Month: September 2024

A company developing novel technology to monitor and forecast potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms in NSW waterways is among 10 NSW companies to receive funding support through the $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program (NHTP).

CyanoLakes’ innovative state-wide blue-green algae bloom forecasting system uses satellite remote sensing technology and machine learning to provide early warnings for algal blooms in lakes and large river systems. The technology will enable water quality to be monitored 10 times more frequently in remote areas, improving advanced warning times, and allowing agencies to better manage the serious threat posed to humans and animals. 

The NHTP is supporting 10 NSW businesses to field-test their innovative technologies to address challenges faced by nine NSW Government agencies in preparing for and responding to natural hazards.

These agencies include Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry Corporation of NSW, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the Department of Customer Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, and WaterNSW.

The program fosters a diverse range of technological advancements. These include:

• an AI-powered multilingual emergency warning system to ensure effective communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• real-time data analysis and modelling of driver behaviour during natural hazards like floods and fires, enhancing public safety and streamlining evacuations
• drone-based recognition and assessment of hazardous trees following a fire operation.

Further information on the 10 businesses can be viewed at the NHTP webpage.

Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This funding demonstrates the NSW’s Government commitment to innovation and technology to help improve our response and preparedness to natural hazards.

The $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program actively supports innovative NSW businesses to refine and improve their technologies for market, while helping solve many of the challenges faced by NSW agencies in the management of natural hazards.”

“Supporting innovative NSW businesses to field-test their technologies with NSW Government agencies allows them to bring their innovations one step closer to commercialisation and build relationships to increase opportunities for future collaborations.

“The Program also improves NSW Government agency awareness of innovation possibilities in natural hazards management and operations through exposure to new homegrown technology.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“Technology can play an important role in how we model, predict and respond to naturals hazards and emergencies, and this program helps us find solutions that work for our emergency service agencies and, ultimately, the communities of NSW.

“This program supports local innovation by providing an opportunity for NSW businesses to test and showcase their technology, building on the work already being undertaken across emergency services agencies.

“These businesses are taking creative and innovative approaches to the complex challenges presented by natural hazards, whether that is making warning systems more accessible or helping predict floodwaters.”

Cyanolakes CEO, Dr Mark Matthews said:

“The Natural Hazards Technology Program grant gives us a unique opportunity to field-test our technology with WaterNSW to refine the product and ensure it provides accurate information. It helps us better understand their needs and build relationships, which will hopefully lead to further market opportunities in the state and beyond.

“Ultimately, it’s about keeping communities in NSW safe by taking full advantage of the rapid advances in the satellite imagery industry.”

Coniston will be the next Illawarra train station to receive plans for a much-needed accessibility upgrade, with design and investigation work for the station funded under the Government’s $800 million Safe and Accessible Transport program.

The design of the upgrade at Coniston Station will consider new lifts, changes to paths around the station to improve access, tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) to assist the sight-impaired and increase safety at night, accessible car parking, kiss and ride zone, bus stop upgrades, bicycle parking and upgraded lighting and CCTV to boost station security.

Planning work at Coniston, including consultation with local stakeholders to better understand the community’s needs, is expected to take 9-12 months to complete.

Once this development work is complete and depending on funding for the delivery of the project, the government can move to planning approval, and the tender process, followed by construction.

It follows the completion of station upgrades at Unanderra, Bellambi and Dapto. Unanderra passengers are making the most of new lifts, while passengers at Dapto and Bellambi are enjoying improved ramp access.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

“In 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t easily access a station in NSW.

“We committed to upgrading train stations to make them more accessible, safe and secure for the people who need them the most, and that is what we are delivering.

“Transport hubs should be safe and welcoming places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is committing $800 million to the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible.”

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park MP:

“It’s fantastic that the ball is now rolling to have Coniston Station upgraded.

“If you live nearby, make sure you get involved in the consultation, so we can be sure this new station works for the community.

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP:

“Making sure that everyone can access their local train station has been a priority of mine.

“The improvements to Unanderra and Towradgi stations has not only improved the stations, but also access to them.

“With Wollongong City Council encouraging the NSW Government to consider the area around Coniston Station for further housing development, it’s important that we also examine upgrades to the station that will improve its accessibility.”

Thousands of people across NSW will be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, nausea, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.

Health Minister Ryan Park announced at the Pharmacy Guild’s Pharmacy Connect Conference last night in Sydney that work is underway to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice including the following conditions:

• Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection)
• Acute minor wound management
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Mild to moderate acne
• Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain

Subject to appropriate training and ongoing work in implementation work, the expanded service delivery could commence as soon as 2026.

NSW Health is consulting with universities on the development of suitable training as well as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia on request supports for pharmacists including:

• Condition specific training; and
• Upskilling in clinical assessment, diagnosis, management and clinical documentation.

NSW Health has also agreed to authorise individual pharmacists who have successful completed the Queensland pilot training to deliver selected services in NSW from January 2025 onwards.

More than 490 pharmacies across the state have participated in the oral contraceptive pill trial since it began, delivering more than 1,800 consultations to women in NSW.

This follows the successful completion of the first phase of the trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).  The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.

The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.

A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.

Expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists forms part of the NSW Government’s broader efforts to alleviate pressure on GPs.

According to the Federal Department of Health & Aged Care, there were fewer GPs in NSW in 2023 than there were in 2019.

The GP shortage is having a significant impact on the state’s emergency departments.

While the Minister for Health continues to work with the Commonwealth on the challenges facing primary care, for its part, the NSW Government just this week announced the commencement of its Bulk Billing Support initiative.

It also follows the NSW Government’s half a billion dollar emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June, which seeks to build more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improving patient flow within our hospitals.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We know that it is becoming more difficult to access a GP than ever before, with people often waiting days or even weeks before they can find an appointment.

“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations on more conditions, we can relieve the pressure on GPs and end the wait times.

“People should be able to access treatment as and when they need it, and the expansion of this important initiative will improve access to care.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President David Heffernan:

“Whether it’s providing ten million vaccinations during COVID or treating over 18,000 uncomplicated UTIs over the past year, pharmacists have shown that they are able to offer more of the everyday healthcare patients need.

“These changes will mean that patients aren’t forced to present to hospital for a simple ear infection just because their GP can’t see them.

“It’ll mean easier access to everyday healthcare for everyone in New South Wales.”

Pharmaceutical Society of NSW President Luke Kelly:

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia thanks Minister Park and the NSW Government for the confidence they have shown in pharmacists following the success of the NSW Pharmacy Trial, and for leveraging pharmacists’ expertise to expand access to health care.”

“NSW residents will benefit from more timely access to care for a broader range of conditions at their community pharmacy.”

“PSA is committed to workforce preparation, including training, education, practice support and upskilling of pharmacists to undertake and deliver these services.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart MP:

“Families from across the Heathcote electorate have been telling me how difficult access to General Practitioners has become in recent years.

“We know that the GP shortage is hurting families in New South Wales and that the NSW Government needs to do what it can to make access to everyday healthcare easier.

“That’s why I’m so proud to be part of a Government that is taking action and empowering our highly skilled pharmacist workforce to play a larger role in healthcare.”

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to the recovery of the endangered White’s Seahorse today 132 baby seahorses have been released off Little Beach near Nelson Bay.

Following today’s release, a total of 1,000 White’s Seahorses will have been released into Port Stephens this year as part of the Government’s push to support the recovery of the local populations of this iconic threatened species.

To rebuild habitat for the released seahorses, 400 primary school students from 15 schools across the Hunter joined the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and Minister Kate Washington MP for Port Stephens today and helped deploy an additional 15 ‘seahorse hotels’ they had made as part of the ‘Seahorse Saviours school program’.

There are now 60 seahorse hotels installed in Port Stephens by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) team at The Pipeline and Little Beach dive sites.

These hotels start as artificial habitats, and rapidly become covered in algae, sponges and corals, that over time, cause the artificial structure to collapse, creating a new natural habitat that is perfect for seahorses.

The iconic White’s Seahorse is listed as an endangered species in NSW, making it Australia’s only threatened seahorse species and the second endangered seahorse worldwide.

Loss of natural habitats is the main cause of decline in White’s Seahorse numbers, as the coastal estuaries and embayments in which they live are subject to human population pressure and extreme weather events.

The flood events of 2021 and 2022 had a major impact on White’s Seahorse habitats, with shallow water seagrass, sponges and soft corals all experiencing massive declines.

This program has been supported with funding from the Albanese Government’s Saving Native Species grants program

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“On 7 September we acknowledge National Threatened Species Day, and what better way to respond than to deploy 132 captive-bred White’s Seahorse into Port Stephens to help this iconic species recover.

“While White’s seahorses in Port Stephens have significantly declined over the past decade, the implementation of the Government’s new captive-breeding program and installation of seahorse hotels are positive steps towards their recovery.

“We hope these stocking events will help the White’s seahorse re-establish a home here at Port Stephens and will ensure the recovery of this iconic and beloved Australian species.

“I wish to thank the Albanese Government for their funding support for this program.”

Minister Kate Washington & MP for Port Stephens said:

“It’s very special to be releasing baby seahorses to make their home in seahorse hotels in PortStephens.”

“This initiative highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to preserving Port Stephens’ unique marine life and restoring our important ecosystems.”

“I’m delighted to see local students getting firsthand experience in marine conservation, by building and installing seahorse hotels.”

“The successful breeding of these baby White’s Seahorses is a testament to the dedicated staff at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute.”

The NSW Government has appointed former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former NSW Leader of the Opposition, John Brogden as Co-Chairs of the upcoming NSW Drug Summit.

The Co-Chairs will work with attendees to develop and prioritise solutions that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and address other important issues including:

• Equity, respect and inclusion
• Safety and justice
• Keeping people safe
• Integrated care and social support

The Regional Health Minister Ryan Park has also confirmed the Drug Summit will host two regional forums in Griffith on Friday, 1 November and Lismore on Monday, 4 November.

The regional forums will ensure the unique experiences of people in regional NSW are reflected in the deliberations of the summit.

The Drug Summit will bring together medical experts, police, people with lived and living experience, drug user organisations, families, service providers and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives and build consensus on the way NSW deals with drug use and harms.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m so pleased to announce today the appointment of two respected co-chairs to lead this important process.

“Former Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former Opposition Leader John Brogden bring a wealth of experience and have a deep understanding of the sensitivity, and complexity of issues that will be canvassed at the Summit.

“They both bring experience of being in public office and working with communities to find solutions to complex issues.

“Taking the Summit to regional areas like Lismore and Griffith is integral because we know that drug use impacts communities in many different ways. The drug summit will bring people together to find new ways forward to tackle this incredibly complex and difficult problem.”

Co-Chair Carmel Tebbutt:

“Twenty-four years ago, I participated in the first Drug Summit, which saw important improvements to drug treatment services and policy.

“While much has changed since then, we know illicit drug use still causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities.

“I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair for the 2024 Drug Summit and look forward to the summit bringing together diverse perspectives to develop compassionate and effective evidence-based actions.”

Co-Chair John Brogden AM:

“Ultimately, we want to save more lives.

“The summit will listen to professionals and, importantly the community, to see how we can do that across all areas where government and the public intersects with drug use and related crime.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking another step towards rebuilding trust in the NSW corrective services system.

A $30 million investment will support changes to lift standards, deliver better workplaces for staff and protect inmates.

The investment comes as the NSW Government releases its formal response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Offending of Former Corrections Officer Wayne Astill.

All recommendations of the Inquiry have been accepted in full or in principle. The NSW Government is getting on with the most urgent action while working through the longer-term reforms.

The Inquiry, led by former High Court Justice Peter McClellan and initiated by the Minns Labor Government, found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) system.

These failures allowed unconscionable offences to occur inside the justice system and meant staff who tried to speak up were silenced.

The Inquiry followed a decade of reports and reviews that pointed to serious problems but were ignored.

The report and the Government’s response does not remedy what these women have endured.

The crimes and systemic problems outlined by the Special Commission are deplorable and inexcusable.

The NSW Government is committed to undertaking the reform necessary to ensure inmates are properly protected and hardworking staff are safe and supported, including:

Protecting inmates

• Hundreds of new CCTV cameras and a network wide capacity to store and access footage for at least 90 days, meaning serious matters can be reviewed (Rec 1). These cameras will be in addition to those recently installed in priority areas at Dillwynia.
• An advocacy service will be established to ensure female inmates can voice concerns (Rec 20).
• CSNSW will develop a Women’s Strategy that includes mandatory training for all new CSNSW staff working in female correctional centres (Rec 30).

Safer workplaces for staff

• New staff misconduct processes and procedures, including improved triaging, allowing faster resolutions. This will complement recent announcements designed to clarify the line of accountability between the Minister for Corrections and CSNSW, while keeping investigations at arm’s length within the Department of Communities and Justice (Rec 6, 7, 8 and 9).
• Better contraband detection with more K9 drug detection dogs to keep prisons safer and reduce the risk of coercion and bribery (Rec 25).
• The Government will work with staff to put in place policies and procedures to better manage workplace relationships and conflicts between employees, in consultation with staff and their union (Rec 23, 24).

Stronger laws and procedures to prevent misconduct

• The NSW Government will change the law to reduce barriers to prosecutions of staff engaged in inappropriate relationships with inmates (Rec 4).
• The NSW Government will amend the regulations to impose a misconduct reporting obligation on all CSNSW staff (Rec 5).
• Additional staff to improve misconduct management processes.

These changes are in addition to the structural and practical reforms already underway to ensure the NSW prison system is safe for staff and inmates:

• Provision of sexual assault trauma counselling service for the victims of Astill’s offending.
• All uniformed staff at Dillwynia Correctional Centre who work with inmates now have body worn cameras.
• CSNSW will be elevated to a stand-alone agency directly accountable to the Minister and the Government.
• In addition to existing avenues of support, a Sexual Misconduct Reporting Line has been established to provide a confidential reporting mechanism for inmates.
• Face to face sexual harassment training has been completed for all employees in leadership, HR, Professional Standards and staff support roles. 
• A compulsory on-line sexual harassment awareness training module has been launched to be completed by all CSNSW staff.

The NSW Government’s response to the report can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/the-cabinet-office/resources/special-commissions-of-inquiry/astill

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong

“Our thoughts are with the victims of Wayne Astill’s horrific crimes. We again thank the inmates, staff and advocates who spoke up, including to provide the Special Commission with evidence.

“The Astill inquiry found that our prison system had not met the expectations of the community, the NSW Government, or the majority of its 10,000 staff.

“These reforms will help keep inmates safe and they’re also designed to fix the culture that has seen too many good staff let down.

“We should accept nothing less than a corrections system that is built on integrity, transparency, safety and respect for both staff and inmates.

“These are significant changes and we’ll need to work closely with staff, the union and advocates to get them right.”

Aboriginal women and girls in Walgett are benefitting from a local community program helping them build their confidence and self-esteem, while connecting them to language and Country.

Funded with $50,000 from the NSW Government, the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council has been running weekly face-to-face programs to revitalise and revive local language and cultural practices.

The program extends to communities across Walgett, including Gingie Reserve, Namoi Village, as well as engaging young women at Walgett Community College and students at the local primary school.

Activities include community Yarn Ups, workshops, Sista Speak programs and Bro Speak programs. It is also a way for women and girls to connect with local service providers such as the Thiyama-Li Family Violence Service, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, Dharriwaa Elders Group and Barwon Cottage.

The NSW Government is working hard to Close the Gap in Aboriginal communities, especially in regional and rural NSW where women and children face additional barriers to accessing opportunities and resources.

The Warrangal Wirringa Women’s Group supports the important pillars of health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment of the NSW Women’s Strategy by building the confidence and self-esteem for Aboriginal women and girls to actively participate in community.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people, in partnership with the NSW Government.

“Led by the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council, this program is a wonderful example of this.

“The program brings a broad range of Aboriginal service providers together to help Aboriginal women and girls reach their potential, while connecting them to language, culture and Country.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Warrangal Wirringa Women’s Group is a fantastic initiative created by community for community, and something I’m pleased to support.

“This program has engaged local Aboriginal women and girls through language and culture to develop a stronger sense of self-worth, empowering them to make their own choices, as well as giving them access to opportunities and resources.

“Partnering with the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council on this program has allowed us to maximised outcomes for women and girls in Walgett. It has encouraged community participation, led to improved social and emotional wellbeing, increased participation in school, and revived local language and cultural practices.”

Independent member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“This is great news for women and girls in Walgett. Establishing links with services, culture and language is a simple thing, that can make a big difference. Thanks to the Minister for this grant, I know it will be appreciated in the Walgett area.”

Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Wendy Fernando said:

“The Warrangal Wirringa Women’s Group is a space for women to connect – connect to Country and back into the community.

“We get people from the Thiyama-li Family Violence Service, MacKillop Family Services and the Dharriwaa Elders group – we all work together. It’s a gathering place for our women to come and talk and give support to each other.

“The funding provided has done a lot for our women and our community.”

In an important step for regional NSW, the NSW Government has approved the Illabo to Stockinbingal section of the 1,600-kilometre Inland Rail project between Brisbane and Melbourne.

The Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project was approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, meaning the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is closer to beginning construction in late 2024. As Critical State Significant Infrastructure, the project is deemed to be essential to the State’s economy and society.

ARTC will construct up to 39 kilometres of single-track railway for the double-stacked freight trains which will soon travel through the South Western slopes of the Riverina.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal connection is one of seven sections traversing inland NSW. The Inland Rail line will include a crossing loop at Bethungra and connect with the Stockinbingal to Parkes and Lake Cargelligo lines so that goods can also travel along the Main Southern Railway from Sydney to Albury.

The project is expected to create up to 400 jobs to build the new track, bridges and level crossings along the newly approved section with upgrades to a further 3.5 km of existing train track for necessary integration works to the main rail line at Illabo. The project will also involve the construction of infrastructure for communications, drainage, signage, fencing, and temporary worker’s accommodation.

The heritage-listed Bethungra Spiral on the main rail line will be bypassed as part of the project.

The new section will connect to the Inland Rail’s Albury to Illabo proposal in the south and the Stockinbingal to Parkes proposal in the north.

The proposal is a controlled action and requires approval from the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has assessed the project against the EPBC Act under the Bilateral Agreement between the NSW and Australian Government.

The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will now review the NSW approval assessment and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water will determine the project under the EPBC Act.

If approved by the Australian Government, work is expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2027.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“Inland Rail needs the cooperation of the three states it spans so it is great to see regional NSW leading the charge with this approval.

“Planning approval is a significant step for this transformative project to enhance our freight and supply chain capabilities.

“Each section of Inland Rail is a valuable link in the chain of this important national infrastructure.

“Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for inland communities across rural NSW. Once complete, we will be able to move goods much more efficiently to both Melbourne and Brisbane.”

Regional NSW and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for people across rural NSW.

“Regional communities need big developments to keep workers in the bush and actively contribute to their communities.

“We look forward to Inland Rail continuing its essential journey throughout the state.”

Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“This section of Inland Rail will provide a valuable infrastructure link for the South West Slopes as it connects with this vital piece of national infrastructure.

“The NSW government is working with Inland Rail to deliver this project and strengthen its commitment to the regions.

“Consumers right across regional NSW stand to benefit with valuable cost savings once the Inland Rail project is complete as our state will have a more efficient and sustainable freight transport.”

Duty MLC for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence said:

“The nearby Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail project have injected more than $4.2 million into the local economy with many businesses receiving a timely economic boost during a cost-of-living crisis.

“I’m encouraged by this next significant project milestone for communities across the South West Slopes.

“Once finished, Inland Rail will provide faster, more reliable freight and safer, less congested roads.”