Infrastructure NSW Principles during COVID-19
The NSW Government is committed to supporting the construction industry
A public health order has been put in place to restrict gatherings and movement however construction sites are specifically exempt and we will continue to deliver our infrastructure program. With this delivery comes a responsibility for us all to implement good health practices on sites, and demonstrate this to employees, to communities neighbouring our jobs and the public.
To support businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus or related control measures, we will be guided by the following principles:
-
Contractors are encouraged to talk to their NSW Government agency clients as soon as possible to allow a cooperative approach to mitigation. NSW delivery agencies have also been encouraged to reach out to contractors
-
Each project will be managed on a case-by-case basis to address the circumstances, and each will require information of the causes behind potential delays, and solutions tailored to the circumstances
-
Government clients will work cooperatively with contractors to seek solutions that maximize the chances of achieving good project outcomes for clients, contractors, subcontractors, employees and suppliers
-
For projects in delivery, Government clients recognise that COVID-19 may introduce delivery risks, which could not have been foreseen, mitigated or priced at the time contracts were executed (noting that commercial arrangements vary)
-
For projects not yet contracted, Government clients will consider industry feedback and an approach that recognises the risks created by COVID-19;
-
As a matter of reciprocity, contractors will be expected to:
a. seek Government flexibility and cooperation only for matters related to COVID-19, and not for pre-existing project performance issues or unrelated delays;
b. propose changes only to the extent required to mitigate the effects of COVID-19;
c. mitigate delays and costs, demonstrate flexibility in doing so, and promptly provide information on anticipated delays and strategies;
d. protect and utilise insurance arrangements that can mitigate impacts;
e. act cooperatively with other contractors on the project; and
f. treat subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers in a similar manner, and reflect changes in arrangements in those contracts. -
Discussions and problem-solving should occur between client agencies (project teams) and contractor project teams, with escalation according to usual mechanisms.
Please refer to the letter affirming the NSW Government's commitment to deliver its vital infrastructure program from The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, NSW Treasurer.
- The Transport for NSW website provides documents on the steps being taken by Transport industry partners across construction sites and workplaces to reduce the risks associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
- NSW Government and industry statement
Infrastructure NSW, in collaboration with delivery agencies and industry have released a joint commitment statement to ensure a healthy, safe and sustainable construction industry is maintained during the COVID-19 crisis. - COVID-19 Safety Plan
The NSW Government has developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan for construction, trade and home maintenance businesses to help create and maintain a safe environment for workers and customers. Businesses can either use the safety plan developed by the Government, or develop their own plan to address the checklist of recommended actions. Further information, including registering as a COVID Safe business, is available at the NSW Government website. - SafeWork NSW statement on fake face masks
SafeWork NSW have released a warning statement on the supply of fake face masks and appropriate recommended actions. - NSW Police social distancing posters
The NSW Police Force have released a series of posters that can be displayed at work sites to remind employees to keep safe through appropriate social distancing. - Health Infrastructure cleaning recommendations
NSW Health has released recommendations for construction sites on cleaning and disinfection of space associated with the site including site offices, staff amenities and buildings under construction. - Master Builders Association – COVID-19 Information
General information prepared by the Master Builders Association including a detailed best practice guide for running building sites in the current COVID-19 environment. - NSW SafeWork COVID-19 Information
Advice and simple measures to manage COVID-19 in different types of workplaces - Safe Work Australia Minimising the risk of COVID-19
Information for the building and construction sector on COVID-19 and work health and safety.
- Procurement during COVID-19Training Services NSW updates on COVID-19
On Thursday 9 April, NSW Procurement and Digital NSW launched buy.nsw (replacing ProcurePoint) as a single source for NSW Government procurement resources and services. This site contains information and resources on COVID-19 Emergency procurement and an emergency supplies registration portal for suppliers that have the capacity to provide critical supplies. - Training Services NSW updates on COVID-19
General advice from Training Services NSW on COVID-19 including information for apprentices and trainees. - COVID-19 infection control training
The Australian Department of Health has prepared a 30-minute online training module for work, health and safety workers in all settings and covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19. - Australian Government Fact Sheet - Supporting apprentices and trainees
Fact sheet on the Australian Government’s wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees which has been designed to support the continued development of the skilled workforce. - Western Australia Quarantine (Closing the Border) Directions
Legislation outlining quarantine requirements for fly in fly out workers travelling to Western Australia. - Queensland Quarantine (Closing the border) update
Update on Queensland Government restrictions for entry into Queensland including for fly in fly out workers. - South Australia Quarantine (Closing the border) update
Update on the South Australian Government restrictions for entry into South Australia.
- Ministerial Orders
The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has made Ministerial Orders to ensure the wellbeing of our construction workers during the COVID-19 crisis. - Public health orders limit what is open, closed or restricted
The public health order that came into effect on 31 March 2020 contains a list of essential gatherings that are exempt, and construction sites are specifically included in that list. - Construction hours extended to support industry during COVID-19
Construction sites can now operate on weekends and public holidays under new rules introduced today by the NSW Government to support the industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Fee and licence relief
The NSW Government is waiving licence and permit fees for small businesses across the construction sector as part of the state’s first economic stimulus package. - Economic stimulus package
The NSW Government has announced tax relief measures as part of its economic package to help businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- Jobs, jobs and more jobs for NSW with $3 billion infrastructure spend - 15 September 2020
More than 30 new and fast-tracked health, education and transport and roads projects will be delivered across the state within two years, creating up to 20,000 estimated jobs. - NSW economy hard hit by COVID-19 but ready to bounce back - 2 September 2020
The Government will continue to power ahead and drive investment, powered by our $3 billion Infrastructure and Jobs Acceleration Fund. - $250 million boost for public spaces - 5 August 2020
Councils across NSW will have the opportunity to deliver new and improved public spaces for their local communities thanks to a $250 million program announced, as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan. - Big boost for first home buyers and construction industry as stamp duty slashed - 27 July 2020
First home buyers and the construction industry will be the big winners under a targeted boost, which will eliminate stamp duty on newly-built homes below $800,000 and slash thousands of dollars for properties up to $1 million. - $1 Billion to Unlock Thousands of Infrastructure Jobs in NSW - 29 June 2020
The Federal and State Government will support nearly 5,500 jobs across New South Wales through a joint $1 billion investment in shovel-ready infrastructure projects and road safety upgrades. - $395m economic stimulus package to safeguard council jobs, services and infrastructure – 26 April 2020
The NSW Government has announced a $395 million economic stimulus package to safeguard council jobs, and local services and infrastructure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.