Month: April 2024

Residents facing the challenging task of cleaning up after intense rainfall along the NSW coast can take flood-generated waste to the tip without paying the waste levy.

The NSW Government has lifted the waste levy fee for another 7 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to bolster recovery efforts.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption now applies to the following additional LGAs:

• Blue Mountains
• Camden
• Liverpool
• Penrith
• Sutherland
• Wingecarribee
• Wollondilly.

Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama LGAs have already received waivers.

Residents in these 12 council areas will not be charged for the waste levy to dispose of flood-generated waste and debris at landfill sites. Local landfill gate fees may still apply.

The exemption covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris, and any other flood-related products.

Lifting the levy fee makes it easier for locals to get rid of flood-affected household items safely and efficiently. It also provides financial relief as communities strive to rebuild as soon as possible.

The waiver for all 12 LGAs is in place until 30 June 2024, with requests for extensions to be considered.

As the clean-up process continues, the EPA could expand this benefit to support other areas impacted by heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The NSW Government has invested more than $8 million in state-of-the-art upgrades to the Gaden Trout Hatchery in Jindabyne to help futureproof NSW’s iconic trout fishing sector that contributes to regional development across the state.

The commitment of the Government to recreational fishing and sustainable regional development is demonstrated through this significant multi-million-dollar upgrade to the hatchery’s production capabilities and tourist facilities. 

The Gaden Trout Hatchery sits by the Thredbo River and is one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing popular freshwater sportfish including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Tiger Trout and Atlantic Salmon.  

Each year almost three million trout and salmon are produced at the Government’s hatcheries in Jindabyne and Ebor and stocked across streams, lakes and rivers to boost recreational fishing opportunities. This is a major driver in attracting visitors to regional NSW. 

Upgrades include a new hatchery featuring hi-tech Recirculating Aquaculture Systems that control water temperatures to allow faster and more efficient fingerling production, management of broodstock and capacity to rapidly rebuild fisheries following adverse environmental conditions such as drought or flood.  

In addition to the upgrades to the hatchery, onsite education and visitor facilities have been expanded to ensure that Gaden Trout Hatchery continues to be a popular destination for tourism and recreational fishing education. 

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: 

“Since opening in the early 1950s, the Gaden Trout Hatchery has become one of Australia’s main centres for breeding trout and salmon. 

“The new upgrades will not only allow the Government’s Fisheries team to breed and produce larger trout for stocking, but also to undertake more research to secure the future of some of our endangered native species. 

“The NSW Government is committed to building a recreational fishing sector that thrives and supports regional communities. 

“The ongoing success of the Government’s trout stocking program, funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust, highlights the great work being done by the dedicated staff at the Gaden and Dutton Trout Hatcheries.” 

Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said: 

“The $3.3 million funding from the NSW Government for the tourist centre upgrades at the Gaden Trout Hatchery will build on the popularity of trout fishing in the Snowy and give the growing tourism market a significant boost. 

“Our Government’s approach to developing the Snowy region demonstrates the sustainable and smart way we are going about delivering projects that have been talked about for years but needed us to finalise and deliver.”

Motorists can begin claiming their toll cap cash back from today, with an average $134 available to eligible toll account holders who have spent more than $60 in tolls in any week since January 1.

From today, eligible customers can visit the toll relief section of the Service NSW website and link their toll account with their Service NSW account to make a claim.

Western Sydney motorists stand to receive most back under the NSW Government’s $60 toll cap, with Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Greystanes, Marsden Park and Moorebank the suburbs with the highest number of potential claimants on the scheme.

Overall, there are 350,000 toll account holders entitled to a rebate after the first three months of the $60 toll cap being in place.

Approximately $46.8 million is eligible to be claimed after the first quarterly period.

Drivers who spend on average $200 per week on tolls will receive approximately $7280 in rebates each year.

Data shows the Government is getting cost-of-living assistance to where it is needed most, with Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Greystanes, Marsden Park and Moorebank making up the top five suburbs for toll account holders eligible to claim toll relief.

Suburb	Accounts entitled	Average rebate
Kellyville	7,406	$145
Baulkham Hills	6,604	$168
Greystanes	5,952	$195
Marsden Park	5,491	$195
Moorebank	5,220	$147

Some suburbs have fewer eligible claims but a higher average rebate per account. They include Lakemba ($309), Auburn ($266), Bankstown ($235), Rosehill ($232) and Villawood ($227).

To be eligible, a motorist must:

• be a NSW resident;
• hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time, and 
• spend more than $60 a week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible, personal trips.

A fair use provision will ensure the integrity of the scheme, with motorists able to claim up to $400 in tolls for a maximum rebate of $340 a week for each tag or licence plate on a toll account.

For more information about the rebate, visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“We know families are doing it tough right across Sydney and NSW and the $60 toll cap is an important part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide cost-of-living relief.

“The toll cap was designed with providing toll relief to where it is needed most so it is good to see that much of it will go to motorists in Western Sydney who have for a long time dealt with unavoidable quarterly and annual toll price increases while having fewer choices when it comes to the public transport alternative to driving.

“It’s a quick and simple process to link a toll account online with Service NSW to make a quarterly claim and I urge those who are eligible to do so from today.

“You can link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account, view your Toll Tracker and then if eligible, submit your claim. It will be even quicker if you have your details like your toll account number and bank account information ready to go.”

The NSW Government has completed the clean up and revitalisation of the derelict Three Rivers Regional Retirement Community Project in Dunedoo.

This project, funded by $3.8 million from the NSW Government and $1.8 million from the Australian Government, is now complete.

Contractors engaged by NSW Public Works recently remediated the 1.5-hectare site, which has been an eyesore blighting the entrance to the town for the past decade.

Materials were carefully disassembled and removed during the three-month clean-up operation, with 95 per cent of items including door frames, insulation, roof sheeting and timber trusses recycled and provided to locals for free, saving 65 tonnes of useful materials from landfill.

Crews have hydro mulched the site to prevent dust spread and a new perimeter fence was erected around the formerly derelict site, which has been a long-term target for local vandals.

The Department of Regional NSW will work closely with Warrumbungle Shire Council and the community on future plans for the site, including consultation with locals in the coming months about options to activate the site and potentially build independent living units.

Planners will also consider if new accommodation at the site could support the work already underway by EnergyCo as part of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

The original Warrumbungle Shire Council Three Rivers project included the construction of 27 independent living units as well as a community centre, community garden, and an agricultural education facility.

Construction commenced in 2014 but was stalled due to legal proceedings between Warrumbungle Shire Council and the builder.

A legal settlement was reached in December 2022 and NSW Public Works was engaged in mid-2023 to clean up the site.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I’m so glad that progress has finally been made at the Three Rivers site at Dunedoo.

“Having seen the derelict site while driving into the town on the Golden Highway I know what a thorn in the side it has been for locals for all of these years to have this defunct project marring the entry to their otherwise beautiful town.

“With the site now cleared, options for its future development are able to be scoped and considered and the future looks very bright for Dunedoo.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“The remediation of the Three Rivers site will hopefully help the Dunedoo community and Warrumbungle Shire Council heal from a long and painful process. This site has been a visual reminder of a failed contract and protracted litigation, so I’m really happy for the Dunedoo community.

This site could be a huge asset for the town. I encourage the community to get involved and have a say about how the site should be utilised in the future, with the NSW Government and Warrumbungle Shire Council consulting with locals in the coming months.”

Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan said:

“This has been a long time coming for the Dunedoo Community and to now have a cleared we are only looking forward into the future prospects of this site.

“Council, along with the Dunedoo Community, are looking forward for future developments on this site for our community.” 

Work to rebuild Coulsons Creek Road in the Upper Hunter, NSW, is now in full swing following more than $48 million in funding provided by the Australian and NSW governments.

The work on Coulsons Creek Road will take place between Merriwa and Willow Tree Road.

The road had been previously completed in 2019, but the vital community connection was significantly damaged by heavy rainfall and subsequent land slips, causing its closure in 2021.

The upgraded road will feature improved drainage, protection against rock falls, new safety barriers, signage and line marking.

Transport for NSW, Infrastructure NSW and Public Works Advisory worked closely with the Upper Hunter Shire Council on a new design for the road.

The Australian Government has committed $38.6 million and the NSW Government $9.66 million for the repairs to be carried out.

Daracon Group has been awarded the contract to carry out the work.

Work is expected to be complete by mid 2025, weather permitting.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“It is great to see work getting under way on this important regional road in the Upper Hunter after being closed for more than three years, and to see the cooperation between the three levels of government.

“We know how important this road is for agriculture and livestock, providing essential access for farmers and livestock producers.

“It will also reduce travel times for all road users while improving safety by reducing traffic volumes on those roads that were being used as detours while Coulsons Creek Road was out of service.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“Work on this road will restore an important connection between the Golden and New England highways, benefiting tourism in this beautiful part of regional NSW, logistics, distribution and supply chains.

“Having three NSW Government agencies working with the Upper Hunter Shire Council with multi-million-dollar contributions from the Australian and NSW governments demonstrates how all levels of government recognise the importance of this road.”

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:

“The upgrade of this three-kilometre section of road will mean B-double trucks will once again be able to use this route, meaning heavier loads can be transported more efficiently.

“This provides cost savings for heavy vehicle operators and the community.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“I am delighted to see that this crucial upgrade work to Coulsons Creek Road is well and truly underway.

“This is a huge win for the community here in the Upper Hunter, with all levels of government coming together to ensure delivery on these crucial upgrade works.

“I commend the hard work of everyone involved in making this project happen and look forward to taking a drive myself once the work is complete.”

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison said:

“Today marks a pivotal moment for the Upper Hunter region as we break ground on the Coulsons Creek Road upgrade.

“This project represents the collective efforts and dedication of our community, backed by significant support from the NSW and Australian governments.

“Their support reaffirms the critical role of government partnership in driving regional growth and prosperity.

“We are committed to enhancing our infrastructure to support our community’s needs today and into the future.”

NSW Local Court Magistrate Ross Hudson has been appointed a Judge of the District Court of NSW, Attorney General Michael Daley announced today.

Magistrate Hudson brings a wealth of judicial experience and skill to the District Court bench, having served as a Local Court Magistrate since 2015.

As well as determining a range of matters, including sentencing, applications and hearings as part of his core work, Magistrate Hudson has been a member of the Local Court Education Committee for the past six years.

In addition, he served as President of the NSW Magistrates’ Association, which represents more than 100 judicial officers of the NSW Local Court.

He will be formally sworn into the District Court of NSW on Tuesday 23 April 2024.

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I warmly congratulate Magistrate Hudson on his elevation to the District Court of NSW.

“Magistrate Hudson has been a great asset to the Local Court of NSW for the past nine years where he is well regarded for his extensive knowledge of criminal law, court procedures and processes.

“His expertise will be a significant addition to the operation of the District Court of NSW.”

Ross Hudson – biography

Magistrate Hudson commenced his career 25 years ago, first working as a paralegal at Carl Shannon Chambers – The Public Defenders.

Admitted as a solicitor in 2002, he worked at the criminal law specialist firm, William O’Brien Solicitors, becoming an accredited specialist in Criminal Law in 2007 and a partner in 2009.

He appeared in a broad range of jurisdictions while in this role, including the High Court, the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, Supreme Court, District Court, Local Court, and the Children’s Court, as well as working on coronial inquests in NSW and matters before the NSW and Australian Crime Commissions and ICAC.

He became a Magistrate of the NSW Local Court in 2015 where he has presided over a number of high-profile cases, building a reputation for providing clear and concise reasons for Judgments as well as his efficient management of court processes.

The public is invited to have their say on the best path forward to reform the way emergency services are funded via a consultation paper which is now online.

The NSW Government is encouraging views on the design and scope of a new model to replace the current system which places the burden of an Emergency Services Levy (ESL) on insurance premiums.

Currently, only households and businesses that pay for insurance are paying the levy to fund Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW State Emergency Service.

The NSW Government last November announced the levy would be removed from insurance and applied instead to property.

The ESL Consultation Paper is seeking feedback on four possible models to create a sustainable system that will spread the costs across all property owners.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring any new model will include protections for pensioners and vulnerable members of the community. The model will also be revenue-neutral and continue to be determined solely by the funding needs of the three agencies.

As climate change increases the instances of natural disasters, the funding requirements of our emergency services are expected to continue rising, increasing the ESL, and making insurance more unaffordable.

In fact, NSW Treasury estimates that the total annual cost of flood and bushfire to the economy is projected to increase from $7 billion in 2020-21 to $24 billion by 2070-71 as climate change related extreme weather events become more frequent and intense.

The existing ESL has pushed insurance premiums in NSW up by around 18 per cent for residential property and around 34 per cent higher for commercial property.

Rising costs now mean more than one-third of households in NSW do not have home contents insurance – which is the highest rate of any state in the nation.

The Government is asking for feedback on a range of design features, including how levy rates should apply to different property types and locations, how the levy should be collected, and what protections should be provided for pensioners and other vulnerable groups.

The release of the Consultation Paper follows the announcement of a Stakeholder Reference Group which is providing the Government with a broad range of expert advice on a new model.

The Consultation Paper is open for feedback until 22 May 2024.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Public feedback is an important step in reforming the way emergency services are funded into the future.

“I want to ensure that we create a lasting system where everyone contributes to the crucial emergency services we all rely on.

“We’re encouraging industry stakeholders and the wider community to express their views now so the new funding model for emergency services in NSW is fair, efficient, simple and adapted to the future impacts of climate change.”