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BORDER CHANGES AND CAUTION REQUIRED
NSW residents have been asked to remain on ‘high alert’ regarding the spread of COVID-19, following the closure of the border between NSW and Victoria earlier this week.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government had moved quickly to implement the border closure following the concerning community spread of COVID-19 in Melbourne.
“NSW has had to take this serious measure in order to protect the NSW community – and we ask everyone on both sides of the border to take it seriously,” Mr Hazzard said.
The temporary closure came into effect at 12.01am on Wednesday 8 July, and anyone entering NSW from Victoria after that time must follow the Public Health Order, including obtaining a permit if eligible. Permits are available via Service NSW.
Destination NSW has been advised that anyone from, or who has visited, an identified COVID hotspot (being greater Melbourne) and arrived in NSW prior to 8 July is required to self-isolate for 14 days from their departure. This does not apply to anyone from greater Victoria - excluding Melbourne - who arrived in NSW prior to the border closure. See the guide online.
Anyone who is feeling unwell or displaying symptoms should be tested for COVID-19 and stay home or stay in. NSW Health has developed social media assets, posters and other resources for tourism businesses to advise guests about what to do if they become unwell.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked NSW residents in border communities not to travel to other parts of NSW unless absolutely necessary. Residents across NSW should also avoid going to those border communities at this time.
Tourism operators should have a COVID-safety plan and are not required to take any specific action at this time.
The Public Health Order (COVID-19 Border Control) applies to people travelling from Victoria, and individuals must follow directions where applicable. Tourism businesses are encouraged to follow the latest health advice available on NSW.gov.au and treat visitors with the friendly hospitality NSW is known for.
Destination NSW has paused advertising activity in Victoria at this time and continues to provide updates to industry in line with the latest health advice.
Today Queensland opened its border with NSW. This will allow visitors from Queensland to enter NSW and return without being required to self-isolate. Destination NSW has continued to target Queensland residents with TV and digital marketing activites.
The NSW Government is helping small businesses rally from the impacts of COVID-19. Hear about the range of support available from organisations including Service NSW, Business Connect, SafeWork NSW, NSW Health, Regional NSW and more at a free COVID-19 Business Recovery Roadshow in Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads in the coming fortnight.
BUSINESSES MUST EMBRACE COVID SAFE MEASURES
NSW businesses are reminded to follow the State Government’s COVID safety warnings and public health orders or risk a penalty of up to $55,000.
More than 117,500 COVID-safety plans have been downloaded in less than a month but the Government called on businesses to register as COVID-Safe to provide customers with confidence.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there are 10,500 registered businesses across NSW but she would like to see this number increase.
“Thanks to the hard work of the community, thousands of businesses have been able to reopen their doors and welcome back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“While communities embrace the easing of restrictions and we kickstart the economy, safety must come first and businesses cannot be complacent.
“Whether it’s a café, construction business, cinema or sports club, all organisations must ensure the safety of staff and customers. There are no more excuses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said help and assistance is available for businesses.
“Downloading an industry specific safety plan and registering as COVID-Safe is simple and can be done online. Service NSW can help with any questions,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers are encouraged to give feedback to businesses. Our focus in June was on educating industry; while our focus in July will be on compliance.”
Any business found in breach of the public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 or an on the spot fine of $5000.
Breach of orders made under the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and attracts heavy penalties. In the case of any business, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues.
To download a safety plan visit NSW.gov.au.
NSW GOVERNMENT TO RETAIN ULTIMO MUSEUM
Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum at Ultimo will continue to welcome visitors to its world renowned exhibits, with the NSW Government announcing it will remain open and operate alongside the new state-of-the-art facility planned for Western Sydney.
As a result Sydney will have two world-class cultural facilities, providing a significant boost for the arts, tourism and employment sectors.
“Sydney is a global city of more than five million people and this will allow us to provide an outstanding visitor experience in the areas of technology, science, engineering and design at two major locations,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“It will mean far more people have access to many more of the amazing exhibits held by the Powerhouse and importantly, help us create vibrant centres to inspire learning in the fields of sciences and applied arts for the next generation.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said: “We are focused on growing our economy and building our state, with the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Parramatta Light Rail, Metro West train line and building a new world class museum at Parramatta all part of that.”
The retention of Powerhouse at Ultimo will ensure jobs are retained, while the new museum at Parramatta will support around 1100 construction jobs, up to 2400 indirect jobs, and hundreds more once opened.
The Ultimo venue will evolve and grow alongside the newly announced Tech Central, revamped Sydney Fish Market, and rejuvenated Darling Harbour precincts.
BUSHFIRES: $5M BOOST FOR FREE LEGAL HELP
Small businesses, regional communities and farmers recovering from the recent bushfires will benefit from close to $5 million in Commonwealth funding for NSW’s legal assistance services.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said free legal support is playing an important role in how well people, businesses and communities recover from disasters.
“Almost $3 million in funding will be directed to legal assistance services for individuals navigating insurance claims, tenancy issues, financial hardship, social security entitlements and other legal problems caused by the bushfires,” Mr Barilaro said.
“A further $2 million will be invested in legal services for small businesses and primary producers. This will allow Legal Aid NSW to launch a new grants program, enabling private lawyers to access grants of aid to deliver free legal services to local businesses impacted by bushfires.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will boost the capacity of Legal Aid, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service to support individuals in bushfire affected areas across the State.
“From the South Coast, to the Snowy Valley, to the Southern Highlands and to the North and Mid-North Coasts – anyone facing legal problems as a result of the bushfires will have access to more free legal support than ever before.”
The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $2 billion response to the 2019-20 Bushfire Disaster over two years.
Read the full media release.
