Month: January 2023

Money will start hitting the bank accounts of Sydney motorists in a matter of days with the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme open from today.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said drivers from Sydney’s western suburbs would be the biggest winners of the scheme.

“We are putting more money back in the pockets of NSW families particularly those across Western Sydney who use our world-class motorway network,” Mr Perrottet said.

“From today, half a million drivers across our state will be able to get up $750 back on their tolls which will provide a boost to their household budgets.

“This is all about making moving around our city as easy as possible, and thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan, we’re able to provide relief to drivers at a time when they need it most.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the number of people benefiting from the new scheme would more than double and include everyone from families to professional drivers and pensioners.

“Once a driver spends $375 on tolls in a year they will be able to claim the 40 percent rebate up to that $750 limit,” Mr Kean said.

“Pensioners can claim that cash along with free car registration and a free driver’s licence as we help them drive their pension dollars further.”

Rebates will be backdated to 1 July 2022 with the first payment expected to be made within days of applications being received.

This is just one of more than 70 cost of living rebates initiated by the Liberal Nationals Government and another example of providing practical, simple and tangible savings for household budgets.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said drivers across Western Sydney from Rouse Hill to Liverpool will benefit from the scheme.

“We know Western Sydney families, workers, tradies, and truckies are amongst the biggest users of our motorways because of the time savings they deliver,” Mrs Ward said.

“Now, not only will they still be able to enjoy the travel time savings, they will be getting money back on the trip costs as well.

“This scheme is for every driver across NSW but we’re particularly encouraging those in Western and South Western Sydney to apply and take advantage of the savings on offer.” 

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said eligible motorists need to register through their MyService NSW account to receive the rebate.

“Motorists wishing to claim the rebate simply need to link their toll account to their MyService NSW account when lodging their claim. Payments will then be made directly to their nominated bank account,” Mr Dominello said.

“Anyone needing any assistance can call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW centre.”

For more details on the new Toll Relief Scheme please visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/toll-relief-rebate-scheme

Vulnerable communities will continue to receive free access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) with the NSW Government extending the program to 30 April 2023.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government has already distributed more than two million free RATs to vulnerable communities, ensuring they have access to the help they need.

“Vulnerable communities should not need to worry about the cost of RATs. They need to be able to take a test when they feel sick or exposed to COVID-19 so they can seek medical help as quickly as possible,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures, and ensuring those most vulnerable to the virus can detect it early so they can receive the medical help they need.”

This builds on the millions of tests already available to vulnerable and multicultural communities, homelessness services, social housing tenants, children and young people in out-of-home care, and Commonwealth Concession Card holders.

Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the extension of the program gives Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW greater certainty.

“By extending this program we are taking away the stress for these communities of needing to pay for Rapid Antigen Tests,” Mr Coure said.

“They will be able to continue accessing the tests for free until the end of April and keep themselves and their families safe.”

Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW can access 10 Rapid Antigen Tests until 30 April 2023.

Tests are available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres, and Service NSW centres across the state. To find one near you, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.  

Local artists are being invited to join the bill for this year’s New Annual festival, with City of Newcastle announcing the dates and opening expressions of interest for its flagship cultural event.

New Annual will kick off on 22 September and run through until the October long weekend, with 10 days of unforgettable performances across the city centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this year’s program will allow audiences to experience the diversity of art and performance from across Australia, while also supporting the local creative community.

“New Annual was conceived with a vision to celebrate the depth of talent in Newcastle’s thriving cultural and arts sector and provide a platform for national artists to showcase their work in the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In the longer-term, the aim is to create a landmark cultural festival with a uniquely Newcastle character that could become a mainstay on Australia’s annual events calendar and act as a significant generator of cultural tourism.

“Last year’s festival was another great success, attracting almost 40,000 people to more than 140 performances and activities at 32 venues across the city, delivering a boost of almost $8 million to the local economy.

“More than 530 artists and over 400 staff, crew and volunteers were involved in the 10-day event, which featured a dynamic program of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and Indigenous workshops.

“I can’t wait to do it all again this September and look forward to seeing our local artists on the bill alongside some of the best arts and cultural practitioners from across Australia.”

Local artists working across interdisciplinary art forms, visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and multimedia are encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the 2023 program before 5pm, 26 February.

City of Newcastle was recently awarded $400,000 over two years from the NSW Government as part of its Major Festival and Events grants program through Multicultural NSW. Submissions from Awabakal and Worimi artists and all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, as well as artists from culturally diverse backgrounds, are strongly encouraged as part of this EOI process.

New Annual will be held from 22 September to 1 October. To keep up-to-date with the latest news or find out more about the “Made New” EOI process, visit www.newannual.com

Sydney’s newest fire station has opened its doors, with the completion of the $1.7 million development of Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade celebrated at a ceremony today.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the new building is located on the same site as the previous fire station, which the Brigade’s 41 members had outgrown.

“This new building boasts three trucks bays, a large training room, office, kitchen, change rooms and male and female amenities,” Ms Cooke said.

“These facilities will be utilised by a number of Brigades in the local area, helping to strengthen our emergency services right across the western suburbs of Sydney.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to invest in new facilities and equipment for volunteers.

“There is nothing more important than providing our volunteer emergency service workers with with the facilities and equipment they need to carry out their roles safely and effectively,” Mrs Davies said.

“We’ve had our fair share of storms, floods and bush fires here in Western Sydney and I am very grateful to the people who protect our community each and every day.”

At today’s ceremony, six volunteers received Long Service Medals in recognition of a combined 128 years of service. 14 volunteers were also presented with National Emergency Medals and a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for their work during the 2019-20 fire season.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said local volunteers were heavily involved in firefighting operations across NSW during Black Summer.

“Members from the Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade provided critical support to the community, including at the Green Wattle fire which sadly saw the death of firefighters Andrew O’Keefe and Geoffrey Keaton,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“These Brigade members rendered assistance to the injured volunteers after their truck was struck by a falling tree, and they are worthy recipients of a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for their efforts.”

A new scheme to help people find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence offences will be launched across New South Wales by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

The Right To Ask Scheme will provide the opportunity for NSW police to disclose information to a person who is a potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s previous abusive or violent offending.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposed scheme would be based on the UK’s Clare’s Law and would empower people at risk of domestic violence to make informed decisions about their relationships.

“There are simply too many heartbreaking stories of women and men being seriously hurt or murdered in circumstances where the perpetrators had a history of prior domestic and violent criminal offences that they didn’t know about,” Mr Perrottet said.

“None of us want to see a loved one scarred by domestic violence and wishing they’d known their partner’s history sooner.

“We cannot continue to have women being killed in our community so we need to have new approaches, new thinking and new policies to back up our record domestic violence support funding.

“This is not the only solution to the growing domestic violence issue facing our state and many communities across Australia but if it saves one life then it will have been worth it.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said NSW was the first state in Australia to trial a domestic violence disclosure scheme in 2016.

“The dating landscape has shifted considerably since then with more and more people accessing dating apps and dating outside known friendship circles,” Mr Toole said.

“We want to take the lessons from the experience in NSW and other jurisdictions around the world to develop this scheme with input from safety advocates that empowers people who may be at risk of domestic violence.    

“This is an opportunity to help people go into relationships with their eyes wide open. It will allow them to make more informed decisions about continuing a relationship, moving in with someone or making them a part of their family, particularly where children are involved.” 

The new scheme will be designed with input from domestic violence organisations. It will enable a person who may be at risk to apply through an online portal or phone line to access information about their partner and be accessible in multiple languages.

NSW Police will approve any information before it is provided, with strict privacy controls in place including criminal penalties for malicious applications.

The service would also facilitate a referral to domestic violence support services where required. 

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said there was no single solution to addressing domestic violence.

“Our priority is to protect a woman’s right to be safe in a relationship which is why the Liberal and Nationals Government has committed record funding to prevention and support,” Mrs Ward said.  

“We’ve also passed affirmative consent legislation, outlawed coercive control and expanded our primary prevention campaign Make No Doubt because we are addressing domestic violence at all stages.”

The scheme will be reviewed following 12 months of operation.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has a proud record of initiatives and investment to support Women’s safety including:

· $426.6 million to expand the Core and Cluster initiative, to deliver and operate new women’s refuges that will support up to an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year. This is the largest funding commitment ever made to the domestic violence sector.

· There have already been 39 new refuges announced as part of this program. This is on top of the 86 government refuges currently operating.

· Doubled Domestic and Family Violence leave for NSW Government sector employees from 10 to 20 days.

· Landmark laws to criminalise coercive control in intimate partner relationships and nation-leading affirmative consent, with the new laws commencing on 1 June this year.

· Introduced five new jury directions to address common misconceptions about consent at the same time releasing state-wide plans to address domestic, family and sexual violence that will respond to and align with the National Plan.

· Banned self-represented people accused of domestic violence in criminal and related proceedings from directly cross-examining domestic violence complainants.

Thousands of nurses, teachers and police officers have registered their interest in buying their first home with as little as a 2 per cent deposit under the NSW Government’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper which launches today.

Key worker first-home buyers, including nurses, midwives, paramedics, police officers, teachers and early childhood educators, can apply. Single parents and singles older than 50 can also apply, even if they have previously owned property.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Liberal Nationals Government would contribute up to 40 per cent for a new home or up to 30 per cent for an existing home bought by eligible home buyers with a minimum deposit of 2 per cent.

“Today is a great day for single parents, singles older than 50 and first home-buyer key workers who have been struggling to break into the market and buy their own home to live in,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s exciting to see the interest we’ve already received and to know that this initiative will help make the dream of home ownership a reality for thousands more people across this state.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $780 million shared equity initiative was part of a broader $2.8 billion housing package.

“Just like First Home Buyer Choice, Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper is a pathway forward for eligible home buyers who have been working to save a deposit but buying their own home has remained out of reach,” Mr Kean said.

“Smaller deposits, no lenders mortgage insurance and no interest on the Government’s equity share means this initiative is a great option for eligible singles and key workers who no longer want to rent and prefer the security of home ownership.”

Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said those interested should check the online self-assessment tool to see if they’re eligible for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper.

“If the online tool says you’re eligible, you’ll be directed to contact Bendigo Bank to apply for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper. Revenue NSW will be administering the program on behalf of the NSW Government,” Mr Roberts said.

“Through your application the lender will let you know how much you can borrow and confirm your place in the initiative and then you can make an offer to buy your own home to live in.”

Bendigo Bank is the launch lending partner for Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper. Other lenders will have the opportunity to join the initiative this year, which will provide eligible home buyers with an additional choice of lenders.

Bendigo Bank has already received 3,500 enquiries for further information and is working through pre-approval applications. From today, eligible participants will have their applications assessed by Revenue NSW.

Under the NSW Government’s Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper:

· Up to 3,000 places will be available each year for two years

· Key worker first-home buyers who are nurses, midwives, paramedics, police officers, teachers and early childhood educators can apply.

· Singles over 50 and single parents with a dependent child or children can apply even if they have previously owned a property.

· Participants must have a maximum gross income of $90,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples

· Participants must have a minimum deposit of 2 per cent of the purchase price

· The Government will make a maximum equity contribution of 40 per cent for a new home and 30 per cent for an established home

· The maximum value of the property that can be purchased is $950,000 in Sydney and regional centres including the Central Coast, Illawarra, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the North Coast of NSW, and $600,000 in other parts of NSW.

To find out if you are eligible and apply go to: nsw.gov.au/shared-equity

Bike riding in and around the Sydney CBD will become much easier and safer for thousands of commuters thanks to a Liberals and Nationals Government commitment to build missing links in the King St and Oxford St cycleways.

Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the completion of the King St cycleway between Clarence St and Pitt St and the Oxford St East cycleway between Paddington Gates and Taylor Square were eagerly anticipated projects that will transform the way people move around the CBD and surrounding areas. 

“Bike lanes create opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy happier and healthier lives while reducing congestion and saving money, which is why we’re committed to building more of them right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.

“These crucial connections are the final missing links in major bike routes linking to the city. The King St cycleway will connect riders from the Anzac and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while Oxford St East will connect riders from Bondi and beyond.

“A growing number of riders are using dedicated bike lanes in the CBD, with counters showing more than 50,000 riders using Liverpool St this month alone, 45 per cent higher than the last.

The King St missing link is due for completion in 2023 and planning work on Oxford St East is expected be complete by 2023. This is in addition to a new permanent, separated bike lane  set for construction along Oxford and Liverpool St, providing a critical link between Taylor Square and the CBD.

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said building cycleways created a safer road environment for pedestrians and road users alike.

“Having a better connected network of cycleways is great for our city because it gives people another safe transport option,” Ms Moore said.

“Active commuting can help improve health while freeing up space on our roads and public transport, and creating separated bike lanes means fewer people riding on pedestrian footpaths.

“King St and Oxford St are integral links in our cycleway network. There are more riders on these routes than anywhere in the city but there are also more crashes, so it’s important we improve the infrastructure to ensure anyone who chooses to ride can do so safely.”

The concept design for the King St cycleway is currently underway and the feedback is invited from 23 January to 6 February 2023. An interactive map for the Oxford St East cycleway is currently live online and the community is invited to provide feedback from 23 January until 28 February 2023.

The projects align with the recently released Active Transport Strategy, which aims to double the number of active transport trips and deliver 1000km of connected cycleways.

To provide feedback on the King Street cycleway click here. To view the interactive map and provide feedback on the Oxford Street East cycleway click here.

The NSW Government has appointed a consortium including one of Australia’s leading community housing providers, Bridge Housing, and national infrastructure developer Capella Capital, to deliver the $230 million renewal of Elizabeth Street, Redfern.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the development will see around 300 new homes built, including over 100 social housing dwellings and a new 3,500 square metre community facility.

“We’re transforming Sydney’s inner city to deliver multiple benefits to the local community, including much-needed new housing close to jobs, public transport and open space,” Mr Roberts said.

“Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is proud to be partnering with Bridge Housing and Capella Capital on this project, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to working with the community housing sector to leverage private capital and expertise that delivers a diverse mix of housing and benefits for the Redfern-Waterloo community.”

The proposed development is located opposite Redfern Oval, walking distance to multiple train stations, and will feature a modern design and high-quality features, in line with the evolving look, feel and culture of the local area.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said in addition to more than 100 social homes, the project proposes a mix of housing including affordable homes, homes for key workers, disability support units and private homes.

“The new social homes to be delivered at Redfern will be used to accommodate local relocations from the planned renewal of the Waterloo Estate, supporting greater connection to Country for Aboriginal residents and the broader community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Bridge Housing CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone, said they were delighted to have been selected to bring the project to life as the project developer in collaboration with Capella Capital.

“The development will become a blueprint for how the community housing sector, working in partnership with government, institutional investors, commercial lenders and the private sector, can deliver social and affordable housing at scale,” Ms Pinkstone said.

“With thirty years’ experience in the delivery of quality housing and services, Bridge Housing is uniquely positioned to deliver affordable housing designed for the local community. The development will provide a template for how large-scale development can be undertaken to support a diverse and vibrant city.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, and will create over 700 jobs during the project, subject to planning approval.

For more information, please visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/greater-sydney/redfern