Month: April 2025

Australia’s first declared Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will formally commence construction within months after the NSW Government awarded ACEREZ the contract and reached financial close to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project.

This landmark project will establish critical infrastructure that will connect solar and wind farms and energy storage to the NSW electricity grid. It’s central to the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of a reliable, affordable energy system that benefits communities and the economy.

EnergyCo has appointed ACEREZ – a consortium of ACCIONA, COBRA, and Endeavour Energy – to design, build and finance the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project and operate and maintain it for the next 35 years.

The project will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, to connect 7.7 gigawatts of wind and solar projects, which is enough to power more than 2 million homes each year.

It will generate a significant economic boost in the Central-West Orana region and NSW as a whole, supporting more than 5,000 construction jobs at its peak and bringing $20 billion in private investment into the region by 2030.

This milestone of reaching contract and financial close follows a robust procurement process overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator.

This project is the first competitively sourced REZ transmission project in Australia. EnergyCo implemented a tailored procurement model, that incentivises early delivery and cost efficiency for the network operator, safeguarding long-term interests of energy consumers.

Early works on the project started in February, and construction is scheduled to start mid-year.

The NSW Government is investing $128 million in communities which will host the Central-West Orana REZ, through grants for Councils as well as community and First Nations groups and projects. The recipients of the first round of grants will soon be announced, to inject funding into the area before major construction starts.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Getting this deal done brings us closer to delivering more affordable and reliable renewable energy to NSW households and businesses.

“With three out of four of the state’s remaining coal-fired power stations set to close in less than 10 years, this Renewable Energy Zone will help us meet our future energy needs in order to keep the lights on and avoid price spikes.

“The project will also inject billions of dollars in private investment into the Central-West Orana region by 2030, along with thousands of jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.”

EnergyCo chief executive officer, Hannah McCaughey:

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with ACEREZ as we move into the delivery phase for the state’s first Renewable Energy Zone, which will harness our abundant wind and solar resources to power NSW.

“The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is part of a once-in-a-generation extension of the NSW electricity grid. It’s a major step in securing our energy future and keeping the lights on as coal-fired power stations retire.”

ACEREZ chief executive, Trevor Armstrong:

“This is a significant milestone and ACEREZ is proud to play a role in powering homes and businesses in NSW for generations to come.

“We will work alongside Central-West Orana communities to provide jobs and economic growth and lasting benefits across the region.”

Further information:

What is a Renewable Energy Zone?

Renewable Energy Zones will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have been identified and will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.

REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation.

Where is the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone?

The state’s first REZ is in the Central-West Orana region, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo. It also takes in cities and towns including Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington and Gilgandra.

It is expected to bring up to $20 billion in private investment to the Central-West Orana region by 2030.

At its peak, this REZ is expected to support around 5,000 construction jobs in the region, as well as opportunities for local suppliers.

Community members are invited to have their say on a proposed concept design for a shared path bridge across Mount Ousley Road.

The proposed design, now available to view online, would provide safer and more accessible connections for people walking and cycling between the University of Wollongong and TAFE precincts and suburbs to the north while maintaining critical access to Port Kembla for over height vehicles.

Key features of the concept design include:

• a new accessible four-metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists that incorporates a bridge over Mount Ousley Road adjacent to McMahon Street
• connections from the southern side of Mount Ousley Road to other planned shared paths across the M1 Princes Motorway and towards Wollongong TAFE
• a designated, accessible, raised pedestrian crossing at Dumfries Avenue, approximately 120 metres west of McMahon Street
• a 130-metre-long shared path along the southern side of Dumfries Avenue, connecting the new bridge to the new pedestrian crossing
• traffic calming measures along Dumfries Avenue to the east and west of the crossing to provide for a safer road environment for active transport users, residents and motorists
• stairs, with a wheeling channel for cyclists to more easily move bikes up and down the stairs, helping to provide access to the north and east
• landscaping and revegetation, along with urban design treatments.

Transport for NSW has worked with Wollongong City Council, community groups and other stakeholders to develop the proposed concept design.

Key considerations, raised during early consultation and considered during the development of the concept design, include improving safety, accessibility and use of the crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, sustainability and minimising environmental impacts including tree and vegetation clearing, and ensuring the bridge can be safely and efficiently built and maintained.

Transport for NSW is inviting community members to provide their feedback before Friday 2 May by visiting transport.nsw.gov.au/mtousleyrdbridge

Community members are also invited to attend a drop-in session at Bass Park on Dumfries Avenue, Mount Ousley on Thursday 10 April from 3pm to 6pm to discuss the bridge design and ask Transport for NSW questions about the project.

All community feedback will be considered as Transport finalises the concept design.

Following the consultation period, Transport will share a summary of feedback received with the community.

Transport will keep the community and stakeholders informed as the project progresses. 

More information on the shared path bridge is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/mtousleyrdbridge

Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park:

“I want to thank the community groups, residents and other stakeholders who have been instrumental in the development of the proposed design.

“The local insight into issues and other considerations for the design of the bridge and surrounding connections has been invaluable and has led to a well-thought-out proposal for the broader community to provide feedback on.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Today we are releasing a bridge design that balances the need to keep freight moving through our road network and community connection.

“This proposed design incorporates initial community feedback to minimise impacts to vegetation, improve connectivity to surrounding streets and enhance safety features.”

Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes:

“With construction of the Australian and NSW governments’ $390 million Mount Ousley Interchange now well under way, we are focused on ensuring we also deliver improved active connections for local residents through the area.

“We know a shared path bridge over Mount Ousley Road is important to the community and I’ve worked hard with Minister Park, Minister Scully and Transport for NSW to develop a preliminary design that improves active transport connections through the area while maintaining critical access to Port Kembla for over height vehicles.

“This has been a great example of three levels of government working together to achieve great outcomes for our local community. I want to congratulate all involved, especially the local community groups and residents who worked so collaboratively with us to achieve this result.”

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 157 new paramedic interns and 17 trainee emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony. 

Following the largest induction held by NSW Ambulance so far this year, these new recruits will start their roles from tomorrow, further boosting frontline health services across the state.  

The new recruits joining the service come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Jayden McGrady, a former Australian water ski champion and trainee emergency medical call taker Rebekah Kirkman, a much-travelled mum of three.  

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.   

The emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney and Northern (Newcastle) control centres.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“I congratulate these paramedics and control staff, for their dedication, compassion and desire to make a difference in their communities.

“Every call the new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a difference and help those in our community in their most vulnerable moments.

“NSW will benefit from the clinical skills and expertise these new recruits bring to the healthcare workforce.” 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“Paramedics and control staff are highly trained clinicians and coordinators, bringing advanced medical care to the patient, continually refining clinical skills and expertise. 

“Paramedicine and control coordination demands precision, critical thinking and clinical excellence. Stay sharp, stay committed and always put patient care first.” 

Jayden McGrady:

“After my sporting career in water skiing, I often thought back to the medical support staff I encountered. 

“I am attracted to the variety and career opportunities of paramedicine.” 

Rebekah Kirkman: 

“I am excited to be joining NSW Ambulance, I thrive on being busy so a busy control room will be a great start.

“I am very excited with where I am at, and I am looking forward to seeing where my career takes me.” 

Dangerous and damaging LGBTQ+ conversion practices will be banned from today.  The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 makes conversion practices, which can include ‘conversion therapy’ and suppression practices, a crime punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.  It also creates a scheme allowing civil complaints about conversion practices to be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW.  Conversion practices are based on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment.   This can include psychological or medical interventions, counselling, or subtle and repeated messages that LGBTQ+ people can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity with faith or effort.  Anti-Discrimination NSW can investigate complaints about conversion practices occurring from 4 April 2025, and, if appropriate, try to resolve the matter through conciliation.   It can also refer matters to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in certain circumstances.  It will also deliver information sessions and resources about the new law including free online videos and tools and referrals to support services.   Conversion practices inflict significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community.  People who deliver or preform conversion practices that cause substantial mental or physical harm face up to five years’ jail.   Taking someone out of NSW to deliver ‘conversion therapy’ carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.   The ban does not prevent general religious teaching or expressions of religious principles, or parental discussions with their children related to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion.   It is targeted at a practice, treatment or sustained effort directed at someone to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.  This follows ongoing work by the NSW Government to progress reforms that ensure all members of our community feel valued, respected and equal.  The Premier issued a formal apology last year to people convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts, and the Government passed legislation that meant more of these offences were able to be extinguished.  In September, the NSW Government supported all 19 recommendations delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and found shortfalls in historical responses by the NSW Government.  The Government established the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, which is working to develop NSW’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.  The Government supported the amended Equality Bill which passed NSW Parliament after being introduced by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.  Attorney General Michael Daley said:  “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ inflicts real and significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community.   “Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with LGBTQ+ people. They do not need ‘fixing’ or to be ‘saved’.  “We are indebted to the survivors of this insidious practice who shared their experiences and advocated for this important reform.”   Minister for Health Ryan Park said:  “These sorts of practices are incredibly harmful and dangerous, and they have severe and lasting health impacts.  “Today, we’re bringing an end to them.  “I want to thank the many individuals and groups who engaged with the Government on this legislation, to make this ban a reality.”  Founder and CEO of Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI) Anthony Venn-Brown OAM said:  “The ban on dangerous and discredited LGBTQA conversion practices is a welcome move.   “I grew up when being gay was a criminal offence and mental health professionals believed they could cure people of homosexuality.   “It caused me great stress and anxiety. I did everything to change it, including conversion ‘therapy’.   “I often thought of suicide.  “After coming out, I’ve spent decades supporting people who were told they were broken and needed ‘fixing’. Today, people are still taking their lives – or contemplating it – over this issue.   “LGBTQA people should be celebrated, accepted and affirmed. This law will protect vulnerable people from harm, save lives and make NSW a safer place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” CEO of Equality Australia Anna Brown OAM said:  “We stand with victim survivors in welcoming this law which prohibits these archaic and harmful practices, which have already caused untold harm to LGBTQA people.  “Abuse dressed up as pastoral care or guidance is a breach of trust and power. Telling someone they are broken or sick because of who they are is profoundly psychologically damaging.  “Not only will this law save countless people from a lifetime of pain – and in some cases save lives – it also sends a powerful message that LGBTQA people are whole and valid, just as we are.” 

The Minns Labor Government has launched a new mental health and wellbeing strategy for first responders which now recognises forestry workers, national park employees, and road and transport workers who put their lives on the line keeping communities safe.

This is in addition to emergency services personnel including Ambulance NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

First responders in NSW play an essential service protecting citizens and responding to a range of emergencies, from car crashes to bushfires and floods. 

The new strategy sets out fifteen priority actions that agencies are implementing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of these workers and help them to better manage the psychological challenges associated with their vital work.

First responders will get the support they need regardless of the agency they belong. The strategy requires agencies to ensure mental health services are accessible, particularly for those in regional and remote areas, providing holistic and tailored support for first responders throughout their careers.

This Strategy takes a proactive approach, setting a new high baseline for mental health and wellbeing support across first responder organisations and providing training for managers to better recognise and support workers.

The Minns Labor Government is taking immediate action to support employees at key NSW agencies including Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW). The government has introduced the following measures:

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training: The agencies will be required to implement PFA training for all employees, including managers. This training aims to better support individuals impacted by emergencies, disasters, or traumatic events by connecting them to appropriate support services.
• Referral to Clinical Care: Employees impacted by traumatic incidents will receive referrals to timely and appropriate clinical care, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to address their mental health needs.
• Peer-Support Services: The strategy includes the establishment of a peer-support service that is informed by evidence-based, trauma-informed training programs tailored to the specific needs of first responders. These services will incorporate the principles of PFA to provide ongoing support.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of first responders and recognises the unique challenges they face in their line of work.

The government’s strategy is driving long-term improvement in the sector to ensure these workers have the assistance they need to perform their critical roles effectively and sustainably.

The First Responders Mental Health Strategy can be found on the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for First Responders web page.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We ask our first responders to run towards distressing scenes, so we need to support them with policies like this one.

“This is about giving more first responders more support.

“We are promoting mental wellbeing and preventing psychological injuries for these essential workers.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:  

“I welcome this strategy that ensures road workers, national park employees and forestry workers all have access to the same psychological support offered to other first responders.

“Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity. 

“The NSW Government is committed to preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health as part of a mentally healthy workplace.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“First responders are heroes in NSW communities, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

“This strategy ensures the NSW Government is looking after the people who look after us, giving them the tools and support they need to stay mentally healthy.

“By addressing the unique challenges our first responders face, we’re ensuring they have the mental health support they need to perform their roles safely and effectively.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“It’s incredibly important that our frontline workers are given appropriate training and support for their mental health and wellbeing. 

“Unfortunately, some of these essential jobs can expose workers to highly stressful or traumatic events, and we want to protect people from experiencing psychological harm at work.

“That’s why this initiative is firmly based in evidence-based and trauma-informed measures and will ensure people can lean on their peers and managers to prevent injury.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Our first responder road and transport workers help ensure community members are kept safe each and every day.

“It’s important we look after all workers who do so much to look after everyone on our road and transport networks. By developing the new mental health and wellbeing strategy, the government is ensuring worker safety is made an even higher priority.”

AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan said:

“First responders provide an essential service to the community, protecting citizens and responding to a range of emergency situations. 

“I support this strategy which will improve the mental health outcomes for all participants.”

Black Dog Institute Executive Director & Chief Scientist Samuel Harvey said:

“We welcome the release of this strategy and are pleased to see many of our recommendations reflected in its design and the priority actions— particularly the focus on tailored, evidence-based support, connecting first responders to clinical care and ensuring training for managers/ people leaders to support early interventions.

“We know that first responders are at increased risk of mental health problems and over recent years, research has also begun to show the type of workplace supports and clinical programs that can help improve the mental health of this key group of workers and volunteers.

“We look forward to the next stage of this work and assisting the Minns Government with implementing these actions to ensure first responders receive the highest standard of mental health support.”

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The Eurobodalla community is invited to attend a community forum to receive an update from Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) about the Eurobodalla health service, including the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting at Bay Pavilions, from 5.00pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 10 April. 

The Eurobodalla health planning update event panel will include:

• Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega & Parliamentary Secretary for Health
• Brad Scotcher, General Manager Coastal Network SNSWLHD
• Monika Sitkowski, A/Senior Manager GoodSAM implementation, NSW Ambulance

Panel members will provide project updates and answer questions submitted in advance.

Eurobodalla health planning update:

• Where: Bay Pavilions, 12 Vesper Street, Batemans Bay
• When: 5.00pm to 6.30pm, Thursday 10 April
• Questions should be submitted by 5.00 pm Monday 7 April to:SNSWLHD-YourFeedback@health.nsw.gov.au
• No registration or RSVP is required to attend the forum.

Ryan Park, Minister for Regional Health

“This invitation is an opportunity for the community to receive clear, up-to-date information on the progress of health-related projects happening across the Eurobodalla as we work together to strengthen health services for our community. 
 
“I encourage everyone who can to attend, and I am looking forward to engaging with the community and hearing their priorities.” 

Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega

“I have long advocated for health services in our region, and I am really looking forward engaging with the community about the really fantastic healthcare projects we have underway in our region.

“It’s been fantastic to what the progress at the site of the Eurobodalla hospital over the past year, and it’s exciting that work is about to get underway at Bateman’s Bay Community Health Centre.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong is today visiting Junee Correctional Centre with Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) Commissioner Gary McCahon, to mark the Minns Labor Government’s successful transition of the Junee Correctional Centre into public hands.

Minister Chanthivong will also welcome staff to the new agency and will see the new operational model first-hand, which will secure well paid public service jobs for locals while integrating the centre into the broader prison network, enhancing operations statewide.  

Junee Correctional Centre transitioned to CSNSW’s new operational model this week, marking the first time the centre has been run by the public sector since it opened in 1993.

CSNSW extended offers to existing GEO staff who wanted to remain employed, and continues a recruitment drive to fill staffing vacancies as the prison’s inmate population increases.

Bringing the prison into the public system will allow CSNSW to integrate operations with the broader prison network, while continuing to support the local community through two minimum-security community project teams.

CSNSW, Justice Health, and the Forensic Mental Health Network have worked alongside GEO for the past 16 months to implement the transition, which provides higher pay, better job security and more employment opportunities to workers.

Minister Chanthivong welcomed the news that CSNSW will also continue to support the Junee branch of Meals on Wheels and looks forward to supporting local residents with this initiative.

The Junee Correctional Centre bakery is also expanding its operation and will provide bakery food items to all correctional centre facilities in the southern region.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“We promised voters that we would reverse the trend of privatising public services, and we’ve successfully transitioned the Junee Correctional Centre to the public sector, delivering on that commitment.

“Not only do frontline staff at Junee Correctional Centre have better pay and conditions since the transition to public management, they’re providing a service that will deliver better value for NSW taxpayers, as well as improved rehabilitation outcomes and education and training opportunities for inmates.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Corrective Services NSW has worked with GEO and other stakeholders to transition to the new operating model with minimal impact on day-to-day operations, while focusing on the key objectives to reduce reoffending and continue to support the local community.

“This transition of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands has provided us with a blueprint to successfully manage the private-to-public transition process, which is an experience we’ll rely on when we bring Parklea Correctional Centre back into the public sector in October next year.

“I want to thank CSNSW’s project team for their tireless work to enable this smooth transition, and I share a warm welcome to the new employees who will be joining the CSNSW family.”

Justice Health NSW Chief Executive Wendy Hoey:

“As the current provider of health care services in all NSW public adult correctional centres, Justice Health NSW is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people in custody across the state.

“Expanding our health services to include Junee Correctional Centre is an opportunity to enhance health outcomes so that we can return people healthier to their communities.

“We were extremely pleased to see many of the existing health staff within the centre transition across to Justice Health NSW – their local experience and knowledge will greatly assist with a smooth transition.”

Public Service Association NSW General Secretary Stewart Little:

“The PSA strongly endorses transitioning the Junee Correctional Centre into the public sector after 32 years.

“This major milestone in the life of the Centre is welcomed because we know that privatising prisons simply hasn’t worked.

“Workers, inmates, and the broader community are always left worse off when prisons are driven to operate for profit rather than beneficial community outcomes.

“We wouldn’t ever consider privatising the Police or the Courts, and it should be exactly the same standard for our Corrections system.”