Month: May 2025

Moama and surrounding communities will benefit from a new ambulance station which will boost frontline emergency and mobile medical care for the region.

NSW Ambulance is hosting a drop-in session for community members to find out more about the new station from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Thursday 5 June at Service NSW, Murray River Council, 52 Perricoota Road, Moama.

The new ambulance station is proposed to be located in a new building at Wild Avenue, Moama. The new ambulance station will be fitted out to provide a safe working environment which meets the operational needs of paramedics. Three NSW ambulances have been allocated to the new Moama ambulance station.

The new station will be staffed by 5 paramedics as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas of the state.

These paramedics are in addition to the extra 15 paramedics allocated to Deniliquin and 10 paramedics allocated to Albury announced in March 2025.

NSW Ambulance identified Moama area as a high priority location for a new ambulance station following a comprehensive service planning process to enhance cross border resilience with Victoria.

New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

The new Moama Ambulance Station is planned to commence operations later this year, serving as a critical hub for paramedics responding to emergencies across the region.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“A new station for Moama station means our highly skilled paramedics will have a local base to deliver life-saving care when and where it’s needed most.

“This is a significant investment in the health and safety of the Moama community and surrounding districts. This is about making sure people in Moama and nearby communities can continue to count on timely, high-quality emergency care by NSW Ambulance paramedics.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Ensuring rapid emergency response capabilities for the growing community and those in the district has been long awaited and is welcome news.

“This infrastructure ensures immediate access to life-saving services for residents and visitors. It also releases the strain on jurisdictional complications that could mean the difference between life and death.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“As demand for services continues to grow, the new station at Moama will ensure we have redundancy to support cross-border arrangements.

“I encourage Moama locals to drop in to Service NSW this Thursday to learn about the new service, ask questions, and share what matters most to them before we finalise operational arrangements.

“The new ambulance station will support NSW Ambulance paramedics in the Murray River region to provide the best emergency and mobile health care for this growing region, now and into the future.”

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The redevelopment of the old Sydney Fish Market site at Blackwattle Bay is set to deliver more than 1500 homes after the NSW Government fast tracked a rezoning to unlock an additional 320 homes, in the precinct.

Critically the development will include a 7.5 per cent affordable housing contribution that will remain affordable housing in perpetuity.

The finalised Rezoning Proposal made possible by the Minns Labor Government’s State Significant Rezoning Policy has amended planning controls in the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012 (LEP) to allow more residential floor space as part of the revitalisation of the harbour foreshore.

Sydney is losing twice as many young people as we are gaining with housing costs now the single largest cost to families in our state. This project will deliver critical new homes for these young people and families who have been locked out of housing. 

Along with the delivery of new homes close to transport, over half of the Blackwattle Bay precinct will become open and accessible to the public, including a 1.1 hectare waterside park surrounding the southern pylon of the Anzac Bridge.

A new waterfront promenade will complete the missing link of the 15 km foreshore walk connecting Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

Infrastructure NSW will soon select a development partner to deliver the 3.6-hectare mixed-used site, following an open and competitive expression of interest process.

The three shortlisted developers Lendlease, Mirvac and Stockland will submit their proposals for evaluation in July.

The NSW Government will then work with the preferred development partner to commence work on the project as soon as possible, prioritising delivery of public spaces along the waterfront.

When complete, the landmark site will deliver housing, commercial spaces, retail and cultural experiences to create a vibrant, sustainable and thriving community.  

The first new homes are expected to be built by 2028, with construction likely to continue steadily delivering more homes for another six to eight years.

The Department publicly exhibited the draft Rezoning Proposal and supporting documentation from 12 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. Feedback received during exhibition helped inform its finalisation. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

For more information on the Blackwattle Bay precinct visit: Blackwattle Bay | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government are removing unnecessary barriers in the planning process to make it easier and faster to build quality homes, close to transport and services.

“This project is an example of that and will now provide more than 1,500 new homes for Blackwattle Bay, while also unlocking the economic and social potential of this unique part of Sydney’s foreshore.

“This is a once-in-a-generation waterfront renewal project that will open a hidden part of the harbour to the city and its people for the first time in over a century while suppling more homes.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is acting now to address housing supply. We understand that we are facing a generational housing crisis, and we need to ensure we can deliver well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity.

“The Blackwattle Bay rezoning finalisation will unlock new homes and will help to revitalise the harbour foreshore area, which will include a continuous boardwalk from Rozelle Bay all the way to Woolloomooloo.”

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation banning the use of privately arranged and funded electronic monitoring for people on bail. 

The Bail Amendment (Ban on Private Electronic Monitoring) Bill 2025 passed the Legislative Council on Thursday night ensuring private electronic monitoring bail conditions can no longer be imposed.

The legislation allows for a three-month transition period where existing private electronic monitoring conditions will continue to apply.

During this period, a magistrate or judge will be required to decide whether bail concerns can be addressed through other conditions. 

People will be remanded in custody if they pose an unacceptable risk. 

The Minns Labor Government banned private electronic monitoring over concerns about the ability of the justice system to oversee private providers after BailSafe collapsed without notifying the government.

The Government determined privately funded monitoring of serious offenders on bail was a risk to the public and that it would not continue. 

The ban does not affect electronic monitoring overseen by Corrective Services NSW, including accused serious domestic violence offenders captured by the Government’s bail reforms introduced last year.

Corrective Services NSW will continue to manage mandatory electronic monitoring for people accused of serious domestic violence offences and offenders on parole.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on ensuring community safety which is why we have banned privately funded electronic monitoring.

“Electronic monitoring standards set under the former government left us without any oversight of the quality of private providers and limited options when they failed to comply with minimum standards.

“These arrangements were not working to keep the community safe and we recognised they needed to change.”

Aboriginal people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will benefit from a new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van, which was officially launched today as part of National Reconciliation Week.

This is the first Aboriginal mental health van service being delivered by NSW Health and is the result of a $176,000 investment by the Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Van will travel around Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) which covers the lands of the Dharawal and Yuin peoples, making it easier for Aboriginal people to access mental health care and support.

It will provide culturally safe mental health, wellbeing and healing support, information and resources to Aboriginal people in their own communities, as well as delivering other health services based on need in the community.

Co-designed with Aboriginal people to create a welcoming and culturally safe space, this innovative model will assist the Local Health District to build stronger relationships with local Aboriginal communities while reducing stigma about health care and mental health services.

The van’s eye-catching exterior features elements of the artwork, Garadyigan (Dharawal word, meaning Healer) created specifically for ISLHD by local Aboriginal artist, Jasmine Sarin.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“This outreach van is really positive, and it will deliver culturally appropriate preventative health care, early intervention, health promotion and really importantly trauma informed care.

“The Van aims to honour Aboriginal people’s autonomy while offering culturally safe support, in their communities, where they can feel supported by family and community.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“This new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van for Aboriginal people is the first of its kind in New South Wales and will be fantastic addition to the Illawarra Shoalhaven District, offering support, referrals and suicide prevention in community.

“The service has been co-designed with Aboriginal people, and we know that greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the design of health services can lead to improved health outcomes.

“This van is one example of what can happen when we take a proactive approach to Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing that is informed by local people from the communities we serve.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said:

“It’s great to see this new Mobile Outreach Van which will offer regular visits to Aboriginal communities across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, supporting health staff to provide important services and care.

“By using this mobile outreach service, the van increases flexibility and convenience for Aboriginal people and importantly, addresses many of the barriers that Aboriginal peoples face when interacting with Mental Health Services.

“We know there are better health outcomes when Aboriginal people are involved with co-designing Closing the Gap initiatives, and this initiative is an excellent example of this.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Making sure all possible steps are taken to improve access to health services for local Aboriginal residents is essential to improve longer term health outcomes.

“This coupled with the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Child Health service – Binji and Boori – that will be part of the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, are important additions to local health services supporting Aboriginal people.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“I’m very pleased to officially launch the first Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van which will be an excellent service for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

“The van has been designed to reach local Aboriginal communities and provide culturally appropriate care in community.

“I’d like to acknowledge the local Aboriginal people and health staff who have worked together on this project and I’m excited to hear more about its achievements as it is rolled out further.”

Powerhouse Parramatta has today marked a major milestone, with the building reaching its full 75-metre height as the steel exoskeleton that wraps around the building is also officially completed.

This is a significant step forward for the Minns Labor Government in the delivery of the largest museum in NSW history and one of the first major cultural institutions to be built in Western Sydney.

This project also marks the largest investment in cultural infrastructure by the NSW Government since the Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.

The exoskeleton design – which makes up the majority of the 12,000 tonnes of steel used in the project, means the museum’s 7 exhibition spaces are entirely column-free. Two of these exhibition spaces have already been handed over to the Powerhouse Museum for exhibition fit out.

Expected to attract 2 million visitors a year, Powerhouse Parramatta will deliver a world class cultural institution in the heart of Sydney’s West that will drive cultural and economic growth.

Work to deliver this iconic new cultural institution has been completed by a 2,500 strong workforce who have contributed to the project to date, collectively working over 1.45 million hours on site.

The Minns Labor Government is also announcing a $5 million donation from the Neilson Foundation to Powerhouse Parramatta, including the naming and presentation rights for Exhibition Space 5.This brings the total raised by the Powerhouse Museum philanthropic campaign to $65.9 million, in addition to the $840 million investment by the NSW Government for Parramatta and Castle Hill facilities.

The Neilson Foundation’s generous contribution will enable the creation of The Dark – an immersive and interactive exhibition for children. This exhibition led by award-winning Australian designers Kip Williams and Elizabeth Gadsby will be developed in close collaboration with early learning experts and other creative partners.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, when it will be handed over to the Powerhouse Museum for exhibition fit out ahead of opening to the public in late 2026.

For more information visit: NSW Government | Powerhouse Parramatta.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta is a once-in-a-generation investment in Western Sydney’s cultural lifeblood – inspiring young minds, creating local jobs, and bringing world-class exhibitions right to the heart of Parramatta.

“Now that the building has reached its full height of 75-metres, you can truly see the scale and ambition of this project – staking its place proudly in the Parramatta skyline.

“For too long, Western Sydney has been denied access to world class infrastructure, and from schools and hospitals to the Parramatta Powerhouse, we’re getting on with the job of delivering this new infrastructure.”

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“This site will celebrate and showcase the best of applied arts and sciences. It will ensure that Western Sydney is not just part of the cultural conversation, but leading it.

“The Neilson Foundation’s support for the opening exhibition The Dark will be a game-changer for children across the state – inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators and innovators.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

Today’s topping out and completion of the exoskeleton marks an impressive milestone and is a clear indication of the scale and momentum behind this landmark build.

“Once finished, Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, with 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space — a true cultural and architectural icon for Parramatta and Western Sydney.

“This project is more than just a museum — it’s a game-changer for the local economy, with over $150 million in contracts already awarded to Western Sydney businesses.

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta will provide residents and visitors to Western Sydney with endless opportunities to expand their knowledge and imagination.

“We’ve been gradually watching the Powerhouse Museum reach new heights and today we celebrate that it’s one step closer to completion.

Managing Director for Lendlease Stephanie Graham said:

“Our progress on this new cultural landmark for Western Sydney reflects our design and construction expertise, underpinned by strong partnerships with our customers and supply chain.”

Kerr Neilson, Chair, Neilson Foundation said:

“We are proud to support Powerhouse Parramatta as exhibition partner for this immersive and innovative cultural experience for young audiences.

“Having the exhibition space carry the Neilson Foundation name reflects our shared commitment to fostering curiosity and learning in the next generation and supporting institutions that lead through innovation and imagination.”

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong has returned from a successful trade mission to the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Japan, where he signed an international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese housing development body Urban Renaissance Agency. 

Minister Chanthivong also met with senior representatives from the Government of Chungnam Province in Seoul to lay the groundwork for a MoU to be signed today between

Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

The MoU with Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency expands an existing agreement around support for Bradfield City and the new Western Sydney Airport into a statewide partnership on investment promotion, with a particular focus on Transport Oriented Developments.

The MoU being witnessed by Minister Chanthivong and signed by both KAIST and UNSW will see greater academia-industry collaboration as well as joint research and development initiatives, with a particular focus on the mobility and biotechnology sectors, and the commencement of a startup exchange program, including support for workspace provision and investor connections.

The broader trade mission highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade and investment outcomes with Korea and Japan, which are both priority markets in the NSW Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2035.

The Strategy details the Minns Labor Government’s 10-year plan to grow and diversify NSW exports, attract investment, and to strengthen our new and existing industries.

Meetings and site visits were held in Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka, with companies that are global leaders in clean energy production and modern methods of construction, including Samsung Construction & Trading Corporation, Hyundai Motor Group, Idemitsu, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. 

The Minister also reaffirmed NSW’s commitments to its longstanding Sister State Agreements with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, held briefings with Australia’s Ambassadors to Korea and Japan, and delivered a major speech to Japanese corporate leaders at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where investment opportunities in NSW are being showcased on the global stage. 

As two of NSW’s most valued trading partners, Minister Chanthivong was pleased to secure investment opportunities with the nations of both Korea and Japan, to strengthen and diversify our economic relationships around the NSW Government’s Industry Policy missions of Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition, and Local Manufacturing.

Both countries will be key partners as we seek to deliver long-term economic prosperity.

Read the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy/

Read the NSW Industry Policy here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-industry-policy/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Strengthening the NSW economy is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.

“Korea and Japan are both longstanding and likeminded trading partners, with two-way trade between NSW totalling $28.4 billion and $15.9 billion respectively.

“I was delighted to visit both countries last week and meet with government leaders, businesses and investors, to highlight the objectives of the new NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient NSW economy.

“I was also very pleased with the outcome of securing not one, but two international MoUs – one signed between the NSW Government and Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency, and the other signed between Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and UNSW.

“These MoUs will play a key role in achieving the outcomes of the Minns Labor Government’s NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which seeks to maximise every international trade and investment opportunity that we can.

“The NSW Government is doing all it can to unleash the potential of the state’s global competitiveness to deliver better trade and investment outcomes for businesses and the people of NSW.”

President of Urban Renaissance Agency (UR), Masaru Ishida:

“I was honoured to meet with Minister Chanthivong and sign the MoU.

“I believe UR’s experience will be useful in addressing the housing shortage and urban issues in NSW.”

Vice Chancellor of University of New South Wales (UNSW) Attila Brungs:

“UNSW is delighted to partner with Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and proud to align the University’s mission with the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035.

“Through partnerships with leading global institutions such as KAIST, UNSW is deepening our engagement in Korea and the region, and sharing our dedication to progress for all.

“UNSW has a long history of educating students from Korea.

“We are committed to collaborating with trusted international partners, demonstrating our expertise on the global stage and driving progress in areas such as renewable technologies, green skills, life sciences, healthcare, and innovation.”

Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Senior Vice President Prof. Kyung-soo Kim:

“We believe our partnership with UNSW will serve as a catalyst for turning academic excellence into real-world impact, and incubating university-led global startups.

“Under this collaboration, we aim to lead innovation in key areas such as mobility, biotechnology, and climate technology.”