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New app saves lives

THE State Government has launched the SafeWork NSW’s app, Speak Up, Save Lives which allows workers to anonymously report workplace health and safety issues. Th e app makes it easier than ever to report workplace risks by sending photos of unsafe practices directly to SafeWork NSW. Type in ‘Speak Up NSW’ to your Apple or Android store or visit the SafeWork website htt ps://speakup.safework.nsw.gov.au/ to report unsafe work, anywhere, anytime.

Parking back to normal

TIME limits for both on-street and off -street parking and Penrith City Council carparks are set to return to normal in August, following fi ve months of eased parking restrictions to support local businesses. From August 1, Penrith City Council will resume normal parking management operations including patrols of the Penrith and St Marys CBDs and other high activity areas, as well as enforcing time restrictions for on-street and off -street parking and Council car parks.

Pawsome discount for seniors

NSW seniors looking for a canine companion or feline friend can take advantage of a 50 per cent discount on adoption fees for senior pets at RSPCA NSW shelters. Th e off er is open to NSW Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders. Seniors who take up this off er will also receive a 10 per cent discount on veterinary treatment at RSPCA NSW hospitals. Free delivery of the pet can also be arranged for seniors living within 45 minutes of the shelter. Visit: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au

Library goes pocket-sized

THE Liverpool community can now access the Library collection from anywhere, at any time, with the new Liverpool City Library mobile app. If members are out and about and see a book they like, they can use the app to scan the barcode on the back and fi nd out immediately if it is in the Library collection. Th e app allows members to suggest new items to be added. Members can personalise the menu for easier access to their favourite shortcuts.Visit mylibrary.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/liverpool-library-app for more information.

Major facelift planned for CBD post-COVID

Blacktown joins the $B club

 DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

BLACKTOWN CBD will get a $1B facelift as part of the State Government COVID-19 response.

It was a key element of the latest tranche of projects in the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.

A proposal to rezone land in the Blacktown CBD to allow increase building heights and remove fl oor space ratio controls is a part of a planned redevelopment of one of western Sydney’s already booming communities.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes announced the facelift , one of 13 new projects that will be determined within the next four weeks. If approved, the projects could inject $4.3 billion into the NSW economy and create opportunities for more than 8400 new jobs. “Th e fast-tracked assessment program is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan as we continue to get shovel-ready projects out the door to keep people in jobs and keep the economy moving,” Mr Stokes said. A new educational facility in Campbelltown and a $50m Cricket NSW Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park also make the list. Th e announcement mean Blacktown will join Mt Druitt CBD in the billion dollar club.

“To date, we’ve determined 67 projects through the Planning System Acceleration Program since it launched on April 28, which has created the opportunity for almost 40,000 jobs, $17.7 billion in economic benefi t, more than 18,000 homes and more than 4 million sqm of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.”

Artist impression of the redeveloped Blacktown CBD.

To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment through the Planning System Acceleration Program, a development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the State’s planning system, deliver a public benefi t and demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete.

Th e Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has selected projects that will be able to start construction within six months for a State Signifi cant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application or where a DA could be lodged within six months for a rezoning.

Th e Planning System Acceleration Program complements the State Government’s recent announcement of $83m for the NSW Planning Reform Action Plan that will slash assessment times for rezonings, regionally signifi cant developments and State Signifi cant Developments.

Details: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessments.

COVER: Main image shows 18-year-old Pizza Hut franhissee, Dilan Elia inside his store. Pizza Hut is celebrating its 50th birthday in Australia.

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AUGUST 2020

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