New tool to empower homeowners
A new online tool was officially launched by the NSW Government this week that will help protect homeowners against uninsured and unlicensed building work. ‘HBC Check’ will enable homeowners to independently verify if any building or renovation work over $20,000 has a valid insurance certificate.
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By providing homeowners, prospective buyers, sellers, Councils and conveyancers with a bird’s-eye view of construction activity across NSW, users can verify a project’s insurance certificate number and issue date, name of builder and their licence number, and the nature of the work.
NSW is experiencing a building boom, so it is critical that all relevant stakeholders are empowered to protect themselves against dodgy builders. The HBC Check includes details of more than 460,000 projects. Visit hbc.onegov.nsw.gov.au/dashboard/#/dashboard.
Second phase for affordable housing
The NSW Government has officially opened the Expressions of Interest for the second phase of its Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF), which will deliver up to 1,200 additional social and affordable homes.
I’m calling on non-government organisations, landholders and the private sector to tap into the new fund and deliver better outcomes for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
Proponents will be asked to put forward proposals that:
- Provide tailored support that will improve employment and education prospects for tenants and their households.
- Provide stability and support for vulnerable people of NSW, with a particular focus on supporting women aged 55 and over.
Visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/reforms/social-housing/SAHF/Phase2/how-to-get-involved. The close date for Expressions of Interest applications is March 21, 2018.
Record uptake of active kids vouchers
More than a quarter of a million parents in NSW have downloaded an Active Kids voucher, in a sign of the programs overwhelming success. I am thrilled that parents are using the opportunity to download their $100 voucher to cover the cost of sports and active recreation fees.
It is fantastic to see mums and dads taking advantage of this program to help get their kids active. So far more than 250,000 vouchers have been downloaded in the first two weeks of Active Kids which is a phenomenal result.
More than 100,000 vouchers have already been redeemed, meaning a collective saving of $10 million in sport registration fees for parents. Parents have until December 31, 2018 to claim and use their voucher. Visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids or phone Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Road safety improvements
A major upgrade of Ilford Sofala Road and Sofala Road is well underway with the aim of improving safety for all road users. NSW Government provided $2.85 million for this work, which will be carried out on a two kilometre section north of Crossley Bridge and a 1.6 kilometre section south of Hill End Road, after crash clusters were identified.
The work south of Hill End Road will involve installing a concrete barrier, sealing the shoulder, installing of guard rails and installing curve advisory markers. The work will be carried out by Mid-Western Regional Council on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting. Motorists should plan their trip, allow extra travel time and follow the direction of traffic control. It is expected to be completed by April 30 this year.” For the latest traffic information visit www.livetraffic.com.
