24 HOUR ECONOMY TO MAKE SYDNEY GLOW

The NSW Government this week announced that Sydney’s nightlife will be revamped in a major boost for businesses and jobs in the wake of the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The 24-Hour Economy Strategy will be driven by a new Coordinator General tasked with unlocking the city’s cultural and economic potential by bringing stakeholders together from across industry and councils and looking at opportunities to cut red tape and regulation.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the plan would make Sydney the best place to live and work as well as setting the State up for dynamic recovery following COVID-19.

“There is no denying Sydney is one of the best cities in the world, but we need to continue to do everything we can to ensure the jewel in our crown continues to shine both day and night,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This strategy aims to drive investment, create jobs and attract more businesses to the CBD and surrounding suburbs, laying the ground-work for our State’s economic recovery so we can keep more businesses in business and people in jobs.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Strategy was led by industry and aims to grow and support jobs in hospitality, tourism, retail and the arts.

“When we started planning this Strategy our goal was to take advantage of the $16 billion economic uplift from realising the potential of non-traditional work hours. Now, with the job losses resulting from the pandemic, that goal is more important than ever.”

“Sydneysiders deserve a global city that’s thriving 24-hours a day, and the world wants a 24-hour Sydney. We are going to turbocharge Sydney by working closely with industry and councils to implement the 39 actions across the Strategy’s five strategic pillars so the productivity of the night can rival that of the day to create more employment opportunities in arts, entertainment and cultural events throughout the evening.

“COVID-19 has hit the tourism, hospitality and the arts sectors hard. This Strategy sets out a pathway to activate home-grown events that create safe opportunities for people to enjoy across Greater Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.

The 24-Hour Economy Strategy will be spearheaded by a new 24-hour Economy Coordinator General who will be responsible for bringing this strategy to life. A Neon Grid or ‘night map’ will also be developed to target investment towards and help promote 24-hour economy hubs across Sydney.

The Strategy can be found here.

NSW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES ATC PARTNERSHIP

The NSW Government has partnered with the Australian Turf Club (ATC) for the esteemed Everest Carnival to create new opportunities to promote NSW and Sydney as the leading destination for major events and lifestyle experiences.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres announced the partnership between the NSW Government and the ATC on Monday at the 2020 Everest Carnival launch.

“The Everest is now undisputedly a signature event on the Sydney calendar and the partnership between Destination NSW and ATC will ensure the prestige, energy and excitement of Everest Carnival is a magnet for locals and visitors,” Minister Ayres said.

“Whether someone is visiting from the regions or interstate to attend, or they’re a local enjoying some retail therapy and hospitality or even watching the races at home, these activities increase Sydney’s reputation as Australia’s premier events and lifestyle destination and provide a boost to our visitor economy.”

ATC Chairman Matthew McGrath said he looked forward to an exhilarating and COVID-safe event for racegoers to enjoy this spring.

“The Australian Turf Club is incredibly excited to be hosting the 2020 Everest Carnival with spectators in a COVID-safe environment to see some of the world’s best horses, jockeys and trainers compete at Australia’s world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment venues Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens,” Mr McGrath said.

“We are particularly pleased to be announcing this new partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW, to help strengthen Sydney tourism, and showcase everything this wonderful city has to offer, including a day at the races.”

The seven-week Everest Carnival will be held from 19 September to 31 October at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens, and features the world’s richest turf race, the $15 million The TAB Everest on 17 October.

Everest Carnival patrons will be tested on arrival with temperature scanning equipment, hand sanitizer will be available at all venues and routine cleaning of all venues will occur during race and non-race days. Attendees are reminded to observe NSW Health advice www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

To find out more about the Everest Carnival, click here.

NSW EASES RESTRICTIONS FOR BORDER RESIDENTS

Restrictions on the NSW/Victorian border have been eased to allow residents to move freely within the border region.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the changes follow an easing of restrictions in regional Victoria recently announced by the Victorian Government.

“I want to thank the border communities for their patience – we are able to ease restrictions on the border given the reduced risk of COVID-19 transmission in regional Victoria,” Mr Hazzard said. 

Mr Hazzard said under the changes introduced from yesterday, the border region will also be expanded to include some areas around Pleasant Hills, Lockhart, Benalla, Bright and Mount Beauty.

“Any person with an existing border region permit will be able to take advantage of these changes, which we hope will make day to day life a lot easier for border communities,” Mr Hazzard said.

“NSW/Victoria border communities have been extremely resilient during this one-in-100 year pandemic as we continue to fight the challenges of COVID-19.”

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said communities on both sides of the Murray have been the frontline to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“As conditions improve in Victoria, these communities are most deserving of not just respite but recovery. The easing of these restrictions is a welcome part of that,” Mr Clancy said.

“Having been separated for a number of weeks now, as communities that straddle the mighty Murray, we can talk of moving forward together.”

Victorian residents will no longer be obliged to comply with the stay-at-home directions imposed in regional Victoria while in NSW or be restricted to entering NSW for a ‘permitted purpose’.

SUMMER SUMMIT PLANS TO BOOST FESTIVE SYDNEY

Sydney cafes, bars, restaurants and business operators are set for a summer revival with the NSW Government’s Summer Summit paving the way for business to capitalise on Sydney’s transformation into a COVID-safe alfresco city.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes, Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope hosted dozens of key business leaders and operators at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where a raft of ideas were discussed to re-ignite Sydney’s economy as the countdown to summer begins.

"We have heard loud and clear from those on the front lines about what is needed to restore public confidence and get the city buzzing again to ensure businesses have a bumper summer while keeping the people safe,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our health response has been strong and that will allow us to have a strong economic response to ensure Sydney is ready for summer, which is just 73 days away.”

Mr Perrottet said the Government was already working with City of Sydney Council to ensure retailers, cafes, bars and restaurants had the best opportunities possible across the Christmas and summer trading period.

“We are exploring a range of options and ideas and are willing to invest in the right projects that support businesses and jobs.”

At the Summit the NSW Government and City of Sydney Council agreed to explore a range of possible measures, including:

·       Allowing more flexible outdoor dining and seating arrangements;

·       Establish outdoor entertainment stages throughout the CBD;

·       Enhance promotion of cultural institutions and allow them to stay open later;

·       Increase promotion and advertising to attract people into the Sydney CBD;

·       Explore COVID-safe creative ideas such as hosting outdoor cultural events;

·       Recruiting local artists to perform in dining areas and entertainment precincts;

·       Longer retail trading hours;

·       More flexible public transport options.

The relevant ideas, issues and options raised at the Summit today will help shape policy, inform the upcoming NSW State Budget and be channelled through to work already underway such as the outdoor dining taskforce headed by Minister Victor Dominello.

STADIUMS TO BENEFIT FROM INCREASED CAPACITY

Based on updated health advice, major sporting events at selected Sydney stadiums can increase crowds from 25 to 50 per cent capacity (up to a maximum of 40,000 spectators) from 1 October.

The NSW Government yesterday announced Stadium Australia and Bankwest Stadium have supplied detailed COVID-safe plans, which will allow the venues to host ticketed and seated-only events with increased crowds. The SCG has also provided detailed plans and these are currently being reviewed by NSW Health.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the decision follows updated health advice from Dr Kerry Chant and will help create jobs and stimulate the economy, key goals of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.

“Our number one priority is the health and safety of the people of NSW, however it is no secret we’re also focused on firing up the economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Safely allowing more fans at in-demand major sporting events will bring enjoyment, employment and help stimulate the NSW economy.”

Spectators who attend are expected to wear a mask when they are not sitting at their seat. This means they should wear a mask on public transport getting to the venue, when using stadium facilities, and walking to and from their seats.

The strict COVID-safe protocols will see spectators sit in different zones with different entry and exit zones, different hospitality areas and amenities to prevent mixing of spectators across zones and assist in contact tracing if an infectious person attends the event.

While spectators will be at a maximum of 50 per cent, staffing will be at 100 per cent prevent crowding in common areas, such as in lines for food and beverages. The one person per 4 metre square rule will continue to apply in many areas of the stadium.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the recently established Events Taskforce had worked hard to reach an outcome which would allow as many people as possible to support live sport.

“There is nothing like the enthusiasm of the crowd at a major sporting event and, after a winter of hibernation, the people of NSW are more ready than ever to go and see their team in action in a safe environment.”

The Events Taskforce, which includes the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister Ayres, is working with NSW Health to assess increasing capacity at MacDonald Jones Stadium, WIN Stadium, Ken Rosewall Arena and Penrith Stadium.

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