NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 5 FEBRUARY 2021

5 February 2021

HISTORIC SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAM BOOMS

More than 5,300 students will benefit from the NSW Government’s historic school building program in Term 1 with 10 new or upgraded schools opening for students today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 2021 is set to be another big year for public schools with more than 30 new and upgraded schools expected to open this year.
As the new school term begins, parents are also being encouraged to apply for the popular $100 Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher to allow young people to find their passion and learn new skills.
For more information about Active Kids and Creative Kids visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

NEW AND UPGRADED FIRE TRUCKS ON TRACK TO BE DEPLOYED ACROSS NSW

More than 200 new and upgraded fire trucks and vehicles will be deployed to fire brigades across the State by July 2021, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to our frontline firefighters.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more than 340 fire trucks and vehicles are being built and upgraded for the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) following the devastating 2019/20 bushfires.
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM said the investment in the fleet program would ensure brigades are equipped to best protect their communities.

SUPPORT FOR NORTHERN BEACHES BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

Small businesses that experienced hardship as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions on the Northern Beaches will soon have access to a grants program designed to help them cover unavoidable expenses.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was committed to supporting businesses while keeping people and communities safe.
More information on the grants and how to apply will be made available on the Service NSW website in the coming weeks.

A NEW ERA FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN REGIONAL NSW

It’s a new era for government agencies in the regions with more senior NSW Government roles to be based in regional communities, increasing the number of high skilled job opportunities in the bush.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro today announced the new ‘Regional Workforce Principles’ while presenting the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW at Sanctus Brewing Company in Townsend in the Clarence Valley.
Mr Barilaro said the best way we can future proof regional NSW from the impacts of prolonged drought, fires and floods is to diversify our regional economies and to create high-paying quality job opportunities.

DIGITAL PHOTO CARD TRIAL GOES LIVE IN PENRITH

Thousands of NSW Photo Card holders who live in the Penrith area can now download a digital version of their identification through the Service NSW app.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said that the Digital Driver Licence has been a resounding success and led to many customers requesting a Digital Photo Card.
The Digital Photo Card builds on the success of the Digital Driver Licence, which is now held by more than 2.4 million licence holders in NSW, representing 41 per cent of drivers. Close to 2000 new users are adopting the technology each day, earning it a 95 per cent customer approval rating.
There are more than 970,000 Digital Photo Card holders in NSW.

PLAN TO TRANSFORM MACQUARIE STREET INTO A CULTURAL PRECINCT

Sydney’s Macquarie Street is set for a shake-up with a report out today recommending the historical stretch through the city’s east be transformed into a dynamic cultural hub that recognises and celebrates the precinct’s significance to the State.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Macquarie Street East (MSE) Precinct Review offered fresh ideas for reviving an often-overlooked location, considered the civic spine of Sydney.
Please find a copy of the Macquarie Street East Precinct Review at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/plan-to-transform-macquarie-street-into-a-cultural-precinct

INNOVATIVE HYDRO-POWERED BATTERY PROJECT A FIRST FOR AUSTRALIA

A $32 million hydro-powered battery project to be located near Albury will be Australia’s first, following approval by the NSW Government.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the hydro-powered battery will be charged by the nearby Hume Hydro Power Station that already provides power to 40,000 homes.
It is expected that construction will start later this year.