Month: September 2022

The official Bush Fire Danger Period starts today in 12 regions across NSW, as the new national Fire Danger Rating System takes effect across Australia.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the upcoming bush fire season will be the first to incorporate the updated Fire Danger Rating System.
 
“The existing six ratings are being replaced with four – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic – so that the community can better understand the risks and make potentially life-saving decisions,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The new system of ratings was developed using community research and updated fire behavior science, which until now, has remained unchanged for more than 50 years.
 
“Grass fires can move three times faster than bush fires and are our greatest threat this season, which is why all communities in regional and rural NSW should take the necessary steps to become familiar with the Fire Danger Rating System.”
 
The 12 regions commencing their Bush Fire Danger Period today are Clarence Valley, Coffs Coast, Far North Coast, Far South Coast, Hunter Valley, Liverpool Range, Lower North Coast, Mid Coast, New England, Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Shoalhaven.
 
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said continuous, heavy rainfall across many parts of NSW has led to an increase in the growth of fuel loads.
 
“Over the coming weeks and months, we are particularly concerned about the likelihood of grass and crop fires as the State starts to dry out,” Commissioner Rogers said.
 
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter urged residents to familiarise themselves with the new fire danger ratings system to protect the irreplaceable.
 
“Our main priority is to protect life. So please help us to help you and know what actions you will take if a bush fire does threaten your life and property this season,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Naomi Stevens reminded residents to be aware of fire danger ratings especially if planning on bush walking or camping in national parks.
 
“It’s important to know the risk of where you live and also where you’re visiting, and be aware of any closures to parks on days of increased fire danger,” Ms Stevens said.
 
Forestry Corporation Chief Forester Ross Dickson said many people love to get out of the house and enjoy nature over the warmer months, like four wheel driving, walking dogs and taking picnics.
 
“Please take some time to plan ahead, be aware of the conditions especially as the weather warms up and remember during total fire bans no flames are allowed in the state’s forests,” Dr Dickson said.
 
Landholders who want to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period are required to obtain a permit, in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours before lighting up.
 
Information about fire permits, required notifications and hazard reduction burning is available at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.
 
To make a bush fire survival plan, visit: www.myfireplan.com.au. 

NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson has joined with key stakeholders to ensure the staffing crisis facing the hospitality sector is a priority at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra.

Mr Anderson said the hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic and as we look to the future, solving the staffing crisis must be a priority.

“I welcome the Jobs and Skills Summit being held in Canberra and am calling on the Commonwealth Government and all in attendance to address the staffing issue in hospitality as a matter of priority,” Mr Anderson said.

“These businesses suffered the most during the COVID pandemic and now, as the community is regaining the confidence to return to venues, we need to find a solution to issues around staffing and empower them to stay open and continue serving their communities.”

Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan said the hospitality sector in NSW has been suffering from worker shortages.

“There’s been a chronic shortage of hospitality workers in NSW for a long time – and that’s only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Mr Whelan said.

“It’s good to see the issue on the national agenda after years of inaction and particularly pleasing to see the AHA representing the hotel sector at the summit.”

Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said worker shortages are hurting clubs in NSW.

“There are tens of thousands of vacant hospitality jobs across the country and the worker shortage is having a devastating impact on not-for-profit clubs,” Mr Landis said.

“Clubs are crying out for workers, with many having to close their restaurants or alter their opening hours because they simply don’t have enough staff to operate at full capacity. 

“This matter is urgent and it requires decisive action by the Federal Government. Overseas job seekers should be allowed to complete their application and appointment process prior to arriving in Australia in order to provide relief to hospitality businesses, fast. 

“While we welcome this week’s jobs and skills summit, if we don’t find a solution to get workers here soon, it will have been for nothing.”

Restaurants and Caterers Association CEO Belinda Clarke staffing shortages are hurting the hospitality sector and called on the Summit to address the issue.

“The Jobs and Skills Summit needs to come back with practical solutions that will alleviate one of the worst staffing shortages this country has faced in decades,” Ms Clarke said.

“Whilst we’re concerned about the lack of hospitality voices at the summit, we are all still hoping that there will be more action than talk when it comes to tackling this enormous skills and staffing crisis the industry faces.

“We will need to see more support for local jobs as well more support for people looking to come to this country from overseas to work here or we will risk losing more and more businesses and all the problems that brings.”

Venues offering live entertainment will be able to stay open later, as part of a three month trial of the State’s first special entertainment precinct at Enmore Rd in Sydney’s inner west.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said Inner West Council’s trial will run from September to November and aims to support live music and further promote Enmore Rd to be a thriving entertainment and cultural precinct.
 
“The NSW Government is pleased to support this trial which will see venues in the Enmore Rd precinct that offer live music and other entertainment, able to stay open an extra 30 minutes,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Liquor & Gaming NSW has partnered with the council to extend liquor trading for participating venues, ensuring patrons can indulge in their favourite tipple as they enjoy listening to a live band or singer later into the night.”
 
Some venues may also be eligible for a 60-minute liquor trading extension, if they already have planning approval to keep their doors open later.
 
Mr Anderson said the trial is all about getting more people out enjoying live entertainment in this precinct later at night.
 
“We want to see the NSW night-time economy grow while ensuring it’s diverse safe and inclusive. A strong, vibrant live music scene is critical to a strong, vibrant night time economy,” Mr Anderson said.
 
Mr Anderson said special entertainment precincts are part of a new pilot program with input from the Department of Planning, Hospitality and Racing, Office of Local Government, Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner and NSW Police.
 
“All live music and performance venues are eligible for an 80 per cent discount on their annual liquor licence fees, under the 24-hour economy reforms, providing thousands of dollars in savings,” Mr Anderson said.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said this announcement builds on a series of recent changes made to the planning system to boost entertainment and live music across the State.
 
“From extending alfresco dining measures for another 18 months, allowing businesses to host performances without additional approval and making it easier to convert shops into small art venues – we are committed to giving the hospitality industry greater certainty to recharge the economy and lift community spirits,” Mr Roberts said.

The designs for the $750 million new Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital have been released, showcasing the biggest transformation in the hospital’s 140-year history.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s investment in RPA will deliver first-class health care to the local community, with state-of-the-art health facilities in a new building as well as an upgrade of existing spaces.
 
“This major redevelopment of RPA is part of the Liberal and National Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years right across NSW, ensuring everyone receives the very best health care possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is the most significant investment in RPA’s 140-year history and will support excellent health care for the 700,000 people who live in Sydney Local Health District and the more than 1 million people who visit it for work, study or to see loved ones.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new hospital was fast-tracked as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan and will be delivered a year ahead of schedule.
 
The designs will now be taken on a roadshow via a series of presentations and pop-up stalls where the community can provide feedback.
 
“Importantly, Health Infrastructure has consulted extensively with clinicians, staff, patients, consumers and the local community, to ensure the redevelopment meets the healthcare needs of the rapidly growing area both now and in the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“Now is the opportunity to have a say in the final design for one of Australia’s leading hospitals, renowned for its excellence in providing innovative health care and education.”
 
Led by Health Infrastructure and Sydney Local Health District, in partnership with the Government Architect NSW, a competition saw three leading architects invited to present their designs for the RPA campus. Bates Smart, Neeson Murcutt + Neille  were announced the winning team and have been incorporated into the project to work alongside Jacobs, the lead architect for the hospital redevelopment.
 
Following further consultation and design development, the plans will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment via a State Significant Development Application.
 
When complete, the RPA Redevelopment will deliver:

• Expanded and enhanced Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units
• State-of-the-art operating theatres and interventional cardiology
• Expanded and improved adult inpatient accommodation
• Increased interventional and imaging services
• Expanded women’s ambulatory and neonatology services
• Facilities and capabilities for integrated research, education and training
• Additional adult and paediatric inpatient beds

 
Enabling works began last year and main works construction is due to begin in coming months.
 
To view the designs and to provide feedback visit the RPA project: www.rparedevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au 
 
Construction is also underway on a RPA HealthOne at Green Square, which will deliver a range of services focused on early intervention, health promotion and prevention including services that would traditionally be provided in a hospital setting at RPA. 

Sydney Metro has received the green light for tunnelling between The Bays and Sydney CBD, completing plans for the 24 kilometre twin tunnels from Westmead to Hunter Street in the heart of the city.
 
Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said planning approval has been granted for Sydney Metro to deliver 3.5 kilometre twin tunnels from The Bays into the CBD, under Johnstons Bay and Darling Harbour, as well as excavating Pyrmont and Hunter Street stations.
 
“Two major tunnelling contracts have been awarded for tunnelling between Westmead and The Bays.” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Starting at The Bays, tunnel boring machines will cross under the harbour, alongside Anzac Bridge, before heading to the new Pyrmont Station, then under Darling Harbour before reaching Hunter Street Station in the Sydney CBD.”
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said we are another step closer to delivering world-class transport infrastructure for the people of NSW.
 
“This is the final tunnel section for the new 24 kilometre metro line on this game changing project that will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Sydney Metro West will significantly cut crowding on three major train lines, take tens of thousands of cars off the roads every day and support the creation of 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs in western Sydney.”
 
Sydney Metro has shortlisted three consortia to deliver the third and final tunnelling section between The Bays and Sydney CBD. This tunnelling package is expected to be awarded in late 2022.
 
Future planning approvals for Sydney Metro West will consider rail infrastructure, station buildings and precincts and over and adjacent station development at various locations. These will be subject to further community and stakeholder engagement.
 
Construction started on Sydney Metro West in 2020, with the project on track to be completed by 2030. In 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113 kilometres of new metro rail.