NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 19 JUNE 2020

19 June 2020
FURTHER COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS SET TO EASE FROM 1 JULY
 
  • Restrictions imposed during COVID-19 will be further eased next month with strict social distancing rules, the NSW Government announced.
  • From July 1, the new rules keeping the state COVID-Safe mean:
    • The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres. All activity must be seated only.
    • Cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
    • On compassionate grounds, restrictions on funerals will immediately be eased to allow the four square metre rule to apply.
    • All other restrictions including 20 guests inside the home and 20 for outside gatherings remain the same.
  • For the latest information please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19
 
JOB CREATION TO DRIVE NSW ECONOMIC RECOVERY
 
  • The NSW Government will move from a “response” to “recovery” footing as it steers the state through the biggest economic challenge in a generation as a result of COVID-19.
  • NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said creating jobs and restoring confidence for the hundreds of thousands of people and businesses impacted by COVID-19 was at the heart of the Government’s economic plan.
 
$388 MILLION TO FAST-TRACK ELECTIVE SURGERIES
 
  • The NSW Government will spend up to an extra $388 million to ramp up elective surgeries, focusing on patients whose surgery has been delayed by COVID-19 to ensure they are booked in as soon as possible.
  • Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Government funding would allow public patients to be treated in private hospitals. Public hospitals are also increasing surgery capacity
19 NEW AND UPGRADED SCHOOLS IN NORTH-WEST SYDNEY 
 
  • Jordan Springs Public School is one of 19 new and upgraded schools being built in Sydney’s north-west, which has seen enrolments grow by 24 per cent over the last five years.
  • Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres visited the $50 million Jordan Springs Public School that will open its doors to students next month.
 
HEALTH ADVICE ALLOWS PUBLIC TRANSPORT PEAK CAPACITY TO DOUBLE
 
  • More customers will be welcomed back to the public transport network with an increase in the number of people now allowed on our trains, buses, ferries and trams from July 1, consistent with NSW Health advice.
  • Premier Gladys Berejiklian said health experts had advised that capacity on all modes of transport can now be increased in a COVID safe way.
 
MORE PEOPLE BACK ON REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT
 
  • Regional transport services will be able to carry greater numbers of passengers to the bush from July 1 as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
  • Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said health experts had advised that capacity on all modes of public transport can now be increased in a COVID safe way.
 
HALF PRICE OFF-PEAK TRAVEL
           
  • Opal fares will change from July 6, including a temporary 50 per cent discount for off-peak travel on bus, train, metro and light rail services to help manage social distancing measures and keep staff and customers safe on public transport.
  • Transport Minister Andrew Constance said customers are encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak incentive to help stagger essential travel on the public transport network as COVID-19 restrictions ease and patronage steadily increases.
 
FRESH FACE FOR THE SYDNEY FISH MARKET GETS THE FINAL GO-AHEAD
 
  • The much-awaited revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay is one step closer, with the NSW Government today approving the final plans for the new Sydney Fish Market.
  • Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the green light paves the way for construction on the site to begin, creating 700 construction jobs and more than 700 ongoing jobs once the new markets open in 2024.
 
$500 MILLION REJUVENATION FOR KEY WESTERN SYDNEY CENTRES
 
  • Two revitalised town centres and thousands more homes are on the way for Western Sydney, with the NSW Government approving four major rezonings in Fairfield, Villawood, Harris Park and Silverwater.
  • Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the projects were fast-tracked through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program and will help create better-connected and more liveable communities across Western Sydney.
 
RECORD FUNDING FOR DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
 
  • The NSW Government will invest a record $1.6 billion into its Digital Restart Fund to make the State the digital capital of the southern hemisphere.
  • Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the landmark funding would enable the Government to turbocharge digital projects that make life easier for people.
 
SYDNEY NIGHTLIFE BOOST POST COVID-19
 
  • Sydney’s nightlife will be re-energised post COVID-19, with the NSW Government lifting the long-standing freeze on new liquor licences in the CBD and relaxing restrictions on late trading.
  • Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the removal of these restrictions would boost Sydney’s night time economy once COVID-19 measures are eased. The trading restrictions for existing venues ended on 1 June, while the NSW Government works with stakeholders on a framework for approving new licences.
  • It is expected that the Government will allow applications for new licences later in the year, following public consultation.
 
CRIME RATES PLUMMET DURING COVID-19
 
  • Most crime categories like non-domestic violence related assaults and sexual offences dramatically decreased during the COVID-19 period between the months of March and April according to the latest report by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).
  • Available domestic and family violence services include:
  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
  • NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 656 463) is a statewide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
  • Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
  • Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
  • Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
 
NEW MUSIC EVENT BRINGS 1,000 GIGS TO SYDNEY AND NSW — HUGE BOOST FOR TOURISM AND ARTISTS
 
  • A new music event will bring 1,000 COVID-safe gigs to Sydney and regional NSW in November, giving Australian artists a welcome boost and turbocharging live music venues across the state.
  • Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered by its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to support the recovery of the live music, entertainment and hospitality industries.
  • Venues and artists are invited to submit an expression of interest to be involved in Great Southern Nights – registrations open at http://www.greatsouthernnights.com.au
  • Great Southern Nights media kit including artist video messages, photos and comments available for download.
 
GETTING YOUR LICENCE NOW MORE SIMPLE
 
  • Drivers now have a simpler, faster and more COVID-safe way of moving from one licence level to the next.
  • Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said drivers and riders who want to progress from P1 to P2 and then on to an unrestricted licence can now do so online

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

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