requiring streaming giants to produce Australian-made shows.
Greens Spokesperson for Communication and the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said now the consultation period for the local content options paper had closed, Minister Fletcher needed to get on with the job.
“Letting broadcasters out of local content requirements and failing to immediately regulate streaming services put the jobs of every person who works on Australian drama, documentaries and children’s TV shows from actors, to writers, to crews at risk,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“The big wigs of streaming and broadcasting can’t be allowed to call the shots when it comes to Australian stories on our screens.
“Regulating streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon, Apple and Stan should be part of the government’s arts and entertainment industry Covid recovery package, which is woefully inadequate, and therefore treated as a matter of urgency.
”The Government can help create jobs and generate investment in the domestic market by backing requirements on the giant tech companies and streaming services. Local content requirements must also be reinstated for free-to-air broadcasters.
“Australian stories are vital for our culture and social fabric and the sustainability of our arts and entertainment industry.
“Good quality children’s content is good for the community and it creates jobs.
“The time for reviews and consultation is over. Minister Fletcher needs to come out and tell the community and the industry what he is going to do to protect Australian-made stories and jobs.”
Greens call on Environment Minister to immediately release interim report into environment laws
The Greens are calling on Environment Minister Sussan Ley to immediately release the interim report into Australia’s environment laws handed to her a week ago by the independent reviewer.
Greens Spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young who successfully moved an order in the Senate for the interim report to be released by today at the latest, said:
“The Environment Minister has sat on the interim report into Australia’s environment laws for a week already and then today tried to claim releasing it would reveal Cabinet deliberations. This is a pathetic excuse for keeping it hidden from the public.
“The 10-year statutory review into the EPBC Act is supposed to be independent of government and therefore any interim report cannot possibly reveal Cabinet deliberations.
“The Minister was handed the interim report a week ago, there is no excuse for holding onto it any longer, it should be released immediately in full.
“Graeme Samuel who is leading the review has said he intends to consult on the interim report yet he cannot do that if the community and stakeholders are unable to even see it.
“The Auditor-General’s assessment of the government’s management of the environment and our wildlife, released last month, was scathing.
“The Environment Minister and the Federal Department have failed to protect the environment and are, simply put, incompetent. Refusing to release the interim report suggests it highlights further ineptitude and failures by the government which they are trying to cover up.”
$1 Billion Waste And Recycling Plan To Transform Waste Industry
The Morrison Government will commit $190 million to a new Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) that will generate $600 million of recycling investment and drive a billion-dollar transformation of Australia’s waste and recycling capacity.
More than 10,000 jobs will be created and over 10 million tonnes of waste diverted from landfill to the making of useful products as Australia turbo charges its recycling capacity.
The RMF will support innovative investment in new infrastructure to sort, process and remanufacture materials such as mixed plastic, paper, tyres and glass, with Commonwealth funding contingent on co-funding from industry, states and territories.
Australia’s waste and recycling transformation is being further strengthened by an additional:
- $35 million to implement Commonwealth commitments under Australia’s National Waste Policy Action Plan, which sets the direction for waste management and recycling in Australia until 2030.
- $24.6 million on Commonwealth commitments to improve our national waste data so it can measure recycling outcomes and track progress against our national waste targets.
- The introduction of new Commonwealth waste legislation to formally enact the Government’s waste export ban and encourage companies to take greater responsibility for the waste they generate, from product design through to recycling, remanufacture or disposal (Product Stewardship).
The moves are part of a national strategy to change the way Australia looks at waste, grow our economy, protect our environment and reach a national resource recovery target of 80% by 2030.
“As we cease shipping our waste overseas, the waste and recycling transformation will reshape our domestic waste industry, driving job creation and putting valuable materials back into the economy,” Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said today.
“Australians need to have faith that the items they place in their kerbside recycling bins will be re-used in roads, carpet, building materials and a range of other essential items.
“At the same time, we need to stop throwing away tonnes of electronic waste and batteries each year and develop new ways to recycle valuable resources.
“As we pursue National Waste Policy Action Plan targets, we need manufacturers and industry to take a genuine stewardship role that helps create a sustainable circular economy.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to remodel waste management, reduce pressure on our environment and create economic opportunity.”
Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Trevor Evans, said that the unparalleled expansion of Australia’s recycling capacity followed close consultation with industry.
“Our targeted investment will grow Australia’s circular economy, create more jobs and build a stronger onshore recycling industry,” Assistant Minister Evans said.
“Australian companies are turning plastics and household waste into furniture, decking, fencing and clothing, and we are developing new domestic markets for recycled materials by setting national standards for recycled content in roads and making recycled products a focus of procurement for infrastructure, defence estate management and general government purchasing.
“Our targeted investment will grow Australia’s circular economy, create more jobs and build a stronger onshore recycling industry.
“Companies are already moving with The Pact Group announcing a $500 million investment in facilities, research and technology, Coca-Cola Amatil committing to new recycling targets, and Pact, Cleanaway and Asahi Beverages establishing a $30 million recycling facility in Albury.”
The unparalleled expansion of Australia’s recycling capacity follows the 2019 National Waste Policy Action Plan, Australia’s government ban on exports of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres, and this year’s first ever National Plastics Summit.
More Than Half A Billion Dollars To Unlock Infrastructure Jobs In Victoria
The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will support construction jobs across Victoria by jointly investing an additional $525 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the Victorian economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Partnering with State and Territory Governments to invest in more infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding in excess of $830 million to Victoria in the past eight months.
“This package builds on the fast tracking of $514 million for infrastructure in Victoria which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government has worked with the Victorian Government to provide additional funding for two key infrastructure projects.
“We are providing an additional $178.2 million towards the Regional Rail Revival package in Victoria, bringing the total Australian Government contribution to this project to $1.8 billion,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Federal Government will also provide an additional $70.6 million in funding to complete the duplication of the Princes Highway East between Traralgon and Sale, bringing the total Australian Government contribution to $202.6 million for this project.”
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the additional $320 million in federal funding had taken the Commonwealth’s infrastructure investment in Victoria to more than $29.5 billion.
“Federal funding for this package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works and is in addition to our existing commitments,” the Treasurer said.
“We will continue to work closely with both levels of Government in Victoria to get Victorians home sooner and safer whilst creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery.”
The Victorian Government will also provide $179.8 million towards the two key projects and $25.7 million for targeted road safety works.
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said the road and rail projects will better connect Victorians and provide a boost for major regional centres.
“This partnership with the Commonwealth will build projects regional communities need and help keep our construction industry strong – which is more important than ever right now as we rebuild from the pandemic,” the Premier said.
“This package is on top of our $2.7 billion we’re investing in new projects across the state to get shovels in the ground – and boots in the mud – to kickstart our economy.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge the said funding injection would deliver shovel-ready projects for Victoria.
“This funding will significantly boost the Regional Rail Revival Package, helping to improve conditions for train passengers on their journeys to and from Melbourne,” Mr Tudge said.
“At the same time, investment in targeted road safety works and the Princes Highway duplication will mean safer, reliable roads for thousands of Victorians.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said this investment built on the State Government’s investment in roads and rail in regional Victoria.
“We’re building the transport infrastructure to support better connections to our regional cities and country towns and deliver safer roads and more reliable regional rail journeys.”
The jointly-funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($320.3 million) and Victorian Government ($205.5 million).
VICTORIAN INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE
Shovel-ready projects
| Project | Federal funding | Total funding |
| Regional Rail Revival – Additional Funding | $178.2 million | $307.3. million |
| Princes Highway East – Complete Duplication between Traralgon and Sale – Additional Funding | $70.6 million | $121.3million |
Road safety upgrades
| Project | Federal funding | Total funding |
| Western Freeway between Woodmans Hill to Dowling Road, Miners Rest Safety Improvements | $8 million | $10 million |
| Thompson Road, North Geelong | $3.7 million | $4.6 million |
| Intersection safety upgrades on 30 high-speed, high-risk rural intersections | $16 million | $20 million |
| Ballarat Road and Hulett Street intersection improvements | $4 million | $8 million |
| Midland Link Highway, Midland Highway to Magills Lane Safety Improvements | $3.2 million | $4 million |
| Corio-Waurn Ponds Road, Geelong, Separation Street Bridge Improvements | $3.4 million | $4.2 million |
| Bandiana Link Road Safety Improvements | $400,000 | $500,000 |
| Pedestrian and Safer Schools – Urban | $6.5 million | $13 million |
| Pedestrian and Safer Schools – Regional | $5.2 million | $6.5 million |
| Midland Highway/Clyde Road Safety Improvements | $5.2 million | $6.5 million |
| Glenelg Highway/Eurambeen-Stratham Road | $2.4 million | $3 million |
| Omeo Highway (Omeo and Mitta River) | $1.1 million | $1.4 million |
| Benambra-Corryong Road | $500,000 | $600,000 |
| Tyers Road/Scubby Lane/Crosses Road Safety Improvements | $800,000 | $1 million |
| Western Freeway realignment at Pykes Creek | $4 million | $5 million |
| Traralgon-Maffra Road and Moe-Glengarry Road intersection improvement | $2.4 million | $3 million |
| Surfcoast Highway, Reserve Road/Felix Street Intersection Improvements | $1.7 million | $2.1 million |
| Geelong-Portarlington Road, Wilsons Road Intersection Improvements | $2 million | $2.5 million |
| Wendouree Station – local traffic calming | $1 million | $1.3 million |
| Total | $320.3 million | $525.8 million |
Wheels turning on driverless vehicle trial
The first ever driverless vehicle to mix with traffic on Newcastle’s roads has started ferrying passengers along Wharf Road as part of a three-month trial.
Novocastrians and visitors to the city can now ride the free shuttle service between the Watt Street and Nobbys Beach roundabouts on weekdays between 10am and 2pm.
Running at a speed of just 20km/hr, the vehicle uses an array of sophisticated technology, including 360-degree cameras and input sensors, to avoid cars and objects.
The operation is overseen by an onboard chaperone – a local bus driver who is greeting passengers and answering questions after undergoing training to control the vehicle via a control pad should any issues arise.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen at today’s launch.
Newcastle’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Declan Clausen, welcomed the first passengers this morning as they ushered in the pilot project.
“I’m delighted to see the trial underway and people riding the city’s first driverless vehicle,” Councillor Clausen said.
“This is another milestone in Newcastle’s smart city journey as we trial the future of automated transport as part of the city’s ‘living lab’ experiment. With the help of Federal Government funding, the project will assess driverless vehicles in mixed traffic conditions and the role they can play in multimodal transport systems.
“Tourists will now be to be able to take in our magnificent harbour and foreshore and return home telling people they were among the first passengers in Australia on a shuttle with nobody at the wheel, or with no steering wheel at all in fact.”
COVID-19 has limited the number of passengers who can ride the shuttle to three at a time; and surface cleaning is being carried out across the day to keep everyone safe.
On the road.
One of the first passengers to ride, Tania Papasotiriou, was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
“It was fantastic,” she said. “I was expecting it to be more bumpy or more slow but it was great, the sensors worked perfectly and it was very smooth and the space is very comfortable inside.
“I’m hoping the community embrace this technology and then we can have more of them in the streets.”
Shuttle operator Keolis Downer invited other Novocastrians to take part in the trial by boarding on Wharf Road just east of the Watt Street roundabout or at Nobbys Beach.
“We encourage Novocastrians to come to Wharf Road and take a ride to experience the future of transportation using this technology,” Keolis Downer Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop said.
“It’s only a short walk from the light rail on Scott Street and frequent bus services to Customs House.
“We are very interested in the public perception around this technology and will be asking for further feedback after receiving a large number of responses to a survey last November when the shuttle was on show during the Newcastle 500.
“Passengers can be assured of the safety of the vehicle and the training of our onboard chaperones who have additional qualifications to their skills as bus drivers.”
The shuttle completed rigorous safety planning and testing before approval was given to operate on public roads.
The trial is being funded through a $5 million grant awarded to the City under the Federal Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.
Find out more or take part in a survey at http://newcastlesdriverlessshuttle.com.au
Tech enticed bus driver to chaperone shuttle
State-of-the-art automation technology on the City’s new driverless shuttle prompted Keolis Downer bus driver Glenn Matthews to put his hand up to become a Chaperone.
To upskill for his pioneering career change over the next three months, Glenn and colleagues undertook specialist training in Sydney and at the Hamilton bus depot before applying their newfound knowledge on the shuttle’s Wharf Road loop.
Glenn Mathews (right) with a trainer from the company that made the driverless shuttle.
“It looked like a great project to be a part of and I was interested to see how this tech could be utilised in the transport industry,” said the bus driver of two years.
“Driving a bus and monitoring the driverless shuttle in autonomous mode is very similar in the fact that you need to have situational awareness of other road users at all times.
“The only difference is the steering wheel.
“It has been exciting to learn a new technology and learn how it interacts with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
“It’s been fantastic to be a part of this project and I can’t wait to have customers on board.”