Month: July 2025

Landmark moment for Coffs Harbour: Luke Bowen Bridge opens

A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge honouring the memory of local student Luke Bowen has officially opened in Coffs Harbour today, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the city’s long-awaited bypass.

Spanning eight lanes of traffic, the Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge is the first major piece of infrastructure to be completed as part of the Coffs Harbour Bypass.

This state-of-the-art pedestrian bridge replaces the older and shorter bridge of the same name, and now provides a safer, more accessible connection across the highway, including direct access to a new bus interchange being built near Kororo Public School.

The bridge stands as both a vital piece of infrastructure and a deeply meaningful tribute – a place of remembrance for Luke, and a commitment to a safer future for all members of the community.

The Coffs Harbour Bypass is a $2.2 billion project jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

Once complete, the bypass will remove thousands of vehicles from the city centre, improve traffic flow and significantly reduce travel times.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said:

“The 14kilometre Coffs Bypass will transform Coffs Harbour for the better, bypassing the town centre and allowing interstate traffic to flow freely. The stunning new pedestrian bridge will ensure people can move safely and easily over the new highway.

“The bridge also honours the memory of Luke Bowen, a young life lost too soon. The Coffs Harbour community has shown such strength and unity in carrying Luke’s name forward and this bridge stands as a testament to that spirit.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“For the people of Coffs Harbour, the bypass represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape their city, to reclaim their streets, reduce congestion, and create a more peaceful, accessible place to live.

“The Luke Bowen Bridge is the first step in that journey, and it sets the tone for everything that will follow.

“It is especially moving to see the community come together to honour Luke’s memory in such a lasting way. It’s a reminder that behind every piece of infrastructure are people, families and stories that matter.

“The bridge was installed with only a few hours of highway closure, and the older structure removed just as efficiently. This shows the outstanding coordination and care that’s gone into this project.”

Jeff Bowen and Vicki Banks, parents of the late Luke Bowen said:

“Our family is honoured that the new pedestrian bridge will serve as a lasting legacy to Luke.

“It is a deeply moving tribute that reflects the care and strength of the community he loved so much.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Transport for NSW and Kororo Public School.”

Minns Labor Government backing Northern Rivers’ businesses going for growth in the Southeast Asian market

The huge trade potential of the Northern Rivers region will be the focus of the latest NSW Government ASEAN Market Update for NSW Businesses series being held in the Tweed today.

The updates provide local businesses with information about trends and export opportunities across Southeast Asian markets.

Southeast Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, expected to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2040, and NSW is uniquely positioned to grow with the region.

Southeast Asia is NSW’s second-largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods growing by more than nine per cent in the past year. Continued rapid growth is expected in sectors where NSW businesses excel, such as food and beverages, health, and the digital economy.

Today’s session will bring together around 50 participants, including local businesses and industry groups at Husk Farm Distillery in North Tumbulgum.

Husk Farm Distillery has made hand-crafted rum in the region since 2012 and is an experienced exporter to Southeast Asia, having benefitted from NSW Government support, particularly in the Indonesian market.

Speakers at the forum include Southeast export experts, and NSW exporters, who have already utilised Investment NSW’s support services to build connections and drive export sales across the region.

The ASEAN Market Updates series is supported by other initiatives led by Investment NSW to help small and medium businesses pursue international growth objectives in Southeast Asia and other important export markets around the globe.

In 2024/25, these included supporting cleantech companies to export to Malaysia and Singapore, and wine to be exported to Vietnam.

The ASEAN Market Updates series began with sessions in Western Sydney last October, and Wollongong earlier this year, with more locations to come.

For more information on how the NSW Government supports businesses to export, visit Investment NSW: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Exporting is crucial for the growth and resilience of NSW businesses.

“Higher exports lead to higher wages and more employment, driving long-term prosperity across our state.

“Southeast Asia is entering a golden age.

“It is the fastest growing region in the world, with strong potential for NSW exporters in sectors like agrifood, life sciences, healthcare, and technology.

“My ASEAN Market Updates series is all about helping businesses to crack new markets and accelerate their exports with Southeast Asia, where our two-way trade is worth $33.6 billion and is continuing to grow.

“Today’s session in the Tweed follows previous market update sessions in Western Sydney and Wollongong with more locations to come.”

Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“Businesses in Northern NSW are doing some incredible things and it is wonderful to be able to support them to expand their reach across the world.

“I have a long-standing interest and engagement with our ASEAN neighbours, as does our Northern NSW region, but there remains enormous potential for our small businesses to take those relationships to the next level.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business and Duty MLC for Tweed the Hon Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“The Tweed is home to so many innovative businesses with vast export potential, and Southeast Asia presents a golden opportunity for growth.

“The NSW Government is here to support local businesses every step of the way to ensure they can compete and thrive on the world stage.”

NSW boosts energy security with new firming tender

NSW is boosting the security and reliability of its energy grid, with Energy Minister Penny Sharpe directing a tender for projects that deliver 500MW of firm capacity.

This is crucial to ensure NSW residents and businesses have reliable power when they need it most, especially during high-demand periods like heatwaves or cold snaps.

The tender will seek bids for firming infrastructure like batteries, gas generation and virtual power plants, that can rapidly supply electricity to the grid or reduce the use of electricity at short notice.

The projects supported by this tender will be capable of powering around 200,000 homes during times of peak demand.

NSW is forecast to face shortfalls of firm capacity for the summer of 2027-28. A range of measures are already underway to meet NSW’s energy security target but this new tender will provide greater certainty as NSW transforms its energy system.

The tender will be conducted by ASL (formerly AEMO Services) later this year, and priority will be given to projects that can supply the Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong areas (where the shortfalls are forecast) during times of peak period.

Successful projects will join those supported in the state’s first firming tender in 2023, with the likes of AGL’s Liddell battery, Akaysha Energy’s Orana battery, Iberdrola’s Smithfield battery and NSW’s first large scale virtual power plant under the NSW Roadmap being delivered by Enel X.

Minister Sharpe announced the tender while addressing the 2025 Australian Clean Energy Summit in Sydney.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“The Minns Labor Government has always been clear that we will make decisions to keep the lights on and the energy transformation underway.

“This tender will provide greater certainty against future reliability risks.

“We are proactively managing the risks associated with delivering multiple large-scale infrastructure projects at once, as we rebuild our energy system.”

ASL Chief Executive Officer, Nevenka Codevelle:

“The announcement of this tender for firming infrastructure demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap in bringing forward additional energy capacity in response to an identified need.

“Firming infrastructure plays a crucial role in supporting the reliability of the NSW electricity system, with this tender calling on projects to come forward that can support the Sydney-Newcastle-Wollongong region by the summer of 2027/28.”

200,000 unemployed and no plan from Chris Minns

The Minns Labor Government has presided over the worst spike in unemployment New South Wales has seen since the pandemic with over 205,000 people now out of work and some communities in crisis.
 
New figures confirm more than 45,000 jobs have vanished in just two months. The state’s jobless rate has surged to 4.4%, smashing through Labor’s own budget forecasts and taking NSW back to levels not seen since the economic fallout of the COVID lockdowns.
 
This isn’t just a number on a chart, this is families skipping meals, young people shelving dreams, and workers with decades of experience suddenly without a wage.
 
Labor’s promise to support Western Sydney has proven hollow. Communities like Parramatta (5.7%), Blacktown (5.4%) and in the South West (5.4%) now face the highest unemployment rates in the state with more than double those in the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.
 
Despite this, the Minns Labor Government has no credible plan. Private sector confidence is so low that job creation is stalling altogether.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said a government that gets its numbers this wrong can’t be trusted to manage the future.
 
“This isn’t a spreadsheet issue, it’s real people, real families, and real businesses hurting. Chris Minns needs to stop blaming everyone else and start showing some leadership,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said when you lose your job, you lose more than a pay, you lose your routine, your confidence, and your peace of mind.
 
“Labor said they’d deliver for working people, but 200,000 families are now wondering how they’re going to pay the rent or put food on the table. Chris Minns has no plan, no answers, and no idea how to turn this around,” Mr Coure said.
 
In its own budget delivered just last month, the Minns Labor Government predicted unemployment would sit at 4% by June 2025, the actual figure has already blown past that to 4.4%, with every sign things will get worse.

Labor’s secret plan to break its word: privatise bus operations without tender

The Minns Labor Government has been caught red-handed secretly looking to extend the private operations for the Inner West (Region 6) of the Greater Sydney bus network without informing the public or even going to tender.
 
Reports today flies in direct contrast to Labor’s anti-privatisation stance before the election, revealing once again that they have no new ideas or plans to improve public transport for commuters.
 
This development is particularly embarrassing for Transport Minister John Graham, who labelled Region 6 a “total failure” and a “failed experiment” in Opposition1, yet in Government he hasn’t bothered to consult the public or even tell them!
 
The secret plans raise further doubt on what the point of this Labor Government’s overall transport agenda, following confirmation in recent months that there will be:
 
No new Metro Lines or major projects will be invested in
Nearly one thousand staff cut inside Transport for NSW
No actual plan to improve the consistently shocking on-time running for the Sydney Train network.
 
Mark Speakman, Leader of the Opposition said Mark Speakman secret deals and secret plans just show this Government has no real agenda to deliver better services for the people of NSW, only spin.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said this is proof Labor have misled the public.
 
“Labor’s position was no more privatisation. They have told the public one thing before the election and have done the complete opposition when in Government.
 
“There will be spin, there will be excuses, but word is your bond and this a broken promise.”
 
NSW deserves more than easel boards and corflutes with ideas, empty speeches, and cut-and-paste press conferences. We need leadership. We need delivery. We need vision.
 
1 – https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1820781676-80995 

Labor follows opposition lead to shut down dodgy smoke dens

The NSW Opposition has today welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s decision to follow the Opposition’s lead in finally acting on illicit tobacco and vapes, dangerous products peddled by organised crime in plain sight of NSW communities.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said while this overdue announcement is a step in the right direction, it’s clear Labor only acted after months of political pressure, media scrutiny and growing community frustration.
 
“We’ve been calling for this for months. Communities knew it. Small businesses knew it. Parents knew it. And now finally the Premier knows it,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the Minns Labor Government had presided over a surge in illegal tobacco and vapes, while gangs exploited weak penalties and slow enforcement.
 
“The government ignored what everyone could see, blacked-out shops appearing overnight, with no receipts, no regulation and no accountability,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said illicit tobacco wasn’t just a law and order issue, it was a growing public health crisis affecting young people, families and local communities.
 
“We can’t allow another generation to be targeted by criminal operators selling cheap, addictive poison under the counter,” Ms Sloane said.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said communities outside Sydney had been particularly vulnerable due to lack of enforcement.
 
“From the coast to the west, regional main streets had become easy targets,” Mr Singh said.
 
The NSW Coalition’s original announcement, made publicly on 29 June included:

  • Jail time of up to 7 years for serious illegal tobacco crimes
  • $1.5 million fines
  • Closure powers for NSW Health and the courts
  • New offences for landlords who knowingly lease to offenders
  • Lease termination rights for landlords
  • A clear message NSW would no longer be a soft target

Government continues to make medicines cheaper

The Albanese Government is making cheaper medicines even cheaper – with legislation being introduced to Parliament this week that will mean a prescription on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will cost Australians no more than $25 from 1 January next year.

The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.

This is another key cost of living measure delivered by the Albanese Government.

Having already slashed the cost of medicines – with the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS in 2023 – we’re now going even further.

This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines, which will save Australians over $200 million each year.

Making medicines cheaper is a tangible way we’re helping with the cost of living.

Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.

This builds on action we’ve already taken to deliver cost of living relief through Cheaper Medicines, including: 

  • More free and cheaper medicines, sooner, with a 25 per cent reduction in the number of scripts a concessional patient must fill before the PBS Safety Net kicks in – (July 2022)
  • The largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a general script falling to $30, from $42.50 –  (January 2023)
  • 60-day prescriptions saving time and money for millions of Australians with an ongoing health condition – (Three phases from September 2023)
  • Freezing the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years – (January 2025)

All medicines that pharmacies can discount today can continue to be discounted once the co-payment is cut to $25. The legislation includes specific provisions to protect the availability of discounting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We said we would make cheaper medicines even cheaper – that is exactly what we are doing.

“This is another example of cost of living relief that helps every Australian.

“The size of your bank balance shouldn’t determine the quality of your healthcare. My Government will continue to deliver cost of living relief for all Australians.”

Minister Mark Butler

“The Albanese Government has been focused on delivering cheaper medicines for Australians.

“Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.

“For general patients medicines haven’t been this cheap since 2004.

“For pension and concession card holders we’ve frozen your medicine prices at a maximum price of $7.70 until the end of the decade.”

New accessible homes delivered for people with disability in Lake Macquarie

The NSW Government has completed three new purpose-built homes in Wyee – delivering safe, accessible and inclusive housing for people with disability in Lake Macquarie.

The $5.1 million development was delivered in partnership with leading disability provider Aruma and marks a major step forward in expanding specialist social housing for people with high support needs.

A PROJECT DESIGNED FOR DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE:

The newly completed Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes include:
Two 3-bedroom houses
One 2-bedroom house with an adjoining 1-bedroom villa
Construction on two more homes – each with three bedrooms and space for live-in carers – will begin shortly and are expected to finish by mid-2026.
The project is jointly funded by Aruma and Homes NSW.
This initiative also forms part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program – the largest investment in housing in the state’s history.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re getting on with the job of building homes that actually work for people, not one-size-fits-all developments, but places that reflect the real needs of the community.”

“We’re building homes that give people safety and dignity – and we’re doing it as part of the biggest investment in housing in our state’s history. Through the Building Homes for

NSW program, we’re delivering the kind of accessible, purpose-built housing people need.”

NSW Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The Minns Labor Government is building a more inclusive NSW, by investing in state-of-the-art, safe and accessible housing.”

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aruma to ensure more people with disability have great housing options in Lake Macquarie.”

“People with disability have the right to live with dignity, and these new accessible homes offer that and much more – the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.”

Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said:

“These new homes in Wyee, designed to support people with disability, are an asset to Lake Macquarie.”

“While these much-needed homes are welcome, there is still a great need for more social housing and disability accommodation in Lake Macquarie. I look forward to further investment in our region to meet the diverse needs of our growing population.”

Aruma CEO Dr Martin Laverty said:

“Our goal is to support people with disability to live the life that they want and choose.”

“These homes have been designed with accessibility and liveability in mind, and to provide the level of support our participants need. “

“Importantly, these properties have been built to support independence and honour personal choice. At Aruma, our focus is on creating homes for our participants – not just places to live.”

Appeal to locate man missing near Raymond Terrace

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Nicholas McFarlane-Thomson, aged 32, was last seen in Glen Oak (approximately 18km north of Raymond Terrace) about 2pm on Saturday 26 July 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Nicholas’ welfare as he has been acting out of character.

Nicholas is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build and black hair.

He was last seen wearing a dark green shirt, shorts and burkenstock sandals.

Nicholas may also be driving a red Mazda 3 sedan with the NSW registration ETL26D.

He is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace, Maitland and Central Coast areas.

Appeal to locate teen missing from Thornton

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Nullan Quinn, aged 13, was last seen in Thornton (approximately 4km north west of Beresfield) about 12pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified at 11pm yesterday, Monday 21 July 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Nullan’s welfare due to his age.

Nullan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 155cm tall, of large build and brown hair.

Nullan is known to frequent the Thornton, San Remo, Newcastle and Central Coast areas.

Police believe he may have been sighted at The Entrance on the Central Coast yesterday (Sunday 27 July 2025).

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.