Infrastructure
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
.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.
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.
30th April 2024
Way forward for Sydney Trains as final Rail Review released
The recently released Sydney Trains Review highlights key challenges and recommendations, including the need for major system upgrades, improved fleet reliability, and addressing workforce gaps. The findings offer a framework for reform that will influence the future of railways in New South Wales. The review identifies significant changes facing Sydney Trains in the coming years, such as integrating metro services into the new timetable and implementing critical network upgrades.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/way-forward-for-sydney-trains-as-final-rail-review-released
20th May 2024
Qantas will add flights between Bengaluru and Sydney
To cater to the high demand during the peak holiday season, Qantas Airlines announced the expansion of flights from Bengaluru to Sydney. The airline plans to increase its weekly flights from five to daily between mid-December 2024 and March 2025, providing over 12,000 additional seats between the two cities over a four-month period.
12 June 2024
strengthening and increasing Australia's influence through sports
The Government is refining Australia’s sports diplomacy approach to leverage the country’s sporting excellence and promote national interests. Following the 2019 periodic review of the Sports Diplomacy 2030 strategy, the Government is involving national sporting organizations and peak bodies in the decision-making process, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing Australia’s interests through sports. As part of the new measures, several internationally-focused national sporting organizations and peak bodies have been invited to participate in a new Sports Diplomacy Consultative Group, which will be coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
