Month: August 2022

A first-of-its-kind plan that protects important biodiversity and koala populations, while supporting more than 73,000 new homes in Western Sydney, has been finalised by the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) represented a clear vision for Western Sydney, carefully balancing the environment with the delivery of new housing, jobs and infrastructure.
 
“This is one of the largest strategic conservation plans to be undertaken in Australia, setting the standard for streamlining development processes in growth areas, without sacrificing essential conservation considerations,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The CPCP will provide all the necessary state biodiversity approvals upfront for more than 11,000 hectares of land. Having those approvals in place from the get-go for landholders will result in more homes being built faster.”
 
Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said the plan was the first strategic biodiversity certification under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
 
“Western Sydney is home to an incredibly diverse variety of plants and animals, including one of the state’s healthiest koala populations, as well as some rare species only found in the Cumberland Plain, such as the Cumberland Plain Woodland and the Cumberland Plain Land Snail,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“This plan is an important step in ensuring the long-term protection of these species, working alongside the programs in the NSW Koala Strategy to conserve local biodiversity values.
 
“The plan has now been submitted to the Australian Government and, if approved, federal biodiversity approvals will be provided up front as well to reduce the administrative burden on local development.”
 
The final plan incorporates advice provided by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, regarding the protection of koala populations. This includes establishing koala corridors, restoring habitat, installing exclusion fencing, and constructing two crossings to enable koala movement across Appin Road.
 
It also includes a dedicated reserve to be managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, to protect and restore up to 1,830 hectares of koala habitat along the Georges River, with the first land dedications having already been made in April this year.  
 
As part of the finalisation, a ‘What We Heard’ report has been released publicly, summarising the feedback received during the exhibition period.
 
In total, the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan has 26 commitments and 131 actions which, by 2056, will see the protection of more than 11,500 hectares of conservation land, including connection, restoration, and preservation of at least 5,325 hectares of threatened native vegetation, to offset development impacts.
 
For more information about the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/cumberlandplainconservationplan

Emergency response on major motorways will be significantly improved with an amendment to the road rules which will allow all emergency service vehicles, including those driven by volunteers, to legally and safely use U-turn bays.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the amendment to Road Rule 317 will bring emergency services organisations like the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) into line with other first responders across the State.
 
“Amending the road rules means emergency service workers will be able to legally and safely use U-turn bays on major motorways when responding to incidents. This is just another step we are taking to help support our emergency services who are out there saving lives and livelihoods,” Mrs Ward said.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the road rule change will keep both emergency service personnel and other road users safe.
 
“This important amendment makes it clear that all emergency service workers, whether it be Police, paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS or SES, are legally allowed to use U-turn bays, which puts other drivers on notice to give way,” Mr Farraway said.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said it was important for emergency service organisations to have this capacity and clarity to act faster.
 
“Our emergency service agencies respond to all matter of incidents on motorways, particularly car crashes, and it’s vital they are able to respond quickly and safely,” Ms Cooke said.
 
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the new road rule will cut down the time it takes for volunteers to respond to emergencies along the State’s motorways.
 
“The RFS has been championing this amendment for some time and I’m pleased we can now give our firefighters the confidence they need to respond to emergencies while following the road rules,” Commissioner Rogers said.
 
SES Commissioner Carlene York said the change will assist volunteers in responding to life-threatening situations.
 
“The SES is pleased to see this change coming into effect to ensure our teams are able to respond safely to emergencies,” Commissioner York said.
 
RFS Association President Scott Campbell said the amendment is a big boost for volunteers.
 
“This rule change is what our volunteers needed to ensure that they are legally permitted to use U-turn bays when responding to fires and car crashes, cutting down on response times and potentially saving lives,” Mr Campbell said.
 
The Road Rule change will be gazetted and take effect in the coming weeks.

The F1 Circular Quay to Manly route is set to be boosted with an extra 30 services per week following the re-introduction of Freshwater ferries to the weekday timetable.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the re-introduction of the beloved ferries not only delivered commuters additional services but also brought back an iconic tourist attraction to Sydney Harbour.
 
“As we head into the warmer months the demand for the F1 services increases and the re-introduction of the Freshwaters gives tourists, ferry enthusiasts and commuters additional travel options between Manly and the city,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“There is a huge amount of local passion for the Freshwater ferries and having them back in service on weekdays gives commuters and visitors more opportunities to experience the beautiful harbour from one of these iconic ferries.”
 
“Operating the Freshwaters and the Second-Generation Emerald Class vessels side-by-side on Sydney Harbour showcases these iconic vessels alongside our modern fleet,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Member for Manly James Griffin said: “Having the Freshwater ferries servicing Manly seven days a week alongside the faster Emerald boat for commuters is the right balance and a great outcome.”
 
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said one of the Freshwater vessels, MV Collaroy or MV Freshwater, would be in service from Monday to Sunday with a two-hour service frequency which allows commuters and visitors to choose their preferred ferry to cross the harbour.
 
“Transport for NSW will be refurbishing the MV Queenscliff which will be re-introduced to service next year to replace the MV Collaroy. A plan for the retirement and disposal of the MV Collaroy and MV Narrabeen is currently in development, including community consultation for potential repurposing of the vessels.” Mr Collins said.

Construction is underway on global software giant Atlassian’s 39-storey headquarters, which will anchor the Tech Central precinct and spearhead NSW’s innovation engine.
 
The NSW Government, in partnership with Atlassian, Dexus and YHA, announced that construction had commenced on the project, which is expected to be open in 2027.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the NSW Government was excited to kick off construction on the award-winning concept, which incorporates a hybrid timber design and will be the tallest of its kind in the world.
 
“We are incredibly proud to see Atlassian’s Australian HQ come to life at Tech Central, progressing our goal of delivering the world’s most sustainable, inclusive and creative innovation precinct,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This iconic building will play a vital role in supporting NSW talent attraction and retention efforts and become a beacon for the technology industry.
 
“In a fierce global skills market, on its completion the building will boost our market competitiveness and welcome 5,000 future technology and supporting industry jobs, in addition to creating over 800 construction jobs.”
 
Atlassian Co-Founder and Co-CEO Scott Farquhar said the company was adapting to a new way of work since COVID-19, with the new office to play a unique role as the company reimagines traditional office spaces and how work gets done.
 
“We’ve been involved in the Tech Central vision from day one. Today marks a big milestone for us as we edge closer to constructing our new tower. Atlassian is built on bright ideas, strong values, and great teamwork, and we can’t wait to see this come to life in Atlassian Central,” Mr Farquhar said.
 
The first anchor tenant, Atlassian, will be joined by Afterpay, Canva, ROKT and Safety Culture in supporting the activation of the Tech Central precinct.
 
The development will provide 20 per cent of the 25,000 additional innovation jobs target, and over 20 per cent of the 250,000 square metres of space for technology companies across the precinct.
 
The mixed-use headquarters will offer an impressive and inclusive range of functions to cater for the workforce of tomorrow, with other floors of the building spanning retail, dining and affordable accommodation.
 
Dexus has reached agreement with Atlassian to fund, develop and invest in Atlassian Central.
 
Dexus CEO Darren Steinberg said today marks a significant milestone in Dexus’s partnership with Atlassian to deliver their Australian Headquarters.
 
“The world’s greatest city-shaping precincts are achieved through collaborative partnerships. This is a unique opportunity for Dexus and Atlassian to create a global leading workplace that challenges the status quo, with new benchmarks in sustainability and smart buildings,” Mr Steinberg said.
 
YHA CEO Paul McGrath echoed excitement for the commencement of construction.
 
“At YHA, we pride ourselves on providing spaces that facilitate social connection, discovery and creativity. Digital nomads in Australia are continuing to increase and are positioned in the heart of Atlassian’s building, creating a unique and sustainable space that aligns with not only the needs of the modern traveller but also our values,” Mr McGrath said.
 
For more information on the building visit atlassiancentral.com.au.

The early childhood workforce is set to boom with the NSW Government committing 25,000 fee-free training places to bolster the pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers for the early learning and care sector.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the fee-free courses will help people upskill and boost budgets by removing barriers to accessing quality vocational education and training.

“This investment in fee-free courses enables you to get a job in an incredibly rewarding industry, study for free and earn while you learn,” Mr Henskens said.

“People who are already working in the industry can also upskill if they enrol in courses this year, and bolster their qualifications so they can take on new roles as early learning educators.”

A wide range of full and part qualifications are available, including Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

These courses provide pathways to employment including early childhood educator and educator in before and after school care programs.

Last year more than 11,000 people undertook early childhood education training, supporting the sustainable pipeline of educators and teachers for tomorrow.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government’s revolutionary Early Years Commitment will create jobs growth and opportunities for people to explore a career in early childhood education.

“Our investment in early learning will transform the education system, create jobs and secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Parents know the value of a high quality and reliable early childhood service for their child’s future, and this government is leading the country in delivering that for all NSW families.”

More information about courses and eligibility is available online.