Month: August 2024

Sydney Gateway will open to traffic early Sunday morning, completing the final piece of the new toll-free connection to Sydney Airport.

After almost four years of construction and the efforts of more than 8000 workers, the Gateway was officially opened on Friday morning ahead of first vehicles expected by 4.30 am on Sunday.

The new five kilometres of motorway will transform airport access, saving drivers an estimated 17 minutes between the airport and the St Peters Interchange, which connects to the M8 and on to Western Sydney.

For drivers joining the motorway network from Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith or Parramatta, Sydney Gateway unlocks a traffic –light-free run all the way to the domestic terminal.

Sydney Gateway is designed to handle 100,000 vehicles a day, including up to 10,000 trucks, providing a more direct route to and from Port Botany while improving safety on local streets in and around Mascot.

As with all major project openings, Transport is expecting a period of adjustment while motorists get used to the new motorway.

People driving to the airport are advised to plan their trip in advance, allow plenty of time and familiarise themselves with driver animations released in July that show in detail the new route options, including entry points, exit points, signage and road markings.

For the first time on a major new motorway project, members of the public have reviewed signage and marking in advance, helping Transport to make 100 improvements.

Sydney Airport will have in place kerb-side management measures at the international and domestic terminals to facilitate traffic flow through the airport, and Transport will be working with Sydney Airport to ensure drop off points are managed

The $2.6 billion project has opened in stages since November last year to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption. This included the unveiling of the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport’s domestic terminals, two twin arch bridges close to the international terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.

To prepare for the opening the community is encouraged to view the driver animation and flyover videos of the complete journey options of Sydney Gateway HERE

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“I want to thank the more than 8000 workers who built Sydney Gateway. It will transform the way we drive to and from Sydney Airport – and hopefully take a little of the stress out of making a flight or meeting a loved one when traffic is heavy.”

“This will help millions of Sydneysiders in and out of the airport in a smoother way, but also take up to 10,000 trucks a day heading to Port Botany off local streets.”

“While Transport and Sydney Airport have been working hard to ensure the opening is a smooth take-off, I urge drivers to familiarise themselves with the new routes through the driver animations and expect some traffic impacts in the opening period”

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover said:

“Sydney Gateway construction has progressed well throughout the project such that we are fully opening to traffic ahead of time and within budget.

“Sydney Gateway is another first-class feat of Australian engineering and workmanship and I thank the 8000 workers who built this major road infrastructure project.

“We look forward to welcoming the first cars on the final stage of this transformative project for the airport precinct and Port Botany.”

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“It’s appropriate we are fully opening Sydney Gateway this Sunday on the first day of spring – the season of new beginnings.

“The new connections between the airport precinct and the motorway network at St Peters Interchange will give motorists a more direct, time-saving and safer link without having to drive through local Mascot roads.

“We encourage people to take another look at the in-car driver animations as we want to help people feel better prepared and more at ease before they drive the new routes on Sydney Gateway.

“Transport for NSW is ready for opening and has established a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre, where the road network can be monitored and adjusted in response to any congestion or incidents.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:

“We’re excited to see Sydney Gateway open to the public – a critical piece of infrastructure that will significantly reduce travel time from the west, enhancing connectivity and convenience for our passengers.

“Gateway will also bring substantial benefits to our local community by diverting cars and trucks off local roads and alleviating congestion.

“To support the opening, we’re ramping up our kerbside operations and doubling the number of kerbside staff to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.”

The NSW Government today announced the easing of emergency zones in the Hawkesbury and around the ACT, as biosecurity clean up actions to eradicate high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8 strain enter the final phase.

From Thursday 29 August 2024 the emergency zone significantly reduced in size with many properties which were in the emergency zone no longer needing permits for moving birds, poultry products, feed and equipment. 

Emergency zones have been made smaller around the two chicken and egg farm sites, and four backyard chicken sites that were near those farms, as biosecurity specialists complete their decontamination activities.  

In addition, the NSW emergency order to manage the avian influenza detection in the ACT has also been revoked.  

The Government’s avian influenza response and eradication actions in the Hawkesbury included: 

• 4,016 samples tested
• 76,000 text messages to property owners 
• 1,500 targeted surveillance letters sent to backyard bird owners
• 500-plus property surveillance contacts
• 300-plus Emergency Animal Disease phone calls received
• 15 community events with educational support for schools, pet shops and local veterinarians, pop-up stalls and webinars 

The NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to biosecurity and primary industries, will see work continue closely with stakeholders to monitor the situation and help prevent any future outbreaks. 

With the easing of emergency zones, poultry farmers and pet bird owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended biosecurity practices.  

If you notice any unusual symptoms in your birds, please contact a veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline, 1800 675 888. 

Information is available online at: Avian Influenza information.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:  

“Thanks must go to the community and poultry industry for assisting our Government in getting this outbreak under control so swiftly. 

“Their exceptional efforts and vigilance in reporting, adhering to biosecurity measures and cooperating with the biosecurity emergency orders has allowed these zone changes. 

“This collective effort has been crucial in protecting the health and safety of our poultry and egg industries.” 

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jo Coombe said:

“The collaborative efforts between organisations, including the poultry industry, local councils and government agencies, were crucial in preventing further spread and supporting those affected. 

“The swift response and proactive measures of all involved has stopped the virus spreading any further and shows how biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.” 

Aboriginal students from around the state will now have greater access to a program designed to provide valuable work experience and nationally recognised qualifications while still at school.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan announced a new round of the Djinggi School-Based Traineeship Program while visiting students completing school-based traineeships at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo earlier this week.

The Djinggi Program, funded by the NSW Department of Education’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant, offers Aboriginal students undertaking the HSC, the opportunity to become school-based trainees.

Djinggi, meaning stars in the Yuin language, plays a critical role in building the next generation of Aboriginal professionals within the Department of Education, as student trainees will work in public schools, preschools, or the department’s corporate offices.

The 2024 Program is set to expand its reach, offering opportunities up to 100 Aboriginal public-school students. Last year, the Program was open to 50 students, with an impressive 90% completion rate.

Over two years, students will balance school, paid work, and training, earning a qualification that contributes to their HSC (Higher School Certificate).

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

“Last year I had the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible impact this collaboration had on our First Nations students, and I am pleased the NSW Government is expanding this program to reach more young people.

“Students not only gain a nationally recognised qualification through paid work and training, but they have the opportunity for employment by the NSW Public Sector.

“Importantly this program helps connect our Aboriginal students with their culture while learning and working alongside local Elders.”

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

“It’s an incredible opportunity for these young people to gain skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

“By expanding the Djinggi Program to reach 100 public school students in 2024, we are opening doors to even more Aboriginal students, helping them to shine in their future careers.

“The Djinggi Program is more than just a traineeship – it’s a beacon of opportunity for Aboriginal students across NSW. It supports their journey towards success in the workforce, helping them to become the stars they are meant to be.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“I am proud the NSW Government has doubled the number of Aboriginal public-school students offered this wonderful opportunity to set themselves up for life with invaluable training and work placements.

“We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led, and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, in partnership with the government, we get better outcomes, and the Djinggi Program is an excellent example of this.”

The Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles for Opal Mining has issued its final report with 81 recommendations to enhance and support the opal mining industry’s sustainability and efficacy. 

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos commissioned the Independent Review following a departmental review of administrative processes which uncovered 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs impacted by invalid decisions.

The review was undertaken by former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO, with the support of law firm Norton Rose Fulbright Australia.

The NSW Government is today releasing the report and is available at www.nsw.gov.au/small-scale-titles-review

The Independent Review analysed the statutory framework of small-scale opals titles, issues such as land access and landholder compensation, and listened to stakeholder views to form its recommendations. In addition to stakeholder meetings, 369 written submissions were considered by Mr Sheahan.

The report covers a range of topics crucial to the industry’s operation, including:

• Balancing stakeholder rights and responsibilities,
• Improving rehabilitation and environmental outcomes,
• Updating cost and compensation structures,
• Improving understanding and usability of the legislative framework, and
• Modernising the administration of titles.

The NSW Government will carefully consider the Independent Review’s recommendations and will publish its response before the end of the year.

Minister Houssos will convene a small working group comprising key stakeholders to inform that response.

A staged approach to implementation will be required, with many of the recommendations requiring further consultation with stakeholders and legislative change.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“The NSW Government will consider the recommendations and develop a government response later this year.

“We understand how important opal mining is to the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities. That’s why we first announced the independent review into this legacy issue we inherited.

“The NSW Government is committed to consulting with miners, land holders, Aboriginal representatives and local communities as we develop a response to the Independent Review.”

NSW Government’s envoy for opal mining Stephen Lawrence:

“This working group will allow the NSW Government to address the report and its 81 recommendations in the best possible way. 

“Working with the opal mining communities of Lightning Ridge and White cliffs, as well as other stakeholders, is vital to ensuring the NSW Government can implement meaningful change for the industry.”

Independent Reviewer Terry Sheahan AO:

“The Review received 369 submissions on the issues paper into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles in New South Wales.

“These submissions, as well as to face engagement with key stakeholders, have greatly assisted the Independent Review in considering how to address rehabilitation, land use conflict, current administrative processes, and the need to modernise the current framework.

“The Independent Review has provided a range of recommendations that aim to establish a better regulatory framework that supports the future of the opal mining industry while addressing certain issues raised by stakeholders.”

A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic has officially opened at East Maitland, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.

The new clinic at Stockland Green Hills shopping centre is open five days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 12,600 women who live and work in the Maitland area.

For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.

Previously, women in the area relied on the BreastScreen NSW mobile breast screening van, which has visited East Maitland since 1995.

The van will continue to visit the Maitland region and will also expand the service to other communities in the Hunter and New England regions.

BreastScreen NSW services are recommended for women aged 50–74 years. The service is available for women from 40 years.

BreastScreen NSW services are for eligible women with no breast cancer symptoms.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their GP without delay.

Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their specific needs with their GP.

To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park

“This permanent clinic will make a huge difference for thousands of women living in the Maitland community, who can now schedule a mammogram five days a week, year-round.”

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in seven developing the cancer in their lifetime.”

“Early detection is the key with breast cancer, and a mammogram is one of the most important things women between the ages of 50 – 74 can do for their health.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison

“Having survived breast cancer in 2017, I know first-hand the importance of early detection. Not only can it save your life, it can improve your treatment options and decrease the impact on your life.”

“It takes just 20 minutes of your time, with no doctor’s referral required, and could save your life.”

“Having a permanent clinic at Green Hills will allow women in our community to easily attend a mammogram appointment during the week and continue to raise awareness of the importance of breast health.”

“We encourage all eligible women to make breast screening a priority. Having a clinic located where women shop, work and relax will enable more women to have this life saving screening.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“Ensuring women in regional and remote communities have equitable access to free breast screening is a priority and essential to reducing breast cancer’s devastating impact on families and communities.”

“I strongly urge all eligible women to not delay and book in a life-saving breast screen when it’s due.”

BreastScreen NSW Hunter New England Manager, Kairsten Marley

“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.”

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history and this is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.”

As Rural Road Safety Month kicks off, the Minn’s Labor Government is urging the community to prioritise road safety on country roads.

Now in its seventh year, Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation, supported by Transport for NSW. This year’s theme is “Help sow the seeds of change; road safety starts with you.”

Several activities are planned throughout September to promote the important message of road safety. Notably, Transport for NSW will partner with NSW Police at the Henty Machinery Field Days, Australia’s largest agribusiness event, expected to draw over 55,000 visitors from 17 to 19 September. Highlights at the event will include:

• a police highway patrol car and mobile drug testing van; and
• two crashed cars demonstrating impacts at 60km/h and 100km/h.

Additional regional NSW activities include:

• 1-30 September, Grafton: Hats Off road safety initiative, featuring a moving display of hats to represent lives lost on NSW roads in 2023
• 13-15 September, Bathurst: Caravan safety at the Bathurst Lifestyle and Leisure Show
• 14 September, Wagga Wagga: Courtesy breath testing at Wagga Aggies Race Day
• 21 September, Speers Point: Bicycle safety installation at the Lake Macquarie Living Smart Festival
• 28 September – Byron Bay – The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities
• 29 September – Ballina – The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities
• 30 September – Port Macquarie – The Helmet Exchange Program for Aboriginal communities

Transport for NSW is also supporting NRMA’s Rural Road Safety Month campaign, which highlights the unique challenges of driving on regional roads through the wisdom of respected Elders. The campaign aims to enhance driver awareness and safety.

For more information, view the campaign here.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“Country residents make up about one-third of NSW’s population, however, nearly two-thirds of deaths occurred on rural and regional roads 2023. We’re encouraging locals to do their part to keep their friends and loves ones safe this Rural Road Safety Month.

“Aboriginal people are also twice as likely to be killed on NSW roads as non-Aboriginal people and are four times more likely to be involved in crashes on regional roads, so I welcome the NRMA campaign featuring respected Elders with a strong message for regional communities.

“The long distances often travelled on rural roads mean there really is no room for complacency when you get behind the wheel.

“Take regular breaks, don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, obey speed limits, follow the advisory signs, be alert to wildlife and drive to the conditions, and always wear a seatbelt.

“And, whether you’re a local or a visitor, please take extra care while driving through rural or regional areas. By making safer choices, we can help everyone get home safe.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Too many people have lost their lives on our roads this year, forever changing the lives of the loved ones and communities they leave behind.

“We all want everyone to arrive home safely – that’s why police enforce the road rules, but there’s only so much our officers can do. Everyone has a responsibility every time they get behind the wheel – a responsibility to themselves, their passengers and other road users.

“Let’s make sure that we all watch our own and each other’s behaviour, follow the speed limit, drive to the conditions, wear a seatbelt and don’t drive distracted or while impaired by drugs and alcohol.”

NRMA Chief Membership Officer, Victoria Doidge said:

“For over 100 years the NRMA has been a trusted voice on road safety, and we continue to look for innovative and engaging ways to advocate for greater road safety outcomes for motorists, particularly those who are living in rural and regional areas. 

“Our rural and regional communities are the backbone of our country and deserve to have the same road safety conditions of those who live in metropolitan areas. We want to ensure that people continue to travel to the regions and can get to their destination safely.”

The NSW Government is unveiling new tools to combat data breaches this Scams Awareness Week, with a new resource to help students spot scams and an online portal to check the legitimacy of a breach notification.

According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, there was an almost 20 per cent increase in scams reported in 2023, with a total of 601,000 scams causing $2.7 billion in losses.

Young people between 18 and 24 are more likely than any other age group to become victims of fraud and scams, and the number of scams reported by people under 18 has nearly quadrupled since last year, according to the Australian Institute of Criminology.

A new online teacher’s toolkit designed by ID Support NSW provides students with the tools and guidance to spot scams and protect their personal information, with interactive activities, quizzes, videos and case studies designed to help students from years 9 to 12 develop skills to navigate the online world.

The resource includes tips such as treating a password like a toothbrush – change them often and never share them with anyone – as well as what should and shouldn’t be shared online. It also provides tips on how to identify a scam, including checking for unusual domain names, an unusual email format and a misleading hyperlink.

ID Support NSW has also developed a Data Breach Portal to help people who think they might be the victim of a data breach check whether an email they received from ID Support NSW is authentic.

ID Support NSW notified almost 200,000 people that their personal information had been compromised in a data breach in 2023 and found that when customers receive a notification, the most common question they ask is whether the correspondence is legitimate.

Anyone concerned about the security of personal information they store can also use ID Support NSW’s new Personal Information Risk Assessment Tool (PIRAT) to understand the potential risks in holding customer data.

The tool can be used both proactively and in the wake of a data breach to assess risk from low to extreme based on the information’s usage and its appeal to cybercriminals.

Customers who want to access the Data Breach Portal can visit www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/get-support.

To undertake a risk assessment via the PIRAT, go to www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/be-prepared/pirat/pirat-assessment.

ID Support NSW also has several resources, tips, tools and webinars available to help people remain safe online. These can be accessed at www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/be-prepared.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“This Scams Awareness Week, we have an opportunity to highlight how people can stay safe online, and the NSW Government is investing in tools and resources that make it easier for people to identify a scam and check if they have been impacted by a data breach.”

“It’s never too early to build awareness around scams and fraud, and the Teacher’s Toolkit is a resource teachers can use to help students understand risk online and measures they can take to protect their identity.” 

“Scam emails, text messages and phone calls are unfortunately something we all encounter, and ID Support NSW is there to help people navigate this new normal.” 

Revenue NSW’s sophisticated compliance team is protecting the integrity of the Minns Labor Government’s first-home buyers program, to protect taxpayer funds and ensure support goes where it is needed.

Revenue NSW’s first-home buyers compliance team has recovered $9.44 million following highly targeted investigations to stop the small minority of applicants who unsuccessfully attempted to do the wrong thing.

In its first year, 33,365 first-home buyers in the expanded program have paid no stamp duty, or discounted stamp duty, when buying their first home.

The program’s expanded thresholds mean that first-home buyers purchasing for under $1 million pay either no, or discounted, stamp duty.

Under the program’s rules, a first-home buyer must move into the property within a year and live there continuously for a full year.

In 2023/24, 718 targeted investigations were launched, resulting in 422 individuals paying back some or all of their stamp duty discount. This represents fewer than 1.3% of all successful applications to the program.

Investigations into non-compliance are not randomly selected and only occur where Revenue NSW’s sophisticated data matching program makes an initial flag.

Data is absorbed from a diverse range of sources, including the NSW Government Rental Bonds Board, along with Commonwealth Government agencies, such as the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office.

Some investigations also begin after a referral from tenants in properties. For example, this could happen after a tenant is asked to keep a utility bill in the owner’s name, raising their suspicions.

Those in Revenue NSW’s compliance team have decades of collective experience and come from a range of backgrounds from the public and private sector, specialising in support and investigations.

This demonstrates the program is effectively targeted to those who need cost-of-living relief, is well understood by buyers and has strong compliance measures in place.

The Minns Labor Government’s first-home buyers program replaced the previous Liberal-National Government’s ‘forever tax’ on first-home buyers.

The higher thresholds implemented under the program allowed for more than 18,000 first home buyers across NSW to receive greater support than they would have under the previous government.

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“At a time of a cost-of-living crisis, the Minns Labor Government is committed to providing real relief to first-home buyers. This program is clearly working, helping more than 30,000 people into their first homes.

“Revenue NSW’s compliance team is working hard to make sure that only those eligible for the scheme are able to use it.

“We want as many people as possible to access the scheme – but they have to stick to the rules. It keeps the program fair and accessible for everyone.”

Chief Commissioner of State Revenue Scott Johnston:

“We’re very proud of our compliance team and the excellent work they do.

“Revenue NSW’s compliance programs are essential to maintaining the integrity of our programs.

“Our team works tirelessly to make sure the first-home buyers program is accessible to everyone who needs it, and that people who aren’t eligible don’t try to game the system.”

Recruitment is now underway for six positions on the Disability Council NSW, the official advisory group to the NSW Government on all matters related to disability.

People with lived experience of disability, particularly those from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Council is seeking applications from people with the skills to support the group’s executive, especially in undertaking research, collaborating with stakeholders, and drafting position papers.

The Council meets four times a year in Sydney, but members can attend meetings online. There is some work outside of the meetings, including reading papers and preparing reports, as well as representing the council at events and other committees.​

The Council’s responsibilities under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 include:

• Monitoring the implementation of Government policy
• Advising the Minister for Disability Inclusion on emerging issues relating to people with disability
• Promoting the inclusion of people with disability in the community
• Consulting with similar councils and bodies, and people with disability.

Being on the Disability Council NSW is not a ‘job’, but members are paid sitting fees to attend meetings and for travel, accommodation, and other reasonable requests as part of the role.​

For more information about the Disability Council NSW and to apply, visit the Disability Council NSW website. Applications close on 29 September 2024.​

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The Disability Council NSW plays a vital role in helping make our state more inclusive and accessible.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in shaping disability inclusion policy in NSW and I encourage people to apply.

“If you’re passionate about disability rights or policy and want to live in a more inclusive community, this is your chance to be at the heart of change for people with disability in NSW.”

Disability Council NSW member and elite para-athlete Julie Charlton said:

“Living with a disability, you constantly have to advocate for yourself because the world’s not made for you. So, you have to make the world realise that, and then change it.

“Being on the council has given me the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other members and their professional expertise. It’s also been a chance to learn about sectors I’ve never advocated for or worked in, such as transport and housing, and how to interact with people in decision-making positions.

“It’s so nice to have a group of people with a common interest all working together for the greater good of our community. I highly recommend that anybody with a lived experience of disability, has interactions with people with disability or cares about community, apply for the Disability Council NSW.”

---