Month: December 2023

People who display aggressive behaviours in retail settings are being warned to think twice, with tougher penalties in NSW for anyone caught abusing or harming a worker.

As the Christmas rush for shopping gets into full swing, the likelihood for workers to be assaulted increases.

The NSW Government is reminding everyone to behave respectfully towards people who serve you in retail outlets.

Workplace violence has significant impacts on a person’s physical and psychological health, and includes any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted at work, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment or aggressive behaviour.

All retail workplaces should have in place systems outlining standards of behaviour for all staff and visitors onsite, as well as clear polices on how individuals and workplaces should respond when faced with violence and aggression from customers.

Everyone in the state is being reminded of new laws that passed parliament earlier this year which make it an offence to:

• assault, throw a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, even if no actual bodily harm is caused to the worker, with a maximum penalty of 4 years’ imprisonment
• assault a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty and cause actual bodily harm to the worker, with a maximum penalty of 6 years’ imprisonment
• wound or cause grievous bodily harm to a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm to the worker or another person, with a maximum penalty of 11 years’ imprisonment.

Videos of retail workers being assaulted have been widely shared on social media with many shocking and violent abuses caught on camera.

For more information on safety in the retail sector, visit the SafeWorklaunch website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“As a former retail worker myself, I know how busy the Christmas period is. I want people to take a moment to remember that the people who serve you deserve respect.

“For people thinking about doing the wrong thing, think twice, you can and will be charged for assaulting a worker in NSW.”

The great Aussie road trip is an integral part of our culture, especially over the festive season. Self-drive holidays are popular with families looking to hit the road, covering long distances while enjoying vast landscapes and experiences in between.

Our regional towns may not always be the final destination but play an important role in a visitor’s journey and experience. Stopping for lunch in a small town’s main street, the parks and open spaces provide necessary amenities and facilities to reset and get visitors back on the road safely.

These holidays, we encourage you to Break, Play and Stay at one of more than 17,000 Crown reserves across the state. Managed through community partnerships with councils, corporations and volunteer boards, the Crown land estate supports recreation and tourism from parks and sporting facilities to community halls caravan parks, surf clubs, showgrounds, walking trails and campsites.

Playgrounds become temporary destinations, allowing children to burn off energy before the next stage of the trip. The myriad of green spaces on Crown reserves offer adults tranquillity, while providing time to learn about the communities they visit as they make their way to their destination.

When it’s time to stop and rest after a long drive, a range of accommodation options are available on Crown land to provide a perfect backdrop to pause and explore what the State has to offer.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Crown land is held by the NSW Government on behalf of the public. These public spaces cater for all kinds of travellers whether you’re looking for a quick bathroom break on a long drive, congregating at a community meeting place like a showground or reserve, or stopping overnight.”

“The stories of NSW and its people are woven into the tapestry of culture and heritage showcased on Crown land. These summer holidays are the perfect time to explore our state, and I encourage everybody to get out and enjoy all the incredible sights and sounds NSW has to offer.”

Here are a few great spots to break, play and stay in NSW this holiday season.

Break in NSW

Break at Ryrie Park in Braidwood. Perched in the Southern Tablelands, Braidwood is a halfway point between Canberra and the NSW South Coast. Equipped with a basket swing, rope bridge, double flying fox, BBQ and picnic tables this is a perfect spot for families. 

Break at Fingal Foreshore Parklaunch. A short drive from the Queensland border at Fingal Head you will find a narrow peninsula shaped by hot lava flows which formed massive rock pillars as they reached the cool sea. At Fingal Foreshore Park a new inclusive space awaits, focussed on nature play with water elements that reflects the area’s history and character. 

Break at Urunga Wetlandslaunch. Formerly an antimony processing plant this rehabilitated freshwater paradise is now home to over 120 bird species. Stretch your legs and explore the wetlands on a 150-metre accessible boardwalk or other walking tracks in the park. 

Play in NSW

Play at the Wiradjuri Walking Traillaunch. See a different side of Wagga-Wagga on this 42-kilometre loop of the Riverina city. Perfect for walking or cycling, the Wiradjuri Trail explores riverbanks, hills and everything in between. 

Play at Bathurst Adventure Playgroundlaunch. Adventurers both big and small can swing, fly and climb at this recently upgraded adventure playground just four blocks from Bathurst’s CBD. Featuring a dual flying fox, accessible swings, climbing structures and rock walls, this reserve can be enjoyed by all. 

Play at Bidjigal Reservelaunch. With towering eucalypt forest, weathered sandstone cliffs, sparkling creeks cascading over rocks and sheltered rainforest gullies, Bidjigal Reserve provides an island of natural habitat. Spend a day explore this extensive nature reserved in the Hills area of Sydney. 

Stay in NSW

Stay at Diggers Camplaunch. This off-the-grid primitive campground in the Northern Rivers region is a gorgeous, secluded spot on a headland overlooking the beach and is accessible only via a dirt road.

Stay at Belmont Lakeside Holiday Parklaunch. Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park prides itself as an inclusive holiday destination with a focus on accessible accommodation and facilities. Their brand new swimming pool features hoist access and concrete pathways connect most areas of the park, including an all abilities access BBQ where wheelchair users can access cooking facilities

Stay at Penrose Parklaunch. Just a 20-minute drive from Broken Hill you’ll discover the historic town of Silverton, and Penrose Park recreation reserve. Whether you’re after a quiet camping spot, family BBQ, an eventful weekend, or week away, Penrose Park has something special for the whole family.

Clean, renewable energy to power up to 700,000 homes a year has been given the green light with the NSW Government’s approval for the Yanco Delta wind farm in the state’s South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The 1500MW wind farm will be developed by Virya Energy around 10km north-west of Jerilderie on a 33,000 hectare site in the Murrumbidgee and Edward River Local Government Areas.

The project will involve the construction of 208 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 270m, an 800MW battery energy storage facility and grid connection infrastructure.

Public exhibition of the project’s environmental impact statement saw overall support, and the Department of Planning and Environment has been engaging closely with local councils, residents and government agencies.

The project is estimated to save between 2.8 million and 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, making a significant contribution to the state’s net zero targets and Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Potential impacts would be managed through strict conditions including road upgrades and maintenance, implementation of management plans and a range of mitigation and adaptive management measures.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“This is fantastic news for NSW and for the South West of the state. It means more clean energy, more jobs and local investment and we’re another step closer to achieving our Net Zero targets.

“Over the next decade, 3 of the 4 remaining coal fired generators in NSW are scheduled to retire, removing around 7400 megawatts of dispatchable electricity generation from the system.

“Renewable energy developments like this one in the South West Renewable Energy Zone are critical to our energy future, so we can ensure there is enough renewable energy to replace aging coal-fired power stations.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Local residents and stakeholders have played a vital role in the work to get this project over the line, and it’s set to deliver positive local benefits including up to 300 jobs in construction and 30 jobs in operation.

“Two hundred and eight wind turbines producing around 1500 megawatts is more than the entire generating capacity of the Mt Piper coal fired power station near Lithgow, west of the Blue Mountains. 

“This is a great way to end to 2023. With 18 renewable energy projects under assessment that could provide enough energy to more than 2,740,000 households a year, 2024 will likely be an event stronger year for adding more renewable energy to the NSW grid.”

As the new year approaches, the NSW Government is asking the community to give a brighter future to a child in need by becoming a foster carer.

Currently, there are 480 children living in emergency placements because there aren’t enough foster carers.

Emergency placements include hotels, motels and caravan parks where children are looked after by shift workers 24/7.

The government relies on foster carers to provide support to some of the 15,000 children in out-of-home care in NSW.

Without additional community support, more vulnerable children will end up in emergency living placements.

There are many types of fostering arrangements available, including short-term emergency and long-term care options.

Carers receive training, support and an allowance to help them throughout their care journey.

To learn more about becoming an authorised carer with a non-government organisation visit myforeverfamily.orglaunch

To learn more about becoming an emergency foster carer with DCJ email fosteringwithdcj@dcj.nsw.gov.aulaunch

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Right now, there are 480 vulnerable children living in emergency care arrangements, including hotels and motels, with 24/7 shift workers, because there aren’t enough foster carers.

“Without loved ones or somewhere safe to call home, just think what Christmas will be like for these kids.

“Across NSW, there are many wonderful foster carers putting up a Christmas tree with the young people in their lives, but we desperately need more.

“There is no better gift that anyone could give than a safe place to call home, especially to children who’ve seen the worst and need it the most.

“If you’re wondering how you can make a difference in the new year, please consider becoming a foster carer and giving a brighter future to a child in need.”

On the last working day before the NSW public service Christmas closedown the Labor Government has left a long list of key planning and housing initiatives undelivered and unresolved.
 
“The Premier has made housing his top priority, but the Government has failed to deliver on many of the key initiatives they promised in 2023 to support the delivery of more homes,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“With the Government failing to deliver on their promises, they must be hoping that Santa will come down the chimney and they will find them wrapped underneath the tree on Christmas Day.”
 
The list of key initiatives the Government has left unresolved and undelivered in 2023, includes:
 
1.     Audit of government land with potential to provide housing.
2.     Housing and Productivity Contribution – Infrastructure Opportunities Plan.
3.     Housing and Productivity Contribution – Works-in-kind agreement framework.
4.     Housing and Productivity Contribution – Local government grant funding guidelines.
5.     Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.
 
“The Premier has signed NSW up to a target of delivering 377,000 new homes over the next five years with no advice from planning and many of the key planning initiatives to support this growth have been left unresolved.”
 
“While the Government is quick to put a tax on new homes, they’ve failed to outline their plans for the infrastructure the tax is supposed to support.”
 
“It’s no wonder that the NSW Planning Performance Dashboard has shown that Development Applications lodged continues to drop and there are 4,656 less than the cumulative figure at the same point last year – a drop of 23.4%.”
 
“The Government talks a big game on planning, but they need the detail to back it up to both inform the community and give industry the certainty and security to invest,” Mr Farlow said.

The NSW Shadow Attorney-General, Alister Henskens SC MP, has called on the Minns Labor Government to urgently lodge an expedited appeal against the Supreme Court’s recent single Judge decision in Kvelde v State of New South Wales.

The Court’s decision will open the door to more disruptive protest action if NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley fails to lodge an expedited appeal to ensure the anti-disruption laws operate as the NSW Parliament intended.
Last year, the NSW Coalition passed reasonable and proportionate laws with the full support of the Labor Party to prevent the kinds of disruptive activities that saw Sydney ground to a halt. The community welcomed these laws as a way to prevent the chaos created by blockades of major roads and ports by protestors.
These laws were carefully considered and balanced the important rights of freedom of speech and political communication against the need to prevent mass disruption and economic damage from protestors. The judgement also raises significant questions of law surrounding the proportionality, which Justice Gageler described in Brown v Tasmania (2017) 216 CLR 328 at [158] as, “a tool of analysis, not a constitutional principle”.
Last month, the Premier said, “You cannot have a situation where our ports are blocked for commerce because one group or another has a political disagreement with another country. That would be hugely damaging to our economy and it would be massively damaging to the reputation of both the state and the country.” 

If the Premier really meant his statements last month then he must get his Attorney-General to lodge an expedited appeal.

Last week the Premier ruled out further legislative change, leaving an appeal to the NSW Court of Appeal as the only option to save these anti-disruption laws.

The integrity of our parliamentary democracy is at stake. The untested decision of one judge should not be determining an issue that has enormous consequences for the people of NSW. The decision should be appealed by the NSW Government.

The choice for the Premier and Attorney-General is clear – they can be on the side of the commuters and businesses of NSW by lodging an appeal, or they can be captive to the left-wing of their party and do nothing.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $73 million in Marine Rescue NSW over the next four years, as the volunteer water rescue service had its busiest year on record.

The major funding was announced at Stockton today, where a new $3 million Marine Rescue NSW base was officially opened by Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley.

Built by a family-owned construction company based in NSW, the new Stockton facility is a purpose-built search and rescue coordination centre funded by a $2 million grant from NSW Crown Lands and an investment from Marine Rescue NSW.

The 600 square metre, two level building features a radio room, crew and training areas, administration areas, vessel and equipment storage and can act as a command centre during major incidents.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing significantly in Marine Rescue NSW’s fleet, including three new multi-purpose vessels currently being built in the Hunter.

These vessels will be used to assist other agencies during significant emergencies, such as floods. When the vessels are not used for flood response, they will be part of the Marine Rescue NSW fleet assisting boaters in need.

The additional funding will be invested in new fleet including new rescue vessels for Lake Macquarie, Trial Bay and Brunswick units in the first year. It will also contribute to the refurbishment of nine other rescue vessels.

Last financial year, Marine Rescue NSW conducted a record 4548 search and rescue missions, returning more than 10,000 people safely to shore, it’s busiest year to date.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are the unsung heroes of our waterways, and they play a vital role in keeping people who enjoy our oceans, lakes and rivers safe.”

“Our beautiful waterways will continue to be busy this summer, so it is important Marine Rescue NSW has the resources and facilities it needs to carry out its important role.”

“This investment is recognition of volunteers’ dedication and an assurance that they will have the resources and support needed to save lives.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The new Marine Rescue NSW base is a welcomed addition to supporting local and visiting boaters to the Newcastle area.”

“The Hunter Coast is one the busiest boating regions in the state and it is reassuring for the community to know that the team of highly skilled volunteers are ready to respond.”

“Marine Rescue NSW and NSW Police Marine Area Command work closely together to serve the boating community and this building provides a fit-for-purpose base for joint operations.”

“On behalf of the people of the Hunter, and all of our boating visitors, I thank the hardworking Marine Rescue Newcastle volunteers for their dedication and commitment to helping keep our beautiful waterways as safe as possible.”

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said:

“The NSW Government fully supports our mission of saving lives on the water and this four-year funding agreement ensures that our skilled volunteers from the Tweed to Eden and inland at the Alpine Lakes and Moama can continue assisting boaters in need.

“In the first year this funding will facilitate the construction of new rescue vessels for our Lake Macquarie, Trial Bay and Brunswick units.

“It will also contribute to the refurbishment of nine other rescue vessels and assist with the development of 24/7 communication hubs across the state.”

Marine Rescue Newcastle Unit Commander Lyn Van Homrigh said:

“The new base provides a major boost to the region’s boating community.

“This new facility has expanded our search and rescue capabilities and has already played a vital role in numerous emergency responses.

It’s official – Western Sydney’s first beach is open for business thanks to a $1.7 million investment by the Minns Labor government.

Hundreds of visitors will today attend the grand opening of Penrith Beach to soak up the sun and cool off in the heart of Western Sydney.

Western Sydney residents previously needed to travel 40km to swim in Lake Parramatta, 63km to get to Bondi Beach, or 75km to get to either Cronulla or Manly.

From today, Penrith’s own beach will be open 7 days a week through to 3 March 2024, except on Christmas Day.

Visitors will find on-site car parking, change rooms, toilets and access for people with disabilities, including mats to allow wheelchairs to fully immerse in the water.

Public safety at the site is paramount – lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone. Water quality will also be monitored regularly during the summer.

Booking is essential, with 700 car parking spaces available daily. Access is provided through free parking vouchers, available via the website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach

A free shuttle bus will also operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, travelling from Penrith Station to Penrith Beach between 11am and 4pm. Free shuttle bus tickets are available from www.nsw.gov.au/penrith-beach

The first week will be used to gather feedback and fine-tune the experience, and we ask that people are patient during this time.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

 “What a fantastic day it is to see Penrith Beach opening for the people of Western Sydney.

“Our local communities have been waiting years for this incredible swim spot to be opened to the public, and I know locals are delighted to see this day finally come.

“I am proud to be part of this Labor Government which has finally opened the first ever beach for the people of Western Sydney.

“See you at Penrith Beach!”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This fantastic initiative will mean people can cool down at a beach in the hottest part of the year for the length of the school holidays.

“We’ve always been clear that this is the first time the beach has opened for swimming. It’s a trial through to the beginning of March 2024, so we’re asking people to be patient particularly while we fine tune the experience in its first few weeks.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“This is not just about giving families and kids a safe and fun place to play over summer – it’s about bringing some balance to the opportunities available to the people of Western Sydney.

“Grab your towels, your sunshades and your sand buckets – Penrith Beach is going to be an amazing place to spend time this summer, but don’t forget to book!”

Two additional renewable energy generation projects and 3 long-duration storage projects have been successful in the latest tender round of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, cementing the state’s position at the leading edge of investment in the national energy transition.

In the third tender delivered independently by AEMO Services, one solar project, 1 wind project, 2 lithium-ion battery energy storage system projects and 1 advanced-compressed air energy storage system have been awarded Long-Term Energy Service Agreements.

The projects will be built in Twelve Mile, Culcairn, Broken Hill, Merriwa and Myrtle Creek.

Each of the 3 storage projects have a continuous discharge capacity of at least 8 hours and collectively could power the Sydney Cricket Ground lights for around 130 days.

The successful projects represent $4.2 billion in private sector investment in the state’s renewable energy infrastructure, building upon the $4.3 billion in private sector investment committed in AEMO Services’ 2 previous tenders.

The 5 projects are expected to be operational from 2028 and will contribute to broader community and economic benefits, including support for an estimated 1000 jobs over the project lifetimes, $2 billion in local supply chain benefits, $40 million towards First Nations initiatives and enough generation to power 360,000 NSW homes per year.

Following the outcome of this third tender, NSW has now locked in 5.79 GW – almost half – of its legislated 12 GW renewable target for generation. It confirms 574 MW of the legislated 2 GW target for long-duration storage.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The Roadmap tenders are accelerating the transition to renewables, ensuring households and businesses have reliable access to clean and affordable electricity into the future, while providing jobs and other benefits in regional communities.

“NSW is now almost halfway there on our 2030 renewable generation target, and over a quarter of the way there on our long-duration storage target.”

Tender Round 3 successful projects