The first step in Western Sydney’s Aerotropolis development kicked off today with work beginning on the first critical piece of energy infrastructure for the area.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the start of work on the new $38.8 million Bradfield Zone substation marks the beginning of the once-in-a-generation development that will change the face of Greater Sydney.
“This new 90-megawatt substation is an important step in building the backbone of electricity supply for the Bradfield Estate, providing capacity to power the equivalent of 20,000 homes,” Mr Roberts said.
“This is just the start of a huge investment in infrastructure for the Aerotropolis, including for roads, public transport, health facilities and schools that will support our growing population.
“Having the right infrastructure in place will be vital to the success of the Western Parkland City, ensuring it is a great place to live, work and invest for generations to come.”
The NSW Government released the final Precinct Plan for the Aerotropolis in March this year, paving the way for the development of around 6,500 hectares of land surrounding the Nancy Bird Walton Airport.
Member for Mulgoa and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning Tanya Davies said Aerotropolis will be the catalyst for the biggest ever jobs boom for Western Sydney.
“This new substation will allow over one million square metres of warehouse, factories and office space to be developed, creating up to 10,000 new jobs in the Bradfield City Centre alone,” Mrs Davies said.
“Western Sydney is booming and we expect to around 1.4 million people will be living in the Parkland City by 2036. The development of the Aerotropolis will also support the creation of around 200,000 jobs.”
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the Western Parkland City, centred around the Aerotropolis, is an incredible opportunity for the people of NSW.
“Through the final precinct plan, we’ve laid the foundations for five new precincts that will not only see a boom in highly-skilled jobs in Western Sydney, but will also facilitate the building of around 11,400 new homes, beautiful new parklands and open space to create a world-class city.”
For more information on the Aerotropolis Precinct Plan and the Greater Western Parkland City visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/Priority-Growth-Areas-and-Precincts/Western-Sydney-Aerotropolis
Month: August 2022
Record school building program continues for Western Sydney
More than $2 billion is being invested in public education infrastructure across Western Sydney as the NSW Government continues its record school building program.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor today turned the sod on the latest project to start construction on the multi-million dollar upgrade at Seven Hills High School.
Ms Mitchell said that the NSW Government is continuing to invest in growing community across Western Sydney.
“The NSW Government has invested more in public education infrastructure than any previous government, and communities in Western Sydney are seeing the benefits,” Ms Mitchell said.
“More than $2 billion is being invested in the planning and delivery of 50 new and upgraded school projects, thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government.
“This record funding will provide world-class learning facilities to Western Sydney students now and for generations to come, like what we will see here at Seven Hills High School.”
The upgrade at Seven Hills High School will provide new specialist vocational education and training (VET) facilities as part of the NSW Government Vocational Schools Pilot project initiative.Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the upgrade would help turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training and prepare students for future jobs in important industries including community and health services.
“We’re delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want and this specialist training facility at Seven Hills High School will provide a golden opportunity for students,” Mr Henskens said.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the NSW Government continues to invest in Western Sydney.
“We know that Western Sydney is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family, the NSW Government continues to invest in infrastructure to cater for our growing population.”
Mr Taylor said he was delighted to be there for the official start of construction and that the upgrade will be an exciting addition that will deliver modern resources to local students both now and for generations to come.
“The upgrade at Seven Hills High School is really exciting, it means the students will have new specialist VET facilities as part of the NSW Government Vocational Schools Initiative,” Mr Taylor said.
“Seven Hills is a growing community and the upgrade at Seven Hills High School is part of the government’s commitment to supporting families in this area.”
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
NGO roundtable to deliver Closing the Gap outcomes
The NSW Government will host an Aboriginal roundtable to discuss recommendations to achieve positive change for Aboriginal leaders, employees and services within non-government sectors across the State.
Aboriginal NGO leaders and stakeholders will meet with Government decision-makers and a panel of social services organisations on Tuesday 16 August at the Redfern Community Centre to exchange feedback and ideas on Closing the Gap priority reforms and targets.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the roundtable will provide the opportunity to work closely with key organisations to contribute to targets and outcomes towards Closing the Gap.
“This important roundtable will bring social sector organisations together to discuss opportunities and challenges to further support Aboriginal community run organisations, improve service delivery for Aboriginal people in NSW and expand Aboriginal employment opportunities within the sector,” Mr Franklin said.
“I look forward to exploring these important topics which will lead to the design of new measures to support the NSW social services sector and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across NSW.”
NSW Council of Social Service CEO Joanna Quilty said the social services sector is part of the fast-growing health care and social assistance industry.
“With thousands of government funded organisations working across NSW and with Aboriginal communities, this roundtable is a great opportunity to investigate how the sector can better support the growth of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations as well as Aboriginal employment and leadership in non-indigenous organisations,” Ms Quility said.
Hosting regular roundtables with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners, organisations and those providing services to communities is one of the NSW Government’s 2021-22 Closing the Gap commitments.
Sky’s the limit as drones revolutionise bridge maintenance
An Australian-first artificial intelligence-enabled drone trial is set to revolutionise the way essential inspection work is carried out on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said using the best technology available will ensure bridges across the NSW road network are maintained to the highest standard now and into the future.
“We are thrilled to be embracing modern technology to ensure infrastructure like our iconic 90-year-old Sydney Harbour Bridge is preserved for this generation and the next,” Mrs Ward said.
“This new trial of cutting edge AI backed technology is another step towards making sure our bridges and road network are maintained to the highest standards.
“The sky’s the limit when it comes to this technology. It is a game-changer for our preventative maintenance inspections, which would normally take months to complete, but can now be undertaken in less than half the time.”
Transport’s specialist digital engineers recently completed a three-week trial, putting the new technology into action under the southern part of the Harbour Bridge from Dawes Point Park. Trials were also carried out at Gladesville Bridge over Parramatta River, and
at other bridges in regional NSW.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new fleet of drones can access hard-to-reach areas with ease, capturing the structure up close in 4K high-resolution images, and rendering three-dimensional maps of their surroundings.
“Transport for NSW is responsible for maintaining thousands of kilometres of roadway and more than 6000 bridges across the state and is always looking at ways to make the maintenance process safer, less disruptive, more efficient and more cost effective,” Mr Farraway said.
“This technology has the potential to play an important role in rapidly assessing the structure of our regional bridges and road networks following natural disasters.”
More than twenty drone pilots have been trained so far, with the goal of seeing it rolled out permanently.
Transport for NSW has also added water-resistant drones to the fleet, tested in Parramatta, allowing maintenance crews to inspect the network in the rain and structures underwater.
Over the past six years, Transport for NSW has collaborated with major players in the field of autonomous and artificial intelligent drones, including the CSIRO, Emesent and Skydio.
Drones are an integral part of the Future Transport Technology Roadmap 2021-2024, providing a blueprint for how Transport for NSW is using technology and innovation to improve the state’s transport network.
HOMEGROWN VACCINES ON THE WAY FOR AUSTRALIA
Onshore manufacturing of life-saving mRNA vaccines took a major step forward today, with the Australian Government, Moderna and the Victorian Government finalising all arrangements for the 10-year partnership.
Under the agreements, an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility will be built at Monash University, helping protect Australians against future pandemics, supporting local industry and creating highly skilled local jobs.
Moderna will also establish its headquarters and a Regional Research Centre in Victoria.
Once operational, the facility will be able to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses every year.
Once this critical onshore mRNA capability is established, Australia will reduce its dependence on imported mRNA vaccines and our vulnerability to supply disruptions or delays.
It will give Australians local and ongoing access to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine – Spikevax – and give us an onshore mRNA manufacturing capability in the event of a new pandemic, such as avian influenza or another new pathogen, vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variants or a global resurgence of infections.
The partnership will lead to a world-class mRNA ecosystem based in Melbourne, attract highly skilled staff and expand local capability through joint ventures with leading Australian research organisations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a once in a generation challenge that gives us a once in a generation opportunity to come back stronger and better than ever.”
“The pandemic has shown us how important local manufacturing capability is to our security and to our health.”
“This significant deal will protect Australians and Australian sovereignty.”
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said:
“This agreement means that Victoria will be home to Moderna’s only mRNA manufacturing and finishing centre in the Southern Hemisphere.”
“We have the skills and the equipment needed to deliver this vital onshore capability – it will save lives, create jobs and strengthen Victoria’s position as a national leader in medical manufacturing.”
“The pandemic has shown us how important it is to have strong sovereign capacity – we’re not wasting a second in making sure we have access to the vaccines we need to keep Victorians safe.”
Minister Butler said:
“I was honoured to sign an agreement today with my Victorian Government counterpart – Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford – to finalise this 10-year strategic partnership.”
“It was a pivotal step in helping protect Australians against future pandemics while supporting local industry.”
Minister Husic said:
“Australia has the world-class capabilities needed to develop and produce the next generation of medical technology, matched with leading researchers and a highly skilled workforce.
“This landmark agreement signals the Australian Government’s commitment and support for sovereign manufacturing capability in critical industries.”
Minister Pulford said:
“We warmly welcome Moderna to Melbourne – this facility and research centre together with Victoria’s world-class science and health tech will generate major medical breakthroughs.”
“We’ll keep making the big, bold investments needed to make sure we have the best research, the best facilities and the best treatments to keep Victorians safe and healthy.”
Moderna General Manager Australia & New Zealand Michael Azrak said:
“We look forward to being a part of the Monash Clayton precinct and contributing to the R&D ecosystem in Melbourne and across Australia.”
Toddler dies after being hit by car – Rathmines
A toddler has died after being hit by a car in a driveway at Lake Macquarie.
Just before 2.30pm today (Monday 15 August 2022), emergency services were called to Rosemary Row, Rathmines, after reports a toddler had been hit by a vehicle in a driveway.
Upon arrival, NSW Ambulance paramedics commenced treating the 22-month-old, however the child died at the scene.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.
A 38-year-old male driver has been taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Wanted man charged following pursuit – Inverell
A man wanted on warrants will face court today following a pursuit in the state’s north last week.
About 2.10pm on Friday (12 August 2022), officers attached to Peel Traffic and Highway Patrol attempted to stop a Mazda 3 on Auburn Vale Road, for the purpose of a random breath test.
The Mazda failed to stop, and a pursuit was initiated before being terminated a short time later after officers lost sight of the vehicle.
Police patrolled the area and the Mazda was located stopped in Oswald Lane, and the male occupant fled on foot.
The 25-year-old man was arrested after a short foot pursuit.
He was taken to Inverell Police Station and charged with drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, custody of knife in public place and two counts of possess prohibited drug.
Five outstanding warrants for property, assault and drug related offences were also executed.
The man was refused bail to appear at Tamworth Local Court on Saturday (13 August 2022), where he was formerly refused bail to appear at Moree Local Court today (Monday 15 August 2022).
Officer charged over alleged child abuse material – Specialist command
A police officer has been issued a court attendance notice over the alleged possession of child abuse material.
Strike Force Concave was established by officers attached to the Professional Standards Command in May 2022 to investigate allegations of sexual assault.
A 55-year-old detective senior constable was arrested and charged on 20 May 2022; he remains before the courts on those charges.
Following subsequent inquiries, the officer – attached to a specialist command – was arrested at The Hills Police Station about 10am on Friday (12 August 2022).
He was issued a court attendance notice for possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service and is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 14 September 2022.
Investigations by Strike Force Concave continue.
The man remains suspended without pay.
Detention of Cheng Lei
Today marks two years since Australian citizen Cheng Lei was detained in China.
Our thoughts today are with Ms Cheng’s family, including her two young children, with whom she has had no contact since she was detained.
Ms Cheng faced a closed trial in Beijing on 31 March 2022. She is yet to learn the outcome.
Since Ms Cheng was detained in August 2020, the Australian Government has consistently called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be met, in accordance with international norms.
We will continue to support Ms Cheng and her family, and to advocate for Ms Cheng’s interests and wellbeing.
Additional $196 million to save lives on NSW roads
The NSW Government has today announced an extra $196 million will be delivered to improve road safety in NSW as part of the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the program is a key initiative of the new 2026 Road Safety Action Plan to build a safer road network.
“The NSW Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families. We are achieving this through our investment in road safety to ensure people reach their destination when driving on our roads,” Mr Farraway said.
“One death on our country roads is one too many and it takes a suite of measures to save as many lives as possible, like improving our road infrastructure.
“We have already invested $640 million into the Saving Lives on Country Roads program, targeting locations in regional areas chances of an accident are greater.
“We’re also installing 2700 kilometres of rumble strips – the equivalent of driving from Sydney to Adelaide and back again – along regional highways to combat driver fatigue.
“The extra $196 million means more rumble strips, more audio tactile line marking and more safety barriers. It means more lives saved on country roads.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the extra funding will build on the already completed 630 projects.
“This is a program that works, with the 2021 Safer Roads Program estimated to have prevented 1500 serious injuries and deaths on NSW roads over 15 years,” Mrs Ward said.
“Funding will go towards intersection upgrades and the installation of safety measures such as pedestrian islands and traffic light upgrades.
“This is a government that is investing in local communities delivering projects to make sure we are safe on our roads and we get home to our loved ones.”