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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President of Nauru, His Excellency David Waiau Ranibok Adeang MP, today signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty in Canberra.

The Nauru-Australia Treaty builds on the deep foundations of Australia and Nauru’s bilateral relationship, and will help secure Nauru’s long-term economic resilience and security.

Through the treaty, Australia will ensure Nauruans have ongoing access to vital banking services and to the international financial system. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will provide banking services in Nauru, including a physical presence, following the departure of Bendigo Bank next year.

As Nauru’s largest economic, security and development partner, Australia will also provide the Nauru Government with fiscal certainty to invest in its future. Australia will provide $100 million in budget support over five years, to support Nauru’s long-term investments for the well-being of its people.

Recognising that our security is best assured by working together, under the treaty, Nauru and Australia have committed to mutually agree to any engagement in Nauru’s security, banking and telecommunications sectors, and to consult on any engagement in other critical infrastructure. Nauru has also committed that third party engagement in critical infrastructure will not be used for security purposes.

In recognition of our shared responsibility for security in the Pacific, Australia will provide $40 million over five years to support Nauru’s policing and security, including through support for recruitment, training and infrastructure.

The Nauru-Australia Treaty will enter into force as soon as possible in 2025, following domestic treaty-making processes in both countries.

The Nauru-Australia Treaty and joint leaders’ statement is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Loopholes in federal legislation used by the states to deploy lethal shark nets would be closed and non-lethal shark control measures supercharged in a plan launched today by the Greens.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Whish-Wilson:

“Shark nets are lethal fisheries devices masquerading as sensible protective barriers for humans, but the truth is they merely give a false sense of security to ocean-goers while indiscriminately killing marine wildlife.

“Decades of data reveals 63%  of all shark bites in NSW have occurred at netted beaches. Meanwhile most marine wildlife captured in our shark nets are threatened or protected species, including whales, dolphins, and turtles.

“The federal government has a legal responsibility to protect endangered marine species, including those killed in shark nets – but shark nets won’t be removed until increased investment is made to keep ocean-goers safe. It’s time the federal government stopped palming this responsibility off to the states.

“That’s why the Greens are pushing the federal government to remove existing exemptions to state-controlled lethal shark net programs that risk federally protected species, and roll out modern-day alternatives to shark nets across Australia that better protect ocean-goers and the environment. These include shark shield personal deterrent devices, shark spotter programs, eco-shark barriers, and increased public education.

“The states can’t be left to roll these out alone when it’s the federal government that has the legal responsibility of protecting endangered marine wildlife.

“It’s possible to protect sharks and other marine wildlife in Australia, and protect the people who share the ocean with them. It’s time to end the culture war on sharks. Safety in our oceans and the protection of vulnerable species aren’t binary options; both are possible and
can be done much more effectively.”

The Greens will:

• Fund $50 million over ten years to supercharge research and development of non-lethal shark control measures that can replace nets and drum lines;
• Fund $5m to establish a National Sharks Working Group across all states that will look at multiple ways to make ocean goers safer.
•  Fund $5m to establish a publicly accessible national database of interactions with shark control measures, critical for research and education/awareness programs.
• End Federal exemptions used by the states for lethal shark control measures
• Have the ACCC investigate all existing shark mitigation technologies for efficacy and establish national advertising and product promotion standards;

More fatbergs have been discovered on Sydney beaches, this time at Kurnell, with no signs that the Environment Protection Authority is any closer to discovering the source of the human waste that is contaminating Botany Bay. The EPA has ruled out the Bondi and Malabar wastewater treatment plants as potential sources for the sewerage leaks, raising concerns that an unknown source of human waste is leaking continuously into the environment in a location with high use by the human population.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment Sue Higginson said “At this stage, the EPA can’t explain the source of the human waste causing the fatbergs, and it can’t assure the public that Sydney’s beaches are safe to use because of it. If our waste system is leaking sewage into the environment and onto our beaches, this should be a priority issue to resolve,”

“A few years ago, Sydney was losing close to 10% of its water supplies to the aged and cracked pipes that deliver the water around our city. This spate of human waste being washed up on beaches seems to be a red flag that we could be losing significant quantities of waste water too, and we don’t even know about it,”

“As the Summer holidays approach and families prepare to be at the beaches, we need to know if human waste is leaking into our waterways and the EPA is responsible for communicating that clearly to the public,”

“It is not clear to me that the EPA has acted with clarity around this issue. From the initial reports that this sewage byproduct was tarballs, and now having no clearer advice to the public than ‘watch out and report’, what is clear is that the EPA and Government are clearly not in control of environmental pollution and regulation in this State,” Ms Higginson said.

An agreement between the Australian and NSW governments will see $160 million flow to NSW communities in the Murray-Darling Basin to create jobs and boost local economies.

NSW is the first state to access the Australian Government’s record $300 million Sustainable Communities Program, helping the NSW Government work directly with Basin communities affected by voluntary water purchase.

The NSW Government will coordinate the $160 million in funding with local communities across the state.

Investments aim to retain and create new jobs, establish new industries, support existing industry to diversify, and stimulate economic development that is informed by, and supported by, local communities.

The NSW Government will continue consulting widely with Basin communities to understand their priorities and the investments needed to strengthen the economies exposed to water recovery measures.

The first phase of targeted funding for projects across nine eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) is expected to start by June 2025.

Priority will be given to shovel-ready projects and broadly supported investments that will provide economic development and diversification.

Under the agreement, the NSW Government will also receive an additional $16 million to support consultation with communities to deliver the program.

The Australian Government is working to recover 450 gigalitres of water to the Basin including through voluntary water purchase and $494 million worth of water saving infrastructure projects.

In NSW, the $62 million Murrumbidgee Irrigation Urban Channel Pipelines Project has already received full approval and negotiations to fund three other projects are underway.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full in a way that supports the environment, communities and jobs – including in NSW.

“We’re providing a record $300 million package to mitigate any water recovery impacts and invest in Basin communities for the long-term.

“NSW is the first state to sign on to deliver the program that puts communities at the heart of deciding their own future.

“I commend Minister Moriarty for getting on with the job and putting her communities’ interests first.

“The NSW Government is rolling out this important program promptly, allowing early and comprehensive consultation, with any quick-win projects able to start delivering outcomes for communities on the ground.

“Our Government continues to explore and prioritise all viable water recovery options to lessen the impact on communities and the irrigation sector.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“This agreement allows the NSW Government to invest in economic development to mitigate some of the socioeconomic impacts of the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Basin water buybacks.

“While our Government does not support water buybacks, we will not miss an opportunity to invest in regional communities and better their economic wellbeing.

“The NSW Government has been clear that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan delivery must be done in a way that has limited impact on local jobs and households and allows regional communities to prosper.

“We know that a one-size fits all approach will not work for distributing funding. Investments will be targeted and outcome focused to meet the unique circumstances and needs of individual Basin communities.”

Nine eligible Southern Murray-Darling Basic LGAs

Carrathool, Murrumbidgee, Balranald, Hay, Griffith, Leeton, Berrigan, Murray River, Edward River.

The remediation of the former BHP land in Kooragang Island has been completed, creating a stunning new environmental and economic asset for Newcastle and the Hunter Region.

Over more than a decade, the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) and its partners have transformed the 65-hectare former industrial landfill site into safe and usable land with enormous potential.

Plans are underway to create a clean energy precinct on the site that would position Newcastle as a leader in producing, storing and exporting clean energy materials such as hydrogen and green ammonia.

The site is also delivering major ecological benefits, including restoring an internationally significant wetland ecosystem that provides an ideal habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.

This milestone marks the final stage of HCCDC’s broader remediation project which has covered 217 ha of former BHP lands, including the nearby Mayfield Steelworks site.

Responsibility of the Kooragang Island site has now been handed to Port of Newcastle.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“This fragile ecosystem and its threatened wildlife habitats were considered at every stage of the remediation, and the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation went above and beyond to not just protect the environment but improve and safeguard it for the future.

“Protecting the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog is a great example of going the extra mile. The Corporation worked with University of Newcastle to create a protective exclusion fence and a series of refuge ponds to keep the frogs safe around the project perimeter.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a major milestone in the continuing evolution of Newcastle’s modern, diverse and vibrant regional economy.

“Remediating the Kooragang Island site has not only mitigated an environmental hazard, but it has transformed once unusable lands into valuable assets ready to deliver economic revitalisation and community development.

“I can’t overstate the scale of this project; when combined with the Mayfield site, HCCDC has remediated contaminated space the size of 290 football fields.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter boasts a proud and unparalleled industrial legacy – we’ve powered our state for decades and it’s a tradition the Labor Government is committed to upholding.

“We aren’t going to sit back and watch on as the land goes unused; we’re stepping in to turn it into something that will create good jobs for the community.

“After long and considered discussions, today’s milestone is an important step forward for our region and one I’m excited to be involved in.”

HCCDC Chief Executive Valentina Misevska said:

“Remediating the former BHP lands at Kooragang Island and Mayfield was an enormous undertaking and is testament to HCCDC’s leadership and commitment to sustainable development.

“Finishing work at Kooragang Island marks the final stage of a larger project that we have been involved with for 20 years.

“The team, along with a dedicated group of local and national experts, demonstrated adaptability and innovation throughout the project, such as constructing the world’s deepest underground barrier wall at the Mayfield site to turn these contaminated sites into economic assets.”

Newcastle and Central Coast passengers were the first to enjoy Sydney Trains’ new Mariyung train which rolled out of Newcastle Interchange today on its first ever passenger service.

The first Mariyung Train to carry passengers began its journey from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal at 8:21am, stopping at 20 stations, including Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Cardiff, Fassifern, Morisset, Wyee, Warnervale, Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Woy Woy, Berowra, Hornsby, Epping, Strathfield, before arriving at Sydney Terminal.

The first new intercity trains in almost two decades will provide the millions of train passengers who travel on the Newcastle and the Central Coast line each year with an unmatched level of comfort.

Passengers will enjoy a much quieter journey with modern air-conditioning, dedicated luggage spaces, and easier to read information screens as well as enhanced safety, improved accessibility and more spacious and comfortable seating.

Closed-circuit television systems throughout the new trains will enhance the safety and security of passengers and staff and help deter anti-social and criminal activity.

The older trains have been a hotspot for trespassers, graffiti vandals and other antisocial behaviors but the Mariyung will house the latest in-train surveillance.

Last year, more than 12.7 million trips were taken along the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, and it’s hoped the much-anticipated new fleet will boost patronage.

The new state-of-the-art 610-carriage fleet offers two-by-two seating for extra room with tray tables, arm rests, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices.

The Mariyung also offers the highest level of accessibility across the Sydney Trains fleet, with designated spaces for wheelchairs, bikes, prams and accessible toilets.

The locally modified Mariyung trains will progressively enter service on the Central Coast and Newcastle line over the coming months before it is rolled out on the Blue Mountains Line, and the South Coast Line.

They will also will progressively replace older fleets including the V-sets, that were first introduced to NSW in the 1970s and the Oscar trains that debuted in 2006.

The express service will stop at 20 stations between Newcastle and Central Station initially, with an all-stations service available next year, as more trains progressively enter service.

Named after the Darug word for Emu, the Mariyung can operate in 4-car, 6-car, 8-car or 10-car configurations, and seat more than 820 passengers in a 10-carriage train.

Modifications to the Mariyung fleet have been undertaken locally after an agreement with the Rail Tram and Bus Union in August 2023.

Modifications include relocation of CCTV viewing screens and passenger door controls, changes to the digital radio system, adjustments to fire detection management and fire-resistant materials, and emergency door release functions.

Modifications have also been made within the rail corridor to support the changes made to the Mariyung fleet operating model, including station platform extensions, relocation of train stopping markers, signaling equipment and overhead wiring structures.

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:

“It should have never taken this long but the wait is finally over. Passengers on the Newcastle and the Central Coast line can finally enjoy the Mariyung trains.

“I’m so glad to be able to join passengers and our staff to welcome the first Mariyung service to Sydney. These trains will deliver for the communities on the Hunter and Central Coast Line for decades now that we have finally been able to get them on the tracks.

“These state-of-the-art trains will make travel between Sydney and our regional cities safer and more comfortable. Passengers on the Hunter and Central Coast Line will be the first to get them, but they will be coming to the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra and South Coast too.”

“These trains were supposed to be on the tracks 5 years ago. It’s been a priority of mine to ensure that we got them out of sheds and on the tracks by the end of this year. I’m incredibly proud that our Government has been able to deliver that.”

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“These new trains will provide a new level of comfort and convenience to Hunter locals and I’m pleased passengers on the Newcastle Central Coast Line, who had been travelling on the oldest trains around, will now benefit from better services.

“As the roll out of more new trains continues in the new year, I know Blue Mountains, Illawarra and South Coast passengers are looking forward to enjoying the benefits next.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This train isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about strengthening community ties, creating opportunities, and supporting the Hunter’s growth.”

“Reliable, safe, and accessible transport is the backbone of a thriving community, and this new service is a commitment to keeping the Hunter region moving forward.”

“When communities are connected, they prosper – and this train is a big win for the Hunter, its residents, and its future.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“It’s fantastic that after four years the new Mariyung trains have hit the tracks to serve the Central Coast Community.

“The beloved V Sets, some that have been in service since 1977, are being retired and replaced by modern intercity trains. The V Sets have served our community well, but unfortunately, they are well past their economic use by date”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch said:

“As a train buff, this is an extremely exciting day! These brand new trains are comfortable and more accessible than the trains they replace. There’s dedicated space for wheelchairs, big accessible toilets and clear audio and visual announcements about upcoming stations. An added bonus is I’ll even be able to charge my phone on the way to Sydney!”

Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:

“I’ve seen these trains out on the line testing, and it’s exciting to see them finally carrying passengers! I can’t wait to see everyone jump on board and take these trains for a test ride.

“In addition, design work is also underway to upgrade Kotara Station and make it fully accessible, which will make access to these trains even easier for everyone in the future.”

Member for the Entrance, David Mehan said:

“We’ve seen a fantastic upgrade at Tuggerah Station, and now our trains are getting a brilliant upgrade too. I’m so pleased the New Intercity Fleet is finally out of storage and on the tracks.”

Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:

“I am glad to see that Wallsend residents will be getting to and from Sydney in style aboard the new train. The older models have served us well, but it’s time for a refresh.”

“It’s good to see that these new trains will be more accessible than previous models, helping Wallsend locals living with disability to travel more easily.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“It’s great to see that these trains are now on the tracks after years of delay. The upgraded fleets will make travelling a much more pleasant experience for Novocastrians.

“The modifications will enable a much safer and more accessible journey for everyone.”

Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper said:

“The new trains on the Newcastle Central Coast line will make commuting safer and help growing regional cities, including Lake Macquarie, to thrive.”

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“Today is an exciting chapter for our staff and customers and especially those passengers travelling to and from Sydney on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.

“The Mariyung trains are quieter and roomier and will provide our passengers with a much improved and more comfortable travelling experience for decades to come.”

“This project has been incredibly complex, but we are pleased we have been able to work with the unions to locally modify these trains and get them into service.”

The Albanese Government has today released its response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, setting out a plan for real, meaningful and enduring reform for Defence personnel, veterans and families.

The Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities. It heard harrowing evidence about the cultural problems within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over time and identified deficiencies with the approach, services and support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

The Albanese Government has accepted the overwhelming majority of the Royal Commission’s 122 recommendations: agreeing or agreeing-in-principle to 104 recommendations, noting 17 recommendations for further consideration and one recommendation is not supported in part.

Implementing this response will result in the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the culture, systems and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

Consistent with key recommendations of the Royal Commission, the Government will:

• Establish a new statutory entity to oversee enduring and systemic reform. This entity will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to improve suicide prevention, and drive better outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF personnel.
  • An interim head will be appointed as soon as possible to work across government towards the establishment of a legislated oversight body by September 2025.
• Establish a Taskforce in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet which will draw in expertise from across Government as well as external experts to consider matters of detailed implementation.
• Direct DVA to co-design, with the veteran community, a new agency focused on wellbeing to be established within DVA. This body will be focused on consultation and co-design with Defence and veteran communities, and their families, to ensure the agency meets their needs.
• Fund DVA to continue consultation on the development of a national ex-service organisation peak body.

These reforms will be rolled out together with the implementation of the National Defence Strategy, to ensure that Defence’s most important capability – its people – receive the support and services they deserve as they work to keep Australians safe.

Work already underway

In August 2022, the Royal Commission’s Interim Report was delivered to Government, and we took swift action on all of its recommendations.

The reforms set out today build on the work already completed in response to the Interim Report, as well as the extensive work across Defence and DVA that commenced from the moment the Albanese Government took office, including:

• Fully funding the Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s Interim Report, including $233.9 million to engage 500 new frontline staff at DVA to eliminate the compensation claims backlog, delivering on a key election commitment made by the Government.
• Undertaking extensive consultation to develop legislation to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation system. Legislation was introduced to the Parliament 3 July 2024.
• Investing $254.1 million over four years to modernise and sustain DVA’s ageing IT systems to ensure more timely payments and better access to services for veterans and families.
• In June 2023, the Government appointed the first three star Chief of Personnel who reports directly to the Chief of the Defence Force to drive systemic reform across the ADF.
• Expanding and improving allowances, conditions of services and entitlements for serving ADF personnel and their families.
• Investing more than $600 million to implement the 2024 Defence Workforce Plan and grow the ADF to deliver an integrated, focused force.

The implementation of the Government’s response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission will see the most comprehensive reform to the systems, processes and culture supporting Defence personnel and veterans ever undertaken in Australia.

Whilst this is a large and complex task, these reforms will ensure those who pursue a career in the ADF are supported from the time they join, throughout transition and in life after service. 

The establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide would not have occurred without those families who have lost loved ones, and advocates such as Senator Lambie. The Government thanks all those who bravely came forward to share their stories and give evidence to the Royal Commission. Their courage has made an enormous difference.

The Government’s full response to the Royal Commission is available on the Defence and DVA websites.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“We have lost too many lives, and every single one is heartbreaking. Today I want to acknowledge every family and friend grieving the loss of a loved one.

“We called for this Royal Commission in Opposition and we supported it in Government.

“Today’s response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission is an historic opportunity to deliver lasting reform and support our Defence personnel, veterans and their families.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The death by suicide of any Australian, including veterans and serving Defence personnel, is a national tragedy. Implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations is not a simple task, but it is essential.

“The Albanese Government’s Response to the Final Report of the Royal Commission is our plan for systemic and enduring reform to make sure we are supporting our Defence and veteran communities.”

the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh: 

“We thank all those who came forward and bravely told their story to the Royal Commission. Your courage and the Royal Commission’s work directs the necessary change needed to save lives.

“The Government’s response to the Royal Commission will deliver changes in Defence and DVA that will improve the lives of serving personnel, veterans and families today and into the future.”

Australia will provide additional assistance to address famine and widespread humanitarian needs in Sudan, which now faces the world’s largest hunger crisis and the world’s largest displacement crisis.

Over half the population in Sudan live with acute hunger, and the ongoing conflict continues to threaten civilians. For the first time globally since 2017, famine has been declared in areas of North Darfur. Over 11 million people have fled their homes since the conflict started in April 2023.

Australia will provide an additional $17 million, which brings Australia’s total humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries since the outbreak of the conflict to $50 million.

In addition to today’s announcement, we welcome the recent release of funds from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which Australia supports. We also welcome the release of funds from the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies Disaster Response Emergency Fund to Sudan, to which Australia contributes.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia condemns the appalling violence in Sudan including towards civilians and aid workers. We call on all parties to make progress on negotiations and agree a permanent ceasefire.

“2024 is the deadliest year on record for aid workers – 26 have been killed in Sudan this year. Australia is working to galvanise international commitment to protect aid workers and ensure safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian support.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The conflict in Sudan is taking a heavy toll on civilians, with more than half the population living with extreme shortages of food.

“Australia stands with the people of Sudan. Our humanitarian funding will provide critical aid for people affected by this appalling conflict.

“Today’s announcement brings Australia’s total humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries to $50 million since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023.”

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP:

“Sudan is now both the world’s largest hunger crisis and the world’s largest displacement crisis.

“We call on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and enable safe and unimpeded access for aid workers to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to increase the resilience of regional communities with $15 million to upgrade three key airstrips across regional New South Wales.

$15 million from the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust will be invested to upgrade airstrips in White Cliffs, Bourke and Deniliquin, increasing economic development opportunities and ensuring healthcare and emergency services are able to reach these communities into the future.

Upgrades will include increasing runways, lengths, widths and weight limits, meaning larger planes with bigger loads can be accommodated. Taxiway, lighting and line markings will also be improved to increase visibility and safety for pilots.

It is forecast that new, heavier aircrafts will increasingly be used for health and other emergency services to accommodate more patients, passengers and supplies. These upgrades will ensure that these communities can safely accommodate these services.

Further, the increased capacity of these airstrips will boost economic opportunities for the community as larger business services may be welcomed.

The selection of these locations follows a statewide audit of regional airstrips, which included consultation with local government, the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Flying Doctor Service, NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

A scope of work for each of the three airstrips has been developed with works on the projects expected to commence by mid-2025.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Investing in our regional airstrips and aerodromes will help ensure rural and remote communities can continue to access the services they need, whether it’s health, emergency or business services, and especially in times of a critical incident when they are needed most.

“These upgrades are about making sure we are boosting service delivery to regional NSW and that we are building strong and resilient regional communities now and into the future.”

State member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“Right now, many air ambulances can’t use Deniliquin Airport because the runway is too short and not stable enough. This upgrade will change that.

“I had been lobbying the previous NSW government about the dangerous situation in Deniliquin for a long time and I so commend the Minns Government for taking the communities fears seriously.”

“Deniliquin needs this runway year-round and especially during peaks times such as summer and during the Deni Ute Muster.

“People in rural NSW, and people visiting rural NSW, should be able to access the health care they need, when they need it.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Air travel in regional NSW is vital for accessing specialised health services and increases economic opportunities in these communities.

“It also allows critical access to transport options when roads are closed from flooding in the Far West.

‘I welcome this announcement and any infrastructure investment in regional NSW.”

Bourke Shire Mayor, Cr Lachlan Ford said:

“The chance to upgrade the local runway to accommodate heavier planes would support health services and local businesses.

“Business is booming in Bourke, the opportunity to upgrade the Bourke airstrip will allow for larger aircraft to land to service the health and local business sectors, supporting the local economy, and local jobs.”

General Manager of Central Darling Shire Council Greg Hill said:

Upgrading the local airstrip would significantly improve access to health services for White Cliffs residents.

“Our community relies heavily on aerial medical services due to our location.

“The opportunity to work with the NSW Government to upgrade the White Cliffs airstrip to accommodate larger and heavier aircraft used by emergency services will significantly improve capacity to deliver life-saving care in our community.

The NSW Government is awarding more than $1 million in grants to support groundbreaking projects focused on reducing carbon emissions through electrification.

The Electrification & Energy Systems Network Seed Grant Scheme provides funding as part of the NSW Government’s Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. The Hub supports researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising NSW.

Funding is being awarded to exciting early-stage projects that are working to resolve the technical, economic, social and environmental challenges of electrification technology.

Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 will enable collaborative projects between universities and industry.

The evaluation process, conducted independently by an Industry Advisory Board, has rigorously assessed and identified a selection of high-quality, impactful projects deserving of grants.

The awardees are:

• University of Wollongong – Identifying and Removing Barriers for Electricity System Planning.
• University of New South Wales – Develop device electrification functionality for the APVI’s SunSPOT solar and battery calculator.
• University of Technology Sydney – Cost effective wireless energy harvesting from high voltage transmission lines.
• Macquarie University – Powering E-Shuttles with Optimized Routes and Magnetised Cement Charging.
• University of Sydney – Recycling of Lithium from Discarded Battery Materials.
• Macquarie University – AI-driven energy management platform.
• University of New South Wales – Open Platform for Real-time Renewable Energy Bidding and Trading.

This initiative is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and Network Partners: University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney.

For updates on these projects and other initiatives visit: https://www.decarbhub.au/networks/electrification-and-energy-systems-network/

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“These projects are translating research-based technologies into real-life solutions to our current and future energy challenges.

“Electrification of our energy system is essential to reaching our Net Zero targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our environment and health. It will also ensure our community benefits from cleaner and more affordable energy.”

Prof. John Fletcher, Director Electrification & Energy Systems, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub:

“I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone in this early stage of the Electrification & Energy Systems Network.

“Our independent Industry Advisory Board worked hard to assess the 21 proposals and select the awardees. We now look forward to the awarded projects delivering their impact.”