NSW Government Weekly Update – 3 September 2021

For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT MEASURES EXTENDED

  • The NSW Government has announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.
  • This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.
  • Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14 January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.
  • The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

  • The NSW Government has announced an increase to the Residential Tenancy Support Package to up to $4,500 per tenancy and an extension to the eviction moratorium until 11 November 2021, giving increased security to residential tenants impacted by COVID-19.
  • The Residential Tenancy Support Package will now provide payments of up to $4,500 per tenancy as long as landlords reduce rent for their tenants by at least that much and have not claimed land tax relief. This is a further $1,500 increase and comes as part of our commitment to supporting people who have taken a hit due to COVID-19.
  • Applications for the increased rebate will open shortly. Landlords who have already claimed the rebate can offer further rent reductions and apply for an additional rebate up to $4,500.
  • Alternately, a landlord who has yet to apply for the rebate can do so in a single application. For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading.

MORE FREE TAFE COURSES ANNOUNCED

  • The NSW Government has announced additional fee-free TAFE NSW lockdown learning courses after more than 10,000 NSW residents enrolled to study in less than a month.
  • Recently added fee-free short courses include:
  • Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Hairdressing/Barbering
  • Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Beauty
  • Statement of Attainment in Drones in Agriculture
  • Statement of Attainment in Create and Design Spreadsheets
  • Statement of Attainment in Food Safety Supervision

TARGETED COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

  • Quick response grants of up to $10,000 are available for Aboriginal community organisations and groups to meet the immediate health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people across the state as part of Aboriginal Affairs NSW’s COVID-19 response strategy.
  • Aboriginal communities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and these grants will enable Aboriginal services to support people already impacted by COVID-19 as well as taking preventative steps such as encouraging vaccination.
  • Applications for the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program are now open via www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/grants/covid-19-aboriginal-community-response-grants-program.

COMMENCEMENT OF BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD FOR COASTAL NSW

  • This week saw the commencement of the Bush Fire Danger Period for Coastal NSW, including 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This brings the total number of LGAs currently experiencing heightened bush fire risk to 27 across NSW.
  • LGAs entering their Bush Fire Danger Period this week are: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Mid-Coast, Port Macqurie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Nambucca, Kempsey, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven.
  • They join the LGAs who commenced their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 August: Armidale, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell and Tenterfield.
  • Remaining areas of NSW are scheduled to commence their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 October 2021.
  • As communities enter their Bush Fire Danger Period that they now have additional responsibilities, and must obtain the required approvals before lighting any fires and ensure they have adequate firefighting resources on hand.
  • Those who fail to notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months’ jail while escaped burns attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years’ prison.

LOCK IN THE PERFECT LOCKDOWN GIFT ON THE NSW GOVERNMENT’S BUY REGIONAL WEBSITE 

  • With stay-at-home orders currently in place across NSW, shoppers are encouraged to jump online and support regional businesses without leaving their home by checking out the myriad of gifts available on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website.
  • Buy Regional is a win-win for Sydney siders who can score a special present for their dad or a father figure this Father’s Day while supporting regional businesses at the same time.
  • To register your regional business or to lock in the perfect lockdown gift, head to www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.

OPERA HOUSE SAILS TO LIGHT UP IN VIRTUAL TRIBUTE TO OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS

  • In recognition of the amazing efforts of our 486 Olympians and 179 Paralympians in Tokyo, the Sydney Opera House sails will light up with the faces of each Australian athlete this Sunday, with the projection livestreamed so everyone can pay tribute from home.
  • Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will not be possible to watch the event in person, people can only watch on the livestream from home.
  • To watch the illumination, head to nsw.gov.au/Olympics at 6.30pm this Sunday, 5 September 2021.

SECOND ROUND OF $100 MILLION NSW SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND OPENS

  • The State’s sports infrastructure boom is set for a further boost, with the opening of the latest round of a $100 million funding program by the NSW Government.
  • The Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Eligible projects include lighting, amenity buildings, clubrooms, change rooms and grandstands.
  • Round 2 is the final round of the program and sporting organisations and councils are urged to apply. The grant application and assessment process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor. Applications are open and will close on 8 October 2021. For more details, see: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

  • The search is on for the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations now open for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
  • Categories include the Woman of Excellence, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and Regional Woman of the Year.
  • The One to Watch, which recognises girls aged seven to 17 who supported others through acts of courage, strength, determination or kindness, is in its second year.
  • Nominations close on Friday 17 September and can be submitted here: https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/WOTYA2022.

SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES ACROSS NSW

  • Drivers are reminded to slow down and take extra care in school zones across NSW, with schools remaining open for families who need it.
  • At the end of July, the number of people caught speeding in school zones reached more than 150 per cent above the pre-lockdown average. While there has been some improvement, there are still far too many drivers doing the wrong thing now.
  • To help keep children safe, the NSW Government has made sure every school has at least one set of flashing lights, with additional sets also installed outside many schools with multiple busy entrances.
  • The NSW Government is also investing an extra $18.5 million to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors – with 275 already on the ground, including 65 in regional NSW – offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for motorists.
  • Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.

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