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TIME TO LOOK AHEAD THIS WORLD TOURISM DAY
Ahead of World Tourism Day on Monday 27 September, Sydney’s leading leisure and tourism operators have united in a show of solidarity to invite the community to revel in #jola – the joy of looking ahead – as these businesses prepare to reopen their doors.
The operator members of Sydney Visitor Collective hope to use #jola to inspire NSW residents and visitors to get excited about the weeks and months ahead to revitalise Sydney's economy.
The #jola phenomenon, originally born out of the UK’s COVID-19 crisis and subsequent lockdowns, encourage optimism and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, resonating with many who remain in lockdown.
Tourism Australia research indicates that more than half (56 per cent) of people surveyed in NSW are starting to dream or actively research their next trip, whereby the Sydney Visitor Collective is encouraging that trip to be to the Harbour City for a staycation or day out.
Merlin Entertainment’s Regional GM Ian Wood said the message from the Sydney Visitor Collective was to book ahead.
“As we set our sights on more freedoms, I think we can all agree that there’s a lot to be said for having something to look forward to, and that’s what we’ve all missed throughout this tough period,” Mr Wood said.
“We are already seeing signs of pent-up demand – our Merlin Annual Pass sales have been encouraging despite attractions being closed, and forward bookings into October and November are strong, suggesting that #jola is alive and well within the community.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney said the community had much to look forward to in the months ahead as Sydney and NSW reopened.
“There is nothing like a visit to Sydney to admire the spectacular natural beauty of the Harbour, soak up the atmosphere of our restaurant and bar scene, relax into the hotel life and up the ante by enjoying the unique experiences our tourism operators have to offer. If it’s your first time or your 50th, visitors always find something to love about life in the Harbour City, so why not start planning that next adventure right now?” Mr Ayres said.
BridgeClimb CEO David Hammond said BridgeClimb had many new climb experiences, fully flexible booking terms and special offers alongside the same world class climb leaders and views the business is known for.
“I’d suggest making a weekend out of it and pairing it up with a cruise around the harbour, going on a staycation and sipping cocktails in a hotel or trying out the new rides at Luna Park. All our venues are operating safely, and we can’t wait to welcome those looking for a day out in the CBD this summer, making use of those Dine and Discover vouchers where you can.”
Sydney Visitor Collective partners are Hammons Holding – BridgeClimb, Taronga Zoo Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Merlin Entertainments, Captain Cook Cruises, National Maritime Museum, TFE Hotels, Accor Hotels, NRMA Marine Division (MyFastFerry and Fantasea), Luna Park Sydney, ATEC – Australian Tourism Export Council and City of Sydney.
BUSINESSES UNITE TO BRING AUSTRALIA ONE SHOT CLOSER AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT BACKS VACCINATION
The Business Council is bringing together employers of all sizes from across the economy to boost vaccination rates and get the nation one shot closer to the things everyone loves.
Supported by Facebook, the campaign aims to reach at least 80 per cent of Australians and give every business in the country access to a toolkit of messages and assets to let them speak with a united voice.
Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said achieving strong vaccination rates was critical to the economy and mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
“Every person we get vaccinated brings us one shot closer to bringing Australians back together and letting us all get on with our lives,” Ms Westacott said.
“The One Shot Closer campaign is carefully researched and geared to complement existing state and federal advertising with messages that remind Australians that safe and effective vaccines are our path back.
Facebook Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Will Easton said: "Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we've supported Aussie businesses and our community in staying connected during these challenging times.
“As the vaccine rollout continues to gather pace, the business community has a role to play in encouraging Aussies to get vaccinated as we return to normal life.
“We’re thrilled to be able to offer our support to the One Shot Closer campaign and help the Business Council of Australia amplify this important message on our platforms."
Restaurant & Catering Australia chief executive Wes Lambert said: “Whether it's a meal with friends at a restaurant or a coffee at your local café - getting vaccinated is the best way to getting back to the things we love.
“The national vaccine rollout gives the hospitality sector a pathway to bring Australians together again after this incredibly tough time.”
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) chief executive Margy Osmand said: "For TTF, this will allow tourism, transport and aviation and the many jobs that our sector supports to begin recovering as part of the wider reopening of the national economy. If supported over the year ahead, our industry will be critical to a renewing Australia, but we can only reopen if remaining eligible Australians are vaccinated as a priority. Let’s get this done!”
The campaign launch comes as more than 160 businesses employing millions of Australians sign the Business Council’s joint letter backing the National Plan. For more information, visit www.oneshotcloser.com.au.
Meanwhile mayors and council workers are united in one voice to urge the state’s local government workforce to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said mayors were taking part in a social media video while council workers were featuring in case studies to encourage other local government workers to get the jab.
“There are more than 48,000 people employed by our state’s 128 local councils and they are vital to keeping our local communities ticking, particularly during challenging times,” Mrs Hancock said.
“These council workers are at the frontline of our communities keeping our streets clean, bins emptied and parks maintained, and we are urging them to get vaccinated so everyone can be and feels safe.”
NEW $5 BILLION WESTINVEST FUND AND COMMBANK PARTNERSHIP TO REJUVENATE WESTERN SYDNEY COMMUNITIES AND BOOST JOBS
A new $5 billion investment by the NSW Government will help secure a brighter future for western and south-western Sydney families and residents, helping build new and improved facilities and local infrastructure to help communities hit hard by COVID-19.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new WestInvest Fund would focus on projects that make a real difference to quality of life, help create jobs in the process, and change the face of Western Sydney for the better.
“The future of Western Sydney is bright, and this announcement is a major first step along the road to recovery after a challenging year,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is about helping to rejuvenate local communities with improved parks, better open spaces, giving town centres a boost and providing opportunities to grow.”
The unprecedented boost was made possible by the State’s strong financial management and asset recycling strategy, with the NSW Government announcing the sale of its residual 49 per cent stake in WestConnex for $11.1 billion.
The new WestInvest Fund will allocate $3 billion for future projects across six areas:
- Parks, urban spaces and green space
- Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds
- Modernising local schools
- Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities
- Revitalising high-streets
- Clearing local traffic.
The remaining $2 billion will be reserved for high priority projects to be developed in consultation with local communities.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The pandemic has hit Western Sydney hard, and highlighted important opportunities to deliver new facilities and amenities that will make life better for locals now and into the future.
“Sydney’s West is a rich mix of new and old, with a huge cross-section of cultures and people from all walks of life and this funding will help provide a big kick start as the region recovers.
“From school upgrades to sporting fields, and clearing traffic to making town-centres shine, we want to revitalise and renew the region for the benefit of everyone who calls it home.”
Meanwhile, CommBank has expanded its support for Western Sydney to help the region recover and re-build.
As part of its expanded commitment, the bank has announced two significant investments, a multi-year partnership for a Western Sydney landmark and funding to help local small businesses with the opportunity to connect with more customers.
The multi-year partnership with Venues NSW is for the naming-rights of Western Sydney Stadium. Bankwest Stadium will officially become known as CommBank Stadium from Friday 1 October. Located in the heart of Parramatta, the 30,000-seat stadium has firmly established itself as an iconic and critical piece of community infrastructure for sport and entertainment, as well as for diverse business, cultural and community events.
CommBank has also announced a $120,000 investment to help small businesses in the 12 Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGA) that have been subject to the harder lockdown restrictions.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s increased regional investment.
Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM said: “Greater Western Sydney is one of the key growth areas in the country and having the nation’s biggest institutions align themselves with the region’s brand is a clear endorsement of its potential and big future.
“CommBank couldn’t have chosen a better facility - Western Sydney Stadium is a state-of-the-art venue and will be the location of many amazing moments for families from the region, and beyond, for a long time. It is a brilliantly run facility and CBA’s partnership with owner, VenuesNSW, and operator, VenuesLive, will benefit people right across the West.”
$60 MILLION TO MAKE NSW THE CREATIVE CAPITAL
Communities across NSW will benefit from new and improved cultural infrastructure thanks to $60 million available through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program.
Applications for the Creative Capital grants are open to address the demand for cultural infrastructure, support the creative economy and improve access for local communities to quality arts venues.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the funding would increase investment in projects that reinforce the state’s position as the country’s engine-room of arts and culture.
"Creative Capital demonstrates the NSW Government's commitment to the development of new and upgraded cultural infrastructure, projects to enable more regional touring, and digitisation projects that support the creative industry and cement NSW’s position as the nation’s arts and cultural leader far into the future,” Mr Harwin said.
“This program will help NSW communities to do and see more of the arts they love. The new Creative Capital program is for the whole state and will strengthen cultural tourism and local economies across the state by supporting NSW’s vibrant arts and cultural offerings.”
“The NSW Government is investing in arts and culture programs and upgrading and developing fit-for-purpose cultural facilities like museums, theatres, performance spaces, galleries and Aboriginal Keeping Places right across the state. It’s a significant investment that will bring terrific benefits to both artists and audiences alike.”
The Creative Capital fund will be delivered by the NSW Government through Create NSW over two years, across two categories:
- Minor Works and Equipment Projects for grants from $5,000 up to $250,000
- Medium to Large Projects for grants from $250,000 up to $5,000,000.
Guidelines are now available on the Create NSW website.
2020 MEA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has announced the winners of the 2020 MEA State & Territory and National Awards, which include 13 NSW recipients.
The Awards recognise the innovation and exceptional work done by organisations and individuals in the events sector throughout 2020.
This was the second time the state and national awards were presented concurrently and the second year the ceremony was broadcast to a virtual audience across Australia.
MEA CEO Peter McDonald celebrated all the finalists: “I’d like to acknowledge the effort made by anyone who contributed a submission for consideration, to congratulate those who became worthy finalists, and to celebrate those deemed to ultimately be category winners," Mr McDonald said.
“They’ve been determined to be the best of the best by their peers. They’ve established new benchmarks for the industry to emulate. Well done.”
Destination North Coast received the Excellence in Industry Award for Destination Marketing Organisation or Bureau for the second consecutive year. Other NSW recipients were: Alison Jack (Admire Events); Alive Event Agency; Arinex; ASHM Conference and Events; Christine Kotsis (Harry the Hirer); Congress Rental Australia; Joshua Clark (formerly ICC Sydney); Hyatt Regency Sydney; Milestone Creative Australia; NSW Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (by Admire Events) and SongDivision.
Chair of Judges Ian Stuart said: "Resourceful as ever, our sector has responded creatively and with optimism. We’ve learned how to replace and to complement the traditional face to face experience by including hybrid and virtual alternatives.
“We’ve worked out how to keep our audiences’ attention, how to engage with them and the event's stakeholders. There is great evidence of this in the 2020 MEA National Awards.”
The MEA Awards are supported by Destination NSW, EventsAIR, ICC Sydney, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Touchpoint and Ungerboeck.
NEW GROUP TO RAMP UP CENTRAL RIVER CITY DELIVERY
Homes, jobs, public spaces and infrastructure from Strathfield to Westmead will be planned and delivered faster following the creation of a new office to coordinate NSW Government agencies.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Central River City Program Coordination Office had been established within the Government’s Planning Delivery Unit (PDU), to ensure the Parramatta, Strathfield and Cumberland local government areas benefit from $4 billion worth of infrastructure.
“We’re creating a vibrant and thriving city with jobs, services and high-quality public spaces, all within 30 minutes of home via roads, pavements and public transport," Mr Stokes said.
“Strathfield to Westmead will be the economic spine of the Central River City. I’ve tasked the PDU to ensure Government agencies, councils, infrastructure providers and developers work together to realise its economic potential.
“The creation of the new office also responds to some of the issues raised by the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue in their Stuck in the Middle report released in 2019.”
Head of the PDU and incoming Secretary of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Kiersten Fishburn, said the group would deliver a prioritised green, social and economic infrastructure program.
“This new group will spearhead the delivery of 64 projects, worth $4 billion, across 10 infrastructure agencies,” Ms Fishburn said.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue said the announcement was fantastic news for the region.
“While it’s important that the NSW and Federal Governments continue to facilitate the growth of the Western Parkland City and Aerotropolis, we can’t lose sight of the existing opportunities that need to be fostered in the Central River City - Sydney’s great post-war suburban spread and traditional home to our manufacturing sector,” Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM said.
“The key to all this is coordination. Today’s news is a great first step, but we must embrace a partnership approach if we want the Central River City to provide the jobs, places and public spaces our City needs.”
SYDNEY’S WEST TO BOOM WITH $139 MILLION IN NEW INFRASTRUCTURE
A share of $139 million is up for grabs for eight Western Sydney councils as applications have opened for round two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Funding (AIF).
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said round two included high-growth greenfield precincts in Blacktown, The Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Liverpool, Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly local goverment areas (LGAs).
“We launched this funding to support our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and in the first round more than $145 million was invested to deliver 14 projects,” Mr Stokes said.
“All of these projects are now underway and will support the development of up to 40,000 new homes, 115 hectares of employment land and create up to 1,000 new construction jobs.
“Delivering important infrastructure such as roads, stormwater drains and public space is key to our economic recovery and the second round of the AIF brings the NSW Government’s support to more than $210 million.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the AIF would also create thousands of jobs in the construction phase, helping to meet the future needs of Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is ripe for growth and this funding will provide the necessary infrastructure to support an expected 20,000 plus new greenfield homes across these LGAs over the next five years," Mr Ayres said.
“This is a great example of state and local government working together to accelerate projects that stimulate the economy and create jobs as we start to emerge from the pandemic.”
Councils will be allocated funding according to anticipated growth in each LGA, the amount of development the funding will support and the amount of co-funding that councils can provide. All projects must commence construction within two years to qualify for funding.
Project nominations are open and councils will need to apply by 31 October 2021 to be considered.
MOORE PARKLAND FOR PEOPLE AS CARS MOVED OFF THE GRASS
Car parking will be moved off the grass and underground at Moore Park, creating more open space for the community, following the announcement of a new village precinct and carpark adjacent to the Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) redevelopment.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed carpark would ensure works to improve ‘Upper Kippax’ can begin immediately, transforming the damaged field into a community green with a central sports field, shaded walkways and picnic amenities.
“We’ve seen how important green open space is to people during the pandemic and at Moore Park alone, there has been a 20 per cent increase in patronage in the last 12 months,” Mr Stokes said.
“Increasing and improving public space such as Moore Park is part of the NSW Government’s vision to create a city within a park. This is why the upcoming Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Exposure Bill will also legislate additional protections for Moore Park by making it an offence to park on this section of the grass.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the development would deliver new open spaces for the community and stadium visitors, a children’s play area, a new cafe and restaurant, and a partially underground 1500-vehicle car park.
“The NSW Government will turn what was a bitumen car park into a revitalised green space for nearby residents, as well as the millions of people who will visit the area each year for sporting and entertainment events,” Mrs Ward said.
“Moving vehicles off the grass near Kippax Lake and into a purpose-built underground car park is a win for locals and visitors.
The precinct project, which will be funded by Venues NSW, will be delivered in two stages, with the first stage to be operational by the end of next year. The second stage will be complete in 2023.
Once the car park is fully operational, all remaining on-grass parking will be removed from Moore Park.
$4 MILLION FOR MORE GREEN SPACES IN SYDNEY
A new urban forest, the upgrading of a significant Aboriginal site and a waterside boardwalk are part of a $4 million program for new and improved public space projects coming to Greater Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes has announced 13 projects across 12 local government areas to create and improve sustainable and accessible green spaces for the community through the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP).
“This program recognises the value of our city’s parks and public spaces while giving councils the autonomy to create outdoor venues and attractions that suit the unique communities that use them every day,” Mr Stokes said.
The successful councils are Blacktown City, City of Canada Bay, City of Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River, The Hills Shire, Hornsby Shire, Inner West, Lane Cove, Liverpool City, Northern Beaches, Strathfield and Woollahra.
The projects align with the Greater Sydney Green Grid initiative, a network of walking tracks throughout the city’s green spaces.
The MGP is the longest running open space grants program in NSW. It started in 1983 and more than $45 million in funding has delivered approximately 600 green spaces.
Projects funded under the 2021 MGP include:
- A new 1.8-hectare parkland with an urban forest at Strathfield
- Development of a masterplan to protect and recognise a significant Aboriginal site at Liverpool
- Construction of a waterside boardwalk along the Canada Bay mangroves
- Upgraded pedestrian and bush paths at Pennant Hills Park and Lane Cove National Park
- New accessible pathways between Charlie Bali Reserve and Blacktown International Sports Park
- Installation of wayfinding signage along the Lane Cove Loop
- Final stage of the Gannons Park upgrade in Peakhurst
- Upgrades to North Harbour Reserve, a key stopping point on the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk.
The successful councils are required to plant at least one tree for every $2,500 received and match the grant funding dollar-for-dollar.
The MGP is aligned with the Premier’s Priority – Greening our City – to have one million trees planted across Greater Sydney by mid-2022. So far, more than 600,000 have been planted.
A full list of successful MGP applicants is available online.
NEW DIRECTOR FOR SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY
Anne Dunn has been appointed Sydney Theatre Company’s next Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer by STC’s Board, marking an exciting new chapter for the Company.
Ms Dunn joins STC with extensive experience in arts leadership, a passion for all things theatre, and has come from Sydney Dance Company, where she led as Executive Director for the past 12 years.
STC Artistic Director and co-CEO Kip Williams said he was thrilled to have Ms Dunn join the Company and was very much looking forward to collaborating with her.
“Anne is a visionary leader in the live performance industry, and someone I have long admired. Her intelligence, capacity for innovation, and passionate advocacy for the performing arts set her apart as one of the best arts leaders in our city and, indeed, Australia," Mr Williams said.
“I am particularly excited to work with Anne on STC's next chapter as we expand our touring horizons and look to optimise the creative and business possibilities of our recently renovated home at The Wharf."
Ms Dunn said STC was a Company with an illustrious history and an exciting future.
“It is the creative powerhouse of Australian theatre, and it is with great excitement that I look forward to taking up the role of Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer,” she said.
“At the vanguard of international theatre-making, STC is the natural home of a vibrant range of diverse Australian voices, which resonate with artists and audiences alike. I relish the opportunity to work alongside Kip, the Board and the STC team to continue to build on the company’s tremendous legacy for the future. With theatres reopening, I can’t think of a better time to be taking over the reins from my friend and colleague Patrick McIntyre and pay tribute to the incredible work he has done.”
Prior to her time at SDC, Ms Dunn was the General Manager of the Darwin Festival, an Assistant Producer at the Sydney Opera House, and the Live Sites Event Coordinator for the Sydney Olympics Coordination Authority. She will join STC in February 2022.
WOLLONDILLY WELCOMES FUNDING BOOST FOR TOURISM AND RAIL HERITAGE
Wollondilly Shire’s tourism sector will receive a major boost with the commitment of $9.1 million of State Government funding towards the upgrade of the historic Picton to Colo Vale rail line. The cash injection for this project will assist the area’s recovery from the impacts of the Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19 lockdowns and will support the continued success of the NSW Rail Museum at Thirlmere. Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said: "Reopening the loop line to Colo Vale adds capacity, and the longer rail excursions will create a more authentic experience of what it was like to travel during the golden age of steam trains." Wollondilly Shire Mayor Robert Khan said: “The NSW Rail Museum is home to Australia’s biggest collection of heritage trains and is one of the most significant tourist attractions in the Wollondilly Shire. The reopening of this additional section of the Loop Line will help bring visitors back to the area and will appeal to rail enthusiasts as well as families with children,” he said. The upgrade includes a stretch of track between Balmoral Village and Hill Top which is currently inaccessible to the public and is the deepest railway cutting in the southern hemisphere.
WORLD’S LARGEST SHARK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DEPLOYED TO NSW BEACHES
The world’s largest suite of shark management tools and technologies will be deployed to NSW beaches after funding was nearly tripled to $21.4 million to expand the NSW Government’s Shark Management Program. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said this increased funding would support the expansion of the effective, evidence-based shark management program already in place, with a host of successfully trialled technologies to be rolled out along the NSW coastline. “The NSW Government has done the research and invested in new technologies to bring added protection to our beaches including SMART drumlines, VR4G listening stations and shark-spotting drones. Over the coming weeks we will continue to work with coastal councils from Tweed to Bega Valley and everywhere in between to deliver the world’s largest shark management program to increase beachgoer safety,” he said. Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the NSW Government would now be operating the world’s largest shark management program, aiming to get the balance right between keeping swimmers and surfers safe and protecting our marine life. For more information on technologies used, visit Shark Smart.
SUPPORT FOR FOOD RELIEF, VACCINATION SERVICES AND CULTURAL CASE WORKERS
Delivery of emergency food relief, promotion of vaccination and testing services and support through culturally appropriate case workers are the focus of a NSW Government funding package to help vulnerable people and multicultural communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Organisations are encouraged to develop innovative ideas to expand support services for vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19, with grants of up to $250,000 available. Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the $24.4 million commitment was in addition to a $18.8 million package announced last month, making for a total of $43.2 million. “I have held dozens of meetings with community and religious leaders during the COVID-19 outbreak. All have told me that further support is urgently needed for our most vulnerable. We are looking for ideas that will meet the needs of priority groups, including recent migrants and refugees, people with lower digital literacy and those experiencing isolation and hardship.” The commitment forms part of the NSW Government’s recently announced $287.5 million COVID-19 financial support package to help workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW. For more information, go to Multicultural NSW.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PIEONEERS AWARDS
Study NSW has been announced as a joint winner in the 2021 PIEoneers awards. The global awards celebrate innovation and achievement across the international education industry. Judged by a panel of 43 international education experts, 21 winners spanned seven countries and all kinds of educator and service providers were awarded top gongs in a year where the sector has been hampered severely by the pandemic. The Study NSW award recognises the important impact of the $20 million Temporary Crisis Accommodation Program, delivered between mid-2020 and mid-2021. Through this program, 6,500 NSW international students were provided with up to 20 weeks free accommodation with 15 student accommodation and homestay providers. Professionals in International Education (PIE) CEO Amy Baker said: “We had so many entries that demonstrated a quick pivot and forced innovation to support students – learning via VR, remote internships, the mobilisation of an app to check in daily with students while they quarantine, and ambassador communities springing up – these are just some of the examples of the amazing pioneering work we got to read about.”
MORE CASH TO FIX LOCAL ROADS
Hundreds of additional roads across regional NSW will receive funding for vital works to improve journeys for regional communities, farmers and freight. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole announced $153 million for 94 regional councils to fix, maintain and seal priority roads in the bush through Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program. Mr Barilaro said: “Our Government is investing in the local infrastructure our regional communities rely on, with today’s announcement giving councils across rural and regional NSW a helping hand to deliver the projects that really matter. This funding will deliver more than 130 additional road projects across regional NSW, easing the burden on local councils and creating hundreds of jobs across rural and regional NSW at a time when they’re needed most.” Mr Toole said Fixing Local Roads had already delivered more than $394 million for 361 projects across 91 regional Local Government Areas from Armidale to Albury in the first two rounds.
NEW PROTECTIONS FOR HIGH VALUE CONSERVATION AREAS
The NSW Government has opened nominations to identify and protect Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBVs) on both private and public lands across New South Wales. Environment Minister Matt Kean said these new legal instruments would fill a gap in conservation measures in New South Wales by preserving key landscapes that protect a broad range of our natural heritage. Mr Kean said: "I want to leave our planet in a better state for future generations and this is another tool to ensure areas of irreplaceable biodiversity on private and public lands across New South Wales can be protected. Local communities or private landholders can now conserve areas that would otherwise not be captured or recognised through any other legal instrument, such as in national parks." Once identified, AOBVs are an 'automatic priority' for investment by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), meaning landholders can access funds to manage the land for conservation. Identified by rigorous scientific assessment, AOBVs are designed to conserve high value conservation sites, threatened species or critical habitats.
