NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE - 24 JANUARY 2020

31 January 2020
NSW BUSHFIRE RELATED UPDATES
 
PREMIER ANNOUNCES NSW INDEPENDENT BUSHFIRE INQUIRY
 
  • The Premier has announced an independent expert inquiry into the 2019-20 bushfire season to provide input to NSW ahead of the next bushfire season.
  • Dave Owens, former Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police, and Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Independent Planning Commission Chair and former NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, will lead the six-month inquiry, which will review the causes of, preparation for and response to the 2019-20 bushfires.
  • The inquiry will commence within days and accept submissions from the public. A report will be submitted to the Premier at its conclusion.
 
NSW BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP CONTRACTOR ANNOUNCED
 
  • The Morrison and Berejiklian Governments will share the costs on a 50:50 basis for the clean-up of residential and commercial properties destroyed by the recent bushfires in NSW.
  • The cost of the NSW clean-up is expected to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars, though a definitive number cannot be settled until the fires have ceased and sites are assessed.
  • As part of recovery efforts the NSW Government has also selected Laing O’Rourke Australia as the lead contractor to undertake the clean-up.
  • Impacted owners wanting their property cleared need to call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to register their details and provide consent for access to their land.
 
NSW GOVERNMENT: COUNTRY SHOWS MUST GO ON
 
  • Country shows will go ahead across regional NSW despite crippling drought and bush fire devastation with the NSW Government to sponsor the popular agricultural events that boost business and community spirit.
  • Sponsorship grants of up to $5,000 are available for shows in regional NSW from the $170 million Drought Stimulus Package.
  • Applications will be accepted from show societies in regional areas. To apply for sponsorship for your show society, go to https://rgf.smartygrants.com.au/CountryShowsSponsorship.
 
OTHER NSW GOVERNMENT UPDATES
 
NSW ENERGY DEAL TO REDUCE POWER PRICES AND EMISSIONS
 
  • The Morrison and Berejiklian governments have reached a landmark agreement to lower power prices for consumers, reduce emissions and strengthen grid reliability.
  • Through this partnership, both governments have committed to deliver a number of initiatives that will:
    • increase gas and electricity supply in NSW by encouraging investment;
    • improve grid security by supporting transmission interconnection and network access; and
    • support emissions reduction projects that deliver genuine abatement.
  • The $2 billion deal will continue to strengthen and diversify our energy sector here in New South Wales – securing traditional energy sources whilst growing renewable energy investment across the state.
 
FIRST SOD TURNED FOR PARRAMATTA LIGHT RAIL
 
  • The first sod has been turned for major construction today for the Parramatta Light Rail project, which will transform the Greater Parramatta region.
  • The new 12-kilometre light rail project will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is set to open in 2023.
  • From this Saturday, 1 February, Church Street between Macquarie and Market Streets will be closed to traffic, with diversions in place. Motorists will be encouraged to use Marsden and Smith Streets. The free 900 shuttle bus service will also run on a new route along George Street in the Parramatta CBD.
  • For more information, visit parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.
 
FIRST VIGILANTES CAUGHT BY NEW RIGHT TO FARM LAWS
 
  • Two people have been charged under new laws introduced last year by the NSW Government which target and crackdown on illegal farm invaders.
  • Changes to the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 late last year introduced the toughest suite of penalties in Australia for illegal farm trespass.
  • Both individuals have been charged with aggravated unlawful entry on inclosed lands under the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901 where the maximum penalty is one year imprisonment and/or $13,200 or up to three years imprisonment and/or $22,000 for aggravated trespass conducted by 3 or more persons.
 
UPDATED ADVICE AHEAD OF SCHOOL RETURNING
 
  • The NSW Government has requested that children who have visited China in the past two weeks not attend school or childcare services until 14 days have lapsed from their date of departure from China.
  • The internationally recognised incubation period for the coronavirus is 14 days, so this is the logical timeframe to ask students to refrain from attending school. After this time, there is no risk.
  • The Commonwealth Department of Health has confirmed that all passengers disembarking from planes from China are being given comprehensive information about coronavirus in both English and Mandarin.
  • Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx.
  • Anyone who develops a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel to Hubei or contact with a person with confirmed coronavirus, should immediately isolate themselves from other people, contact their GP or local emergency department or call the healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222.
 
REDISTRIBUTION OF ELECTORAL DISTRICTS SET FOR 2020
 
  • The electoral districts of NSW will be reviewed in 2020 to ensure an even distribution of voters, in line with the Constitution Act 1902.
  • A review of electoral boundaries is required after every second State general election, to take into account movement of voters and new enrolments, and ensure that each electoral district has a balanced population for fair voting.
  • The last redistribution commenced in 2012 and concluded in September 2013, with the current electoral boundaries applying for the 2015 and 2019 State general elections.
  • The distribution process focuses on ensuring there is a similar number of electors in each district, with a 10 per cent difference in the average allowed.
  • Under the Electoral Act 2017, the redistribution process is conducted by the Electoral Districts Redistribution Panel, comprising the NSW Electoral Commissioner (Mr John Schmidt), NSW Surveyor-General (Ms Narelle Underwood) and a Chairperson appointed by the Governor. This Panel will be chaired by the Hon. Justice Arthur Emmett AO QC.
  • Under the Electoral Act, the independent Redistribution Panel is required to provide public notice of the redistribution, including invitations for suggestions and comments in writing on the redistribution.
  • The Act also provides for a public hearing into any submission or comment on its draft determination in accordance with legislative requirements.
  • The redistribution process is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2021. For more information visit https://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/.

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

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