Month: June 2021

National Cabinet Statement

The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.
Across Australia a number of new community outbreaks have appeared in Greater Sydney, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Darwin region and the Perth-Peel region. Concerningly a number of these outbreaks are linked to the delta variant which has significantly higher transmissibility.
Health measures put in place by National Cabinet throughout the pandemic have been effective in bringing outbreaks under control and reducing the severity of the health impacts. While there are now over 270 active cases in Australia (166 in NSW, 45 in Vic, 40 in Qld, 9 in SA, 8 in NT, 3 in WA), there are only 2 cases in ICU and no Australian is on a ventilator.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 30,528 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 910 people have died. More than 20.4 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. Testing has increased nationally over recent days with 628,000 tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 181 million cases and sadly over 3.9 million deaths, with 318,555 new cases and 6,422 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to expand. To date 7,374,666 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 48,346 doses in the previous 24 hours. In the previous 7 days, 783,925 vaccines have been administered in Australia. To date 28.6 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 and over have now had at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 68.1 per cent of over 70 year olds.
COVID-19 vaccinations are working to reduce transmission. National Cabinet noted that in a recent exposure event in NSW, of the 30 people that were at the event, 24 unvaccinated people have now tested positive for COVID, but six vaccinated people who attended the event have not been infected at this stage with the COVID-19 virus.
National Cabinet agreed on the imperative to work together to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians as quickly as possible.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on current outbreaks of COVID-19 in a number of locations and of both the Alpha and Delta variants.
National Cabinet noted the importance of national coordination and that the Commonwealth Department of Health National Incident Centre will continue to coordinate action across Australia.
Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator General of Operation COVID Shield, provided a detailed briefing on the vaccination program.
Lt General Frewen reaffirmed that all states and territories are provided COVID-19 vaccinations on a proportional population basis, as agreed by National Cabinet. To date over 10.8 million doses have been allocated to states and territories, general practices (GPs), Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and community pharmacies. Lt General Frewen noted that there are more than 2.6 million doses of AstraZeneca currently available to be administered. National Cabinet encouraged the 2.3 million Australians aged 60 years and over who have not yet been vaccinated to come forward and be vaccinated now.
Around 221,000 second doses of AstraZeneca were administered last week, the week after the latest ATAGI advice.
An additional 236 GPs have been brought online to administer COVID-19 vaccines, bringing the total number of GPs administering the vaccine to 5,085 across Australia. Community pharmacists are also being bought online to support the rollout in regional Australia.
National Cabinet noted that Lt General Frewen will commence a wargaming process with states and territories to ensure that the distribution channels and access points are sufficient once the supply of vaccines further increases.
National Cabinet agreed to meet next on Friday 2 July 2021.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Aged Care Workers
The National Cabinet agreed to mandate that at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine be administered by mid-September 2021 for all residential aged care workforce.
The National Cabinet agreed that COVID-19 vaccinations are to be mandated for residential aged care workers as a condition of working in an aged care facility through shared state, territory and Commonwealth authorities and compliance measures.
This is the third time AHPPC has considered this matter. They will continue to look at the issue to ensure we do not encounter any unintended consequences as an outcome of this decision.
The Commonwealth will support this decision though an employee vaccination support grant.
Residential Aged Care COVID-19 Employee Vaccination Support Grant
Residential aged care workers will be supported to be vaccinated through an $11 million program to enable them to attend off-site vaccination centres and GPs.
Under the grant, Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) will be paid for the following three categories of eligible expenditure:

  • Casual staff going off-site for vaccination – a flat fee of $80 payable per staff member, per dose;
  • Paid leave for casual staff who become unwell after vaccination and do not have other leave entitlements – one day’s paid leave (at a rate of $185) for up to a quarter of the provider’s total number of casual staff; and
  • Facilitation of off-site vaccination for employees – up to $500 per site in flexible vaccination facilitation costs per site, which may be used for activities like: transport services, arranging groups of staff to be vaccinated and or any other reasonable expenses that incentivise staff to get vaccinated.

Quarantine
National Cabinet agreed to changes to Australia’s quarantine arrangements based on AHPPC advice:

  1. National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice: Minimising the risk of transmission from high risk international travellers in managed quarantine facilities
    The AHPPC recommends accommodating international quarantine residents, or other high infectious risk quarantine residents, separately from other lower risk residents. This may involve designating different facilities or zoning through allocating separate areas in a facility (i.e. designated floors for international or other high risk travellers). In the event that international quarantine residents share a facility, zoning may be implemented by putting groups in cohorts according to level of risk and ensuring that staff do not work across zones.
  2. National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice: Testing travellers once they leave managed quarantine, and requested that AHPPC work on implementation to mandate post quarantine testing and specifications for this.

    AHPPC reinforced advice that all travellers leaving managed quarantine must get tested and isolate until they receive a negative test result if they develop symptoms at any time in the 14 days after leaving quarantine.
    AHPPC agreed that all international travellers should get tested at days 16 or 17 following quarantine, if there have been potential exposure sources within the quarantine facility, regardless of whether they have symptoms. Options are being explored to support post-quarantine testing at the national level. AHPPC will continue to explore the management of persons post-quarantine to reduce the risk to the community whilst testing is being undertaken.
  3. National Cabinet endorsed the AHPPC advice: Vaccinating and testing quarantine workers to require vaccinations and testing for quarantine workers including those involved in transportation.
    Protecting quarantine workers is an essential part of reducing the risk of transmission and incursion into the community. The primary mechanisms through which this can be achieved is vaccinating all quarantine workers and undertaking regular routine testing of workers to identify transmission events should they occur.
    Vaccinations: All quarantine workers and their household contacts are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
    All quarantine workers should be strongly encouraged to undergo vaccination, and jurisdictions may implement requirements for quarantine workers to receive vaccinations. This includes those directly employed in quarantine facilities under Commonwealth, state or private arrangements. Importantly, this also includes anyone who works in a red zone.
    Given recent incursions, Delta variants and the current epidemiology of clusters occurring around Australia, the AHPPC recommends mandatory vaccination for all quarantine workers.
    Testing: In November 2020, the AHPPC recommended regular testing of quarantine workers. In response to the increasing risk posed by Variants of Concern, since February 2021, daily testing of quarantine workers has been implemented nationally. However, to date this has been limited to those directly involved in managed quarantine programs.
    In response to lessons learned from recent transmission events, current epidemiology and discussion through the Continuous Improvement Framework, the AHPPC recommends extending this requirement to all workers directly and indirectly involved in managed quarantine. This includes workers involved in transport of quarantined individuals.
  4. National Cabinet agreed that travellers who have been through 14 days hotel quarantine in one jurisdiction will be able to enter another jurisdiction without having to go through another 14 days quarantine. These travellers will still be required to take a post quarantine COVID-19 test at day 16 or 17.

National Cabinet further reaffirmed that managed quarantine for international arrivals continues to play a vital role in Australia’s public health response to COVID-19. Through the Continuous Improvement Framework, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) regularly considers lessons learned in managed quarantine including the outcomes of evaluations, audits and reviews. This supports a process of continuous quality improvement in line with the National Principles for Managed Quarantine.
Indemnity arrangements for COVID-19 vaccinations
National Cabinet noted that the Commonwealth will establish a COVID-19 professional indemnity scheme to provide additional certainty to healthcare practitioners who are providing advice to people in relation to COVID-19 vaccination. The scheme covers COVID-19 vaccines approved by the TGA and approved for use in the vaccine program.
National Cabinet noted that GPs can continue to administer AstraZeneca to Australians under 60 years of age with informed consent and that this measure will provide confidence to medical practitioners to administer both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines to Australians.
Aviation, interstate freight transport and mining (FIFO) workers
National Cabinet agreed to seek advice from AHPPC on COVID-19 vaccinations for aviation, interstate freight transport and mining (FIFO) workers.

Scholarship to honour Meg Purser’s passion for communications and community

Local businesswoman Meg Purser, who passed away in January, will be honoured with a new annual tertiary scholarship by City of Newcastle.
The Meg Purser Communications Scholarship will help support a talented communications student who demonstrates the same community-focused qualities Meg was much loved for.
It is proposed to provide $5,000 to an undergraduate student completing the second year of their Communications degree at the University of Newcastle. A new recipient will be named each year for three years under the suggested initial funding arrangement.
Councillors will vote on the establishment of the scholarship at tonight’s Council meeting.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the scholarship was a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many lives across Newcastle before her passing in January this year following an 18-month battle with breast cancer.
“Meg was strong, brave and an incredibly dedicated professional communicator and executive, with a spirit for life and passion for her work that I’ll always remember,” Cr Nelmes said.
“She touched the lives of so many across Newcastle and beyond.
“We at City of Newcastle were fortunate to work closely with her in 2020 to re-establish the Business Improvement Associations and she was always generous with her time, wisdom and expertise.
“With the blessing of Meg’s father Bob, we want to establish this inaugural scholarship to honour the significant contribution Meg made to the corporate communications community and recognise her passion for the many local community organisations and charities she supported.
“The scholarship will provide support to students who, like Meg, are committed to their local communities and are striving to make a difference in the corporate communications field, working tirelessly for little personal gain.”
Meg is remembered for her charitable and behind-the-scenes work for organisations such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Screen and Got Your Back Sista.
Bob Purser worked side-by-side with his daughter for many years at Purser Corporate Communications and said she was always passionate about helping others.
“Scott Mills, Meg’s husband, and the family are both delighted and honoured by this way of acknowledging Meg’s contribution to Newcastle,” Mr Purser said.
“There was little she enjoyed more than helping young communicators launch their careers. She would have been thrilled but also a little surprised by this initiative of Council.”

Construction begins on wheely big bike hub

Construction has started on Australia’s largest combined BMX and mountain biking  hub in Western Sydney Parklands, which will host national competitions and become a major sporting hub in Western Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $13.5 million, 86-hectare  Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Facility was being delivered by the NSW Government and Liverpool City Council and led by the new Greater Sydney Parklands agency.
“Mountain bikers and BMX riders will soon be enjoying the biggest pump track in the Southern Hemisphere, which has a looped sequence of rollers and swoopy turns designed to maximise momentum,” Mr Stokes said.
“Western Sydney Parklands is fast-becoming Sydney’s most-loved cycling and biking hub with it’s incredible 60km network of tracks and trails.
“And with this stunning facility as an addition, I have no doubt it will attract people from all over Sydney and the whole of Australia.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the new Wylde facility will be an improvement on the original facility, which attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually.
“When plans for the M12 were drawn up it created an opportunity to build a bigger and better Wylde facility and a new adventure precinct within the parklands,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will be getting better road connections to Western Sydney Airport and park users will be getting the best community bike facility in the country.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the sporting hub would further enhance leisure and lifestyle options for residents of and visitors to Western Sydney.
“This facility is a welcome addition to the mix of sporting and outdoor activities in Western Sydney and yet another example of our region getting it’s fair share of investment upgrades to important community facilities,” Mr Ayres said.
Liverpool City Council Mayor Wendy Waller said it would become a unique destination in the heart of southwest Sydney.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Greater Sydney Parklands on this wonderful new community asset, which will allow the return of BMX racing to Liverpool following the closure of the Powell Park track in 2016,” Ms Waller said.
The new Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Facility is expected to be open by December 2021. The first five new mountain bike trails will be open to ride from Saturday 3 July, weather permitting.
For more information, visit www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au

$8.6 million to build a safer future for survivors

More domestic violence victim-survivors will benefit from enhanced frontline support thanks to a funding boost for 45 service providers across the state.
The NSW and Federal Governments today announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program, allocating service providers a share in $8.6 million to help more victim-survivors access critical help.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the investment would fund 50 projects including upgrades at women’s shelters and new crisis accommodation with enhanced security.
“Our dedicated frontline services and their workers have been facing even greater challenges as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Speakman said.
“This funding will allow those providers to renovate kitchens and bathrooms, repair plumbing and roofing damage, improve counselling areas, and most importantly to offer more women a safe space and life-saving assistance when fleeing domestic violence.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the additional funding from the Commonwealth through its COVID-19 domestic violence response package meant many service providers would be able to undergo refurbishments including to become accessible for people with a disability.
“Other grant recipients will install audio-visual equipment allowing survivors to give evidence from a secure environment, which is crucial in regional and remote settings,” Senator Ruston said.
Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, said the funding will help vulnerable people across the state who can face extra barriers when escaping unsafe homes.
“I support this funding, and the tireless work of these 45 providers who are making a big difference to families in crisis,” Ms Donovan said.
“This program is going to help improve so many frontline services across a range of works like building or purchasing more accommodation, replacing playground equipment for kids, security-related works, upgrading counselling rooms, and enhancing amenities to support vulnerable women and children.”
Today’s announcement follows a $90 million budget boost to support women and children impacted by domestic violence announced as part of the NSW Budget this month.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).

Travel company in breach of Public Health Order after trip to zoo

A travel company has been issued a $5000 PIN for breaching a public health order after taking three busloads of tourists to a zoo in the state’s west yesterday.
About 9.30am (Monday 28 June 2021), three buses arrived at the zoo on Obley Road, Dubbo.
On board were 128 staff and guests – at least 76 of whom were not permitted to travel outside Greater Sydney under the current public health order.
Staff at the zoo refused to allow the travellers off the buses and police were called.
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District attended and spoke to tour operators, establishing the group had left Sydney last Friday (25 June 2021) and had continued to travel throughout regional NSW after the Public Health Orders were updated on Saturday.
The guests were directed to return home immediately and the tour company has been issued a $5000 PIN.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said the company owner told police he was aware of the public health orders but decided to continue the tour as planned anyway.
“But the staff at the zoo did exactly the right thing – they isolated the risk and alerted police. They did a great job to protect the local community,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Investigations into further possible breaches are continuing.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said now was a crucial time for our state and it was disappointing to see people continuing to breach the health orders.
“I would appeal to everyone to not only follow the rules but use your common sense and do your bit to help NSW beat this virus,” Minister Elliott said.
In other incidents, a man and woman have been charged with offences including assault after they allegedly refused to check in with a QR code when entering a restaurant at Forster.
About 7.15pm yesterday (Monday 28 June 2021), the couple attended the Wharf Street restaurant and were asked by staff to sign in using the QR code.
They refused and were informed they would have to leave if they did not comply. It is alleged the man again refused and picked up a bottle of water and threw it against a wall, smashing it.
The man was escorted from the restaurant and it is further alleged the man punched the owner, a 39-year-old man.
The woman allegedly bit a 44-year-old man who was attempting to intervene, causing bleeding and bruising to his bicep.
The owner sustained facial injuries and a suspected broken nose and was taken to Manning Base Hospital.
The man and woman left the restaurant; however, officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District arrested both a short time later, and took them to Forster Police Station.
The 34-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, intimidation and malicious damage.
The 27-year-old woman was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They were granted conditional bail and are expected to appear in Forster Local Court on Wednesday 28 July 2021.
They were each issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
In total, 34 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 16 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
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.

Charges laid after officer hit by trail bike during pursuit – Maitland

A man has been charged after an officer was struck by a trail bike during a pursuit in the Hunter region earlier this year.
Just before 7pm on Wednesday 14 April 2021, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District initiated a pursuit with the trail bike on the New England Highway at Maitland.
A short time later, a senior constable who had exited a police vehicle was on foot near High Street, when the trail bike struck him.
The rider was ejected, however, the motorcycle continued and hit a Mitsubishi Pajero travelling north on the New England Highway.
The injured officer, a 36-year-old male senior constable, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Hunter Hospital where he remains for treatment of a wrist fracture, arm laceration and possible broken nose.
The trail bike rider, a 19-year-old man, was taken to the same hospital and treated for head, leg and pelvis injuries.
Officers from Crash Investigations Unit (CIU) commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Following inquiries, the 19-year-old man was arrested after attending Maitland Police Station about 9.15am today (Monday 28 June 2021).
He was charged with 28 traffic related offences including aggravated dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – escaping pursuit, and dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 18 August 2021.

COVID-19 update

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, current stay-at-home orders will be extended across all of Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong from 6pm today (26 June) until 11.59pm Friday, 9 July.
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, the stay-at-home orders will apply to all people in the Greater Sydney including Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong.
Everyone in Greater Sydney must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason.
The reasons you may leave your home include:

  • Shopping for food or other essential goods and services;
  • Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact);
  • Exercise outdoors in groups of 10 or fewer;
  • Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.

Community sport will not be permitted during this period. Weddings will not be permitted from 11.59pm, Sunday 27 June. Funerals will be limited to one person per four square metres with a cap of 100 people, and masks must be worn indoors.
In all other parts of NSW the following restrictions will apply:

  • People who have been in the Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong) on or after June 21 should follow the stay-at-home orders for a period of 14 days after they left Greater Sydney.
  • Visitors to households will be limited to 5 guests – including children;
  • Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
  • Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;
  • Singing by audiences and choirs at indoor venues or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
  • Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the wedding party only (no more than 20 people);
  • Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);
  • The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
  • Outdoor seated, ticketed events will be limited to 50 per cent seated capacity;

We have always indicated we will not hesitate to go further with restrictions to protect the people of NSW.
We understand this is a difficult time for everyone, however we need to take these steps now to get on top of this outbreak.
People across NSW should only enter Greater Sydney for essential purposes

Four Angels Law enforced from today

Drivers who are caught with a combination of illegal drugs and alcohol in their system will face harsher penalties, under the Four Angels Law which is in force from today.
The new law honours Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah, and Veronique Sakr who were killed by a drunk and drugged driver in a crash in Oatlands last year.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said research shows drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash if they are under the influence of both alcohol and illegal drugs.
“The Four Angels Law sends a clear message to drivers that this reckless and life-threatening behaviour will not be tolerated in NSW, and they will now face harsher penalties,” Mr Constance said.
“You’re not only putting your life at risk when you get behind the wheel with drugs and alcohol in your system, but you could also kill your passengers, other road users and innocent pedestrians like Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said between 2015 and 2019, 98 people were killed on NSW roads as a result of a driver or rider having illegal levels of alcohol and illicit drugs combined in their system.
“The Four Angels Law reflects the seriousness of driving with both alcohol and illegal drugs in your system. It’s a fatal combination that has left far too many families grieving the loss of a loved one,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Government is working hard to make our roads safer, but we need everyone to remember that the decisions they make before getting behind the wheel can have lasting – and sometimes fatal – consequences.”
The families of Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah, and Veronique Sakr said the Four Angels Law is an important legacy for their children, and will help to put a stop to road trauma.
“No one deserves to go through what we are going through. No one deserves to die on the road. No one deserves to die the way our kids did, to drugs, alcohol and speeding,” Leila Abdallah said.
“Our four beautiful angels were taken from us in the most terrible way. We now live in constant pain and we wake up to this every day. This law is their legacy to put a stop to more tragedies, pain and suffering.”
“This new law, in honour of my daughter Veronique and her three cousins, represents a significant change in the law recognising the devastating impact of drugs and misuse of alcohol in our society, specifically on the roads,” Bridget Sakr said.
“We can only hope that this new law, combined with the never forgotten impact of our family’s tragedy, means everyone stops and thinks before they get in a car when they are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This includes not just drivers but also passengers and other observers.  Everyone has an obligation to speak up and step in when they see a person attempt to get behind the wheel who shouldn’t, whether it is because of the impact of drugs and/or alcohol.  We really believe the Four Angels Law will save lives on our roads in NSW.”
The new combined offence includes:

  • Minimum licence disqualification periods starting at 12 months for mid-range and 18 months for a high-range first offences;
  • Alcohol interlock periods to reduce the risk of repeat drink driving;
  • Police able to impose vehicle sanctions for high range combined first offences, and all second and subsequent offences;
  • Penalties for second and subsequent offences around double a first offence.

Major Milestone on Mulgoa Road project

A significant milestone has been reached on the Mulgoa Road project, with the section from Union Road to Museum Drive in Penrith now open to traffic.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the proposal is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the Mulgoa and Castlereagh Road corridor in the Penrith region, which forms the main north-south link between the Penrith CBD and M4 Motorway.
“This project has been delivered to address traffic congestion, support residential and employment growth, improve road safety and bolster freight productivity,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This is just one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government under our record $110 billion infrastructure pipeline, part of our Economic Recovery Plan to secure Australia’s world-leading economic recovery.”
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, the Hon Andrew Constance MP, said the upgrade will reduce congestion and delays.
“The NSW Government has committed $120.5 million to upgrade this critical section of Mulgoa and Castlereagh roads to provide an additional lane both north and southbound between Union Road and Museum Drive,” Minister Constance said.
“We have also increased capacity at the Jane Street and High Street intersections.
“The existing rail underpass has been widened to three lanes in each direction on Castlereagh Road and a left turn lane on to Jane Street added, and when final line markings are complete there will be bus priority at the High Street intersection.”
NSW Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said these upgrades mark the first step in the 6.5-kilometre Mulgoa and Castlereagh Road corridor upgrade.
“This is the first stretch to be upgraded in our plans to improve this very important road corridor for the people of Penrith,” Mr Ayres said.
“The project included complex and impressive work to move the new rail bridge into place, and it is fantastic to see it now fully open for the community.
“We thank the local community, surrounding business and road users who have been patient and understanding while we have built this important upgrade.”
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP said this was part of her plan to ease congestion and improve safety on our roads.
“I want the commute to work or dropping the kids off at school to be quicker and safer,” said Ms McIntosh.
“This upgrade will cut travel times for thousands of people who rely on Mulgoa Road – and it’s just the beginning. For local businesses, it means getting our great Aussie Made products around our electorate and beyond.
“We’re putting in place the transport infrastructure our community needs, so we can make Lindsay an even better place to live, work and stay.”
Some minor work will continue over the coming months to finalise the upgrade, including line marking, footpath and landscaping work, installing road signs and fencing, and minor defect work.
The Mulgoa Road Upgrade between Union Road and Museum Drive is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $72.5 million and the NSW Government $120.5 million.

New COVID-19 restrictions for Greater Sydney

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney from 4pm today for one week.
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, the following restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour;

  • Visitors to households will be limited to 5 guests – including children;
  • Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
  • Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;
  • Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
  • Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the bridal party only (no more than 20 people);
  • Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);
  • The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
  • Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50% seated capacity;
  • Previous public transport capacity limits, represented by green dots, will be reintroduced;
  • If you live or work in the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside, and Woollahra local government areas, you cannot travel outside metropolitan Sydney for non-essential travel.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of further community transmission.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said we are once again asking the community to do what they do best and follow the health advice to get on top of this outbreak.
“We don’t take these steps lightly and we never want to impose restrictions unless we absolutely have to,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the effect this will have on residents and venues but we must take this action now to ensure we keep on top of this outbreak.”
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant urged the community to play their part in controlling the COVID spread.
“We need really high testing rates to make sure we’re stopping any chains of transmission and we’re continuing to urge people to come forward for testing, especially if you were in Westfield Bondi Junction (including the car park) at any time between 12 June and 18 June,” Dr Chant said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said more than ever people need to use QR codes and wear masks when required.
“We will be increasing supervision and compliance checks to make sure everyone is doing the right thing,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This pandemic is far from over and we all have to do our bit to protect the community.”
The government and health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information and advice.
For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19