Telstra upgrading 4G and 5G coverage at Galore Hill.

Infrastructure Upgrade - Update from Telstra 31/01/24

Telstra will be upgrading its mobile base station located at Galore Hill by adding additional infrastructure to bring better 4G & 5G services to the surrounding community, but the works will require a series of temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage.

The base station at Galore Hill provides coverage to the agricultural area between Lockhart and Narrandera, including the Sturt Highway.

These improvements will temporarily impact Telstra mobile coverage at various times from Wednesday the 07 February to Friday 23 February 2024. Some customers may still receive overlapping coverage from other nearby mobile base stations.

Disruptions of up to 8 hours per day may be experienced from Thursday 08 February to Friday 16 February while the first phase of work takes place.

The second phase of disruptions will be experienced from 7am on Monday 19 February to 5pm on Thursday 22 February. The site is expected to be off the air for this entire period.

Disruptions of up to 4 hours per may be experienced on Friday 23rd of February whilst call testing and commissioning works are undertaken.

If all goes according to plan and weather permitting the mobile upgrade will be completed on the 23rd of February 2024.

Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising of the upcoming work.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted. Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

Regional General Manager for Telstra, Chris Taylor said while our crews need to work during daylight for safety, we'll only be switching off the site when we need to and have it back on as quickly as possible.

"There's never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents," Chris Taylor said.

"As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity and this site is another example of our commitment. "Over the past seven years to the end of FY23, Telstra invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network."

Tips for improving connectivity while works are underway

For mobile coverage in the interim, if residents have access to a wi-fi signal at home or at work, Telstra encourages residents to activate wi-fi calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use a Wi-Fi network to make and receive mobile calls. To find out more they can google Telstra wifi calling or just search in your settings icon on your phone.

We know many businesses use the Telstra network for their EFTPOS terminals. However, Telstra does not operate the EFTPOS network; it is operated by financial institutions. Many EFTPOS terminals can also be connected using fixed line or Wi-Fi/nbn internet connections. Retailers should contact their bank for more information and details on how to switch between these methods to ensure continuous service.

Charles Sturt University regional community grants applications open

Proudly supporting community development in our regions

Are you a local community group, school, sporting club or First Nations group? Do you want a grant of up to $1,000 to support your projects and plans? Apply now for our 2024 CUP Grant Program!

Grants are available in all Charles Sturt University regional communities, including Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Wangaratta, Wagga Wagga and surrounds.

We encourage applications from the following categories:

•             Arts and culture

•             Education development

•             Environmental sustainability

•             Health and wellbeing

•             Sports development

Applications are open now and close Sunday 3 March 2024, at 11.59pm.

For more information, please visit our website or email community@csu.edu.au

APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON: Grants of up to $10,000 available to community groups in regional, rural and remote areas.

Recognising the impacts of COVID-19 on communities, the Australian Government has partnered with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to distribute $5 million from 2022 to 2024 to support community-led initiatives.

The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

Image: Augusta & Districts Community Childcare Centre, SRC Rd 8 Grant Recipient. Source: Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR)

Grants up to $10,000 are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities that strengthen local people, places and climate solutions, with a preference for smaller communities (populations under 15,000).

The objectives of the program are to:   

• Enhance the process of recovery of remote, rural and regional communities from the COVID-19 pandemic;

• Reduce social isolation and foster stronger, more resilient remote, rural and regional communities; and/or  

• Sustain local remote, rural and regional organisations and their work.  

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program supports local organisations uplift their communities, following significant disruption from COVID-19.

• Eligible projects include: Supporting, training or attracting volunteers

• Events & activities to reconnect communities

• Enhancing community spaces to increase use

• Developing services and support for vulnerable people Purchase of equipment or resources

This is the final round of the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream, and applications close 5pm AEDT 26 February 2024.

Learn more at www.frrr.org.au/SRC Ph: 1800 170 020 or Email: covidsupport@frrr.org.au

Localise You: Bridging Communities and Industries, Backed by Industry Leader

Localise You, a pioneering community integration service, has captured the attention and support of industry and government organisations alike, with endorsements from prominent players such as the SunRice Group in Leeton. This innovative platform is dedicated to connecting professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions, fostering a stronger sense of community awareness and inclusion.

Site Manager at SunRice’s mill in Leeton Simon Scicluna (left) and Localise You Owner and Founder Maryann Iannelli (right) at SunRice Group registered office in Leeton.

In an increasingly globalised world, the need for seamless community integration has never been more apparent. Localise You aims to bridge the gap between professionals from various walks of life, creating opportunities for local awareness, social integration and provides employers with a platform for employee satisfaction and engagement through their unique quality events ‘Familiarise & Socialise’. This unique service has garnered praise from industry leaders and is poised to become a game-changer for assisting industry and government agencies in attracting and retaining skilled professionals to regional locations.

The SunRice Group, an industry leader in rice production, has recognised the potential of Localise You’s ‘Familiarise & Socialise’ events in promoting unity and enhancing productivity within their organisations. The service not only caters to individuals but also addresses the broader needs of businesses and government bodies.

Simon Scicluna, Site Manager at SunRice’s mill in Leeton, expressed his enthusiasm for Localise You, saying, "SunRice values community integration and understands the importance of bridging the gap between newcomers and the community. Localise You provides a fantastic platform for our employees to engage with the Leeton community and foster social connections within their new environment. We believe that this service will enrich our employees’ relocation experience and lead to positive employee engagement and in return assist with employee retention."

Localise You offers a wide range of features, including:

1. Shared Orientation Events: Facilitating opportunities for professionals learn about our Shire, meet key community members for their integration, and establish valuable connections.

2. Tailored Orientation: Creating a tailored experience for personal and family needs to adjust to local offerings, and connect with community organisations of interest.

3. Corporate Events: Engaging employees through events designed to encourage team building, local appreciation and foster a positive internal culture.

The service has garnered interest from not only corporate leaders but also government organisations, including schools and healthcare eager to promote community integration in their organisations.

Localise You Founder Maryann Iannelli expressed gratitude for the support the service has received and said, "We are thrilled to see Localise You gaining recognition and support from organisations like SunRice, local schools and healthcare. Our goal is to provide our regions with a platform that will assist with attracting and retaining skilled professionals in the regions. With such endorsements, we are more motivated than ever to make this vision a reality."

Localise You’s next ‘Familiarise & Socialise’ event is scheduled for Wednesday 28th February 2024. It is designed to inform attendees of local agribusiness productivity, provide insight into the local lifestyle, showcase unique resources available and network with local community members and foster connections with other newcomers. It is a full day of activities, enjoying local hospitality from Hydro Hotel and The Whitton Malt House, agribusiness tours. Tickets are available online via the website www.localiseyou.com.au

For more information about our Familiarise & Socialise event and how Localise You can provide a positive impact for your business and your employees, contact Maryann via email, maryann@localiseyou.com.au to arrange an introductory consultation.

Regional NSW, make the move

Calling all Sydney essential workers!

If you are looking to have more time for yourself and your family or just want to escape the hustle bustle of the city, there’s never been a better time to make the move to regional NSW.
Regional towns and cities are calling out for more nurses, teachers, police officers, caseworkers, firefighters and other essential workers to join their communities and provide much needed access to critical services.

More than a third of the state’s population lives in regional NSW and even more people chose to relocate during the COVID-19 pandemic. With thriving towns and cities boasting a diverse range of industries, businesses, people, communities and cultures, you’ll love life in regional NSW. 

An exciting new service is now available for essential government workers and their families to support a move into regional communities. Whether it’s just an initial enquiry, or you’re ready to pack your bags, The Welcome Experience can provide local advice on what life is like in regional NSW. 

The Welcome Experience

This exciting new service provides essential workers and their families with the support they need to move into regional communities, settle in and become one of the locals. 

Learn how you can make the move today > nsw.gov.au/makethemove

Telstra adding 5G coverage in Bomen Park

Media release from Telstra 11th January 2024

Telstra will be upgrading one of its mobile base stations in Bomen Park by adding additional infrastructure to bring 5G services to the area, but the works will require a series of temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage. The Bomen Park site provides mobile coverage to the industrial park and north along the Olympic Highway.

There will be some temporary impacts to Telstra mobile coverage at various times from Tuesday 23 January to Friday 2 February 2024. While some areas may be without Telstra mobile coverage at times during this period, some customers may still receive overlapping coverage from other nearby mobile base stations.

The first phase of disruptions will occur between 7am on Wednesday 24 January and 5pm on Monday 29 of January. The base station will be off the air during this period.

Disruptions of up to 4 hours per day may be experienced from Wednesday 30 January to Friday 2 February as testing and integration are carried out.

If all goes according to schedule the mobile upgrade will be completed on the 2 of February 2024. Telstra mobile customers may have already received text messages advising of the upcoming work.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted. Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

Telstra Regional General Manager Chris Taylor said while our crews need to work during daylight for safety, we'll only be switching off the site when we need to and have it back on as quickly as possible.

"Where possible we will just be switching off the parts of the tower we are working on, leaving the rest operational. While coverage and capacity will decline during this time, we want to keep the amount of time the site is off air to an absolute minimum," Mr Taylor said.

"There's never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents."

"Telstra does have other mobile base stations which may help provide some coverage, but most of our mobile coverage for this area does come from this base station so there will be an impact."

"As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity. Over the past seven years to the end of FY23, Telstra invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network."

Tips for improving connectivity while works are underway

For mobile coverage in the interim, if residents have access to a Wi-Fi signal at home or at work, Telstra encourages residents to activate Wi-Fi calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use a Wi-Fi network to make and receive mobile calls. To find out more they can google Telstra WiFi calling or just search in your settings icon on your phone.

We know many businesses use the Telstra network for their EFTPOS terminals. However, Telstra does not operate the EFTPOS network; it is operated by financial institutions. Many EFTPOS terminals can also be connected using fixed line or Wi-Fi/nbn internet connections. Retailers should contact their bank for details on how to switch between these methods to ensure continuous service.

Long term benefits of the site upgrade

The roll out of 5G connectivity for the first time in Bomen Park means businesses and residents with Telstra 5G mobile devices will be able to enjoy a better mobile experience.

"We're continuing to expand our 5G network across location and nationally we're adding new sites to the network every week. Upgrades such as these continue to demonstrate Telstra's ongoing commitment to regional Australia," Mr Taylor said.

Once completed, Bomen Park will join more than 4,900 Telstra 5G sites on-air within selected areas of more than four hundred cities and towns across Australia. 85 per cent of all Australians now having the ability to access to the Telstra 5G network where they live.

For customers wishing to access 5G on the Telstra network, they will need a 5G capable device so for some people, that may mean upgrading their current device.

Telstra upgrading 4G coverage and bringing new 5G connectivity along Barellan Road

Media Release from Telstra, 2nd January 2024

Telstra will be upgrading its mobile base station on Barellan Road by adding additional infrastructure to bring better 4G services to the area. The work will also prepare the network for 5G coverage to be provided once the 3G network closes as planned in June 2024, but the works will require a series of temporary outages or reduction in mobile coverage.

The Telstra base station on Barellan Road provides mobile reception along the highway between Narrandera and Barellan, and the surrounding area towards Bald Hill.

These improvements will temporarily impact Telstra mobile coverage at various times from Monday the 15th January to Tuesday the 23rd January 2024.

The first outage will commence on Monday the 15th January at 7am to Friday the 19th January at 5pm. There will be no Telstra mobile network coverage during this period.

Temporary outages may be experienced between Saturday the 20th of January and Tuesday the 23rd of January as we test and integrate the mobile network.

If all goes according to plan and weather permitting the mobile upgrade will be completed on the 23rd of January 2024.

Telstra mobile customers will receive text messages advising of the upcoming work.

Landline services, NBN internet services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted. Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically be diverted to any working mobile network for connection to emergency services.

Telstra Regional General Manager Chris Taylor said while our crews need to work during daylight for safety, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and have it back on as quickly as possible.

“There’s never a good time to undertake this sort of work but once it is completed, it will mean better mobile services for local residents,” Mr Taylor said.

“As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity and this site is another example of our commitment. “Over the past seven years to the end of FY23, Telstra invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network.”

Tips for improving connectivity while works are underway

For mobile coverage in the interim, if residents have access to a wi-fi signal at home or at work, Telstra encourages residents to activate wi-fi calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to use a Wi-Fi network to make and receive mobile calls. To find out more they can google Telstra wifi calling or just search in your settings icon on your phone.

We know many businesses use the Telstra network for their EFTPOS terminals. However, Telstra does not operate the EFTPOS network, it is operated by financial institutions. Many EFTPOS terminals can also be connected using fixed line or Wi-Fi/nbn internet connections. Retailers should contact their bank for more information and details on how to switch between these methods to ensure continuous service.

Long term benefits of the site upgrade

The roll out of 5G connectivity for the first time along Barellan Road means customers with Telstra 5G mobile devices will be able to enjoy a better mobile experience. The upgrade also brings added benefits for customers on the Telstra 4G network with more capacity, providing better network connectivity and less congestion in peak times.

“We’re continuing to expand our 5G network across location and nationally we’re adding new sites to the network every week. Upgrades such as these continue to demonstrate Telstra’s ongoing commitment to regional Australia,” Chris said.

Once completed, Barellan Road will join more than 4,900 Telstra 5G sites on-air within selected areas of more than four hundred cities and towns across Australia. 85 per cent of all Australians now having the ability to access to the Telstra 5G network where they live.

For customers wishing to access 5G on the Telstra network, they will need a 5G capable device so for some people, that may mean upgrading their current device.

Government welcomes road safety and productivity reforms

Joint Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; and Sentaor the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant minister for Infrastructure and Transport

MEDIA RELEASE | 20 December 2023

The Australian Government has welcomed transport ministers’ in-principle agreement to an improved, nationally-consistent approach to the training and licence progression of heavy vehicle drivers.

Endorsed by Australian transport ministers through the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting (ITMM), the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) proposes a series of reforms to improve road safety and productivity.

These changes will strengthen heavy vehicle driver skills and knowledge through redesigned learning and assessment requirements specific to each licence class.

Minimum course lengths and behind-the-wheel time will also be made compulsory, while some training and assessment will be delivered online to lower costs and allow licence applicants more flexibility.

New experience-based licence-progression pathways will be introduced to help drivers progress to higher licence classes more quickly while supporting road safety outcomes.

For more information, visit https://austroads.com.au/drivers-and-vehicles/registration-and-licensing/heavy-vehicle-driver-competency-framework.

Supporting the regions - applications open for local community grants

Joint Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; and Jill Karena, FRRR Place Portfolio Lead

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 December 2023

The Albanese Government is supporting the continued recovery from COVID-19 in the regions, with up to $10,000 available to community groups across regional, remote and rural Australia.

The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Strengthening Rural Communities program provides grants of up to $10,000 to support local organisations to uplift their communities following significant disruption from COVID-19.

Grants could be for initiatives such as workshops, education programs or improving facilities and community equipment.

The last round, delivered in November, saw 55 local-led projects across the country shared in over $470,000 in grants.

From 2022 to 2024, the Australian Government has invested $5 million in the Rebuilding Regional Communities stream of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program. The final round of Rebuilding Regional Communities is now open.

• Learn more: Final round for Rebuilding Regional Communities (sharepoint.com) and Supporting the regions

• Applications close: 5:00PM (AEDT) 26 February 2024.

• Help: covidsupport@frrr.org.au / 1800 170 020

For further information and how to apply visit www.frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-regional-communities/.

$20 million to boost mobile coverage along urban fringes

Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | 18 December 2023

Communities on the fringes of major urban centres in bushfire prone areas are set to share in $20 million in Commonwealth investment to upgrade mobile coverage, with Round 2 of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP) now open for applications.
 
The second round of PUMP will provide grant funding to Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers to deliver new or upgraded mobile phone infrastructure that targets longstanding mobile coverage and reception issues. Infrastructure sharing will again be encouraged through this round to ensure the benefits of the funding flows as widely as possibly amongst communities.     
 
Eligible areas under the latest round have been expanded to include major regional cities across Australia like Geelong, the Gold Coast and Newcastle, along with the peri-urban edges of major capital cities.

The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the suburbs, creating bushfire risks for those living and working in these areas. Communities in many of these areas have generally been underserved because of the high cost of deploying infrastructure, difficult terrain, planning challenges and lower population densities. 
 
A Project Noticeboard has been established to help local councils and community groups identify mobile coverage and quality of service issues in their area to assist telcos develop new infrastructure proposals for the round. The Noticeboard will be open until applications close.
 
PUMP complements work of the Albanese Government to improve telecommunications and broadcasting resilience across Australia through its $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan – the most significant investment in regional communications since the creation of the National Broadband Network.
 
Other programs to improve the network resilience include the Commonwealth’s $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program to safeguard ABC broadcast towers, and the $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program, and the $50 million Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation Program to deploy innovative solutions to address communications issues during natural disasters.
 
Applications close on 18 March 2024. MNOs and Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers can apply at grants.gov.au

For more information on PUMP, visit infrastructure.gov.au/pump  

NSW secures more renewable energy projects

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Energy and Climate Change

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 December 2023

Two additional renewable energy generation projects and 3 long-duration storage projects have been successful in the latest tender round of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, cementing the state’s position at the leading edge of investment in the national energy transition.

In the third tender delivered independently by AEMO Services, one solar project, 1 wind project, 2 lithium-ion battery energy storage system projects and 1 advanced-compressed air energy storage system have been awarded Long-Term Energy Service Agreements.

The projects will be built in Twelve Mile, Culcairn, Broken Hill, Merriwa and Myrtle Creek.

Each of the 3 storage projects have a continuous discharge capacity of at least 8 hours and collectively could power the Sydney Cricket Ground lights for around 130 days.

The successful projects represent $4.2 billion in private sector investment in the state’s renewable energy infrastructure, building upon the $4.3 billion in private sector investment committed in AEMO Services’ 2 previous tenders.

The 5 projects are expected to be operational from 2028 and will contribute to broader community and economic benefits, including support for an estimated 1000 jobs over the project lifetimes, $2 billion in local supply chain benefits, $40 million towards First Nations initiatives and enough generation to power 360,000 NSW homes per year.

Following the outcome of this third tender, NSW has now locked in 5.79 GW – almost half – of its legislated 12 GW renewable target for generation. It confirms 574 MW of the legislated 2 GW target for long-duration storage.

Regional Development Act 2004 Review

Regional communities have grown and changed a lot over the past decade, and we need to update how the government invests in regional NSW.

We want to be sure we are supporting regional development in a fair and equitable way, and guarantee we are doing everything we can to be transparent and accountable to the people of NSW in how we spend public funds.

The NSW Government is undertaking a review of the Regional Development Act 2004 to identify priorities for regional communities, establish how the government will work with these communities to improve outcomes and the approach to identify areas for future investment.

We want to hear from all members of the NSW community. Your feedback will help inform how the Government supports the sustainable growth of regional NSW now and into the future.

Please read the Issues Paper before completing the survey or uploading a submission.

2023 Australian Skills Classification Update

The Australian Skills Classification helps define the skills that underpin jobs in Australia. The 2023 update of the Australian Skills Classification (the Classification) is now available.

The Classification identifies three types of skills for every occupation: specialist tasks, technology tools and core competencies. Similar specialist tasks are grouped together into skills clusters, which are further grouped into skills cluster families.

You can explore the data by skills cluster or by occupation. See the Downloads tab for resources such as the latest data set and reports providing detailed information on the Classification and the methodology. The Similar Occupations tab features an application of the Classification.

​A Migration Strategy for Australia

Australia now has a strategy for its migration system.​

The Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023 and outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system, with a policy roadmap containing 8 key actions and over 25 new policy commitments and areas for future reform. This Migration Strategy is informed by extensive consultation with business, unions and other stakeholders, and more than 450 submissions received as part of the Review of the Migration System.​​

Read the full plan in the Government’s Migration Strategy​ (3MB PDF).

Read a brief overview of this plan in the Government’s Migration Strategy – At a Glance​​ (320KB PDF).

These are significant reforms that will deliver lasting and important change, but the system cannot be reformed overnight. An ambitious roadmap for reform has been developed. Read the Government’s​ Action Plan (230KB PDF) for delivering these reforms.​

The Migration Strategy builds on the findings of the first comprehensive review of the migration system in a generation, the 2023 Review of the Migration System​ (the Parkinson Review), and also the​ Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System​ (the Nixon Review).

The Department of Home Affairs will be in contact with key stakeholder groups to help the wider Australian community understand these changes. Further information will be published on these changes closer to the implementation date of each commitment.​

New & improved Telstra mobile coverage comes to Yerong Creek

Media Release | 14 December 2023

Telstra has recently expanded 4G mobile coverage in the village of Yerong Creek with a new mobile small cell being switched on.

Regional General manager Chris Taylor said the new site would improve Telstra’s existing coverage in the area and improve connectivity for residents and visitors.

“We know the community’s been looking forward to this new mobile site and I’m pleased to say we’ve completed construction and been able to bring this site on air,” Chris taylor said.

“Having mobile connectivity is becoming increasingly important in our everyday lives. Each day er have about 20 million devices using our mobile network and together they make about 60 million phone calls, send 40 million SMS, and use about 8.6 million Gigabytes of mobile data.”

“This new site not only delivers new and improved depth of coverage to the Yerong Creek area, it will also improve capacity and provide additional triple-zero connectivity for users to other mobile networks in times of emergency.”

Telstra has used small cell technology to bring 4G coverage to this location. A small cell base station is an ideal solution for providing new or improved mobile services to remote locations and communities where a larger base station may not be technically or commercially viable to build.

The range of 4G coverage via a small cell will vary depending on local conditions but should provide mobile handheld coverage of several hundred metres in each direction and could be increase if people are using an external aerial or approved mobile phone repeater.

Telstra has oiver 11,700 mobile base station covering more than 2.7 million square kilometres, arounf one million kilometres more than any other mobile network. nationally, the Telstra network provides coverage to 99.6 percent of the Australian population.

“As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity and this site is another example of our commitment. Over the past seven years to the end of FY23, Telstra invested $11 billion in our mobile network nationally, with $4 billion of this invested in our regional mobile network,” said Chris Taylor.

Take your time and arrive safely

Joint Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; and Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

MEDIA RELEASE | 18 December 2023

Road users are being urged to remember to be careful on the roads as the holiday season begins.

Australian Government figures show over 1,250 people have been killed on Australian roads in the 12 months ending November this year.

Every Australian wants to get to where they are going safely, but it takes all road users to make that a reality, whether it’s by vehicle, bicycle or foot.

Road users can help do their part by ensuring they are not distracted, take regular breaks when driving long distances, travel at the speed limit and drive to road conditions.

For quick reference guides on road rules for each state and territory, visit www.officeofroadsafety.gov.au.

Next step for independent NSW Agriculture Commissioner

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Agriculture, and the Minister for Regional NSW

MEDIA RELEASE | 14 December 2023

The NSW Government is one step closer to engaging an independent NSW Agriculture Commissioner with tenders now open for a skilled and experienced professional to provide expert advice on strategic agricultural land use that will create a more sustainable and productive agricultural industry in NSW.

The NSW Government has considered a report prepared by Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Daryl Quinlivan on the possible functions of an independent Agriculture Commissioner, based on his previous experience and consultation with stakeholders.

The Commissioner will chair a pilot Farm Practices Panel, testing an alternative approach to provide guidance on acceptable farm practices through review of an agricultural industry code of practice, to assist in providing clarity and consistency for planning decisions and mitigating land use conflict.

The Commissioner will also provide advice to NSW Primary Industries (DPI) concerning agricultural land use, and work across government on its strategic approach to balancing competing policy objectives for agricultural and rural land use planning.

The independent Agriculture Commissioner will be engaged for a term of 3 years. 

The NSW Government is committed to accommodating a range of land use priorities that support primary producers and regional communities while improving sustainability and economic growth in NSW. 

To submit a tender, visit the Independent Agriculture Commissioner details pagelaunch or visit the NSW Gov eTendering platformlaunch before 10.00am AEST on Monday 29 January 2024.

Get more information on contracting an Independent Agriculture Commissionerlaunch.

New reforms to create more affordable housing

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Homelessness, and NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

MEDIA RELEASE | 14 December 2023

A new State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) introducing housing reforms to make it faster and easier to build more affordable housing has come into effect today, following a policy announcement made by the NSW State Government in June of this year.

The reforms introduce a new bonus Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of up to 30% and a height bonus of up to 30% where a proposal includes a minimum of 15% of the gross floor area (GFA) as affordable housing.

They also allow state-owned housing agencies to build more affordable housing without needing council approvals.

To create a system that works for industry, councils, and Community Housing Providers, the Government undertook extensive consultation on the reforms to make sure that a range of views from stakeholders were considered.

The consultation raised the following key points and has resulted in the following key changes to the policy as originally proposed:

• Views were expressed that the bonuses needed to be scalable, depending on how much affordable housing can ultimately be delivered on a site. As a result, the policy has been changed so that if the full 30% bonus can’t be accessed (due to limits like height restrictions on the land or flight path impingement among other limiters), the bonus percentage for the amount of affordable housing can be reduced. For example, if only 20% of the bonus can be accessed due to site restrictions, then the number of affordable homes can be reduced to 10%. However, the amount of affordable housing can be no less than 10%. This will also make it easier for applicants to use the NSW Government’s state significant development pathway providing certainty and consistency. This change was recommended by both developers and councils.

• A range of stakeholders felt that the bonus should apply to the whole of a development, not just the residential component. This was considered particularly important for mixed use development like shop top housing. While Councils felt that the FSR bonus should only apply to the housing component on top of a shop location, the SEPP will be updated to allow the FSR bonus to apply to the whole development, not just the residential component. This is likely to deliver more affordable housing per site and encourage the uptake of the scheme in well located areas. It will also simplify the calculation of the bonus.

• Developers believed that the threshold that allows a project to be considered a State Significant Development (SSD) should be reduced from a capital investment value (CIV) of $75 million in Greater Sydney to $50 million, and $30 million in regional NSW. Councils felt that the bonuses should only apply to developments with a CIV greater than $75 million as originally proposed. While the CIV threshold will be retained at $75 million in the Greater Sydney Region, the CIV will be lowered to $30m for regions to encourage more affordable housing in regional areas.

• Amendments have also been made to ensure the bonuses are available to Build to Rent developments, by allowing them to apply in commercial zones, even if residential accommodation is prohibited under the relevant Local Environmental Plan.

• It was unclear to stakeholders if the new SEPP overruled a local Development Control Plan (DCP). The wording of the SEPP has been updated to ensure that the DCP provisions are of ‘no effect’ when there is a conflict between the DCP and the SEPP/Apartment Design Guide.

These changes and others occurred after the Government undertook a second round of consultation on the policy and draft SEPP. As part of this consultation 15 feedback sessions were held which resulted in 70 submissions from stakeholders including, peak bodies, planning professionals, developers, councils and community housing providers, which informed changes to the policy.

While the consultation has been comprehensive and a range of key changes have been made, the measures will remain under review to make sure they are achieving the intended outcomes.

Stakeholder feedback has informed how the State Environmental Planning Policy will operate and details are available on the Housing SEPP websitelaunch.

Small steps to make a big difference to energy reserve in the heat

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Energy and Climate Change

MEDIA RELEASE | 14 December 2023

Businesses, households and NSW Government agencies are being encouraged to temporarily reduce non-essential use of electricity late this afternoon and early this evening, when hot temperatures will increase demand for power.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has measures in place to maintain reliable electricity supply.

However, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in parts of NSW including Sydney, AEMO is forecasting that the reserve of electricity supply will be under pressure.

AEMO forecasts power use in NSW to peak between 5pm and 9pm.

To prepare for this, AEMO has notified market participants, which may result in increased generation or reduced consumption.

The NSW Government is also taking steps to reduce demand. The Government Energy Action Response protocol has been activated and will see NSW Government agencies reduce electricity use.

Agencies will reduce air conditioning where safe and feasible, switch off non-essential lights and turn off equipment when not in use.

As a precaution, the NSW Government is also encouraging the community to reduce energy use between 5pm and 9pm, where it’s possible and safe to do so.

There are several simple ways to reduce energy usage late this afternoon:

• If you are using air conditioning, raise the set point temperature to between 24 and 26 degrees. Each degree reduces energy use by around 10%.

• Reduce use of non-essential appliances. Use dishwashers, washing machines and dryers late at night or wait until the morning.

• If you have a pool, temporarily turn off the pool pump.

Reducing electricity use must not compromise health. Community members are assured they should use air-conditioning if it’s needed.

For tips on how to keep safe if you suffer from a medical condition and could be affected by the heat, visit the NSW Healthlaunch website.

Safer driving is the point: 1.3 million motorists can still get a demerit point wiped

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, and NSW Minister for Roads

MEDIA RELEASE | 18 December 2023

The NSW State government is urging all motorists to renew their commitment to safe driving as we head into the Christmas and the summer holidays.

The government can reveal 1.3 million NSW drivers remain eligible to have a demerit point removed from their licence within 5 weeks if they remain infringement free.

The 1-year demerit point scheme trial to encourage safe driving comes to a close on 17 January 2024 – meaning those who have maintained an offence-free record since 17 January this year will have 1 demerit point scrubbed from their licence.

The NSW Government announced in June that the trial would come into effect 6 months earlier than first flagged, allowing drivers who maintain a spotless record the chance to shed a demerit point sooner.

At that time there were 1.7 million motorists eligible, with almost 400,000 having since committed an offence that carried at least one demerit point.

The trial has been embraced by the public and the demerit offer will remain in place in 2024.

The government is urging motorists to use the demerit return as an incentive to drive safely as the road toll has risen significantly in 2023 across Australia.

In NSW in the 12 months to 14 December, 337 people have died on the roads – an increase of 61 compared to the same 12-month period last year.