02/12/2024
NSW Health launches HIV self-testing kits through vending machines for the first time.
NSW Health has launched a $350,000 pilot project for public vending machines offering free HIV self-testing kits, allowing up to four kits per person monthly. The initiative targets Greater Western Sydney, the University of NSW, the University of Newcastle, and unnamed regional locations to reduce barriers and stigma around HIV testing. The discreet tests provide accurate results in 15 minutes. The pilot was announced on World AIDS Day, coinciding with a report indicating nearly 30,000 people in Australia live with HIV, with about 2,020 unaware of their status. Dr. Michelle Cretikos emphasizes that diagnosed individuals can access medication for a healthy life and to prevent transmission.
https://www.echo.net.au/2024/12/nsw-vending-machines-for-hiv-self-testing-kits/
25/112024
More homes and jobs near transport as masterplans finalised
The NSW Government has delivered masterplans for its Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts, which will provide nearly 60,000 homes and more than 126,000 commercial and retail jobs. The rezonings include space for schools, health services, public parks, and options for councils to nominate Special Entertainment Precincts. The masterplans establish a three percent affordable housing rate, with higher rates of up to 18 percent across key sites. The TOD Program is the first time in NSW history that a government has introduced inclusionary zoning for affordable housing in perpetuity. The masterplans were finalised following public feedback and will come into effect on November 27, 2024, allowing development applications to be lodged. The TOD Accelerated Precincts will deliver significant community benefits, including new open spaces, transport connections, and infrastructure.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/more-homes-and-jobs-near-transport-as-masterplans-finalised
19/11/2024
$48 million mobile coverage boost for regional New South Wales
The Australian and NSW Governments have announced up to $48 million in joint funding to deliver better mobile coverage along highways and major roads in regional and remote NSW. The Federal Government's $50 million Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program will contribute $9 million, with an additional $1 million from the NSW Telco Authority. The work aims to improve safety, economic growth, social connectivity, and regional development by addressing coverage gaps and testing new solutions to improve connectivity, encouraging multi-carrier use of infrastructure.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/48-million-mobile-coverage-boost-for-regional-new-south-wales
Major work to transform the new city-shaping Southwest Sydney Metro powers ahead
The 130-year-old T3 Bankstown line is being transformed into a modern metro, with significant progress made across the line, including the installation of platform screen doors at Canterbury Station. Between 400 and 800 people have been working on the Southwest conversion daily, completing track adjustments, overhead wiring, signalling work, and the installation of security and rail segregation fencing, platform screen doors, and mechanical gap fillers. The Minns Labor Government is also accelerating the delivery of new housing along the Southwest Metro line by supporting transport-oriented development at a majority of stations.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/major-work-to-transform-new-city-shaping-southwest-metro-powers-ahead
14/11/2024
Wind Industry Secures Major Victory with Stricter Regulations on "Phantom Dwellings"
New South Wales has amended its renewable energy planning rules, closing a loophole that allowed opponents to block wind farm developments by proposing "phantom dwellings." The updated framework, welcomed by the renewable energy sector, includes new guidelines for landholders and developers, community consultation, and transmission infrastructure. A significant change is that from November 12, 2024, development applications for new dwellings submitted after a wind project receives state environmental assessment do not need planning authority assessment. Landholders must have a permit for a potential dwelling for it to affect wind farm approvals. Additionally, even if a development application exists, a "potential dwelling" will not be considered an existing dwelling for visual or noise impact assessments.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-win-for-wind-industry-as-planning-changes-tighten-rules-on-phantom-dwellings/
8 September, 2024
$34 billion plan for next generation of Sydney’s metro
"SW Cabinet" has outlined a plan to develop up to six major rail projects in Sydney over the next two decades. With an expected increase of one million residents by 2041, the city will require a minimum of 30,000 new homes annually, necessitating the expansion of transport infrastructure to support this growth. The review, spearheaded by former federal infrastructure secretary Mike Mrdak, has considered various options for future rail projects following the completion of the government's latest metro lines commitment.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/the-eastern-line-hidden-in-34-billion-plan-for-next-generation-of-sydney-s-metro-20240909-p5k8y9.html
3/09/2024
Transformation of new Sydney Fish Market hooks hospitality favourites
The new Sydney Fish Market is set to revitalize the foreshore of Blackwattle Bay with an iconic building that will soon house top names in the hospitality industry. The space will be filled with specialty food retailers and restaurants. Already, the waterfront venue has attracted renowned Sydney food operators such as Ho Jiak, Luke Nguyen partnering with Doltone Hospitality Group to open a flagship Southeast Asian restaurant, and local favorite Cow & the Moon gelato. For a full list, refer to the end of the release.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/transformation-of-new-sydney-fish-market-hooks-hospitality-favourites
23/08/2024
Communities and businesses to benefit from better regional development legislation
The NSW Government has introduced new legislation in Parliament aimed at implementing a more effective approach to providing sustainable and impactful investment in regional NSW. The proposed amendments to the Regional Development Act 2004 seek to modernize the legislation by expanding the scope of eligible investments, with the goal of addressing the needs of regional communities and enabling local businesses and organizations to reap the benefits.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/communities-and-businesses-to-benefit-from-better-regional-development-legislation
27/08/2024
Sydney's metro system is considered world-class,
Sydney's public transport network has ample opportunities to strengthen itself. It recently demonstrated its improved capabilities when the Sydney Metro, which had faced delays, finally opened last week. The rapid metro aims to bridge Sydney's community divides and alleviate the emotional strain caused by vanishing bus services and frequent train delays.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-s-metro-is-world-class-shame-the-opal-card-isn-t-20240822-p5k4la.html
08/08/2024
Development plans have been submitted for NEM's largest battery project, along with a neighboring solar farm.
The development application for what will be the biggest battery on Australia's main grid, along with a massive solar farm, have been lodged with the NSW planning department. Ark Energy, the local renewable and storage subsidiary of Korea Zinc, is planning to build the 275 megawatt (MW) Richmond Valley battery with eight hours of storage, or 2,200 megawatt hours (MWh), near Myrtle Creek in the Richmond Valley of northern NSW. The battery will be the biggest on the National Electricity Market, and will be second only in size in Australia to the 560 MW and 2240 MWh Collie battery that is currently being built by Neoen in Collie in Western Australia, which operates a separate grid.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/development-plans-lodged-for-nems-biggest-battery-project-and-neighbouring-solar-farm/
.Australia’s largest transmission project advances
Construction on the EnergyConnect transmission line is currently underway, with a focus on the project’s eastern alignment. Transgrid and its construction partner Elecnor Australia are collaborating on the construction of the 700km New South Wales section of EnergyConnect, which extends from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border and into Victoria. Gordon Taylor, the Executive General Manager of Major Projects at Transgrid, stated, “The Riverina region is playing a central role in the transition to clean energy and stands to benefit significantly as the construction of this nationally important project progresses."
https://www.energymagazine.com.au/aus-largest-transmission-project-advances/
Heat pump roadmap released
The Victorian and New South Wales governments have partnered with the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) to create a roadmap aimed at advancing heat pump technology in response to increasing consumer interest. The Roadmap for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems in Australia, which is funded by both governments, offers a strategic direction for industry and government to expand the heat pump hot water market.
https://www.energymagazine.com.au/heat-pump-roadmap-released/
22/07/2024
Six slips sites, $5m and 42 weeks sees Bilambil – Urliup Road open
The Tweed hinterland connection road between Bilambil and Urliup was severely damaged by the 2022 floods, resulting in six slip sites. However, the road has now reopened ahead of schedule after more than two years. The Tweed Shire Council enlisted Hazell Bros as contractors to carry out $5 million worth of flood restoration works to repair the slips. The repairs, which began in March, were initially estimated to take 42 weeks to complete. The restoration works included securing downslope and upslope sites with soil nails and anchors, gabion baskets, and shotcrete.
https://www.echo.net.au/2024/07/six-slips-sites-5m-and-42-weeks-sees-bilambil-urliup-road-open
16/07/2024
New partnership to drive better health outcomes for coastal regions
The NSW Government has partnered with Healthy North Coast, Mid North Coast Local Health District, and Northern NSW Local Health District to lead the North Coast Mental Health Plan. The plan aims to improve mental health services in the region and address issues related to substance use and suicide rates.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20240704_01.aspx
09/07/2024
NSW Premier Chris Minns is advocating for "major changes" to be made to the apartments focused on Sydney's transport hub.
NSW Premier Chris Minns discussed the "significant changes" aimed at supporting private developers in building apartments focused on transport hubs, with the goal of creating opportunities for young people to live and work in Sydney. He spoke with Sky News about the upcoming NSW state budget and its focus on addressing Sydney's housing crisis. "The changes include providing extra floor space and height for private developers who incorporate social housing into their developments, as well as comprehensive adjustments to transport-oriented developments around major train stations and transport hubs," he explained.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/chris-minns-speaks-on-major-changes-to-sydneys-transport-hub-focused-apartments/video/d1faddd619afc438b166d74466daa157
Marine pilots have transitioned from navigating large ships in Newcastle Harbour to operating miniature boats on the man-made lake of Port Ash.
On an average day in Newcastle, bulk carriers can be seen navigating through the bustling harbor, guided by marine pilots. These pilots are accustomed to operating ships as large as the Eiffel Tower lying on its side. However, it's on a man-made lake in the Hunter region where pilots can truly put their skills to the test.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-15/newcastle-harbour-marine-pilots-train-with-port-ash-miniatures/103839396
