Good morning and welcome to the Morning Buzz for Wednesday, June 21. Today marks Winter Solstice, otherwise known as the shortest day of the year. Expect some fog this morning followed by a sunny day, with expected highs of about 20 degrees. Enjoy your day!
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Here’s what’s making news this morning:
'Historic spend' as schools brace for long-term enrolment boom
A "once-in-a-generation" spike in enrolments in NSW schools will see the state government spend $4.2 billion over four years on new and upgraded schools, including an extra $11 million on building grants to help private schools cope with ballooning student numbers.
The government will also spend $747 million over the next four years on the maintenance backlog in the state's schools, including $411 million in the next financial year, and will employ 1000 more teachers.
There will also be $6.1 million spent over three years on a new anti-bullying strategy and resources for teachers, students and parents to replace the controversial Safe Schools Program, which the state's education minister, Rob Stokes, axed from NSW schools earlier this year. Read more.
Perrottet says NSW is leading the way
The NSW government has achieved a surplus of $4.5 billion in the 2016-17 financial year and is the envy of the western world, according to Treasurer Dominic Perrottet.
He said this as he handed down his first budget.
The Member for Hawkesbury projected budget surpluses for the next four years, with a surplus of $2.7 billion predicted for the 2017-18 financial year. Read more.
Four-year-old West Hoxton girl drowns in bath
A young child who was found unresponsive in a bathtub on Tuesday evening has died in hospital, according to police.
NSW Police say emergency services were called to a home in West Hoxton shortly after 6pm on Tuesday, where they discovered the four-year-old girl. Read more.
New trains to help ease overcrowding
The first of 24 new suburban trains for Sydney will arrive late next year as the city experiences unprecedented demand for public transport.
The state budget lacked any new major commitments for public transport as bureaucrats focus on delivering previously announced projects such as the second stage of a new $20 billion metro train line and light rail services.
The government will spend $658 million this year on 24 suburban trains, the purchase of which was announced last June. The total cost of the trains is estimated at $1 billion, and their delivery due to be completed by 2019. Read more.
Sneezed bacteria travels four metres and lasts for 45 minutes in the air
The spread of airborne diseases could be reduced through redesigned ventilation of offices, schools and hospitals, Queensland researchers hope.
Scientists from the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland have discovered that some bacteria can spread up to four metres and remain alive in the air for up to 45 minutes after being coughed or sneezed. Read more.
NSW cyclists lag the rest of Australia as fewer choose to ride: survey
Cycling is on the wane in NSW, especially among women, as more people feel conditions for riding in their local areas have deteriorated.
However, inner Sydney offers a bright spot in a poll that found a significant increase in residents who are choosing to ride following several years of decline.
The latest national cycling participation survey shows a drop in people in NSW riding in a typical week to 12.5 per cent this year, from almost 17 per cent in 2015. Read more.
Campbelltown Hospital upgrade to be slow and steady
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren has labelled the state government’s announced $632 million upgrade for Campbelltown Hospital as a “hoax” and misleading.
On Saturday NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the major project which would lead to increased paediatric, mental health and emergency services.
However, budget papers – released on Tuesday – show only $10 million will be spent on the project in the 2017/2018 financial year. Read more.
NSW legend Andrew Johns says Blues pack will be too strong
The Blues pack will repeat their Origin I demolition of Queensland's forwards and spoil Johnathan Thurston's farewell state series, according to NSW legend Andrew Johns.
Thurston returns from injury to the Maroons' side for Wednesday's clash at ANZ Stadium, alongside Billy Slater, who was incredibly overlooked for the series opener.
They are two of seven changes made by a desperate Queensland, who were hammered on home soil in game one, putting a serious dent in their quest for a third straight series win and an 11th from the past 12 years.
And while many experts are tipping the Maroons to keep the series alive, Johns was confident the NSW forwards would be too strong once more, and that Thurston's influence would be stifled. Read more.
Humble Dragons forward Tyson Frizell set to be State of Origin star
He is one of the elite forwards in the game but there is a part of Tyson Frizell that still can’t believe he is an Origin player.
The St George Illawarra back-rower will again start for NSW in game two at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night as New South Wales look to secure just their second series win in 12 years.
Frizell has made an impressive start to his State of Origin career, scoring twice in his three matches that have also yielded two victories. Read more.
NSW under-18s ready for Origin curtain raiser
Hills Sport High students Kyle Schneider and Oregon Kaufusi will represent NSW at Wednesday’s under-18s State of Origin.
The year 12 pair will play for NSW after impressing selectors with their performances this season.
The under-18s Blues play the Maroons in the State of Origin curtain-raiser at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday at 5.15pm. Read more.
Parramatta's Beau Scott out for 2017 NRL season
Parramatta have lost their second player for the NRL season in two days after confirmation co-captain Beau Scott will undergo major surgery on a ruptured bicep.
A day after hooker Kaysa Pritchard was ruled out for the year with two torn ligaments in his knee, scans showed the worst possible news for the Eels veteran. Read more.
Jack Billings makes a 'cheeky' pitch to Josh Kelly - sign with St Kilda
St Kilda midfielder Jack Billings and the AFL's hottest uncontracted star, Josh Kelly, have been friends for many years.
They played together as juniors, beginning with the Victorian under-12 state side.
Their talent was undeniable – Billings would be taken with the No.3 pick in the 2013 national draft, one spot behind Kelly, who joined Greater Western Sydney. Now, in a year when Kelly is off contract, and set to consider lucrative offers to leave the expansion club, Billings made his feelings clear on Tuesday about where he would like his great mate to lob next season. Read more.
