Month: April 2025

The Minns Labor Government and NSW Farmers have teamed up to launch a new guidebook that will help empower landowners and community members to better navigate and understand the transition to renewable energy.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe, Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey and NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin are visiting the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to launch The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide.

Developed by NSW Farmers in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the NSW Government, the guide is designed to ensure landowners in NSW are better-informed as they engage with developers, government agencies and contractors in the REZ and beyond.

The guide will assist landowners who are considering hosting wind, solar or battery projects, and those engaging with energy companies about transmission projects in their region. It also aims to demystify the energy transition for neighbours and broader community members.

The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide includes:

• Information for landowners considering renewable energy projects, supporting them through negotiations and agreements with renewable energy developers.
• Guidance about the processes involved in transmission design, planning and delivery.
• Information about each party’s roles, rights and responsibilities.

The guide stems from an agreement between NSW Farmers, EnergyCo and ACEREZ, the network operator for the REZ, to communicate with landholders and collaborate on projects to improve farmer, landholder and community understanding of the energy transition.

Renewable energy development will bring huge opportunities for regional NSW. The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to attract up to $20 billion in private investment to the region by 2030, creating 5,000 construction jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.

The NSW Government is also investing $128 million in communities which host the Central-West Orana REZ, through grants for community groups and Councils. The recipients of the first round of grants have been announced today, to inject funding into the area before major construction starts.

The guide will be available in print and on the NSW Farmers website.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“This guide reflects our commitment to working with farmers, landowners and others to give them the information they need to engage confidently in renewable energy projects.

“We thank NSW Farmers for their collaboration on this guide. It will be a go-to resource for individuals, businesses and communities as they seek information about the REZ.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide will assist farmers as they navigate the opportunities and challenges involved in the transition to renewable energy in NSW.

“This guide will help landholders understand the potential impacts of development and their rights and responsibilities as well as how to maximise land productivity and benefit from new investment in the region.”

EnergyCo CEO, Hannah McCaughey:

“It is critical that landowners are across their rights and responsibilities, and the opportunities this once-in-a-generation project brings.

“Host communities are at the centre of the transition and should benefit from their role in it.”

NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin:

“Farmers are keen to understand how things work practically and what their options are as renewable energy development continues.

“By equipping farmers and their communities with that knowledge, this guide aims to help landholders navigate the transition, so we can get the right thing in the right place, built in the right way.”

NSW Independent Agriculture Commissioner, Alison Stone:

“Renewable energy offers farmers a powerful opportunity to drought-proof their income and strengthen resilience for the future.

“By working together to integrate renewables responsibly, we can not only safeguard our farms but also unlock new streams of income, creating a sustainable, thriving agricultural landscape for generations to come.”

Further information:

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.
• Transmission lines for the REZ will travel 240 kilometres, with the easement taking in 0.04 per cent of the total agricultural land in the four impacted local government areas.
• It is expected to bring up to $20 billion in private investment to the region by 2030, and support around 5,000 construction jobs as well as opportunities for local suppliers.

What is a Renewable Energy Zone?

• REZs 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.

Families heading to the Sydney Royal Easter Show can rest easy knowing this year’s showbags are child friendly with NSW Fair Trading inspectors testing the nearly 400 bags to make sure the toys and cosmetic items meet strict standards.

With an impressive overall compliance rate, traders have demonstrated their commitment to consumer safety, with only three showbags requiring minor adjustments to meet Australian Consumer Law.

A total of 397 showbags were inspected, with just three identified as having non-compliant products. These included:

• A doll tea set unsuitable for children under 36 months due to small parts presenting a potential choking hazard, which the trader has agreed to remove from the showbag.
• A children’s bow and arrow set missing the mandatory warning label: “WARNING: Do not aim at eyes or face.” In this case the trader has agreed to affix the required label to ensure compliance.
• Two children’s cosmetic products lacking mandatory ingredient labelling which the trader has now agreed to affix to the products.

A final check of the bags has been carried out today by inspectors confirming the required changes have been made.

Further inspections will be carried out across the Easter Show precinct to ensure all products sold comply with Australian safety standards.

Beyond inspections, NSW Fair Trading is also on hand at the Easter Show to chat with visitors about their consumer rights.

Whether you have a burning question about your rental agreement, need tips on avoiding dodgy used car deals, lithium-ion battery safety, or just want to know more about your rights around property and strata matters, NSW Fair Trading’s friendly team will be on hand to help with expert advice at their stand, located in the Home and Lifestyle Pavilion.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Families can enjoy the magic of the Easter Show knowing that NSW Fair Trading has checked every showbag to make sure the products inside meet the highest safety standards.

“Traders have done an excellent job this year, with only a handful of products requiring minor adjustments to meet compliance – a testament to their commitment to consumer safety.

“Showbag inspectors have been on the beat at the Royal Easter Show since the 1960s and our inspectors continue to make sure kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy their showbags safely.”

Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann:

“NSW Fair Trading’s stall at the Easter Show is a great opportunity for people to get answers to their consumer rights questions, whether it’s about renting, buying a car, or understanding product safety.

“The team is here to help consumers make informed choices – from ensuring they get a fair deal on a used car to knowing what their landlord can and can’t do.

“If you’ve ever had a consumer rights question but didn’t know who to ask, now’s your chance to chat with the friendly team at the Easter Show.”

Sydney Trains has installed rubber gap fillers on all platforms at Olympic Park Station to give families with small children attending the Royal Easter Show added peace of mind for a safe and memorable day out. 

Rubber gap fillers bridge the space between the train doors and platforms.

Last year, 15 people fell through the gap at Olympic Park Station – 13 of those during the Easter Show period when close to 400,000 people travelled there by train.

More than half of all falls into the gap across the rail network happen at the busiest stations, and often as families with kids are on the way to or from an event.

That’s why the rollout of gap fillers has followed the numbers of slips, trips and falls, with installation at Circular Quay and platforms at Town Hall, Martin Place, Wynyard, Bondi Junction, Redfern, Chatswood, Wolli Creek and Central.

Since they were installed at 26 priority platforms not a single person has fallen through the gap.

Stations to receive the safety upgrade shortly include Epping, Lidcombe, Strathfield, Blacktown, Hurstville and Sydenham.

Minister for Transport John Graham

“Childhood memories of the Royal Easter Show should be all about show bags, rides and the best animals in show – not a frightening fall at the train station on the way.

“We saw the numbers of Easter Show-related falls at Olympic Park last year and we have fast-tracked the installation of gap fillers so a trip to show is as stress-free as possible for the hundreds of thousands of parents getting their families there by train.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“There has not been a single fall through the gap recorded on any platform where this solution has been rolled out since the program began four years ago.

“There are always big crowds visiting the Easter Show every year, and many of those will arrive by train, so this safety measure will offer parents some added peace of mind.”

Sydney is leaning into the global ‘coolcation’ movement with a new campaign that positions the Harbour City as a must-visit winter destination – vibrant, active and distinctly world-class.

The Minns Labor Government’s tourism and events agency Destination NSW will this month launch its Feel the Sydney side of winter campaign, which showcases the Harbour City’s cool weather attractions. 

Recently added to the Cambridge Dictionary, ‘coolcation’ refers to the growing trend of travellers seeking cooler climates over traditional summer getaways. Booking.com’s Nine Predictions for Travel in 2025 found that 42 per cent of travellers now prefer cooler destinations, confirming the shift.

Sydney is already ahead of the curve. According to Tourism Research Australia, the city welcomed 8.7 million domestic and international visitors between June and September 2024, injecting more than $6.6 billion into the visitor economy. 

This follows the Minns Labor Government renewed focus on bringing the fun back to Sydney, through relaxing restrictions on nighttime trading and outdoor dining, lifting the concert caps at our major venues and investing in attractions that will boost the state’s visitor economy. 

This year’s winter line-up features a dynamic program of major events, including Vivid Sydney, NRL State of Origin, Sydney Comedy Festival, MJ the Musical, Titanique, British and Irish Lions Tour, and TCS Sydney Marathon, alongside art exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (Cerith Wyn

Evans) and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala) and many more. 

Visitors can also explore on foot or by bike, dive into adventure in Western Sydney, discover hidden pockets of the city, learn about the rich history of Aboriginal culture, or dine at acclaimed restaurants – with experiences to match every energy level. 

The campaign will launch across digital media, content partnerships, radio and press in Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 18 April 2025. 

For more inspiration and to plan your Sydney coolcation, visit Sydney.com. 

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:  

“Winter in Sydney is filled with vibrant activity and endless opportunities. Nowhere else in the world, can you go whale-watching during the day along pristine coastal waters, enjoy ground-breaking art, musicals and festivals, attend international sporting events, and be just over an hour from a jaw-dropping mountain range. 

“Whether it’s heading to your favourite cosy restaurant, or soaking up the winter sun on a coastal walk, Sydney shines all year-round as Australia’s only truly global city.  

“We encourage visitors and locals to plan a Sydney ‘coolcation’ when international events, cultural celebrations and natural wonders shine brighter than ever. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, winter is an incredible time to experience Sydney.” 

Fit City Tours Director Matthew Morris said:  

“Sydney in winter is the sweet spot — cooler weather, but not freezing cold, with a calmness that makes it feel like the city is yours to explore. We’re seeing more travellers, especially from interstate and overseas, choosing active experiences that keep them outdoors and let them connect with the city in a unique way.  

“Our Hidden Gems Walking Tour has become a favourite for those wanting to uncover quirky facts and unexpected spots across the CBD, while the Harbour Sights Running Tour is perfect for early risers keen to catch that golden morning light over the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.” 

Lifestyle Charters Charter Manager Sam Higgins said: 

“Winter is no time for slowing down when it comes to exploring Sydney Harbour. We love the change of season and the new opportunities it brings, from private Whale Watching experiences offshore, incredible early winter sunsets over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to intimate nights enjoying the Vivid Sydney light displays.  

“During these months and throughout the year we welcome visitors from all around the world, from the Americas to Europe to Eastern markets including China. Our guests are transfixed by our incredible Harbour and its famous cityscape. Everyone wants the photo, but also a moment to stop, relax and take a breath from the hustle and bustle of the Sydney CBD.” 

Bonza Bike Tours Manager Ivy Youster said: 

“The Bonza Bike Tours team loves winter in Sydney! The cooler weather is ideal for cycling, and the golden afternoon light creates the perfect backdrop for photos. Sydney’s moderate climate is really appealing for international travellers trying to escape the summer heat of the northern hemisphere.  

“Our guided rides remain a top pick for those wanting to see iconic sights like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge while soaking up insider stories and hidden gems. Interestingly, winter attracts a growing number of active retirees and solo travellers, looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace.  We’ve also seen a steady increase in families and small groups booking private tours during the school holidays.” 

School holidays are once again knocking on our door and the Minns Government is supporting a bonanza of activities across our public spaces.

From the three-day Move, Groove, Darling festival with everything from yoga to a Saturday night disco and parkour obstacle courses, to Ghostly Garden tours and nocturnal wildlife walks there’s an activity to suit all families and budgets.

If none of these activities take your fancy, you can always create your own. Take imagination to new heights at Lyne Park’s new seaplane inspired playground in Rose Bay, opt for a family picnic, take a walk around one of our city’s parks, gardens or precincts, or cool down with a dip at Penrith Beach.

Some of the free event highlights this Autumn include:

Darling Harbour

Free activities:

• Move, Groove, Darling Festival: The 3-day event is jam packed with family fun from zen moments in our yoga and meditation zone to high-flying adventures at Parkoursome and a Saturday night Disco. These events are on from 18 to 20 April.
• Kids Yoga at Darling Quarter: Let out your inner mini-yogi with this weekly 30-minute session to help kids connect with their body, breath and mind. On Fridays 10.30am and 11.30am, all year round.
• The Art of Chinese Paper Cutting: Explore the fascinating origins of this ancient folk art, passed down through generations and learn about the intricate techniques while creating your own beautiful paper cut designs at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.  On weekdays from 14 – 24 April 11am – 2pm (excl. public holidays).

The Rocks

Free activities:

• The Rocks Discovery Museum: A free family friendly museum that tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present. Open 10am – 5pm daily, all year round except Good Friday.
• Free Doll House Making at The Rocks Discovery Museum: Children can build their very own charming dollhouse and personalise it to their own style. Monday 14 – Thursday 17 April and Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 April from 11.00am – 1.00pm. Botanic Gardens Sydney and Domain.

Free activities:

• Daily guided walk: Explore the Garden and its remarkable history, botany, and wildlife on an unforgettable 1.5-hour guided walk. On 10.30am – 12.00pm daily, all year round (by donation).
• Alchemy of a Rainforest Exhibition: Step inside this immersive, sensory exhibition featuring spectacular rare and unusual tropical and subtropical rainforest plants. On 10.00am – 4.00pm daily, all year round (by donation).

In addition to the free events there are also a number of ticketed events on offer.

Ticketed activities:

• Plant Hunger Games: Come meet Arnie, the plant with a ferocious appetite, in this seriously silly outdoor theatre performance in the Gardens. On 15 April, 11.50am or 1:50pm, for $18 per ticket.
• Teatime with your elders: Led by First Nations Educators, children and their guardians will explore the Botanic Gardens to find plants used by the local Gadigal people of Sydney Harbour. On 14 or 21 April, 10.30am to 12:00pm, for $20 per child.
• Sunset Spotlight tour: Wander the garden pathways and visit special biodiversity locations such as the ponds to look for nocturnal animals – some who fly in for the night, others who are long-term residents. On 16 or 23 April, 6.30pm-8.00pm, $20 per child, $42 per adult.
• Wicked and Weird Plants: Join a workshop to create a carnivorous plant habitat, take a guided tour of the Garden and learn about incredible adaptations for survival. On 15 – 17 and 22 – 24 April, 10.30am-12.00pm, $25 per child, supervising adults are free.

Western Sydney Parklands

Ticketed activities:

• Nocturnal wildlife walk: A 1-hour guided wildlife adventure as the sun goes down. Spot animals – from brushtail possums, to microbats, tawny frogmouths, and grey-headed flying-foxes. On April 24 April, 4:45pm or 7pm, $20 per ticket.
• Little Red Riding Hood: Step into this interactive theatre experience and meet beloved characters like the hungry wolf, innocent Red Riding Hood, and the brave huntsman. On 23 April, 10.30am-11.30am, $20 per ticket.
• Park Science: Incredible insects at Lizard Log- Investigate why some bugs are brightly coloured while others blend in, discover how bees see, and learn about the wonders of invertebrates.  On 16 or 22 April, 10am-12pm, $23 per ticket.

Callan Park

Ticketed activities:

• Alice in Easterland: In this theatre show join Alice as she embarks on an adventure to help the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet and deals with the Queen of Hearts. On 20 April, 10.30am, $20 per ticket.
• Park Rangers Incredible Insects: Through bug hunts, nature walks, and hands-on activities like creating an insect hotel and insect-inspired art, your child will gain a deeper understanding of the important role insects play in our ecosystem. On 14 or 24 April, 10am-12pm, $23 per ticket.

Parramatta Park

Ticketed activities:

• Alice in Easterland: In this theatre show join Alice as she embarks on an adventure to help the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet and deals with the Queen of Hearts. On 21 April, 10.30am, $20 per ticket.

Centennial Park

Ticketed activities:

• Alice in Easterland: In this theatre show join Alice as she embarks on an adventure to help the Mad Hatter find his Easter bonnet and deals with the Queen of Hearts. On 19 April, 10.30am or 1.30pm, $20 per ticket.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’ve got a jam packed line up of events across Sydney’s public spaces to save your household from boredem this Autumn School Holidays.

“From discos, yoga, parkour and more at the Move, Groove, Darling festival to the art of Chinese paper cutting in the Chinese Garden and park science initiatives across the parklands there’s something for everyone and every budget.

“Our parks, gardens and precincts offer fun, active and imaginative experiences and opportunities all year round and there’s no better time to make the most of them than over the Autumn holiday period before winter weather starts to creep in.”

Carlingford and surrounding communities are set to benefit from a new purpose-built ambulance station following the purchase of a site for the new station on Pennant Hills Road in Carlingford.

The new Carlingford Ambulance Station, part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, will significantly boost frontline emergency care for the Carlingford and Dundas Valley communities.

The new ambulance station will support local NSW Ambulance paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile health care for this growing region now and into the future.

NSW Ambulance identified the area as a high priority location for a new ambulance station following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls.

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.

Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the Pennant Hills Road site to ensure it best meets the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff.

The next steps for the new Carlingford Ambulance Station include design development and seeking planning approval for the new station. Construction and operational timeframes will be determined as the project progresses.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline emergency ambulance care.

Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other government stakeholders to identify potential sites for the new ambulance stations. Sites are now confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra, Prestons, Moss Vale, Bargo, Lisarow, Glendenning, Caves Beach and Carlingford.

The NSW Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The purchase of the site on Pennant Hills Road marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for Carlingford, Dundas Valley and surrounding suburbs.

“The new Carlingford Ambulance Station will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile medical care well into the future.

“The new station will improve network coverage, supporting existing ambulance stations including the ambulance stations at Northmead and Ryde.”

Ten rescue and special operations paramedics will start on the road in regional NSW from tomorrow, following a two-month intensive training program.

The first NSW Ambulance rescue course for 2025 consisted of qualified paramedics already in the service, seeking to extend their qualifications to access and provide care to patients in hazardous environments.

Paramedics learn a range of skills including road crash rescue, vertical rescue, land search and rescue, tactical medicine, swift water operations, confined space rescue, breathing apparatus operations and large animal rescue, at training locations throughout Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, and the Hunter.

The graduates include Intensive Care Paramedic Aaron Nielsen who will move to Singleton to work as a Rescue Paramedic. 

This latest class will be posted across the state at Ambulance Rescue stations located at Rutherford, Singleton, Tamworth, Cowra, Bomaderry and Wagga Wagga as certified Rescue and Special Operations paramedics.    

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:  

“Emergency services play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, and these paramedics are now even better equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies.

“Their training ensures they can deliver expert care in some of the most demanding and unpredictable circumstances.” 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:  

“This program is designed to equip paramedics with all the skills necessary to perform their life-saving skills in any environment.

“Completing such a demanding course reflects their commitment to providing the highest standard of care to the communities they serve.” 

Paramedic Aaron Nielsen: 

“It has all been very rewarding, learning new skills and putting them into practice each day. There has been a physically challenging component to each day as well, which has really tested us.

“I look forward to utilising my skillsets as an intensive care and rescue paramedic in a regional community.”