Having already secured major deals with aerospace, defence and education institutions, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will now turn its attention to attracting agribusiness to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Ten MoUs signed to date will contribute to the creation of 200,000 jobs at the Aerotropolis, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announcing that a new agribusiness precinct will contribute 2500 direct jobs and support up to 12,000 more.
“We’ve worked hard to bring unemployment down to a record low of 3.9 per cent and our plans will continue to create more jobs for people across the State. I’m particularly excited about the jobs and opportunities that the airport will create for families and future generations in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Western Sydney Airport and the precincts we are delivering around the airport will create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade and support employment across NSW.
“I’m also thrilled that the agribusiness precinct will support farming jobs by enabling even more of our world-class fresh produce to be exported to the world.” The new agribusiness precinct will link directly with the Sydney Markets, which has agreed to have a base at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. It will see NSW’s worldclass fresh produce be exported to the rest of the world in record time.
The agribusiness precinct will consist of a series of high-tech farming and climate controlled glasshouses that will produce fresh food and handle incoming produce from NSW farms for global export.
For the first time, it will mean that food produced in NSW can be flown from the farm gate to international consumers within 24 hours.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Western Sydney Airport was creating major opportunities for families and businesses.
“The airport is a game changer for Western Sydney and for NSW. If you are a young family living in Western Sydney, the employment opportunities being created through initiatives like the agribusiness precinct are incredibly exciting,” he said.
At the same time the NSW Government is creating the jobs for the future in the Aerotropolis, it is also making a significant investment to upgrade the road network in the area to support the new industries.
Some $3.6 billion is being invested to duplicate The Northern Road and Bringelly Road, with construction on both projects already well underway. Planning is continuing on the new M12 motorway which will link the M7 and The Northern Road to the Western Sydney Airport.
The NSW Government has also announced today that the Western City and Aerotropolis Authority (WCAA) will be located in Penrith. The WCAA is tasked with planning and leading the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
METRO WEST CONSTRUCTION TO START NEXT YEAR
Construction on the new Metro West rail line will be accelerated to begin next year – slashing travel times between Parramatta and the city to just 20 minutes.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the decision to bring forward construction is only possible because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“We always said we would build Metro West as fast as possible and today’s announcement shows we mean business,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have worked our guts out to get the budget in a strong position and now we are able to deliver crucial rail projects like Metro West quicker than anyone thought was possible.
“Metro West will more than double the existing rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and only the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government can be trusted to make it a reality.
“This crucial project will reduce the journey between Parramatta and the city to around 20 minutes, with trains running every two minutes.”
Under the Liberals & Nationals Government there will be stations at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays Precinct and the City. Investigations are continuing into possible stations between Olympic Park and Parramatta such as Rydalmere, and at Pyrmont.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said Labor can’t be trusted to deliver major infrastructure projects.
“During its time in office Labor promised to build 12 rail lines, but did not deliver a single one in full,” Mr Constance said.
“In fact Labor has promised a Metro to Western Sydney three times since the mid-90s and cancelled it every time. In 2010 they were so incompetent they handed $81 million back to the Federal Government after cancelling it once again.
“We already have the runs on the board. Metro North West will open in May and construction is underway on Sydney Metro City & South West.”
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will provide $6.4 billion for Metro West over the four year forward estimates.
“This is more than Labor is providing. Our funding is locked in. Labor is relying on billions of dollars of imaginary federal funding,” Mr Constance said.
Metro West is expected to take around eight years to complete from the start of construction. The final schedule for the project will be confirmed on completion of the final business case.
Stevenson Park set for major renewal
The Masterplan identifies priorities that will activate the park and create a vibrant and inclusive space for Mayfield West residents and visitors.
The Plan includes more car parking, a larger, better playground for kids, a fenced off-leash area for dogs, new footpath connections and upgrades to existing sporting infrastructure. Stage 1 of the plan will be implemented this year.
Stevenson Park will receive a major overhaul with work due to commence this year
“This masterplan will deliver on our shared vision of Stevenson Park as a welcoming and inclusive community meeting place that offers quality sports facilities within a parkland setting,” the Lord Mayor said.
“In future, the park will be home to multifunctional spaces that promote social interaction and active lifestyles in line with the City’s strategic direction to create a city of great public places and neighbourhoods promoting people’s health, happiness and wellbeing.
“City of Newcastle staff are to be commended for undertaking an exemplary and very thorough engagement process that has given the Mayfield West community real ownership of the upgrades that will flow from the site Masterplan.”
The project follows strong advocacy from the local community, particularly through the Friends of Stevenson Park, and follows representations to the City of Newcastle by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Ward 1 Councillor Emma White.
The Lord Mayor said the finalised Masterplan and Playground Concept paved the way for the City to deliver the upgrades long advocated by the Mayfield West community.
Councillor White said the Stevenson Park Masterplan will see the community’s hard work pay off.
“I want to congratulate the Friends of Stevenson Park and the broader Mayfield West community for their strong advocacy and hard work,” Cr White said. “We listened to your concerns and we’re getting on with the job of upgrading Stevenson Park for all local residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The Lord Mayor and I have enjoyed the onsite meetings and getting to know the Mayfield West community and the Friends of Stevenson Park through the engagement process.
“This Masterplan will see Stevenson Park become one of the premier sport and recreation facilities across the City of Newcastle.”
City of Newcastle has allocated $150,000 in the 2018-19 Budget to begin construction of the new playground at Stevenson Park.
The Plan includes more car parking, a larger, better playground for kids, a fenced off-leash area for dogs, new footpath connections and upgrades to existing sporting infrastructure. Stage 1 of the plan will be implemented this year.
Stevenson Park will receive a major overhaul with work due to commence this year“This masterplan will deliver on our shared vision of Stevenson Park as a welcoming and inclusive community meeting place that offers quality sports facilities within a parkland setting,” the Lord Mayor said.
“In future, the park will be home to multifunctional spaces that promote social interaction and active lifestyles in line with the City’s strategic direction to create a city of great public places and neighbourhoods promoting people’s health, happiness and wellbeing.
“City of Newcastle staff are to be commended for undertaking an exemplary and very thorough engagement process that has given the Mayfield West community real ownership of the upgrades that will flow from the site Masterplan.”
The project follows strong advocacy from the local community, particularly through the Friends of Stevenson Park, and follows representations to the City of Newcastle by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Ward 1 Councillor Emma White.
The Lord Mayor said the finalised Masterplan and Playground Concept paved the way for the City to deliver the upgrades long advocated by the Mayfield West community.
Councillor White said the Stevenson Park Masterplan will see the community’s hard work pay off.
“I want to congratulate the Friends of Stevenson Park and the broader Mayfield West community for their strong advocacy and hard work,” Cr White said. “We listened to your concerns and we’re getting on with the job of upgrading Stevenson Park for all local residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The Lord Mayor and I have enjoyed the onsite meetings and getting to know the Mayfield West community and the Friends of Stevenson Park through the engagement process.
“This Masterplan will see Stevenson Park become one of the premier sport and recreation facilities across the City of Newcastle.”
City of Newcastle has allocated $150,000 in the 2018-19 Budget to begin construction of the new playground at Stevenson Park.
State-of-the-art lighting for popular football field
High-quality floodlights equipped with a powerful, energy-efficient beam will brighten up night-time sporting fixtures for players and spectators at Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval thanks to support from the City of Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the installation of the new state-of-the-art lights would enable local sporting clubs, such as Newcastle Olympic SFC, to reclaim the use of the oval after dark.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Newcastle Olympic SFC Chairman Christo Patsan and club players
“City of Newcastle has invested $295,000 into the $400,000 project to provide an improved night-time playing experience for users and sporting clubs,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The LED lights utilise a world first, Australian-designed reflector system which improves lighting performance, delivering a high-powered LED floodlighting experience 40 per more efficient than traditional floodlights.
“Not only have we delivered new-and-improved floodlighting, but City of Newcastle is also proud to have worked closely with the community to develop a site Masterplan, and complete significant upgrades to the existing sporting infrastructure to improve amenity across the site.”
Newcastle Olympic SFC under the new Darling Street Oval lights
Newcastle Olympic SFC Chairman Christo Patsan said the lights were an important milestone in the upgrade of Darling Street Oval.
“We’ve been working with City of Newcastle on an overall masterplan for the redevelopment of Darling Street Oval since 2016, so to see the oval under lights is going to be amazing,” he said.
Mr Patsan said the upgrades would allow Darling Street Oval to host international sporting events, coaching clinics and tournaments, as well as allow his club, Newcastle Olympic SFC, to host events for the underprivileged.
“The new lights give us the ability to activate the oval for longer periods of time, and also to give back to our community through sporting clinics including events and football clinics for refugee children.”
Funding to install the new LED floodlighting system was provided by City of Newcastle, the NSW Government through the Asian Cup Legacy Fund and Newcastle Olympic SFC.
Other works at Darling Street Oval include the expansion of the playing field to meet modern standards, renewed sub-soil drainage, water recycling and irrigation, construction of a new grandstand and additional spectator seating around the oval.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the installation of the new state-of-the-art lights would enable local sporting clubs, such as Newcastle Olympic SFC, to reclaim the use of the oval after dark.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Newcastle Olympic SFC Chairman Christo Patsan and club players“City of Newcastle has invested $295,000 into the $400,000 project to provide an improved night-time playing experience for users and sporting clubs,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The LED lights utilise a world first, Australian-designed reflector system which improves lighting performance, delivering a high-powered LED floodlighting experience 40 per more efficient than traditional floodlights.
“Not only have we delivered new-and-improved floodlighting, but City of Newcastle is also proud to have worked closely with the community to develop a site Masterplan, and complete significant upgrades to the existing sporting infrastructure to improve amenity across the site.”
Newcastle Olympic SFC under the new Darling Street Oval lightsNewcastle Olympic SFC Chairman Christo Patsan said the lights were an important milestone in the upgrade of Darling Street Oval.
“We’ve been working with City of Newcastle on an overall masterplan for the redevelopment of Darling Street Oval since 2016, so to see the oval under lights is going to be amazing,” he said.
Mr Patsan said the upgrades would allow Darling Street Oval to host international sporting events, coaching clinics and tournaments, as well as allow his club, Newcastle Olympic SFC, to host events for the underprivileged.
“The new lights give us the ability to activate the oval for longer periods of time, and also to give back to our community through sporting clinics including events and football clinics for refugee children.”
Funding to install the new LED floodlighting system was provided by City of Newcastle, the NSW Government through the Asian Cup Legacy Fund and Newcastle Olympic SFC.
Other works at Darling Street Oval include the expansion of the playing field to meet modern standards, renewed sub-soil drainage, water recycling and irrigation, construction of a new grandstand and additional spectator seating around the oval.”
Greens say Government’s ‘environment fund’ a drop in the ocean
The Liberal Government has a long way to go, with much stronger action and more funds required, if it stands a chance of convincing voters it has a credible environment policy, the Greens say.
“A mere $22 million for conservation projects won’t go far in offsetting the damage the Liberal Government’s policies have done to the environment. We need strong action, and funding, from the Government if we are going to help restore the environment,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“The Liberal Government has cut the environment budget by 37 per cent since Tony Abbott became Prime Minister. They are crowdfunding protections for our threatened species rather than fronting up the money, and doing nothing to address plastics choking our marine life.
“This is a Government that has overseen the destruction of wetlands, forests, river systems, and allows big polluters to keep polluting. Emissions are rising and they are heaping coals on the fire. They are listening to the Mining Lobby over environment groups on reviewing the EPBC Act.
“The Government knows climate change and the environment are key election issues, and they’re trying to buy voters off with less than half-measures. The best thing we can do for the environment now is get the Liberals out of Government and ensure there is strong Greens representation in the Senate.”
Wanted man charged after motorcycle used in alleged police assault – Lake Macquarie
A man will appear in court today after a Lake Macquarie police officer was injured after being hit by motorcycle.
Officers from the Lake Macquarie Target Action Group (TAG) went to a house on Bent Street, Wallsend, about 9.45pm on Saturday (2 March 2019), inquiring into the whereabouts of a stolen motorcycle.
Police will allege one of their officers suffered extensive cuts and burns to his legs when a 23-year-old man deliberately hit him with the stolen motorcycle in driveway of the house.
The rider – who was wanted on outstanding warrants – left the scene while the injured Senior Constable was taken to John Hunter Hospital.
Extensive inquiries continued and just after 11am yesterday (Sunday 3 March 2019), police arrested the man after a short foot pursuit, following a vehicle stop on Main Road, Glendale.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with three outstanding warrants, as well as
• Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention,
• Resist arrest
• Assault officer
• Negligent driving
• Drive while disqualified, and
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed in manner dangerous.
He was refused bail to appear in Toronto Local Court today (Monday 4 March 2019).
The injured officer was admitted to hospital and it’s expected he will undergo surgery today. He is reported to be in a stable condition.
COMMUNITIES TO GET THOUSANDS OF EXTRA BUS SERVICES
More than 14,000 extra weekly bus services will be delivered under a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government over the next four years to improve services across Sydney, the Illawarra, Hunter and Central Coast.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the NSW Liberals & Nationals have worked hard to improve bus services across the State and this commitment would take the total number of services added since we were elected to 50,000.
“We will continue our record investment in public transport by adding thousands of extra weekly bus services to boost service frequency and the hours buses operate,” Mr Constance said.
“More people than ever before are using the bus network. Patronage has risen by almost 55 per cent over the past eight years, from 214 million trips a year to 332 million trips.
“By putting on more bus services we are making it easier for commuters to leave their cars at home easing congestion on our roads.”
Suburbs that will benefit from the extra bus services include Riverstone, Schofields, Leppington, Macquarie Park, The Entrance, Raymond Terrace, and Shellharbour.
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said the new bus services will be better aligned to connect with local train stations, including those along the new Sydney Metro line.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are building a better public transport network having already added more than 32,000 weekly bus services across the State,” Mr Constance said.
“In contrast, when Labor was last in Government they cancelled 1,500 weekly bus services.”
Liberal Candidate for Liverpool Paul Zadro welcomed the commitment to improve services in Liverpool.
“We have seen substantial growth in Liverpool so I want to see a focus on boosting service frequency and the hours buses operate in our community,” Mr Zadro said.
It’s time to build publicly owned High Speed Rail between Melbourne and Brisbane, say Greens
The Australian Greens will fund High Speed Rail in full, with the first step to create the Australian High Speed Rail Authority and make an initial equity investment of $1.6 billion for the first stages of planning and land reservation.
“For decades, Australians have dreamt about High Speed Rail along our east coast. It would be nation building at its best: big, bold and transformative,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens transport spokesperson.
“Governments up till now have refused to take action because of risk aversion and capitulation to private interests, despite studies showing the feasibility, high public benefit and strong economics of High Speed Rail.”
“High Speed Rail will connect our cities with our regions, reduce carbon pollution, create tens of thousands of jobs and provide a return to the taxpayer.”
“The Greens will turn these dreams into reality, and fund High Speed Rail in full, built in the public interest.”
“In contrast, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese announced this week that the Labor party would support High Speed Rail with ‘private funding.’”
“It also appears the Morrison government is planning to hand over this nation-building project to a private developer, Consolidated Land and Rail Australia.”
“The CLARA project banks on developers making money from massive increases in the value of land along the route, building stations and new cities rather than building stations in existing towns like Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga.”
“This would mean instead of High Speed Rail unlocking the economic potential of our existing regional cities, these established towns would struggle to compete with the new cities built around new stations.”
“Construction of High Speed Rail stations both up and down the east coast and in the heart of our central business districts will immensely increase the value of surrounding land. Private developers who see their property values rise should not simply get a windfall gain. By using a variety of taxes and charges, they will be made to contribute to the overall cost of building the project.”
“High Speed Rail needs to be built in the public interest, not to line the pockets of private developers. For decades, Labor and Liberal governments have privatised our essential services, which are then run to maximise profit for corporate investors, not to serve the people.”
“Australia is the last continent without High Speed Rail except for Antarctica. Will the penguins beat us to it?”
Route details
Line 1: Sydney to Melbourne (2 hours 44 mins) with spur lines for Sydney to Canberra (1 hour) and Melbourne to Canberra (2 hours 30 mins).
Line 2: Sydney to Brisbane (2 hours 37 mins) with a spur line for Sydney to Gold Coast (similar time)
Options for value capture recommended by the High Speed Rail Study include:
- Property taxes.
- Sale of bonus gross floor area (GFA)
- Property transfer (stamp) duties
- Sale or lease of air rights over public road reserves, railway corridors and other property
- Sale or lease of surplus development sites
- Parking levies
- Developer contributions
- Special rates or taxes on a defined improvement district
- Hotel taxes
The commissioned phase two report laying down a plan for rolling out the High Speed Rail Project in several stages can be found here. The Greens will implement the accelerated timetable envisaged in the report.
68 MORE TRAIN STATIONS TO RECEIVE ACCESS UPGRADE
A further 68 train stations will receive upgrades such as new lifts, ramps and footbridges to make them more accessible under a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s strong economic management has made it possible for the total investment in the Transport Access Program (TAP).
“We are committed to making public transport accessible for all customers, including those with a disability, the less mobile and parents with prams,” Mr Constance said.
“Currently more than 90 per cent of customer journeys are accessible but we want to make sure everyone can access public transport easily and with dignity.
“When we came to Government accessible public transport had been neglected. Labor was only doing two access upgrades a year and it would have taken them 90 years to upgrade all stations on the network.”
The funding to be delivered by the NSW Liberals & Nationals will supercharge the station upgrade program and include upgrades at Dapto, Faulconbridge, Tuggerah, East Hills, Point Clare, Moss Vale, Goulburn, Griffith, Dubbo and Queanbeyan.
Five stations between Sydenham and Bankstown will also become accessible for the first time as part of Sydney Metro, upgrades Labor has vowed to cancel.
“We have delivered 52 wheelchair accessible train stations since 2011 and we will deliver dozens more as we keep cutting through Labor’s backlog,” Mr Constance said.
“Our Government listened to communities across the state and we know accessible transport is key to good quality of life so we made these upgrades a top priority.”
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres welcomed the commitment to improve access at Kingswood station.
“This is a big issue for my community, which I have been campaigning for and I am so pleased we can make this station accessible,” Mr Ayres said.
The NSW Government is working to deliver safe, modern and accessible public transport infrastructure statewide. The program provides new lifts, ramps and footbridges across the network to achieve this.
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NSW AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS PARTNER TO BUILD AUSTRALIA’S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE CHILDREN’S CANCER CENTRE
Kids sick with cancer or needing emergency care are set to benefit from Australia’s first Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre and a rebuild of the Children’s Hospital at Randwick.
The $608 million investment overseen by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will transform cancer care, and add more than 50 per cent to the size of the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick, with a new Emergency Department among the additions.
A funding commitment of $428 million from the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government, $100 million from the Commonwealth Government, $30 million from the University of New South Wales, $25 million from Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation and $25 million from the Children’s Cancer Institute are contributing to the historic establishment of the Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre and redevelopment of the hospital.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said this significant investment was possible only because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“The Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre brings clinical care, research and teaching together in the one place. Importantly, that means better outcomes for kids and for NSW it cements our position as a world leader in care for children with cancer”, Mr Hazzard said.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said today’s announcement will give children for the first time the same level of integrated cancer care experienced by adults.
“If your child is battling cancer, you want to know that the latest research is translating into effective treatment as fast as possible. This Centre will ensure kids have that next level care with many experts working together on the same campus,” Mr Hunt said.
The investment in both the CCCC and the redevelopment of the Children’s Hospital is projected to create more than 6080 direct and indirect jobs.
“All of those jobs will be great for the area and for the economy and they build on the Liberals & Nationals’ strong track record when it comes to delivering health infrastructure. Our government has already built or upgraded more than 100 hospitals and other health facilities across the State,” Mr Hazzard said.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Federal Government is investing significant funding into medical research and this collaborative model is the exciting model of the future.
“Children will receive the finest possible care in both general medicine and specialist cancer treatment and research,” Mr Hunt said.
The project will be built over two levels. On the ground floor will be a brand new Emergency Department as well as new short stay units while above it will be the Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre, bringing the very latest in research from the laboratory bench to the bedside.
“For staff too, they will have all of the opportunities that come with having state of the art facilities so they can continue the wonderful work they already do looking after our kids,” Mr Hazzard said.
Today’s announcement is on top of the $720 million investment already announced for the redevelopment Prince of Wales Hospital also at Randwick, bringing the total value of the site works to $1.3 billion.
The Member for Coogee, Bruce Notley-Smith, said when completed, the expanded Children’s Hospital would be integrated with a new Acute Services Building and the recently announced $250 million University of NSW Health Translational Hub.
“Randwick will host a Health and Education Precinct that will be the envy of the world. When you combine these substantial investments and the calibre of our health clinicians and academics, you can expect an incredible result,” Mr Notley-Smith said.
“Our community can have peace of mind that we have the very best healthcare available in the world, close to home.”