NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 11 DECEMBER 2020

11 December 2020

60,000 MURRAY COD RELEASED BACK INTO THE DARLING RIVER

A bold rescue-and-return mission by the NSW Government has successfully seen more than 60,000 Murray Cod released back into the Darling River near Menindee, two years after severe drought triggered fish deaths.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall at Menindee to oversee the restocking of the Darling River.
Ms Berejiklian said the return of the Murray Cod to the waterway was part of the NSW Government’s ambitious plan to help restock the Darling River.

KEY MILESTONE FOR BEACHES LINK

Plans to slash travel times for drivers and public transport commuters in Sydney’s north have taken a major step forward with the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the mega-project will include twin tunnels under Middle Harbour with three lanes in each direction, allowing commuters to avoid peak hour congestion on the Spit Bridge, Military Road and the Roseville Bridge.
The project is also expected to slash future travel times by:
- up to 38 minutes between Balgowlah and Sydney CBD
- up to 54 minutes between Frenchs Forest and Rozelle
- up to 32 minutes between Manly and Macquarie Park
The EIS will be on extended public exhibition from Wednesday 9 December 2020 until Monday 1 March 2021.

NEW METRO STATION FOR PYRMONT

The NSW Government will build a new metro railway station at Pyrmont as part of the mega Sydney Metro West project, greatly enhancing plans to revitalise the inner city precinct to encourage jobs, investment and economic growth.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the new station will deliver major benefits to the Pyrmont community and create an unparalleled opportunity to support the Government’s plans to transform the suburb.
The Metro project forms part of the NSW Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline, a key part of the COVID Recovery Plan.

MAJOR CRIME CATEGORIES DECREASE ACROSS NSW

Eleven major crime categories across NSW have seen a decrease in the two years to September 2020, according to the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data published.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said of the 17 crime categories, 11 had fallen, five had remained stable and only one had risen.
To read BOCSAR’s full report published, visit www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au.

PYRMONT’S FUTURE PROSPERITY TAKES SHAPE

The final strategy for Pyrmont and Ultimo envisages a global entertainment and cultural hub with enhanced streetscapes, parklands and more open space.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the final Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy provides more certainty and clarity regarding the future of the CBD’s western gateway.
More details are available in the final Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy is available at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/pyrmontpeninsula

SPECTACULAR OUTDOOR OPERA TO RETURN TO SYDNEY

Sydney will come alive with the spectacle and emotion of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour for another three years through a renewed partnership between the NSW Government and Opera Australia.
The world renowned event has been supported by the Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, since its inception in 2012.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s La Traviata will run from 26 March to 25 April 2021.

Eligible NSW residents can now apply for a special New Year’s Eve Pass via nsw.gov.au as the State prepares to celebrate and look forward to 2021 with a sense of hope and optimism.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said New Year’s Eve Passes will be required for anyone entering the designated Green Zone established around Circular Quay and The Rocks to control crowd numbers and help ensure residents, businesses and patrons remain COVID-Safe.
The Green Zone will be in effect from 5pm Thursday, 31 December. Permits will be required for entry into this zone until the following morning.
The NSW Government is working with frontline departments and agencies to secure nominations for workers who will be invited to receive their New Year’s Eve Pass and view the fireworks from key vantage points in the CBD.
For more information, or to apply for a New Year’s Eve Pass visit nsw.gov.au/nye

NSW DIGITAL DRIVER LICENCE DOWNLOADS HIT 2 MILLION

NSW drivers have more than two million reasons to download a Digital Driver Licence (DDL), with the significant milestone achieved only a year since its launch.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the DDL is safe, secure and can be used as proof of age and ID at a range of venues and police roadside checks.
To get a DDL, licence holders will need to create a MyServiceNSW Account at www.service.nsw.gov.au and download the Service NSW mobile app on their smartphone. The digital licence will always be opt-in only.
Licence holders are recommended to carry their plastic card as a backup when travelling interstate.

SMALL BARS AND LIVE MUSIC VENUES TO ENJOY MORE FREEDOMS

Live music venues and small bars are set to enjoy more freedoms as the NSW Government’s 24-hour economy reforms to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife are rolled out.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said a series of liquor law changes to support live music venues and small bars will begin in time for the busy festive season.
The latest changes for the hospitality sector taking effect on 11 December include permitting small bars to trade on Christmas Day and Good Friday, as well as new incentives like 30 minutes extra trading for certain venues in the City of Sydney that put on live music performances and arts and cultural events.