The first ever joint National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Destination NSW tourism campaign has been launched, encouraging Australians to ‘find your path’ in the State’s magnificent natural landscapes.
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the advertising campaign showcases some of the most diverse national parks on the planet.
“From the crystal clear waters of Tomaree National Park, to other-worldly rock formations in the Warrumbungles, Australia’s best snow at Kosciuszko, and ancient cultural landscapes of Mungo and Mutawintji, we are so lucky to have an incredibly diverse range of landscapes right here in our backyard,” Mr Griffin said.
“With more than 890 diverse national parks are reserves, we know that NSW is the national parks capital of Australia, but research suggests that our national parks aren’t quite as well known as parks in other states.
“If you don’t know, you won’t go, so in collaboration with Destination NSW, NPWS has created a campaign to showcase our magnificent national parks to Australia and the world – from our icons to our hidden treasures.
“Our aim is for visitors to fall in love with our spectacular regions, arriving at our national parks as tourists and leaving as conservationists.
“Our national parks aren’t just brimming with natural wonders, they also support 74,000 jobs and contribute $18 billion in visitor expenditure to our economy annually, with 75 per cent of the economic benefits delivered in rural and regional NSW.”
The campaign will reach millions of people as it rolls out across television, digital media, billboards and outdoor media in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 4 November.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the first major National Parks and Wildlife Service and Destination NSW campaign aligns with the NSW Government’s ‘Feel New’ brand.
“Our ‘Feel New’ material creates an emotional connection to our
State unlike any previous campaign,” Mr Franklin said.
“Visitors to our national parks can bask on sunlit coastlines, walk among World Heritage-listed rainforests, make snow angels atop Australia’s highest mountain, and connect with Country on stunning desert landscapes.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of many regional and rural communities, and our national parks are perfectly positioned to support regional economic recovery and assist communities that have endured drought, bushfires, flooding and a pandemic.”
NSW is the ‘National Park State’ of Australia, with 890 spectacular parks and reserves, including the second oldest national park in the world Royal National Park, in Sydney.
Earlier this year, Lonely Planet reported that one of the prevailing trends in travel is the continued surge of interest in hiking.
NSW is one of the best places in the world to hike, and the NSW Government is determined to make it even better, with 755 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and mountain-biking tracks, 61 new or improved picnic and visitor areas, and 36 campground upgrades.
To make sure the experience in NSW national parks is as spectacular as the parks themselves, the NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024.
Learn more: Nature And Parks NSW – Plan a Holiday – National Parks & Wildlife (visitnsw.com)
Month: November 2022
FuelCheck goes live in the nation’s capital
Motorists visiting the Australian Capital Territory will now be able to search and compare petrol prices in real-time, with the nation leading FuelCheck app expanding across the NSW border again.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the app would display prices for the 60 plus service stations in the ACT to help motorists get the best price at the bowser.
“We know how porous the ACT and NSW border is so this is a win for residents of both NSW and the capital territory. I congratulate the Chief Minister and his Government for embracing this technology,” Mr Dominello said.
“Today’s announcement builds on the Tasmanian Government utilising this marvelous technology in 2020.
“There is often more than a 20-cent per litre difference in the price of petrol between service stations and using FuelCheck regularly can save you in excess of $800 per year.
“Since it went live in NSW in 2017, the app has had more than 2.2 million downloads, with 93 per cent of motorists giving it the thumbs up.
“I look forward to the app being adopted by other states on the eastern seaboard for the mutual benefit of our citizens”.
The app will list prices for Unleaded and Ethanol and Premium fuel types as well as Diesel. The technology will be initially piloted for six months in the ACT.
FuelCheck is one of more than 70 ways households can save money and boost their budget through the NSW Government.
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
$4.8 million cycleway to connect Sydney’s North West
The NSW Government is funding a crucial active transport link at Winston Hills in Sydney’s north-west connecting dozens of suburbs and vital pieces of infrastructure, including the 24km north-west T-way.
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding, part of the $110 million Get NSW Active program, would create real active transport solutions for people and families in and around the Parramatta and Cumberland Local Government areas.
“Funding this critical missing link will connect residents north of the Cumberland Highway to several key pieces of infrastructure including Toongabbie East Public School, the Westmead Health and Innovation District and the north-west T-way, 24km of uninterrupted cycleway from Parramatta to Blacktown and Rouse Hill.”
“By unlocking a safer, easier way to travel to school we’re providing families with greater choice on how they get around and giving them the opportunity to leave the car at home and save on fuel.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said the cycleway will also connect Old Windsor Road, Constitution Hill, with Briens Road, Northmead, providing a separated cycling connection that is accessible to people of all ages and cycling abilities.
“Children will be able to safely ride their bikes to school with mum or dad, local workers at Westmead, Toongabbie and Parramatta will have an entirely new option for their commute and members of the community will have a new way to explore their suburbs,” Mr Taylor said.
The path will cross over the Cumberland Highway and a new bridge will be built over Toongabbie Creek with construction due to commence in 2023.
The first two of three tranches of Get NSW Active funded 55 metropolitan and 67 regional projects across the Six Cities.
The final tranche for the year will be announced in its entirety in coming weeks.
Major Investment to Modernise the Rail Network at Central Station
The NSW Government has committed a further $180 million to continue modernising the rail network at Central Station’s Grand Concourse providing commuters with more frequent and reliable services, while reducing wait times and overcrowding.
The next stage of the More Trains, More Services program will also deliver critical railway infrastructure works to station platforms to accommodate new fleet and allow up to 15 trains every hour to access rail platforms at Central Station’s Grand Concourse.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the multi-million dollar investment represented the future of our rail system.
“The More Trains, More Services initiative will simplify and bring our rail network into the 21st century, creating high capacity, turn up and go services for commuters,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are committed to future-proofing the existing rail network and ensuring it remains in the best shape for generations to come. The investment will upgrade rail infrastructure and improve signalling to increase reliability, resilience, and frequency of services.
“Updating ageing critical signalling assets with new-generation technology means the rail network can recover faster after extreme weather or technical failures, leading to fewer delays and cancellations for our commuters.
“The program will further simplify and modernise the rail network, while supporting service changes from 2024 to integrate Sydney Metro City & Southwest services with the heavy rail network.”
The additional funding is on top of the NSW Government’s existing investment of more than $5.3 billion in the More Trains, More Services program, which has already delivered 41 new Waratah Series 2 trains and more than 1700 additional weekly services since 2017.
More affordable housing on the way for Lismore
Lismore is set to get as many as 64 new affordable units in a $20 million boost to the city’s housing supply.
The plan to build additional affordable homes for Lismore is the result of a partnership between the NSW government and Lismore City Council.
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said Landcom has entered into an MOU with the council to develop up to 24 units on Bristol Circuit in Goonellabah and 40 units on Cynthia Wilson Drive in Goonellabah in partnership with a Community Housing Provider (CHP).
“This project will help ease housing pressures for people at risk of homelessness in Lismore,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Greater access to affordable housing and support pave the way for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure a brighter future.
“We know that safe and stable accommodation is vital for people to get back on their feet and the NSW Government is committed to delivering more affordable housing to those in our community who need it most.”
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said that this is just one of the new projects being rolled out as part of Landcom’s expansion into the State’s regions.
“It is important we work with local government on innovative ways to unlock land and build homes,” Mr Roberts said.
“I look forward to the momentum this project creates as the NSW Government works to meet the growing demand for new homes in the regions.”
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the project would go some way to easing the housing crisis in Lismore, particularly after the devastating February and March floods.
“This is a great outcome for our community after the devastation we experienced during the floods. This partnership will mean there is more affordable housing in the Lismore area for those who really need it,” Mr Krieg said.
Lismore Council has committed to providing a long term lease and to help fund the development at 44 Bristol Circuit site, Council will provide a 50+ year lease to a CHP.
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation is contributing $2.5 million towards these new proposed developments.
Council will contribute the land for the 69 Cynthia Wilson Drive site and the Department of Communities and Justice will provide $5 million to support the development.
Under the MOU, Landcom will support the design and development application process. The yet-to-be appointed CHP will be responsible for the delivery and ongoing management of the project.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD IMPACTED PRIMARY PRODUCERS IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Primary producers affected by ongoing flooding in New South Wales can apply for recovery grants of up to $25,000 as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The grants are now available for eligible primary producers in the Local Government Areas that have been disaster declared from the most recent storm and flood event.
The assistance is available for the immediate clean-up and recovery costs to repair extensive damage to properties.
A full list of eligible LGAs can be viewed on the NSW Rural Assistance Authority’s (RAA’s) Declared Natural Disasters webpage.
Primary producers are encouraged not to self-assess and should consult with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or apply for the scheme so that the RAA can determine eligibility.
For more information, or to lodge an application, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call the RAA on 1800 678 593. If you are a farmer or a member of the community requiring an emergency response regarding livestock or animals, call 1800 814 647.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said:
Recent floods and storms across NSW have had a real and devastating impact on local farming communities.
The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to provide financial support so people can start to repair the damage caused by recent events.
Our thoughts are with the people of NSW who have been doing it tough but continue to show immense courage and resilience.
New South Wales Premier, Dominic Perrottet said:
Sadly, many communities remain underwater, herds and crops have been swept away and the full extent of the damage is yet to be revealed.
We have expedited the availability of this grant to ensure primary producers can readily access financial support as soon as it is required.
This will ensure producers can get back on their feet and operational as soon as possible, and we will be ready with more assistance as required.
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt said:
Farmers and growers have been hit hard by the current severe weather, many at a critical time in their season.
These grants will support farmers with their immediate needs and I would encourage anyone who’s been impacted to get in touch with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service and see what help is available.
We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the recovery, and ultimately the survival, of farming communities impacted by this disaster.
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke said:
This funding will help kickstart the clean up effort for farmers impacted by this severe flooding, many of whom haven’t been able to fully recover from previous storms and floods.
While there’s a long road to recovery ahead, these grants will give famers immediate support to begin cleaning up and start the rebuilding process.
New South Wales Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western New South Wales, Dugald Saunders said:
Throughout the course of this year, primary producers and regional communities have been tested again and again by the excessive rain and catastrophic floods which have severely depleted production capacity.
This onslaught has had a major impact on the incredible food and fibre that we see all year round and now we need to stand together and support the individuals and businesses that our State has become so reliant on.
Greens Call on FIFA and Football Australia to Prevent More Deaths
The Australian Greens hold deep concerns regarding the human rights abuses that have occurred in Qatar, particularly those affiliated with the FIFA world cup.
There was worldwide shock that the 2022 World Cup would be held in Qatar. It only had little infrastructure, but most importantly, the desert-like temperature created concern for fans, footballers, and workers.
Human Rights Watch reports that low-paid migrants made up 90% of Qatar’s workforce at the time the decision was made that they would host the event. Given its role as a global organisation, FIFA had the opportunity to create strict rules about the workforce used to develop the infrastructure required for the World Cup and protect workers. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs said:
“The information we have received is that between 6,500 and 15,000 workers have died while building stadiums and hospitality venues that will be used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“On behalf of the Australian Greens Party Room I have written to FIFA and Football Australia. We are calling on FIFA to support the establishment of a compensation and remedy fund of US$440 million for migrant workers, and for the families of those workers who have died.
“The Greens are also requesting that FIFA and Football Australia make a public statement in support of migrant workers’ rights, compensation, and non-repetition of human rights abuses in future World Cups.
“The Australian Greens will always promote human rights, and call out those who do not support them.”
Be Slavery Free Campaign said:
“As a ‘sport-mad’ country we also need to get mad when the sport results in people being abused. At least 6,500 people have died in the construction of stadiums and venues for the FIFA world cup. Some from conditions as horrific as dehydration.
“Be Slavery Free applauds the Australian Greens for joining the Socceroos, French and USA politicians and Football Associations around the world in calling for human rights and compensation.
To take your own action please go to https://www.beslaveryfree.com/payupfifa”
Senator Lidia Thorpe, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Sport said:
“The passion we have for athletes needs to translate into solidarity for the workers who make events like the World Cup possible.”
“I applaud the leadership shown by the Socceroo’s and Football Associations globally. It’s time for FIFA to join them, and put their money where their mouth is.
“When we work together, we can achieve so much more. Let’s unite and fight the inequality so many people face in the sports industry.”
Newcastle’s largest playground now open in Wallsend
Wallsend is now home to the city’s largest playground complete with a bike pump track, climbing walls, basketball court, tennis hitting wall and fitness equipment, following the completion of the $2 million Wallsend Active Hub.
Its delivery caps off more than $7.7 million worth of investment by City of Newcastle into four District-level playgrounds across the area during the past five years.
The Federal Park facility will enhance the active recreation options for families across Newcastle’s western suburbs and follows the delivery of multimillion-dollar playground developments at Stevenson Park, Blackbutt’s Richley Reserve and South Stockton.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Wallsend Active Hub reinforces City of Newcastle’s commitment to delivering recreational opportunities for the community across the area including those in the western suburbs.
“Since 2018, City of Newcastle has completed four District level facilities including the $2 million South Stockton Active Hub, the $2.5 million Blackbutt Adventure Playground at Richley Reserve, and the $1.2 million inclusive, all-abilities playground at Stevenson Park, Mayfield West,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The newly opened $2 million Wallsend Active Hub has transformed Federal Park into a hub of activity, making it a destination not only for local residents but for families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces right beside Wallsend Swimming Centre.
“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why we’re proud to have invested $7.7 million during the past five years into these four significant playground developments.
“These major projects have been delivered alongside our annual playground renewal program that also sees four of Newcastle’s 134 playgrounds upgraded each year, ensuring locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality recreation facilities across our city.”
The Wallsend Active Hub draws its inspiration from the Stockton Active Hub and provides a variety of recreation facilities including an expanded playspace, bike track, multi-sport courts, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations.
The construction of the Wallsend Active Hub was supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has been very successful, with rounds one through to eight delivering 242 projects worth $420 million to mining communities since 2012.
“Mining plays a very important part in the NSW economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state and it will continue to play a role in Newcastle for years to come,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns that supply our State with these precious resources, and I am pleased these projects will support the ongoing prosperity of the local community.”
City of Newcastle will celebrate the completion of Wallsend Active Hub with the community on Sunday 20 November with a fun, family-friendly opening event from 10am.
Landmark package to recruit, retain and better take care of NSW police
The NSW Government will make its biggest ever investment in the physical and mental wellbeing of police officers as part of a more than $100 million package of reforms designed to help recruit, retain and better take care of the 22,000 members of the NSW Police Force throughout their career.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said $79 million will be invested over the next five years in Pulse – a new program designed to better look after sworn and unsworn members’ physical and psychological wellbeing.
“Police run towards danger when the natural instinct is to run the other way – and that carries with it a toll that can be both physical and mental,” Mr Toole said.
“Our Force make a commitment to spend their days on the frontline keeping our community safe. This is our commitment to make sure we do the same for them and take care of them at every stage of their career.”
Mr Toole said the reforms would also include the investment of an additional $27 million over the next five years in a new recruitment and retention fund to ensure the NSW Police Force’s ongoing strength.
“Our Government has delivered the biggest increase to Police numbers in 30 years with the addition of 1500 roles,” Mr Toole said.
“This fund will ensure we continue to draw in the talent we need for a world-class Police Force of more than 18,000 sworn officers – and to retain them in regional and remote areas.”
Commissioner Karen Webb said the new Pulse program is the single most significant investment into the health, safety, and wellbeing of our entire workforce.
“Our people are our biggest asset – and this investment recognises that, and ensures we put the right support around them from their first day on the job to their last,” Commissioner Webb said.
“For the first time we will see Mental Health clinicians embedded in stations and Specialist Commands across the state focusing on consultancy and counselling.
Officers medically retiring will gain access to a dedicated Career Transition team, designed to help them transition to civilian life.
Through periodic health checks, officers will also have access to nurses, dieticians and trainers to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Police Association of NSW Acting President Ian Allwood said providing police with improved support and services is crucial to continue to attract and retain our police.
“Policing is an incredibly difficult job that takes its toll both mentally and physically. Providing our cops with the support they need isn’t just good for police themselves, but also for the broader community who rely on our police to keep them safe,” Mr Allwood said.
“NSW has a world class police force and ensuring the mental and physical well-being of officers is paramount. This investment will aid in the retention of officers across the state.”
Construction industry joins forces for veterans
The NSW Government has held its first annual Veterans Employment Roundtable at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park with a focus on transitioning veterans from the Defence Force into the construction industry.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott today met with the Civil Contractors Federation, Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association along with veterans support and employment organisations to discuss veterans career opportunities after their service.
“Today I met with leaders within the construction industry to discuss how veterans can ply their trade, using the skills they have learnt while serving in the Australian Defence Force.” Mr Elliott said.
“Approximately 1,200 personnel transition from the Australian Defence Force into NSW annually and each veteran has a transferable skillset that enables them to work across a great range of varying roles.”
“The construction industry is booming with many projects around our State. Veterans are employable and have the skills and attributes to contribute to roles in all sectors.”
As part of the development of the NSW Veterans Strategy, a NSW Veterans Employment Roundtable was to be convened annually. Previous Roundtables have been held in 2020 and 2021 and focused on work that government can do in partnership with private employers towards increasing collaboration and ultimately veteran’s finding meaningful employment.
This year’s Roundtable had a special focus on veterans working in the construction industry, and was attended by various organisations willing to work together and support veteran employment opportunities.
“We understand it can be challenging for some former Australian Defence Force personnel to find work after their service. We want to ensure our veterans enjoy a smooth transition from military service to civilian life. Today’s discussions centered on collaborative opportunities and a way forward for veterans looking for post service employment.” Mr Elliott said.
CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation David Castledine is a veteran himself and served with the Royal Australian Navy.
“Veterans are highly skilled, extremely adaptive, and come with an outstanding work ethic. The civil industry, being very process and compliance focused, greatly values such attributes. With a workforce shortage and a civil contractor working in every town in the State, there is great opportunity in our industry for these amazing people.” Mr Castledine said.
“Civil Contractors Federation NSW looks forward to assisting and enabling veterans to transition into the civil construction industry through our Veterans in Civil Program, which encourages more veterans to join the industry and to inform and support employers in the veteran recruiting process.”
More information on the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program available here.