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NSW PLANS FOR CAUTIOUS CHRISTMAS -
CHECK RESTRICTIONS AND PREPARE QR CODES
The NSW Government has modified some restrictions regarding gatherings over Christmas for residents and visitors to the Northern Beaches, and has asked citizens to remain COVID-safe over the coming days.
For specific details regarding movement and home gatherings in the Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney, go to NSW.gov.au.
Today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that, as of 1 January 2021, hospitality venues and hairdressers will be required to use the NSW Government QR code system to assist with NSW Health contact tracing. Information about setting up the QR code system is available here: NSW Government QR codes.
Decisions on New Year’s Eve and upcoming sporting events will be made after this Christmas period.
For its part, Destination NSW consults daily with its partner agencies in the NSW Government to provide the latest information to stakeholders and visitors through Insights, its Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts and travel alerts on sydney.com and visitnsw.com.
It also reviews and adjusts its marketing, event and industry development programs in accordance with Public Health Orders and other advice. In the past week, for example, in response to border closures and travel restrictions, it has paused some of its domestic marketing and PR campaigns; has modified its messaging across social media channels; and has shifted the focus of some conversion programs to build awareness and encourage future travel planning.
In this final edition of Insights for 2020, Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox offers his reflections on the year that was and has a message of optimism about the year ahead.
QANTAS EXPANDS ITS REGIONAL NSW NETWORK
Qantas has confirmed a major expansion of its regional NSW network, with the addition of new services to Albury, Griffith, Merimbula, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga.
QantasLink CEO John Gissing said these new routes were a great opportunity for travellers to explore the best of regional Australia.
“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in driving tourism and supporting the industry’s recovery,” Mr Gissing said.
“Before COVID, more than 11 million Australians travelled overseas each year, so these flights will help convert some of these international trips into domestic holidays instead.
“We know there is significant pent-up demand for travel. These new flights will help more Australians explore some of the incredible places in their own backyard and drive tourism, which is so vital to the local economies of regional areas.”
Mayor of Griffith John Dal Broi said: "Griffith City Council is thrilled to welcome Qantas to Griffith. Connectivity to Sydney is critical to our economy and lifestyle and Council is pleased residents and businesses will now have additional flight scheduling options.”
The new QantasLink services will be operated largely by the airline’s 50-seat Q300 turboprop aircraft, with upgraded cabin interiors.
The launch dates for the new services are:
- Sydney – Griffith, commencing 1 February 2021
- Melbourne – Newcastle, commencing 1 February 2021
- Melbourne – Merimbula, commencing 1 February 2021
- Melbourne – Wagga Wagga, commencing 28 March 2021
- Melbourne – Albury, commencing 28 March 2021
This week’s announcement follows Friday’s inaugural flight from Sydney to Merimbula, a new route announced by the airline earlier this year.
Officials from Bega Valley Shire Council welcomed the 38 passengers on QantasLink flight QF 2195 on arrival at the recently upgraded Merimbula Airport.
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick told media who covered the arrival that Bega Valley Shire Council was committed to preparing airport infrastructure for increased passenger and freight services in recent months.
“Increasing passenger services will deliver greater investment to the shire’s business community, which is well timed as it’s been a particularly difficult year for local small business owners,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
For more information about the new QantasLink routes and to book online, go to www.qantas.com.
DESTINATION NSW RELEASES NEW SUITE OF CONTENT
Destination NSW invites tourism operators, industry bodies and media organisations to take advantage of its new suite of photographic and video assets celebrating the beauty of NSW, which are available in its expansive Content Library.
The new content, which has been created by some of Australia’s most talented photographers and videographers, includes:
- A hero NSW video
- Social media-ready images of Sydney (available in 1:1, 4:5 and 9:16 ratios)
- Above the action images
- Sunsets and sunrises images
- Bird’s-eye view images
- Aquatic and coastal images
- Ocean pools images
- Flora and fauna images
- Natural attractions images, and
- See the stars images
The complete suite of brand-new NSW content can be found here.
Destination NSW has also become the first Australian State Tourism Organisation to offer a Content Library service in various foreign languages. The Content Library can be translated from English to Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese and German.
Information on how to register and use the Content Library is available here. Please note the service will be ‘offline’ temporarily between 24 December and 11 January so users are encouraged to place their orders by 4pm AEST on 24 December.
BAD BEHAVIOUR NO LONGER WELCOME IN SHORT-TERM HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Unruly house guests, deceptive hosts and letting agents behaving badly will be subject to strict new short-term rental accommodation laws that could see them banned from participating in the sector.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new industry Code of Conduct provided clear obligations for hosts and guests centred on minimum standards of good behaviour.
“If you are a house guest from hell behaving disgracefully in a holiday rental or a shady host trying to swindle an unsuspecting customer, under these changes you will face penalties, and could be banned from the industry for five years,” Mr Anderson said.
“While the tourism boom is fantastic news for local communities getting back on their feet following last summer’s bushfires and the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, it also reinforces the need for increased protections against anti-social and disruptive behaviour.”
Mr Anderson said a key feature of the new laws was the establishment of an exclusion register, which will introduce a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ policy.
“We are introducing these laws as part of our broad reform of the sector. Together, they will ensure the minority of participants who are giving the sector a bad name are penalised or removed and the sector is improved for hosts, guests and communities,” Mr Anderson said.
All participants, including booking platforms, will be required to comply with the Code and with directions and requests from the Commissioner.
For more information please click here.
BOLSTERED SUPPORT FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESSES
The NSW Small Business Commission has released its updated Retail Tenancy Guide to provide clarity over retail lease arrangements and help avoid disputes.
The guide has been developed in consultation with business and key industry associations, and provides detailed advice for both lessees and lessors at each stage of a tenancy agreement, including:
- Knowing your rights
- Asking the right questions before the lease is signed
- The costs of leasing
- How to resolve disputes
- Dealing with end of lease issues.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said: “This guide will be a great help for businesses facing issues with their lease and who need to understand their options.”
Additionally, the Retail and Other Commercial Leases Regulation will be extended until 28 March 2021, providing targeted support for small businesses continuing to recover from COVID-19.
The new regulation will see the annual turnover threshold for eligible businesses reduced to less than $5 million, down from $50 million, and excludes non-retail commercial leases. Eligible landlords of small retail tenants will also be able to access further land tax relief of up to 25 per cent, where they provide rent reductions to their eligible tenants from 1 January to 28 March 2021.
To find out more about the regulation and the land tax relief available for eligible landlords, click here.
LOVE FOR SYDNEY REACHES GREAT HEIGHTS
Sydneysiders and visitors are invited to enjoy the Emerald City from the top of the city’s tallest building with the new Sydney Tower VIP Experience.
Sydney Tower Eye and SkyFeast have joined forces to create an awe-inspiring, unforgettable experience towering above the city.
The Sydney Tower VIP Experience offers participants the opportunity to take in the city from the Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck, before circumnavigating the outside of Sydney Tower and feeling like they are walking on air, 268 metres above the city streets down below.
After collecting their SKYWALK photo pack, participants are escorted downstairs for a feast at the recently relaunched SkyFeast restaurants, which offers 360-degree revolving views of the city and stunning harbour.
The brand-new package supports Destination NSW’s Sydney. Love It Like You Mean It campaign which encourages Sydneysiders to show their love for their home city by dining out, visiting an attraction, museum, gallery, or having a staycation.
The Sydney Tower VIP Experience is available from Thursdays to Mondays and costs $150 for adults and $120 for children aged 10+.
Bookings are essential – click here for more information.
LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
Lifeline Australia has offered a message of support to businesses and workers engaged in the NSW visitor economy.
It would like to remind everyone about the services that are available throughout the holiday period and encourages people to check-in with others who may be struggling, and to reach out for support for themselves, if needed.
Lifeline Australia’s Chairman, John Brogden, this week said the service was expecting a 40 per cent increase in contacts over the holiday period and had resourced accordingly to be available 24 hours a day for people who need support.
Mr Brogden also encouraged Australians to continue to reach out to those around them, especially those who are unable to be with their family and friends at this time. “Never underestimate the power you have to make a positive difference to another person. A small act of kindness can make the world of difference when you are struggling.”
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. The phone service is available at 13 11 14.
This year’s New Year’s Eve broadcast on ABC will focus on the issue of mental health through a partnership with Lifeline and Kids Helpline for the Your Mental Health Appeal. To donate visit: www.nye2020donate.com
NEW PLAN TO TURN BACK THE TIDE OF EXTINCTION
Plans have been unveiled to turn back the tide of extinctions by more than tripling the area of feral cat and fox-free land in the state’s national parks.
The $20 million plan will establish four new areas, in addition to the three existing feral free areas, bringing the total fox and cat-free area in NSW national parks to almost 65,000 hectares.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said: “This is one of the most significant wildlife restoration projects in the state’s history, by establishing four new feral predator free areas we are paving the way for the return of wildlife that has been lost from our national parks as a result of feral cats and foxes.”
It is estimated more than 50 threatened species are expected to benefit from the program including 28 locally extinct species and more than 30 threatened species currently surviving in national parks.
The four new sites will be:
- Western Sydney – Castlereagh Nature Reserve
- Central NSW – Yathong Nature Reserve
- North-east NSW - Ngambaa Nature Reserve
- South-east NSW – Eden Bombala Region.
BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP EFFORT BOLSTERED BY NEW FUNDING
A further $95 million in NSW Government funding has been set aside to support the ongoing clean-up from last summer’s bushfires. The funding will be administered by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and be split across five programs: Green Waste Program ($45 million), Aboriginal Lands Program ($20 million), Council Landfill Program ($15 million), FenceCycle Program ($10 million) and Bushfire Dumping Program ($5 million). Deputy Premier John Barilaro said: “Last summer it was fires and now we are starting to see floods, but regardless of the challenge we face we will continue to stand with our communities and support them to come back better than ever before.” All eligible councils and public land managers are encouraged to apply for funding for their local communities. For more information on eligibility and to apply, contact the EPA via email or visit the website.
NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN SMART CITIES, SPORT FACILITIES
Councils and place-owners, such as government agencies, owners, councils and regional organisations, are being encouraged to put forward ideas about how they can improve lives through improved technology. The NSW Government is investing $45 million over three years to fund the NSW Smart Places Acceleration Program, aimed at connecting and empowering communities by driving investment in new technology and data to tackle challenges around parking, water recycling, mobile coverage and managing kerbside open space. View the criteria and submit an expression of interest. Meanwhile, sports facilities will also be created and upgraded across the state under the NSW Government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund. The two-year program was a highlight of the recent NSW Budget and will see $50 million available to organisations and councils in 2020/21 with a further $50 million available next financial year. The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will provide grants from $100,000 - $1 million. Applications close on 26 February 2021.
THE TWEED TO HOST TRAVEL WRITERS’ CONVENTION
The Tweed region has been announced as the host destination for the Australian Society of Travel Writers’ (ASTW) 2021 Convention, which will be based at the Mantra on Salt Beach from 14 to 16 October 2021. The Convention will bring together up to 200 writers, editors, photographers, influencers and publicists to meet and network through conference sessions, social functions, pre- and post-familiarisation opportunities and the ASTW’s key event, its Annual Gala Awards Dinner. ASTW President Elisa Elwin said: “The ASTW committee was fortunate to be wonderfully hosted by the Tweed Tourism Company earlier this year and we’re so excited to be bringing the ASTW Convention to such a lush and abundant region with endless stories and a great diversity of destination offerings.”
COFFS SECURES LANDMARK AIRPORT LEASE DEAL
Coffs Harbour City Council has secured Palisade Investment Partners as its commercial operating partner for the long-term lease of Coffs Harbour Airport. One of Australia’s leading regional airport investors, Palisade Investment Partners has entered into a 50-year lease, with an additional 49-year option subject to a range of legal and commercial requirements being met. The agreement includes $81.5 million in fixed payments over an initial period, which will include the development of the Airport Enterprise Park, a 23-hectare greenfield employment precinct next to the airport. The Airport and Enterprise Park are expected to generate more than $400 million in revenue over the term of the lease and 49-year option. Palisade Investment Partners is set to takeover Coffs Harbour Airport management in early 2021.
$4M BOOST FOR NSW SURF LIFE SAVING CLUBS
Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW will benefit from an upgrade to facilities under the NSW Government’s $4 million Surf Club Facility Program. Eligible clubs will be able to apply for grants of between $30,000 and $350,000 until 3 March 2021. Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales OAM said: “Surf Life Saving Clubs are home base for our volunteers and this investment allows significant upgrades to improve access for our 75,000 volunteers. With 129 clubs across the state, volunteer surf lifesavers performed 3,800 rescues, 197,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year.” Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club was the recipient of a $46,000 grant in 2018/19, which enabled it to upgrade its first aid and patrol room. For more information on eligibility and to apply, click here.
ORANGE RUNNING FESTIVAL
Keen runners of all ages and abilities are encouraged to save the date - 6 to 7 March 2021 - for the 2021 Orange Running Festival. The event offers families the perfect excuse to enjoy an active weekend away in the state’s Central West with plenty of events on offer, including a 2km Junior Dash, a 5km for individuals or teams, a 10km race, a 21.1km Half Marathon and 42.2km Marathon. Orange is one of the state’s most popular destinations - particularly for short breaks - boasting award-winning restaurants, boutiques and renowned wineries and cellar doors. Orange is just 3.5 hours’ drive west of Sydney or a short flight with Regional Express (Rex) or QantasLink which will offer an expanded schedule of daily flights from Sydney to Orange from February. Head to Visit NSW to help you plan your trip to this beautiful region.
