Month: September 2021

A pilot plan that will see the phased return of fully vaccinated international students to NSW has been given the green light by the Commonwealth Government, with the first flight touching down by the end of this year.
Accommodation provider Scape has been confirmed to house the returning students for a 14-day quarantine in Redfern, at a building retrofitted to accommodate up to 650 students to COVIDSafe standards approved by NSW Health and NSW Police.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said the staggered return of students was stage one of a pilot that would slowly expand and evolve, as vaccination rates continue to rise in NSW and internationally.
“The international education sector sustains thousands of jobs across NSW, and I’m proud that NSW is leading the way with the return of international students to our shores,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The safety of the people of NSW is paramount and we are taking no risks. All participating students will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-recognised COVID-19 vaccine, and strict quarantine protocols will be in place.
“Importantly, this plan will not come at the expense of any Australian citizen or resident wishing to return home.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program was vital to the State’s economic recovery, creating jobs and restoring growth.
“International education plays an important role in connecting NSW to the world,” Mr Perrottet said. “As we implement a range of efforts to reboot our economy, rebuilding the sector – which was worth $14.6 billion to NSW in 2019 – is a key part of our efforts.”
>Education partners including Australian Catholic University, Macquarie University, The University of Newcastle, The University of Sydney, UNSW, UTS, University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University, plus independent providers the International College of Management Sydney, Kaplan, Navitas, RedHill and Study Group, have signed up to the industry-funded pilot plan.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW was the top destination in Australia for international students.
“More than 57,000 students are currently overseas, with many desperate to return, resume their studies, part-time jobs, connect with friends and continue their journey in our world-leading institutions,” Mr Ayres said.
The first phase of the pilot plan is anticipated to bring back 500 international students to NSW on chartered flights, paid for by the students, by the end of the year.
Scape CEO Anouk Darling said the company was proud to be involved in the pilot.
“Our Scape team are proud to partner with the NSW Government and our world class education sector, here in NSW, to welcome our returning international students into our most advanced and COVID-safe student accommodation facility at Scape Redfern,” Ms Darling said.
The announcement was welcomed by the higher education sector with Professor Barney Glover AO, Governor of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee thanking the NSW Government.
“After over 18 months of planning, we are delighted that both the Australian and NSW Government are supportive of a pilot plan for an incremental reopening of our borders to our international students,” Mr Glover said.
Council of International Students Australia President, Belle Lim, welcomed the detailed planning and collaborative approach.
“We all want international students back on campus, enjoying the unique learning, work and life experience that only studying in Australia can deliver. We support the cautious approach and look forward to growing the number of students returning to NSW over time,” Ms Lim said.
CEO of Independent Higher Education Australia Simon Finn said the private higher education sector welcomes the pilot’s launch and commends the NSW Government’s unwavering focus on community safety, international student welfare and rebuilding the state economy.
“By working with the Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) on this pilot from the beginning, the NSW Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting both the private and public education sector,” Mr Finn said.
Participating education providers will contact students to progress an expression of interest for the pilot plan.
Vision of international students can be found here.

NSW is now preparing to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Stadium Australia and the newly-redeveloped Sydney Football Stadium will be tournament venues, with the final to be held at Stadium Australia.
“I’m thrilled NSW will play a major role in the biggest women’s football event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Having the world’s best players right here on our doorstep will not only boost the popularity of the game, but will also inspire our future generation of Matildas,” Mrs Ward said.
The NSW Government is investing $750,000 over three years to ensure players from regional NSW can showcase their skills during the lead up to the World Cup.
Minister for Women and Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is committed to supporting talent identification and youth development programs for girls, regardless of where they live.
“This investment will ensure girls and young women in regional NSW have the same level of access to the best coaching and support as those in the cities. We’re witnessing an exciting era in Australian women’s football and I can’t wait to see the enduring outcomes for NSW and Australia beyond the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Mrs Taylor said.
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said female football participation rates continued to soar.
“In conjunction with Football Australia and with the ongoing support of the NSW Government, we’re excited about building a lasting legacy for the women’s game,” Mr Hodge said.

Beers and bubbles will be permitted at some of Sydney’s favourite public spaces as a temporary measure to reward and thank vaccinated picnickers.
Rules restricting alcohol at sites managed by Placemaking NSW will be temporarily put on hold, while visitors to Centennial Parklands, Parramatta Park, Royal Botanic Gardens and Western Sydney Parklands can continue to drink responsibly.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the measures were taken to say thank you to vaccinated Sydneysiders.
“Vaccinated Sydneysiders have embraced the easing of restrictions and are out picnicking in record numbers across our parks and public spaces,” Mr Stokes said.
“After an incredibly tough winter, people who have followed COVID rules and received both jabs deserve to enjoy a beer or wine responsibly.
“Our rangers told us that picnickers have been following the health advice and safely distancing. We only ask that rules continue to be followed, that everyone drinks responsibly and disposes of all rubbish and enjoys our beautiful public spaces.”
Rangers will patrol parks to ensure all visitors follow physical distancing guidelines.
Drinking will be allowed during daylight hours at the following parks until Sunday 31 October, 2021:

Ballarat Park, Darling Island	Ballast Point Park, Birchgrove
Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park	Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
Bligh & Barney Reserve, The Rocks	Cadi Park, Pyrmont
Cathy Freeman Park, Sydney Olympic Park	Dawes Point Reserve, The Rocks
First Fleet Park, The Rocks	Hickson Rd Reserve, The Rocks
Jill Berry Lawn / ICC Lawn, Darling Harbour	MCA Lawn, The Rocks
Metcalfe Park, Darling Island,	Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park
Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour	Pyrmont Bay Park
Waterfront Park, Pyrmont	Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park

People must only visit parks within their LGA or 5km of their home. For more information on COVID-19 rules, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules

For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

RESTRICTIONS EASE IN LGAs OF CONCERN

• Restrictions in local government areas of concern have started to align with other lockdown areas, as vaccination rates continue to rise in Sydney’s West and South-West.
• The following restrictions have been eased for those who live in LGAs of concern:
  • No limit on the duration of outdoor exercise and recreation (previously a two-hour limit);
  • Outdoor gatherings of up to five fully vaccinated people (not including children aged 12 and under) allowed in a person’s LGA or within 5km of home (previously only fully vaccinated household members could gather outdoors, or up to two fully vaccinated people from different households);
  • Shopping, exercise and outdoor recreation can be done 5km from home or within your LGA (previously only 5km from home);
  • Attend a small wedding (maximum 11 people) in Greater Sydney as a guest (previously only allowed in their LGA); and
  • A person’s single’s bubble buddy can live in Greater Sydney (previously must have resided within 5km of a person’s home). A person from a LGA of concern can also now be a buddy for someone in Greater Sydney.
• From 12.01am Monday, 27 September outdoor pools across NSW will be able to open, provided councils have a stringent COVID safety plan approved by NSW Health. Natural pools are already permitted to be open.

NEW $5 BILLION WESTINVEST FUND TO REJUVENATE WESTERN SYDNEY COMMUNITIES AND BOOST JOBS

• A new $5 billion investment by the NSW Government will help secure a brighter future for western and south-western Sydney families and residents, helping build new and improved facilities and local infrastructure to help communities hit hard by COVID-19.
• The unprecedented boost was made possible by the State’s strong financial management and asset recycling strategy, with the NSW Government announcing the sale of its residual 49 per cent stake in WestConnex for $11.1 billion.
• The new WestInvest Fund will allocate $3 billion for future projects across six areas: parks, urban spaces and green space; enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds; modernising local schools; creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities; revitalising high-streets; and clearing local traffic.
• The remaining $2 billion will be reserved for high priority projects to be developed in consultation with local communities.

‘FRIENDS BUBBLE’ CREATED FOR CHILDREN TO ALLOW HOME VISITS IN TIME FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

• Children and teenagers are able to create a ‘friends bubble’ to allow home visits provided the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated, under an easing of restrictions for school holidays.
• People aged 18 years and under who live in stay-at-home areas and areas of concern across NSW are able to create a bubble of three friends and visit each other’s homes for play and activity, subject to the following conditions:
  • Each child is allowed to have two designated friends come to their house. These two friends must always be the same, creating a three-person “friends bubble”;
  • All people older than 18 years in all the households must be fully vaccinated;
  • The friends must reside within 5km of each other or in the same LGA; and
  • If parents/carers are dropping children off, they must not stay to interact with other parents or carers.

EASING RESTRICTIONS TO GET WORKERS BACK ON THE TOOLS

• The NSW Government is easing restrictions for the construction industry, by resuming full capacity at unoccupied construction sites with COVID-safe plans, and removing the cap on outdoor workers at occupied premises from next week, so long as vaccination requirements are met.
• From Monday 27 September, the cap on construction will be removed completely for all unoccupied construction sites, and the cap on the number of outdoor workers at occupied sites will also be removed. Workforce vaccination requirements and requirements for COVID-safe site plans remain in place.
• Workers from LGAs of concern who meet vaccination requirements are already permitted to leave their LGAs for construction on unoccupied sites. From Monday, workers will also be able to leave their LGAs to do outdoor work on occupied sites, provided they meet the current vaccination requirements for authorised workers.
• To ensure the safety of the community, all current restrictions on indoor work at occupied premises will remain in place.

MORE CASH TO FIX LOCAL ROADS IN THE BUSH

• Hundreds of additional roads across regional NSW will receive funding for vital works to improve journeys for regional communities, farmers and freight.
• The announcement includes $153 million for 94 regional councils to fix, maintain and seal priority roads in the bush through Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
• Fixing Local Roads has already delivered more than $394 million for 361 projects across 91 regional Local Government Areas from Armidale to Albury in the first two rounds.
• Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million NSW Government program, which was boosted by the Commonwealth Government over the first two rounds with an additional injection of $191 million. Further information can be found at www.nswroads.work/fixinglocalroads.

FUNDING BOOST FOR DISABILITY ADVOCACY SERVICES

• People with disability will be better supported to access services and support under the NSW Government’s new Disability Advocacy Futures Program.
• More than $13 million under the Disability Advocacy Futures Program will be allocated to organisations across individual, systemic and representative advocacy types.
• It will support the more than 1.4 million people with disability in NSW, not just those accessing services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
• The NSW Government is investing $3.6 billion in the NDIS in 2021-22.

$4 MILLION FOR MORE GREEN SPACES IN SYDNEY

• A new urban forest, the upgrading of a significant indigenous site and a waterside boardwalk are part of a $4 million program for new and improved public space projects coming to Greater Sydney.
• The successful councils are Blacktown City, City of Canada Bay, City of Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River, The Hills Shire, Hornsby Shire, Inner West, Lane Cove, Liverpool City, Northern Beaches, Strathfield and Woollahra.
• The successful councils are required to plant at least one tree for every $2,500 received and match the grant funding dollar-for-dollar.
• The MGP is aligned with the Premier’s Priority – Greening our City – to have one million trees planted across Greater Sydney by mid-2022. So far, more than 600,000 have been planted.

MORE ROUGH SLEEPERS INTO SECURE HOMES

• More than 500 people who were previously sleeping rough now have a safe place to call home, one year on from the establishment of the NSW Government’s landmark Together Home program.
• Together Home is being delivered in partnership with community housing providers, specialist homelessness services and healthcare agencies.
• It involves securing housing for rough sleepers from the private rental market and connecting them to tailored support services to address their individual needs.
• The NSW Government has invested a total of $122.1 million in the program, which is expected to help 1,050 people off the street and into housing.
• Together Home is a key contributor towards achieving the Premier’s Priority of halving street sleeping across NSW by 2025.
• Anyone who is homeless or is at risk of homelessness can call Link2home on 1800 152 152 for information and referrals to services, including temporary accommodation.

The Berejiklian Government is easing restrictions for the construction industry, by resuming full capacity at unoccupied construction sites with COVID-safe plans, and removing the cap on outdoor workers at occupied premises from next week, so long as vaccination requirements are met.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the construction industry was crucial to the NSW economy contributing around $46.8 billion each year and directly employing 380,000 people.
“Construction is going to play a key role in our economic recovery and it’s vital we get tradies back on the tools as quickly and safely as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The industry has shown the way when it comes to getting back to work and is a prime example of how our workplaces will progressively reopen as we reach vaccination targets and will provide a much-needed boost to the State’s economy.”
From Monday 27 September, the cap on construction will be removed completely for all unoccupied construction sites, and the cap on the number of outdoor workers at occupied sites will also be removed. Workforce vaccination requirements and requirements for COVID-safe site plans remain in place.
Workers from LGAs of concern who meet vaccination requirements are already permitted to leave their LGAs for construction on unoccupied sites. From Monday, workers will also be able to leave their LGAs to do outdoor work on occupied sites, provided they meet the current vaccination requirements for authorised workers.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the easing of restrictions is an important step on the road to construction fully reopening in NSW and to keeping people in jobs.
“Today’s announcement comes in recognition of the effort made by the construction industry to put COVID safe practices in place and to get workers vaccinated in large numbers. Those other measures will remain in place even once the cap is lifted,” Mr Ayres said
“We would like to thank the industry for the work they have put in to get the right outcome for the industry and for the wider community.”
“Getting vaccinated workers back on the tools as soon as possible is our priority, but we need to ensure it is done in a safe way to protect both workers and the community.”
To ensure the safety of the community, all current restrictions on indoor work at occupied premises will remain in place.

Hundreds of additional roads across regional NSW will receive funding for vital works to improve journeys for regional communities, farmers and freight.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole today announced $153 million for 94 regional councils to fix, maintain and seal priority roads in the bush through Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
“Our Government is investing in the local infrastructure our regional communities rely on, with today’s announcement giving councils across rural and regional NSW a helping hand to deliver the projects that really matter,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Under this program, hundreds of millions of dollars are flowing to regional councils, delivering safer journeys for families and improving the freight network in the bush.
“This funding will deliver more than 130 additional road projects across regional NSW, easing the burden on local councils and creating hundreds of jobs across rural and regional NSW at a time when they’re needed most.”
Mr Toole said Fixing Local Roads had already delivered more than $394 million for 361 projects across 91 regional Local Government Areas from Armidale to Albury in the first two rounds.
“Communities across the state are already reaping the benefits of this program with 97 projects now open to traffic – and today’s announcement will see councils deliver a further 138 projects over the next two years,” Mr Toole said.
“These projects won’t just ensure that locals see the benefits of this investment every time they get behind the wheel, they’re also supporting an additional 1,374 jobs throughout construction.
“Small projects like these not only make a big difference to the roads locals use every day, but they’ll also support the domestic tourist market when our regions open up again.”
Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million NSW Government program, which was boosted by the Commonwealth Government over the first two rounds with an additional injection of $191 million. Further information can be found at nswroads.work/fixinglocalroads.

The NSW Government has today announced the opening of nominations to identify and protect Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBVs) on both private and public lands across NSW.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said these new legal instruments will fill a gap in conservation measures in NSW by preserving key landscapes that protect a broad range of our natural heritage.
“I want to leave our planet in a better state for future generations and this is another tool to ensure areas of irreplaceable biodiversity on private and public lands across NSW can be protected,” Mr Kean said.
“Local communities or private landholders can now conserve areas that would otherwise not be captured or recognised through any other legal instrument, such as in National Parks.”
Once identified, AOBVs are an ‘automatic priority’ for investment by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), meaning landholders can access funds to manage the land for conservation.
Chair of the BCT, the Hon Niall Blair said AOBV’s will help improve conservation especially on private land.
“The BCT already has a number of mechanisms that provide private landholders across the state a financial incentive to conserve biodiversity on their own properties,” Mr Blair said.
“This new mechanism will help us capture areas and pockets of high value biodiversity that otherwise may have slipped through the net.”
Identified by rigorous scientific assessment, AOBVs are designed to conserve high value conservation sites, threatened species or critical habitats. This includes climate refugia, migratory pathways or areas with a high variety of biodiversity values.
AOBVs can only be declared with landholders’ consent, with nominated areas assessed against key scientific criteria set out in the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Further info available HERE.

People with disability will be better supported to access services and support under the NSW Government’s new Disability Advocacy Futures Program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said organisations can now apply for contracts under the program, which fulfils the intent of NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald’s report into the sector.
“Advocacy empowers people to overcome barriers that affect their ability to participate in our community,” Mr Henskens said.
“The Commissioner’s report provided a blueprint for a contemporary and sustainable advocacy system and now organisations have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter.
“I look forward to seeing the innovation, collaboration and new ways of delivering support that this commissioning process will deliver.”
More than $13 million under the Disability Advocacy Futures Program will be allocated to organisations across individual, systemic and representative advocacy types.
It will support the more than 1.4 million people with disability in NSW, not just those accessing services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NSW Government is investing $3.6 billion in the NDIS in 2021-22.
“Our investment in disability advocacy and workforce development programs like More Jobs More Care are examples of NSW going above and beyond our multi-billion NDIS investment,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’re working to create a more inclusive and accessible NSW that supports all people with disability to reach their full potential and these investments are testament to that.”
For more information about the program, and to apply, visit the NSW Government’s eTendering website.

The NSW Government and NSW Farmers have launched a workplace safety program providing education and advice to the agriculture industry to help reduce farm-related death, injury and disease.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government has invested $2 million over four years for the Farm Safety Advisory Program to support farming businesses in developing an effective work health and safety culture and keeping workers safe.
“This $2 million investment from the NSW Government is part of our mission to create a safer and stronger regional NSW. All NSW small to medium farming operations with fewer than 50 workers are eligible to participate in this free program,” Mr Anderson said.
“The agriculture sector is the backbone of our regional economies and is a significant employer in regional communities. It is imperative as a government we do everything we can to support farm workers and keep them safe.
“The program will improve farm safety practices by providing education directly to farming businesses. This allows the NSW Government to continue to work alongside the agriculture industry on a wide range of farm-related safety issues.”
NSW Farmers President James Jackson said working life on the farm includes a diverse range of safety risk factors.
“Farming is a rewarding but potentially dangerous occupation; the more we talk and learn how to manage the risks and dangers, the better,” Mr Jackson said.
“The Farm Safety Advisory Program is a winner for me and other farmers in achieving this. The program has dedicated advisors who can provide support, advice and resources to improve WHS on farms.
“A session with an advisor can be delivered in various settings, including your own farm with discussions tailored specifically to your farm business operations.”
Delivery of the program will start on Tuesday 28 September with a Harvest Ready webinar from 6-7pm and the launch of the phone call back and email service.
The program’s COVID safe methods will enable one-on-one and group participation to occur through both face-to-face and online interactions as appropriate.
For more information and to register your interest, call NSW Farmers on 1300 764 000 or email nswfarmsafety@nswfarmers.org.au.