June 2025 – Page 14

Monash uni must dump dirty Woodside partnership

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has called on Monash University to dump its partnership with climate wreckers Woodside Energy amid staff concerns about attempts to cover up a “climate change and energy transition” conference with the gas giant at the university’s Prato campus in June 2024.

Earlier this year, Senator Mehreen Faruqi introduced a Bill that requires universities to disclose and divest from any partnerships with dirty industries, including fossil fuel companies and weapons manufacturers. This Bill and Explanatory Memorandum can be found here.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“Instead of covering up its partnership with Woodside, Monash should rip it up altogether.

“Universities should be places that advance the public good, not help morally bankrupt companies like Woodside greenwash their reputation and muddy the science as they torch the planet for profit.

“Last month, Woodside got approval from the Labor Government to proceed with the most polluting fossil fuel project in the Southern Hemisphere. That should be a red line for Monash University, especially since it will be young people, like Monash students, who will bear the brunt of climate collapse.

“The funding cuts of successive federal Governments have led universities to cozy up to companies like Woodside Energy and Elbit Systems which profiteer from the destruction of people and planet.

“The Albanese Government must commit to fully funding universities to be places of democracy, equity and public good.

“The Greens stand in solidarity with Stop Woodside Monash, and will keep pushing all universities to disclose and divest from dirty industries.”

Preliminary report of People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine a damning indictment of uni management

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson, who is a patron of the People’s Inquiry into Campus Free Speech on Palestine, has responded to the Inquiry’s recently released Preliminary Report (Report).

The Report outlines three preliminary findings:

1) Australian universities have restricted the free speech and academic freedom of staff and students on the question of Palestine;

2) Australian universities have targeted students and staff who express support for Palestine for surveillance and discipline;

3) Universities have used existing policies and devised new policies in an opaque way to target and censor students and staff expressing support for Palestine.

The People’s Inquiry will be holding public hearings in Sydney, Melbourne and over Zoom to allow university staff and students to share their experiences. Observers and media are welcome. Anyone interested in participating or observing the hearings should register here.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi:

“This preliminary report confirms what many students and staff already know- universities have trampled over the values of free speech and academic freedom in their cowardly attempts to shut down support for a free Palestine.

“Shutting down peaceful protests while bombs fall on Gaza is an act of complicity. By silencing those who speak out against genocide, our universities are not neutral — they are choosing to side with a brutal, apartheid regime.

“Academic freedom means nothing if it doesn’t extend to the most urgent moral issues of our time. The universities that have punished students and staff for standing with Palestine are revealing themselves not as spaces of free inquiry, but as instruments of political censorship.”

“The preliminary report makes for disturbing reading, showing that universities are turning into ideological battlegrounds where only state-sanctioned narratives are allowed to survive. This is not just about Palestine — it’s about the death of democratic space.”

“When institutions silence those demanding justice for Palestine, they send a chilling message: that truth is conditional, and that certain lives — Palestinian lives — are not worthy of solidarity. This is a stain on the conscience of Australian academia.

“Across Australian universities, students are already being surveilled, censured, and punished for standing in solidarity with Palestine. Adopting the IHRA definition will only shut down criticism of Israel and intensify the crackdown- universities must resist the pressure to do so.”

APAN President Nasser Mashni:

“This harrowing report lays bare what so many of us already knew: that speaking up for Palestine comes at a cost – to reputations, educational opportunities and careers.

“During the past 20 months, universities across the country have stepped into the role of censors and surveillance organisations, distorting existing policy or arbitrarily creating new policy in order to restrict student and staff free speech and protest rights, and undermine academic independence.

“Universities have also weaponised antisemitism and twisted the concept of psycho-social safety to suppress Palestinian voices and learning about Palestine, deliberately creating a climate of fear on campus for those who oppose institutional complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide.

“This is textbook anti-Palestinian racism: the calculated silencing, erasure and dehumanisation of Palestinians and those who act in solidarity with them.

“The experiences documented by this report, and the hearings and recommendations to come, must mark a turning point for universities. They must defend civil liberties, sever their ties to genocidal Israel, and support Palestinian justice.”

Dr Max Kaiser, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia:

“This report reveals a chilling reality: universities are surveilling, disciplining, and censoring students and staff who speak up for Palestine. Events cancelled, lectures monitored, students tracked via Wi-Fi—all justified by vague appeals to ‘wellbeing’ and false claims of antisemitism. As a Jewish organisation, we refuse to let our identity be weaponised to shut down legitimate debate. Universities must end these draconian practices and restore the right to speak freely on campus.”

James McVicar, Inquiry Panel Member and Education Officer for the National Union of Students:

“University students and staff have faced surveillance, discipline, and even expulsion for speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. History will remember what side our vice-chancellors and politicians stood on during this crime against humanity.”

Council to consider proposed $2 pool entry trial

Councillors will vote next week on implementing a $2 entry fee trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend swimming centres for the 2025/26 swimming season while retaining a $6 all-day entry fee for Lambton Pool.

The trial of a gold coin entry fee was proposed by Labor Councillors in February this year and would reduce the cost of a single admission at four of the five City of Newcastle-owned inland pools to enhance affordable access for the community.

The proposal was strongly endorsed during community consultation, with 95% of respondents supporting the trial and 92% indicating they would visit pools more frequently if entry fees were reduced.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle recognises the importance of its inland pool network to the community.

“Our swimming centres play a vital role in fostering community connection, providing accessible opportunities for physical activity, social engagement and water safety education,” Ms Duffy said.

“The trial will provide valuable data to allow Council to fully consider the risks and benefits of making this a feature of our inland pools for future seasons.

“Our pools are among our most popular community facilities, attracting more than 430,000 visitors during the 2024/25 swimming season, which is the second highest attendance level across our five pools in more than 30 years.

“Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre accounted for almost 60% of those visitors across the season and so will not be included in the $2 entry trial, to ensure we continue to support the safe and effective management of that facility and reduce the risk of overcrowding. Lambton will remain the most affordable pool with similar facilities in the region.

“However, proposed $2 entry fees at our four other inland pools including Mayfield and Wallsend, which are just 6km away from Lambton, would ensure easy access to reduced entry fees for all residents, with swimmers also enjoying continued free entry to the much-loved Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths.”

Implementation of the trial would require amendment to the management agreement between City of Newcastle and pool operator BlueFit.

The trial is expected to cost City of Newcastle $900,000 in 2025/26, which includes subsidising the reduced entry fees and accommodating higher operational expenses such as increased staffing and lifeguard services, and greater facility maintenance requirements.

City of Newcastle would also invest around $200,000 into enhanced security measures at all pools including CCTV and AI-driven safety technologies.

These costs have been added into the draft 2025/26 Budget, which is also set to be considered for adoption at next week’s Council meeting.

“We are committed to investing in and improving our pools to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of our community,” Ms Duffy said.

“Adequate lifeguard coverage, security measures, and crowd management strategies are essential in maintaining the safe and efficient operations of our pools while ensuring compliance with industry standards, balanced with affordability.

“Safety remains the highest priority for our pool operations. Should this trial be implemented, City of Newcastle will work with BlueFit to plan for potential surges in attendance.”

City of Newcastle driving major EV charging expansion

A project to triple Newcastle’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network is nearing completion, with 34 new charging ports being added across 11 locations citywide.

Local and visiting EV drivers have already started enjoying the convenience of an expanded charging network, with new chargers operational at Lambton, Wallsend, Hamilton, Stockton, Adamstown, Mayfield, Newcastle, Newcastle East and Wickham. Sites at Beresfield and Georgetown will be completed in the coming weeks.

EV chargers on Wharf Road in NewcastleExecutive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the new public chargers installed by City of Newcastle will benefit the growing number of EV drivers and encourage others to make the switch.

“Our Newcastle Environment Strategy has a target of 52% of all new car registrations being EVs by 2030-31,” Ms Bisson said.

“The signs are already encouraging, with more than 1,350 EVs currently registered in Newcastle, a number which has risen by more than 1000% in the past four years.

“One of the challenges, however, is that many drivers lack access to off-street parking to charge an EV.

“Increasing the availability of public chargers in different suburbs is an important step in achieving our goal of driving EV uptake and creating a cleaner, quieter, and lower emissions city.”

The installation of the new chargers is co-funded by a $270,000 grant from the NSW Government as part of the EV Kerbside Charging Grants (the program).

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the NSW Government has approved $4.1 million in co-funding to install 671 EV charging ports in 16 local government areas, including Newcastle, during round one of the program.

“Investing in EV charging infrastructure is about making sure Newcastle is keeping up with the growing demand for electric vehicles,” Minister Catley said.

“It’s not just about future-proofing our energy grid – it’s also about making every day travel easier and more accessible for everyone.

“Having more charging points across Newcastle means people can drive with confidence, knowing they’ll have the support they need to charge up and get where they need to go.”

Member for Charlestown, Minister Jodie Harrison said, “this partnership between local and state government is delivering real, practical infrastructure that supports the growing number of EV drivers in our region.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said, “this major expansion of EV charging stations shows Newcastle is leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “expanding EV charging infrastructure in the Hunter is key to meeting our state’s emissions targets and supporting the transition to electric vehicles.”

“I’m very glad to see this investment in our suburbs and making the switch over to EV’s easier for those who choose to do it.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Declan Clausen, welcomed the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure, which is a key deliverable in the Newcastle Environment Strategy.

“Tripling the number of public EV chargers is an important step towards our city-wide transition to net zero emissions,” Cr Clausen said.

“These new chargers are strategically located within key local centres to support economic activity and benefit local businesses. They will be powered by 100% renewable energy that comes from a combination of our Summerhill Solar Farm and existing power purchase agreement with the Sapphire wind farm.

“To ensure Newcastle remains a leader in sustainable transport, City of Newcastle is also working to finalise a comprehensive EV and Low Emissions Transport Strategy to guide further investment.”

The 34 new chargers add to existing infrastructure at Wharf Road, No. 2 Sportsground, Laman Street and Perkins Street in the CBD, to create a public EV charging network of 50 ports across 15 locations across Newcastle.

For more information, visit: https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/news-and-updates/projects-and-works/ev-chargers

Minns Labor Government delivers record funding for NSW public school students

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to improve essential services by fully and fairly funding public schools while delivering targeted reforms aimed at lifting student outcomes across NSW public schools.

In 2025, the NSW Government’s annual investment in every public-school student will be more than $17,000 — an increase of $2,203 per student compared to the former Liberal-National Government’s 2023 commitment.

This is a total investment of $13.1 billion by the NSW Government in the 2025 calendar year.

This follows the State and Federal Labor Governments signing a historic 10-year funding deal earlier this year that will see the Federal Government fund 25 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) by 2034 through an additional $4.8 billion 10-year commitment, ensuring that public schools are fully funded.

The remaining 75 per cent of SRS required to fully fund NSW public schools has already been delivered by the Minns Labor Government two years ahead of schedule through a total additional $5.6 billion investment over 10 years.

This is the largest funding commitment to public school students in NSW history, ensuring every child has access to free public education and the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of where they live.

In contrast, under the former State and Federal Liberal Governments, funding was capped at 95 per cent while driving up teacher vacancies to record levels of 3,300 vacancies.

This increased funding is being directed to expand critical early intervention programs, including:

Small Group Tuition Program

The Minns Labor Government is boosting the government’s small group tutoring program to $80 million, a $27 million increase on last year. This will help lift literacy and numeracy outcomes for our students.

This additional funding means the program is now available to nearly 60,000 students with an increase in the support available for students from 10 weeks of tutoring to 15 weeks.

This program provides targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups (of two to five students).

It will introduce an assessment for students before and after the program to measure how much they’ve improved.

University teaching students will also be able to provide hands-on classroom experience as tutors — supporting student outcomes and strengthening the future teaching workforce.

The Australian Government Productivity Commission’s report on school funding identified that small-group tuition can improve learning outcomes in reading by up to 4 months, and mathematics outcomes by up to 3 months.

Year 1 Phonics Support Program

All Year 1 students currently take a short phonics test to help identify how strong their key early reading skills are. The check helps teachers quickly spot students who need extra help and provide them with support.

The Minns Labor Government is supporting this work with more classroom resources and targeted support with 144 schools participating this year in a focused support program, providing extra training, tools and leadership support to lift phonics outcomes.

Year 1 Number Screening Check

The Minns Labor Government is trialling a new check across 165 public schools to assess Year 1 students’ early numeracy skills.

This is helping over 7,000 Year 1 students to identify gaps in key numeracy skills — including counting, ordering, and basic operations — giving teachers immediate insights to deliver tailored support.

The check is part of the government’s plan to lift student outcomes after years of decline in NAPLAN results.

Rebuilding public education

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education and improve student outcomes by addressing over a decade of neglect by the former Government.

We are ensuring that students across NSW can attend a public school close to home, and that all families can access a world class education.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re getting on with the job of rebuilding public education by:

Banning mobile phones in all public schools, which has meant reduced distractions in school;
Paying our teachers more, which has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since coming to office. That means more teachers in front our classrooms;
Making more than 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent;
Delivering a record $8.9 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across NSW.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is the single largest investment in public school students in NSW history, because every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live or what their background is.”

“We know that funding alone isn’t enough. That’s why we’re also delivering practical changes like early literacy and numeracy checks and expanded tutoring — to make sure students get the right support when they need it.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“This announcement is a tribute to Deputy Premier Prue Car and her tireless work to deliver record education funding and ensure that every public school student can achieve their full potential.

“This is part of our work to reverse declining student outcomes after more than a decade of neglect and mismanagement under the former Liberal-National Government.

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the NSW public education system to ensur

Construction begins for Canowindra HealthOne facility

The Canowindra community is one step closer to integrated, easily accessible healthcare services, with construction of the Canowindra HealthOne facility now underway.

The local community joined healthcare workers and the project teams on site today for a groundbreaking event to mark the milestone.

More than $8 million will be spent on the new HealthOne facility which will be built on the existing hospital site and include contemporary spaces to accommodate a range of multi-disciplinary providers like General Practitioners (GPs) and community healthcare services.

The first stage of construction includes upgrades to roads and infrastructure surrounding the existing hospital, which will enable the safe build of the new HealthOne without impacting on services or hospital access.

Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete. Zauner Constructions has been engaged as the main works contractor for the new health facility.

For more information on the Canowindra HealthOne project visit the Engage Western NSW platform.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“It’s fantastic to see construction underway on the new Canowindra HealthOne. With a range of healthcare providers on one site, this new health facility won’t just improve access to healthcare, it will also reduce the need to travel for our local and broader communities.

“I’m certain the Canowindra HealthOne will provide wonderful opportunities for healthcare professionals across a range of disciplines to establish themselves in a welcoming, friendly community.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato:

“This new health facility will make a significant difference to patients, their families and our healthcare professionals, not just in Canowindra but for the surrounding communities as well.

“With a range of services right next door to the hospital, I’m sure our patients will experience a far more seamless transition between care providers, which will increase their comfort levels and their overall wellbeing.”

Matt McGrath, Canowindra Health Service Manager:

“This is an exciting milestone for this project, our health service and our staff, but also for our entire community here in Canowindra.

“Our community has been involved in this project from the start, and I’d like to thank them again for their input during the planning and design phases.

“I’m thrilled to see construction start, and while there will be some minor disruption as you’d expect with any major redevelopment, we will do everything we can to minimise that where possible.

“I’d ask our community keeps their eyes open on the campus, as there will be some changes to traffic flow as we move through construction, to ensure everyone’s safety until the new HealthOne is complete and fully operational.”

Detailed design begins for $190M Horsley Drive Upgrade

The Minns Labor Government is pushing ahead with the $190M upgrade of The Horsley Drive at Horsley Park, with detailed design work now under way to widen key sections of the route and improve congested intersections.

The Horsley Drive is a key connection through to the M7 Motorway. The project is essential to this growing community and is set to cut travel times, improve safety for all road users and improve freight movement.

The upgrade is backed by a joint $190 million investment from the NSW and Federal Governments.

The detailed design work includes upgrading The Horsley Drive in two stages, with the first stage including:

an additional eastbound lane, west of Wallgrove Road
an additional right turn lane westbound (onto Wallgrove Road Northbound)
an additional eastbound lane between the M7 Motorway and Wallgrove Road
an additional right turn lane on Wallgrove Road northbound (onto The Horsley Drive Eastbound)
new medians and traffic islands
provision for future shared bike and walking paths.

In addition, the NSW Government is reviewing a Voluntary Planning Agreement recently put forward by a developer. If progressed alongside stage one, this proposal would see The Horsley Drive upgraded to two lanes in each direction between the M7 and Cowpasture Road.

Community feedback on the agreement, gathered earlier this year, is now being carefully considered.

Construction tenders for the Wallgrove Road and M7 intersection upgrades are expected to open in mid-2026, with work anticipated to take around two years once contracts are awarded.

Geotechnical and utilities investigation works will start soon, with lane closures and traffic controls in place as part of the final design process.

For further information about the project, go to The Horsley Drive upgrade web page.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is another essential step for what is an incredibly important project we are determined to push forward with.

“It’s one of many critical arterial roads in Western Sydney where we are having to play catch up after years of Coalition failure to build infrastructure to support fast population growth.

“Western Sydney is projected to house more than 3 million people by 2036 and absorb two-thirds of Sydney’s total population growth. This needs a significant injection of supporting infrastructure that really improves people’s daily lives.

“The 2024-25 NSW Budget allocated $1 billion for new roads, connecting communities with the Airport and Bradfield City Centre. This investment brings the total program for Western Sydney Roads to $5.2 billion over four years.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba said:

“This upgrade is fantastic news for residents who’ve faced congestion on The Horsley Drive for years.

“It’s a great example of our State and Federal Governments working together to deliver the infrastructure our community needs.”

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott said:

“This project will ease traffic and improve safety for families and commuters in Prospect.

“I’m proud to see our community’s safety concerns being addressed by the joint investments of our State and Federal Labor Governments.”

Federal Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen said:

“This upgrade will help people get home safer and faster and support the growth of Western Sydney.

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure our communities deserve.”

Young Hunter families to benefit from creation of 1,000 new free public preschool places

Hundreds of families in the Hunter are closer to accessing free early learning, as contracts to deliver 12 new public preschools are awarded as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic program to build 100 new public preschools across NSW.

The 12 new Hunter public preschools will offer free places for up to 1,000 children every week, providing quality, play-based educational preschool programs, ensuring our youngest learners are given the best start in life.

Construction on all 12 public preschools is expected to begin later this year, with each public preschool set to be delivered by early 2027, co-located with public primary schools.

New public preschools to be built in the Hunter at:

Booragul Public School
Cessnock Public School
Ellalong Public School
Gillieston Public School
Kearsley Public School
Kurri Kurri Public School
Maryland Public School
Nulkaba Public School
Shortland Public School
Tenambit Public School
Teralba Public School
Weston Public School.

The new public preschools are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment into early education, which will double the number of public preschools in NSW, boosting the overall number of public preschool placements by up to 9,000.

Of the 100 new public preschools, 49 are in regional NSW, and another 48 will be delivered in growing Sydney’s West, North-West and South-West located in communities identified as most in need following a rigorous selection process.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment to rapidly expand the provision of public preschool in NSW, funded by our record investment in the 2024-25 Budget.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Access to preschool can be difficult for young families, particularly in regional areas, which is why the Minns Labor Government is delivering new public preschools across the Hunter.

“Once complete, these 12 new public preschools will provide 1,000 new, free preschool placements for Hunter families every week.

“These public preschools will make a real difference to young working families across the Hunter, and will help ensure every child in NSW can access a high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Every kid deserves a great start, no matter where they’re from. These new preschools mean families in the Hunter won’t have to fight for a spot – they’ll know their child’s future is being taken seriously from day one.

“We all know the early years are everything. It’s where kids find their confidence, their voice and their love for learning. That’s why this matters so much.

“For too long, families in the Hunter have been left behind. We’re changing that – because investing in our kids now means a stronger future for everyone.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“The new public preschools for our Tenambit and Gillieston Heights communities are much needed.

“These public preschools for Gillieston Heights and Tenambit will be well-loved assets for our young families and set our children up for future success at big school.

“Access to preschool is so important for young families, and I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that is delivering for regional communities.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“The Cessnock area will benefit greatly from our new public preschools, where the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect many local families.

“Access to high-quality, reliable public preschool for free will make a world of difference to our community, and I look forward to seeing construction begin.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said:

“New public preschools at Booragul and Teralba will provide access to early learning for families with young children and establish a smooth transition into schooling.

“I’m sure this news will be welcomed by the community and form a great foundation for future growth in the area.”

Water exemptions made to speed up new homes

The Minns Labor Government is fast-tracking the delivery of new homes and infrastructure with temporary groundwater license exemptions now in place to speed up construction, slashing red tape and costs for developers.

The exemptions are estimated to support the delivery of 377,000 new homes by 2029, making it easier for eligible projects to access the water they need while maintaining essential environmental safeguards.

Previously, developers required a license to remove more than 3 megalitres of water during excavation and construction activities – a process known as infrastructure dewatering.

Short-term dewatering is common, especially in coastal areas where groundwater tables can be higher, causing water to funnel into work sites, tunnels and foundations. This water must be extracted so projects can proceed safely and efficiently.

The licence exemptions apply to:

coastal construction projects until June 2029
essential infrastructure projects including road, rail, utility and other works delivered by public authorities across NSW
water infrastructure projects delivered by private bodies with approved schemes under the Water Industry Competition Act 2006.

Eligible works are automatically exempt from needing a water licence; however, developers will still need to comply with the relevant water management rules and regulatory requirements throughout the course of construction.

These requirements may include gaining a water supply work approval through WaterNSW and recording and reporting water take to the Natural Resources Access Regulator.

The reforms involve changes to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 and are part of the commitments made in the Housing Approvals Reform Action Plan announced in February.

For more information, visit the Groundwater access licence exemptions web page.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

“This is about removing pointless delays and getting homes built. We’re making it easier to start building the homes and infrastructure our communities need, while keeping strong environmental protections in place. Tackling the housing crisis means backing practical solutions that get homes built across NSW.

“We’re using every lever at our disposal to supercharge housing and infrastructure for New South Wales, by slashing unnecessary red tape and streamlining approvals to allow builders to get shovels in the ground sooner.

“We asked NSW Government agencies to work together to find smarter solutions to fast-track the housing and infrastructure we desperately need.

“Importantly, there are no changes to the existing approvals processes, which thoroughly assess all projects and can place appropriate caps on dewatering on a case-by-case basis.

“These exemptions are a great step forward, addressing industry concerns and getting homes and critical infrastructure built faster.”

NSW Budget delivers Newcastle Logistics Precinct to support energy investment

The Minns Labor Government is investing $115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct – a critical new hub that will support the delivery of more reliable and affordable renewable energy to homes and businesses across NSW.

The investment in the 2025-26 NSW Budget will see the Precinct developed next to the Port of Newcastle, at the former BHP Steelwork’s Intertrade Site. It will provide portside storage for equipment, including wind turbines and transformers, that is needed to build renewable energy projects across the state.

Equipment will be stored on a newly paved laydown area before being loaded on to heavy vehicles. It will then be transported to energy projects using the state road network, sections of which are already being upgraded to deal with these heavy vehicle movements and build better roads for communities.

This investment delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure the build out of the renewable energy zones has the infrastructure it needs.

EnergyCo is working closely with the Port of Newcastle on the development which will streamline delivery and strengthen the supply chain between the Port and the renewable energy zones.

The Precinct is one of several projects being delivered in the Hunter region as part of the transformation of our electricity system. Others include the Port to REZ road upgrades, Hunter Transmission Project and the Hunter Central Coast REZ, which will deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy, create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.

The redevelopment also recognises the heritage features of the site and will protect the Newcastle Steelworks Memorial, which adjoins the site. Some buildings on the site are being nominated for heritage recognition.

The Precinct is subject to planning and environmental approvals and will include an Environmental Impact Statement and a public exhibition period.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will enable the investment underpinning our once-in-a-generation upgrade of the energy system.

“With solar and wind projects being developed across the state, there’ll be many large components arriving at the Port of Newcastle – and they need to be safely stored before they can be moved to renewable energy zones.

“The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will significantly improve our capacity to store and efficiently transport the equipment required to build the critical renewable energy projects we need to replace ageing coal-fired power stations.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Delivering the Newcastle Logistics Precinct will ensure the Hunter remains at the heart of NSW’s energy future, opening the door to clean technology investment and new opportunities for local communities and businesses.

“We are building better communities for NSW by ensuring we have the infrastructure and reliable energy needed to improve the lives of people here in the Hunter and across the state.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp:

“Newcastle has a long history in the energy and manufacturing sector, and we are proud to continue that legacy as we transition to renewables.

“The Newcastle Logistics Precinct will build on the strengths of our region, which include excellent renewable energy resources, electricity network infrastructure, port and transport infrastructure and a skilled workforce.

“The BHP Intertrade site is the ideal location for this development and every effort will be made to uphold its heritage value and preservation.”