NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 28 AUGUST 2020

28 August 2020
COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN
 
  • The NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan will ensure we remain resilient and build a future-proof economy.
  • The six-point plan will create jobs and improve the quality of life for the people of NSW.
  1. Infrastructure pipeline – $100 billion infrastructure pipeline: projects equal jobs
  2. Planning and precincts – growing industries in key hubs across the state
  3. Education and skills – equipping our citizens for the jobs of the future
  4. Digitisation – accelerating recovery
  5. Advanced manufacturing and local supply chains – building a self-sufficient economy and more self-reliance.
  6. Federal-state relations – reduce red tape and duplication
 
$45 MILLION FOR SOUTHERN BORDER SMALL BUSINESSES
 
  • NSW small businesses will benefit from a new $45 million grant program designed to cushion the economic impacts of the southern border closure.
  • Businesses in 13 Local Government Areas along the NSW and Victorian border will be able to apply for $5,000 and $10,000 grants through Service NSW from Tuesday, 8 September.
  • There are two forms of grant available:
    • $5,000 grant for employing and non-employing small businesses with a revenue decline of 30% or more; and
    • $10,000 grant for employing small businesses with a revenue decline of 75% or more.
  • The Southern Border Small Business Support Grant can only be used for eligible expenses incurred following the introduction of the NSW and Victoria border permit scheme on 8 July 2020.
  • More information on the new grants is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au and information on Business Connect is available here.
 
NSW GOVERNMENT RELEASES BUSHFIRE INQUIRY REPORT
 
  • The NSW Government has released the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which examined the causes, preparation and response to the devastating 2019-20 bushfires.
  • All 76 recommendations will be accepted in principle, with further work to be done on specific timelines to give communities assurance that changes will be made to keep them safe.
  • Any issues not covered in the report that are still relevant to the protection of property and life will also be further examined.
  • Resilience NSW, led by Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, has been tasked with coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the Inquiry’s recommendations as the Government finalises its approach.
  • A link to the Report can be found here: dpc.nsw.gov.au/nsw-bushfire-inquiry.
 
WESTERN AND SOUTH WEST SYDNEY TESTING BLITZ
 
  • Anyone who lives or works in Sydney’s West and South West and has even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms is being urged to come forward for testing, as mystery COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the region.
  • COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, particularly in Sydney’s West and South West.
  • There are 302 locations for the public to get COVID-19 testing in NSW, with more opening every day. 90 are drive-throughs and 22 are pop-up clinics. To find your closest testing clinic go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics.
 
MAKING REGIONAL NSW A PROCUREMENT PRIORITY
 
  • Government agencies need to first consider buying goods and services from a small, medium or regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000 as part of the NSW Government’s plan to boost local businesses.
  • The NSW Government’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy will provide a boost to regional economies in the wake of droughts, bushfires and now COVID-19.
  • The policy also provides a ‘Small Business Exemption’ to give local businesses an opportunity to cut through red tape and government processes.
  • It allows government departments to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000 even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.
  • For more information on the SME and Regional Procurement Policy, go to https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/sme-and-regional-procurement-policy.
 
NEW “KOALA COUNTRY” NATIONAL PARK
 
  • Important koala habitat is to be protected for future generations with the creation of the new Guula Ngurra National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands.
  • The creation of this national park delivers on a commitment from the 2019 election and is an important step to securing the future of koalas in the wild.
  • The purchase was made possible due to a valuable contribution by the NSW Environmental Trust.
  • Located about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral, the 3358 hectare Guula Ngurra National Park comprises what was 2148 hectare Tugalong Station, the 402 hectare Little Forest West property and an 808 hectare outlier of Bangadilly National Park.
 
SUPPORTING VETERANS’ FAMILIES IN LEGACY WEEK
 
  • This weekend marks the start of Legacy Week, the annual appeal to support the families of veterans who have served for our country.
  • Legacy Week is now in its 78th year and will be held this Sunday, 30 August to Saturday, 5 September 2020.
  • The funds raised from Legacy Week assist approximately 60,000 people with services such as counselling, housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
  • To donate online, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.
 
COVID-19: FUNDING BOOST TO HELP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AS PANDEMIC CONTINUES
 
  • NSW domestic and family violence services experiencing increased demand as a result of COVID-19 can now apply for a share of $9 million in Federal Government funding.
  • The COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program aimed to ensure more victim-survivors can access the support and services they need at this crucial time.
  • The program offers one-off grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to eligible services.
  • Grant applications will close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 23 September 2020. To apply, complete the online application form via the SmartyGrants portal, at https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding.
 
CYBER SECURITY NSW TO EXPAND SERVICES AS PART OF RECORD $240 MILLION INVESTMENT
 
  • The NSW Government will quadruple the size of its central cyber security team in a landmark expansion of the State’s cyber defences.
  • The investment of $60 million over three years would be used to create an army of cyber experts, broadening the scope of Cyber Security NSW to incorporate small agencies and councils.
  • This investment into Cyber Security NSW is the first instalment of the record $240 million cyber security funding announced in June
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COMMUTER CAR PARKS TO BE FAST TRACKED
 
  • The NSW Government is fast tracking the delivery of new commuter car parks for public transport customers as part of its $3 billion Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund.
  • An Expression of Interest (EOI) had been launched for construction companies who are keen to be part of the program.
  • Around 8,000 car spaces will be available across all of the locations, with the final numbers confirmed following site investigations and early planning.
  • Extra parking is now planned for a number of locations including, Edmondson Park, Leppington, Warwick Farm, West Ryde, Emu Plains, Schofields, Revesby, Riverwood, North Rocks, Engadine, Hornsby, Jannali, Wentworthville, Winston Hills, Casula, Tuggerah and Beverly Hills.

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

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

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