Month: November 2023

More funding has been committed to help the NSW Central West region’s recovery from last year’s devastating floods and build resilience for the future.

The Albanese Government has agreed to match funding announced last week by the Minns Government to deliver the Central West Recovery and Resilience Package, bringing the total joint funding for the program to $60 million.

This package includes support for the repair and replacement of critical community assets, improving the resilience of public infrastructure and legal aid assistance.

In addition, the Albanese Government has provided in-principle support to match funding to deliver a $40 million resilient housing program for the Central West, with details of the program to be agreed following consultation with the local community.

This brings the total commitment for these programs to $100 million jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

These important projects will be overseen by a forum of community leaders and representatives from both Commonwealth and State Governments, to ensure all levels of Government are committed to the long-term recovery of the Central West.

These programs will prioritise the most impacted local government areas of Cabonne, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan.

Funding will be provided under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said funding for communities devastated by natural disasters remains a top priority for the Albanese Government.

“The floods experienced by communities across the Central West almost a year ago were on a scale never seen before,” Minister Watt said.

“After the event we supported the community through recovery initiatives, but longer-term, it’s important that all levels of Government are looking at ways to make communities more resilient to future events.

“This funding provided by the Albanese and Minns Government will help to build stronger, safer communities in the Central West.

“I acknowledge the persistent advocacy of the local Mayors and the Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP, which has resulted in today’s commitment.

“Over coming months, the Albanese Government will work closely with the NSW Government to develop an appropriate approach to supporting the resilience of housing in the Central West.”  

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the commitment from the Commonwealth would provide important additional funding that will help Central West communities build back stronger. Mr Dib also acknowledged the work of the Member for Orange, Phil Donato, in advocating for support for his community.

“The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are committed to helping communities in the Central West recover, rebuild and prepare,” Minister Dib said.

“We know how important targeted support is for communities after a natural disaster, and it’s clear that more needs to be done to help them adapt and mitigate future extreme weather events.

“Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will engage with the community and work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and help design the Central West housing program.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the funding demonstrates a joint commitment to the region to help them recover and is about better preparing communities for future natural disasters.

“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a long-term issue that requires evidence-based planning and community leadership,” Minister Scully said.

“This funding will go a long way to making sure communities are better placed to mitigate future disasters and recover more quickly.”

Further information:

The Central West Recovery and Resilience Package, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, is comprised of:

• Regional Transport Resilience Fund estimated $32m
• Community Assets Program estimated $25m
• Legal Aid Assistance Program estimated $1m
• Central West Housing Consultation Program estimated $2m
• Central West Housing Program (in principle agreement) estimated $40m

The NSW Government is leading the way in supporting and recognising the contributions of the state’s 4.3 million volunteers with the launch today of a new Volunteer Charter.

The NSW Volunteer Charter sets out a clear code of conduct organisations can adopt to grow and support volunteering across the state.

It contains 10 guiding principles spanning the volunteer journey that can be adapted to different needs and complements existing codes of conduct. A companion document provides guidance on how each principle can be implemented.

Minister with responsibility for volunteering Jodie Harrison said the NSW Government was proud to be the first state in Australia to have such a charter, and together with a refreshed NSW Volunteering Strategy, there is a clear path to grow the sector.

“Whether they are on the sports field, in the foodbank, patrolling the beach or deploying to an emergency, volunteers are the heartbeat of every community,” Minister Harrison said.

“The government is focused on building sector capacity, investing in research, and enhancing the recognition of volunteers.

“This Charter provides a way for organisations to deliver best practice, support good communication and positive relationships. Most importantly, it will encourage more people to take up volunteering and find meaningful ways to give back to their communities.

“Our united vision for the future is one where volunteering in NSW grows and is vibrant, everyone can volunteer, more often, throughout life and their contributions are celebrated.”

Volunteers contribute close to 900 million hours, worth $178 billion, to our collective wellbeing.

The development of the NSW Volunteer Charter was done in consultation with the volunteering sector, in response to NSW Volunteering Taskforce recommendations. It is a key new initiative under the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020 to 2030.

Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate thanked the NSW Government for their work coordinating the development of the milestone document.

“Volunteering has so many benefits for communities and individuals, helping people connect, boosting health and wellbeing,” Ms Rygate said.

“Setting consistent standards and supporting good practice across organisations helps our sector to grow, and the Volunteer Charter is an important tool to help ensure this.”

Get more information about the NSW Volunteer Charter and the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020 to 2030.

The NSW Government is continuing to progress its election commitment to establish Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions in NSW.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos today hosted a Central West roundtable meeting in Lithgow, providing an opportunity for local stakeholders to discuss the region’s core priorities, including future employment and economic opportunities.

The Central West roundtable follows a successful event in the Hunter in August. It is an important step as the NSW Government establishes authorities in the Central West, Hunter, Illawarra, and North West.

Local leaders, representatives of mining companies, unions and industry groups discussed ways to create jobs and investment, re-skill workers and advance economic diversification in the Central West region.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $5.2 million over four years to establish local authorities. They will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.

Further Roundtable discussions will be held in North West and the Illawarra in early 2024.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“These roundtables are a great opportunity to consult with workers, the community and industry about how to tailor the local authorities for the Central West.

“The Minns Labor Government committed to making sure that coal-producing communities, like those in the Central West, are supported to find new opportunities.

“We’re working closely with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families prepare for a strong and prosperous future.

“Our future productivity will rely on the workforce planning and economic diversification we do now. The best way we can support coal producing regions like the Central West into the future is to get the right structures in place.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring we get this right, and that only comes from listening to the workers, the industry, and communities.

“The coal sector as we know it in NSW is changing. As part of this consultation I have heard a wide range of views from local stakeholders as to how we can best support new economic opportunities and new industries in the Central West region.”

The NSW Domestic Violence Helpline (DV Line) is this year marking 30 years of service.

Commencing in 1993, the NSW DV Line is a government-funded 24/7 helpline which provides a dedicated service for women escaping violence. Services include crisis counselling, support and referrals to refuges and other services.

In the past year, the DV Line received approximately 18,000 calls from women across NSW.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Domestic Violence Helpline is a crucial support service for women and their children escaping domestic violence.

“We know that domestic and family violence crosses the boundaries of age and culture, so a tailored approach to helping victim-survivors ensures they get the right support.

“As a government we are committed to taking meaningful action to prevent domestic violence across our state, however, DV Line is a vital resource for those who do experience domestic and family violence.

“The DV Line empowers callers to explore options and make informed choices, helping them find safety and independence.”

A victim-survivor of domestic violence who utilised DV Line said, “The DV Line staff helped me to feel heard and supported me to stay safe.

“They told me about my options and empowered me to make my own choices.”

Women who are currently experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic violence can call the DV Line on 1800 65 64 63launch, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Staff and sector partners will mark the anniversary with an event highlighting the outstanding advocacy and service of individual staff.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson is on ground in Menindee today to announce the NSW Government’s next steps to implement the recommendations made in the Chief Scientist’s report into mass fish deaths on the Darling-Baaka River. 

The government will begin work immediately on a number of actions to lower the risk of more fish deaths occurring this summer.

Actions outlined in the NSW Government response include:

• Continuing to adjust water releases from Lake Pamamaroo to keep an oxygenated flow through the Weir 32 weir pool to support native fish.
• Establishing an independent connectivity expert panel, which are to provide initial advice early next year on potential changes to NSW water sharing plans which could improve downstream outcomes. Boosting water quality monitoring by:
  • installing a new real-time telemetered buoy at Menindee with 2 more to be in place by mid-December
  • installing 20 real-time sensors in 2023 to 2024 and another 20 across the Basin by 2024 to 2025
  • putting a crew on the ground twice a week at Menindee for on-site monitoring.
• Considering Section 324 temporary water restrictions to restrict low priority licences as drier conditions escalate.
• Carrying out temporary fish passage investigations and exploring funding options with the Commonwealth for permanent fish passages.
• Beginning fish surveys to understand where and how many fish are stuck, to inform fish relocation and carp removal, before the end of the year.
• Trialling cutting edge technology to put oxygen into the water, similar to what is occurring in Western Australia. 
• Advertising a role to employ staff based permanently in Menindee or the far west to assist in implementing government projects and coordinating responses on the ground.
• Work is continuing to map out further steps needed to address longer term solutions and a more detailed response with further actions will be published by mid-2024.

Major fish deaths hurt the environment and local communities along the river which is why the NSW Government pushed hard for a robust, impartial and independent inquiry in the immediate aftermath to look at the causes and pinpoint how and where things can be done better.

The recommendations from Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer have been accepted in full by the NSW Government and, more importantly, work to address many of these findings is already well underway.

For more information, see the Chief Scientist’s reportlaunch and NSW Government responselaunch on the Menindee fish deaths.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson, said:

“There are no shortcuts here. Openness and transparency are the cornerstones of our approach, so we’re sharing exactly how we will be implementing the recommendations and addressing the findings of the Chief Scientist’s report.

“It’s clear there are still many gaps in the system, but we are getting on with the job to address them.

“I want to reassure locals we are doing everything in our power to reduce the risk of another major fish death event but with warm conditions and many fish in the Menindee weir pool continuing to put pressure on the system the risk of more of fish deaths over the coming weeks and months will remain very high.

“As we move forward with our response, we are continuing consult closely with the wider community and key stakeholders including the Barkandji Native Title Group and Central Darling Shire Council to keep them informed every step of the way.”

A program to deliver 25 more electric vehicle fast chargers in regional NSW is almost complete.

The $6 million program was funded with a $3 million contribution each from the NSW Government and the NRMA to help deliver greener and cleaner travel.

This will extend the NRMA’s existing chargers to more than 100 in around 70 locations in NSW, creating the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country.

The program involves the installation of dual chargers ranging from 50kW to 150kW in key regional NSW locations. Most of these locations will be within no more than 150 kilometres from another in the NRMA fast charger network.

The range provided depends on the charger and the electric vehicle but for example a 75kW charger can charge an EV battery to provide up to 90km of range in 15 minutes, 180km of range in 30 minutes or 360km of range in 1 hour.

The fast chargers further unlock the state with a focus on regional corridors including the Newell, Barrier, New England and Kamilaroi highways as well as completing the Castlereagh, Hume and Kings Highway connections.

The northwest of NSW is the latest area to be rolled out with chargers at Inverell, Narrabri, Moree and Dorrigo switched on in recent weeks and another one at Walcha due by the end of the month.

This program also includes chargers at Casino, Tenterfield, Coonamble, Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, Broken Hill, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Gilgandra, Jerilderie, Temora, Armidale, Scone, Yass, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Braidwood.

Thanks to the efficiencies achieved in the co-funded program, there will be an additional 25th site in Moruya installed in 2024.

Find the location of all NRMA fast chargerslaunch

The Transport for NSW partnership with the NRMA to deliver more fast chargers in the regions follows last week’s announcement by the NSW Government of $10 million allocated under round two of the Destination Charging Program.

Around 3,000 EV chargers will be installed at tourist destinations under the program with applications now open.

Find out more about EV destination grantslaunch

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“It is great news that as a result of the NSW Government’s partnership with the NRMA we will deliver 25 additional fast chargers throughout regional NSW. The charger locations have been chosen strategically to connect major centres within the state and also to link up with major routes in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to extend the regional network of fast chargers in the lead up to the Christmas break and summer holidays. This will allow EV drivers to travel with confidence, further powering up local economies and investment in regional areas and increase the take up rate of EVs.

“This is a significant improvement for regional transport and in key regional hubs, like Wollongong where there is now a 150kW charger, which have an even greater and faster charging capacity to get people moving more quickly.

“In the last year, EV registrations have risen more than 140 per cent on average across NSW and with new charging infrastructure we are making it easier for drivers to travel longer, cleaner journeys.

“Along with other EV initiatives by the NSW government this is an important part of the decarbonisation of our transport system and essential to meeting our net zero by 2050 target.”

Carly Irving-Dolan Chief Executive – Energy at the NRMA said:

“The NRMA is pleased to deliver an additional 25 electric vehicle fast chargers across regional NSW in partnership with the NSW Government.

“As EV uptake continues to increase year on year, drivers expect to be able to navigate through NSW and find a charger with ease. The rollout of this program sees vital connections established across regional NSW.

“With our expanding network of EV chargers, we are empowering people to move whenever, wherever they want to safely and confidently in an EV.

“The NRMA knows the importance of connecting communities, whether it’s those from the city or the bush. We are committed to ensuring that no Australian community is left behind in the transition to EVs.”

The 25 new chargers are at:

• Armidale
• Bourke
• Braidwood – will be switched on by the end of the year
• Brewarrina
• Broken Hill
• Cobar
• Coonamble
• Casino
• Dorrigo
• Gilgandra – will be switched on by the end of the year
• Inverell
• Jerilderie
• Moree
• Narrabri
• Nyngan
• Scone
• Temora
• Tenterfield
• Wagga Wagga
• Walcha – will be switched on by the end of November
• Walgett
• Wilcannia
• Wollongong
• Yass

An additional charger at Moruya, NSW is expected to be operational from mid 2024.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib has acknowledged the more than 50 volunteers who have taken surf and water safety messages to kids in the bush as part of a decades-long program run by Surf Life Saving NSW.

A record 100 schools are participating in Beach to Bushlaunch this month, in what is the 30th anniversary of the popular educational program.

To date, more than 285,000 regional and rural students have learned how to stay safe at the beach through Beach to Bush, which also teaches students about the hazards of inland waterways such as rivers, dams and pools.

Students learn about the role of surf lifesavers, the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags, how to spot a rip current, what to do if they get into trouble at the beach and the different types of marine life along the coast.

The Beach to Bush program began as a result of research which highlighted that a large proportion of people rescued from the surf live more than 50km from the beach.

Children from regional and rural areas may be at greater risk at the beach because they are less familiar with the environment and potential surf dangers.

From Old Bonalbo and Mummulgum in the north-west, to Trundle and Tooraweenah in the Western Plains and Wakool and Finley in the Riverina, the Beach to Bush program will make a total of 16 tours this year.

The Beach to Bush program is partly funded by the NSW Government.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I am very pleased to see Surf Life Saving NSW seeking to include as many people as possible in its safety messaging, and reaching rural and regional communities through Beach to Bush is a great example of this.

“Everyone should feel safe at the beach and in waterways, no matter how close they live to the coast. As more and more families head to the coast for holidays, educating young Australians in beach safety is vital.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Learning about water safety is a skill young students can carry with them for life, and it is wonderful to see hard working volunteers have helped to educate hundreds of thousands of regional students about being safe in the surf.

“This program reaches all corners of the state and on its 30th anniversary we continue to see the benefits it brings, particularly to students who live in the bush.”

Volunteer surf lifesaver from Dee Why SLSC Adrienne Lowe said:

“Presenting the program has been a labour of love for more than 2 decades.

“Beach to Bush is such an interactive preventative program, it really makes a difference to how children in rural and remote areas understand water safety.

“I remember one year I did the program with a school outside Burke in 42-degree heat under a tin shed. The students loved it. They love seeing real surf lifesavers.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew said:

“Every year we get so many lifesavers putting their hands up to participate in Beach to Bush as it is such a unique and special program.

“Some volunteers still touring were there at the program’s inception 30 years ago.”

Close to 130,000 cubic metres of sand has been now delivered to Stockton Beach, in the first phase of a $6.3 million project to remediate the heavily-eroded coastline.

The project is being administered by the NSW Government, and jointly funded by the Albanese Government’s 2022-23 Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, and the City of Newcastle.

Stage one of work to renourish Stockton Beach is now complete, with the volume of suitable sand dredged and placed in the past three weeks exceeding the initial 100,000m3 target, delivering an additional 30,000 cubic metres of sand.

During the works, it became evident that more sand had accumulated in the approved dredging area in Newcastle Harbour. The Trud R, the dredging vessel that collected and sprayed the sand onto Stockton Beach, was able to dredge this additional sand.

Investigations into sourcing further sand for Stockton Beach continue.

The NSW Government has steered this project while gathering key insights for a blueprint to help the Department of Planning and Environment map out the next steps for Stockton.

The Blueprint for Stockton, led by the Department of Planning & Environment, will be presented at the next Taskforce meeting in December as the NSW Government works to deliver on its $21 million promise to find long term solutions for coastal erosion at Stockton.

Attributed to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“The Albanese Government is pleased to work with the local Council to fund such an important project for the region.

The NSW Government has made great progress with the sand renourishment project.

The Federal Government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program recognises the need for coastal communities to have better resilience against the natural hazard induced events that we know will be coming in more frequency and more severity.”

Attributed to Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We anticipated we would get at least 100,000 cubic metres of sand onto Stockton Beach in this initial phase of work, but I am delighted to share that we have exceeded those expectations to deliver even more.

I know how important the beach is to the community, and how devastating it has been for them to see it washed away bit by bit, year after year.

This work is just the beginning, and what we have learned from this process will inform our Government’s commitment to Stockton and future investigations into longer-term solutions.”

Attributed to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The people of Stockton have fought a long, hard battle to get this sand back on their beach and I am so proud the Minns Government has stepped in to offer this support swiftly.

Getting 130,000 cubic metres of sand onto Stockton is an incredible result for Stockton and the wider Hunter community, and while there is still more work to be done, we are on our way and moving in the right direction.”

Attributed to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“I am thrilled to see the Albanese Labor Government’s $4.7 million delivering such great dividends for the people of Stockton.

Today’s announcement that 130, 000 cubic metres of sand has been returned to Stockton Beach is welcome news. It’s an important first-instalment of our commitment to deliver 300,000 cubic meters in partnership with the City of Newcastle.

The Stockton community deserves full credit for their tireless advocacy to achieve. I look forward to the NSW government progressing plans for longer-term remediation.”

Attributed to Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes:

“Getting the first phase of sand back on Stockton Beach is an exciting milestone, only possible because of the collaboration with the local community and the NSW and Federal Governments.

With phase one now complete, planning is progressing for the next round of dredging to continue this work and ensure that we protect Stockton’s coastline for future generations.”