Month: September 2020

Original yellow Wiggle and cardiac arrest survivor Greg Page has thrown his support behind the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program today, which offers sport and recreation facilities the opportunity to share in up to $1 million this year to help purchase defibrillators.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the initiative encourages sports and councils to invest in equipment that could save lives.
“Up to 7,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW,” Mr Lee said.
“Defibrillators save lives and since the launch of the program, more than 1,500 defibrillators have been purchased by sporting facilities and clubs across the State.
“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical. Early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival.”
Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest while performing with the Wiggles and was treated with a defibrillator at the venue.
“I’m just fortunate there was a defibrillator at the venue otherwise I might not be here today,” Mr Page said.
“Early access to CPR and defibrillation can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival after a heart attack.”
Heartbeat of Football founder Andy Paschalidis said it is vital venues are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies.
“With more and more people of all ages participating in sport and recreation, I urge sports clubs and councils to apply for a grant and be trained and equipped to respond to these life-threatening situations,” Mr Paschalidis said.
The program is open from 3 September 2020 until 12 April 2021.
For more information: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator

Half of the tunnelling on the critical M4-M5 Link Tunnels has now been completed, marking a major milestone on ‘the missing link’ in Sydney’s motorway network.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said work on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels is progressing well, and is on track for the project to open on schedule in 2023.
“More than 6,800 workers have been involved in the project to date, providing valuable jobs when we need them most.
“Along with the Rozelle Interchange, this project will allow drivers to experience the full benefits of the WestConnex motorway network, Australia’s biggest road infrastructure project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The M4-M5 Link Tunnels connect the M4 at Haberfield with the M8 at St Peters, along with connecting to future projects including Sydney Gateway to Sydney Airport, the M6, the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link via the Rozelle Interchange.
“When complete, WestConnex will change the way Sydneysiders get around their city. WestConnex will bust congestion and increase economic activity,” Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said.
“It will also give local roads back to local people, with the majority of the project underground.”
Earlier stages of WestConnex, the New M4 Tunnels (opened in July 2019) and the M8 (opened in July 2020) are providing tens of thousands of motorists with significant travel time savings since opening.
When complete, the M4-M5 Link Tunnels will provide drivers with additional travel time savings, including an estimated 40 minutes off a trip from Parramatta to Sydney Airport.
Project facts:

• 7.5km twin tunnels up to four lanes in each direction
• Four tunnelling sites (St Peters, Annandale, Haberfield x2)
• 58m at deepest point, average depth 35m
• 28 roadheaders in use
• Expected travel time around 8 minutes from St Peters to Haberfield

A major upgrade of the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line is on target for delivery with the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announcing $28 million for the project to support regional NSW’s freight sector, creating hundreds of regional jobs.
Mr Barilaro said this investment will fund works to reinstate a section of non-operational railway line, support the development of an intermodal rail facility in Westdale and link Tamworth to the state’s major port.
“This significant investment is key to the development of the new intermodal rail hub that will better connect Northern NSW’s producers and businesses to the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This funding will restore and raise five kilometres of track on the West Tamworth to Barraba line and install new level crossings to activate rail freight access to Tamworth’s new Regional Freight Terminal.
“When complete, a functioning intermodal rail hub and freight terminal in Tamworth will create a direct rail route to vessels docked at Port Botany, saving businesses significant freight costs.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was investing in the rail freight network to increase capacity, secure reliable freight movements across the state, and meet future freight demand.
“Inland intermodals are an integral part of moving freight throughout NSW by providing a delivery point load breakdown services and an interface for road to rail integration,” Mr Toole said.
“With a projected 28 per cent increase in the regional freight task by 2036 from just four years ago, facilities like the one at Tamworth will play an increasingly important role in connecting NSW’s products to export markets.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is investing in the infrastructure, programs and services that support industry development, improve productivity and economic growth and make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
“This is a huge milestone for the people, producers and businesses of Tamworth. The Tamworth intermodal will make the city the freight capital of the New England and North West and drive enormous investment and job growth locally,” Mr Anderson said.
“In 2016, 482 million tonnes of freight was moved in NSW and with that volume expected to increase to 618 million tonnes by 2036, this project is one of the big picture infrastructure investments delivered by the NSW Government to help Tamworth and regional NSW’s industry succeed.”

Today marks Early Childhood Educators Day, celebrating our dedicated and passionate early childhood educators and recognising their positive contribution to improving outcomes for children in NSW.
To coincide with this important day, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell has announced a new Early Childhood Education scholarship program to increase the number of qualified Early Childhood Teachers, in line with the NSW Government’s Early Childhood Education Workforce Strategy.
“These scholarships support the NSW Government’s vision of a highly qualified and sustainable workforce which meets the needs of children and families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those in regional and remote locations as well as children with additional needs,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Supporting high quality candidates to study and take up careers as early childhood educators is key to our commitment to ensure children across NSW have access to quality early education wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.”
Ms Mitchell said early childhood educators play a critical role in children’s development. Attending early learning services teaches children social skills, practical skills and early literacy.
“Our early childhood educators are there guiding children, building their confidence and helping them make sense of the world around them,” Ms Mitchell said.
Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake or complete an approved early childhood teaching degree qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Up to 40 scholarships will be awarded each year for three years.
Scholarships will be prioritised to meet emerging workforce needs including those already employed in eligible early childhood education services, Aboriginal people, those in regional and remote areas and/or those with high numbers of disadvantaged children. Applications close 4 October.
Further information about the scholarships and how to apply is available here.

Central Sydney will get a new Ambulance Superstation as part of the NSW Government’s record $184 million infrastructure investment in stations across Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today unveiled the plans for the Central Sydney Ambulance Station, announcing the state-of-the-art building will be at the site of the former Coroners Court of NSW at Glebe.
“For the first time in more than 15 years, Sydney is benefiting from modern, purpose-built ambulance stations, with nine already completed as part of the Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy program,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Continuing our record investment in health infrastructure is a central component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new Central Superstation is another step forward in the transformation of Sydney’s ambulance service.
“This will be a Superstation home base like no other and will enable paramedics to improve response times and continue providing high-quality care to the community.” Mr Hazzard said.
Commissioner of NSW Ambulance, Dr Dominic Morgan ASM said it is the final of 11 ambulance stations to be built as part of the paramedic response network.
“Our paramedics do a fantastic job servicing their local communities from state-of-the-art infrastructure and I expect the new central Sydney station to continue our distinguished tradition of excellence in care for local communities,” Dr Morgan said.
Nine new ambulance superstations have already been built and construction of a new superstation at Randwick and a new ambulance station at Mona Vale are underway.
The $184 million investment in metropolitan ambulance infrastructure is part of more than $10 billion invested in health capital works by the NSW Government since 2011, with a further $10.1 billion committed in this term of government.
The NSW Government has invested more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance during 2019-20, including $27.1 million to employ 221 paramedics and call centre staff from a total 750 over this term.

Westmead Health and Innovation District took a major step forward today with the launch of a new project delivering over 1,000 jobs and 28,000 square metres of health, research, education and commercial space.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the $350 million development, a joint venture between Western Sydney University and Charter Hall to be known as Innovation Quarter or iQ, would house leading some of the University’s leading research institutes and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.
“Commencement of ground works for this new complex will help strengthen Westmead Health and Innovation District as a leading global centre for health care, medical research and commercialisation, education and training,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s another sign of confidence in the NSW economy and demonstrates more progress out west in the Central City, supporting the NSW Government’s focus on technology and innovation as key drivers of growth.”
Western Sydney University will base its MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at the complex when it opens in 2021.
CSIRO will bring world-leading research staff from its e-Health and Nutrition & Health programs.
Western Sydney University Vice-President (Finance and Resources), Peter Pickering, said the Innovation Quarter at Westmead is part of the University’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy – an ambitious program that is reshaping the University’s campus network and co-creating cities and transformative educational infrastructure across western Sydney, in partnership with industry and government.
Mr Pickering said it will build upon the University’s existing footprint in Westmead to integrate first-class health and medical research into policy and practice.
“The University’s presence within the Innovation Quarter will enable researchers, industry partners and clinicians to come together and address the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
“During these challenging times, the Innovation Quarter will also make important economic contributions to the region, creating over 1,000 jobs and generating $150 million to the regional economy.”
Charter Hall Group CEO and Managing Director David Harrison said there had never been a more important time to focus on health research and innovation.
“Our project collaboration with Western Sydney University will deliver a state-of-the-art innovation centre to support the work of both the Western Sydney University and CSIRO’s medical research facilities.”
“iQ will create a truly visionary precinct that brings together the most forward-thinking research, health education and commercial sectors in the Southern Hemisphere. The project will provide an environment for some of the brightest minds in the country to innovate, create opportunities for collaboration and solve global challenges in the heart of Westmead,” Mr Harrison said.
Dr Dave Williams CSIRO Executive Director said the move to Westmead would improve collaboration opportunities to create innovative health and wellbeing solutions for the nation.
“CSIRO has a long history of partnering with health, education and research organisations to help solve Australia’s greatest challenges in health,” Dr Williams said.
“We look forward to building on this and embarking on new partnerships and innovations at Westmead.”
Images of the development can be downloaded here.

The first of 17 brand new Waratah Series 2 trains is entering service this week, three months ahead of schedule, thanks to the NSW Government’s $4.3 billion More Trains More Services program.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the new trains will support increasing patronage across the network, and will be more comfortable and reliable for customers.
“We have seen rapid growth in the number of train journeys over the past few years, which is why it is so important that we invest in new trains and new infrastructure right across our rail network,” Mr Constance said.
“It is exciting to see this train on the tracks three months ahead of schedule, after it was one of 17 fast tracked for delivery at the start of 2019.
“The remainder of the trains will be delivered by the end of this year and will be rolled out progressively after testing. When they are all on the tracks our customers will have 41 brand new Waratah Series 2 trains to enjoy.”
Sydney Trains Acting Chief Executive Suzanne Holden says the new Waratah Series 2 trains will operate on the T2 Inner West & Leppington, T3 Bankstown and T8 Airport & South lines.
“They’ll feature air conditioning with advanced temperature control, high definition customer information screens, internal and external CCTV, as well as priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops,” Ms Holden said.
Over the next 10 years, the More Trains More Services program will roll out world-class technology to transform the rail network and provide customers with reliable, high capacity turn up and go services.
The next stages of the program will focus on delivering improvements to the T4 Illawarra, T8 Airport and the South Coast lines.
For more information, visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/sydney-growth-trains

New South Wales and Australia have fared better than many developed economies following the worst months of COVID-19, with the ABS today releasing the June quarter national accounts.
Data shows that Australia’s Gross Domestic Product contracted by 7.0 per cent in the June quarter, while NSW saw its State Final Demand decline by 8.6 per cent.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the results were consistent with NSW being the first, and initially hardest hit by COVID-19.
“The June quarter captures the worst months of the pandemic for NSW, with a number of public health orders coming into effect throughout March,” Mr Perrottet said.
“About two-thirds of NSW’s population lives in Greater Sydney and metropolitan areas, which means when restrictions were in place there was a significant reduction in citizen mobility which would have contributed to the 13.3 per cent decrease in household consumption.
“Thanks to our allocation of almost $16 billion in targeted health and economic stimulus measures, consistent management of new COVID-19 clusters staving off a second wave, and many of the state’s restrictions being gradually eased throughout May and June, we expect to see a significant bounce back in the September quarter.”
Mr Perrottet said the Government had now turned its attention to its Recovery Plan, recently announcing a guaranteed $100 billion infrastructure pipeline over four years.
“Not since the Great Depression has Australia or the world faced such uncertain economic times, but we will do whatever it takes to see NSW come back stronger than ever,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We can see from today’s release that dwelling investment, such as the building of new homes and renovation of existing homes, dropped by 7.6 per cent, which reaffirms our commitment to investing in job creating infrastructure projects.
“We will continue to power ahead and drive investment which is being powered by our $3 billion Infrastructure and Jobs Acceleration Fund.
“This fund will be used for job-creating projects touching every corner of the state, supporting up to an extra 20,000 jobs in NSW.”
Since restrictions eased in NSW, employment has started to rise with more than half of the 269,000 people in NSW who lost their job between March and May finding employment.
In July alone, NSW’s employment rose by almost 57,000 of which about 65 per cent were women. This was made up of 23,300 full-time jobs and 33,600 part-time jobs.
The NSW 2020 Budget is set for 17 November 2020.