Month: August 2025

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to make koala safety on NSW roads a top priority, with new fauna fences and motorist warning signs going up at vehicle strike hotspots in western and southern Sydney suburbs.

It’s a critical time to protect the much-loved marsupials with breeding season running from August until the end of summer, meaning many more koalas will be moving around.

In Sydney’s south, koala protection on busy Heathcote Road has taken a major step forward with work on the $1.9 million project starting this month, thanks to funding from the NSW Koala Strategy.

More than a kilometre of fencing is being delivered around Deadmans Creek in strategic locations to prevent koalas and other fauna from entering Heathcote Road between St George Crescent at Sandy Point and Pleasure Point Road at Pleasure Point.

The koala fencing stands 1.5 metres high with non-climbable sheeting and will connect into existing fencing and safe fauna crossing points under the road.

Access for koalas under the existing Deadmans Creek Bridge will be improved with the installation of repurposed logs to help koalas climb across drainage lines.

A modified cattle grid – known as a koala grid – that impedes koala access and a pedestrian gate that stops koalas while allowing human access will also be installed at St George Crescent, along with one-way escape hatches in the fence.

This work follows the installation of six permanent koala warnings signs on Heathcote Road in 2023 and temporary electronic signs deployed during koala breeding seasons.

Construction is set to begin next year for a planned koala underpass with concrete rectangular tunnel (box culvert) and logs around Appin Road at Ousedale Creek in Sydney’s west, one of three underpasses to be built between Appin and Rosemeadow developed in partnership with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The specifically designed koala-friendly underpass will be located 35 metres south of the Brian Road intersection and will be supported by grids, fencing and escape poles to allow koalas to climb to safety.

In response to community feedback, interim koala protection fencing is being installed along around 700 metres of Appin Road near Beulah Reserve.

This is designed to deter koalas from venturing onto this busy stretch of road and is in addition to other measures including warning signs and road markings.

Further south, 3.5 kilometres of new wildlife fencing is being added on both sides of Picton Road at Cataract between the Picton Road westbound rest area and Cordeaux Dam Road to adjoin the existing fence.

This fence extension is being installed with $6.3 million provided under the Safer Roads Program that has already delivered widening of the eastbound lane and centre barrier installation. It will be completed by the end of August.

This work follows the installation of a grid at Cordeaux Dam Road to deter koalas from entering the roadway.

This new fencing between the Picton Road rest area westbound and Cordeaux Dam Road will close a gap in the existing fencing and further help to prevent koala strikes.

The upgraded wildlife fencing used on all of these projects is designed to be durable and secure with the use of thick-gauge wire, strong mesh, and tie wires installed frequently to provide strength and longevity.

For more information on Heathcote Road, visit the Transport for NSW website. 

For more information on Appin Road, visit the Ousedale Creek Koala Underpass web page.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government has long been committed to koala protection.

“Vehicle strikes are both a tragedy for our threatened wildlife and a safety hazard for motorists, so we need to do more to prevent them through thoughtful improvements to our road infrastructure.

“Koalas live with us in our suburbs and bring nature into our lives. We have an obligation to protect them and to act as good neighbours.”

Construction work at stations along the Southwest Metro line conversion has hit two-thirds completion ahead of communities across Sydney’s south west getting their first metro services.

Due to open in 2026, the 13.5-kilometre metro line which includes stops in Bankstown, Wiley Park, Belmore and Canterbury will replace the bottleneck former T3 Bankstown rail line with a metro train running every four minutes in the peak – 15 trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour previously.

The installation of 182 kms of signalling cables and 210 kms of communication cables is now fully complete along the line.

At Marrickville, platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers have been installed as overall completion passed 40% last week.

Security systems, poles and solar panels are installed, as well as work to upgrade the Illawarra Road and Livingstone Road overbridges, including bridge strengthening and the installation of bollards and anti-throw screens.

Passengers at Marrickville can look forward to travel times of:

• Marrickville to Central: 10 minutes – saving three minutes
• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
• Marrickville to Chatswood: 25 minutes – saving 22 minutes
• Marrickville to Macquarie University: 36 minutes – saving 22 minutes
• the program of works to transform the 130-year-old line, between Sydenham and Bankstown, for modern metro trains has been a complex and difficult task.

The conversion means the metro network is separate from the existing Sydney Trains network between Sydenham and Bankstown, improving the reliability of services on the line which had been a bottleneck for the train system.

As the Southwest Metro conversion progresses, Tuesday marks the 12-month anniversary of trains on the M1 Metro Line between Chatswood and Sydenham.

More than 66.8 million passengers have tapped on and off at M1 Line stations in the past year – with almost 100 per cent running on time.

In the past year, patronage has almost doubled on the northwest section of the line with passengers enjoying their direct city services and no longer needing to interchange across the platforms at Chatswood.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“South west Metro is a massive city changing project, and it’s going to transform the way people move around Sydney.

“This service will change Sydney for the better delivering faster, safer and more reliable public transport for people living between Bankstown and Sydenham.

“We have to acknowledge this has been disruptive for the commuters in south western Sydney who used the heavy rail line we’re converting, but once this is completed and in place it will make life far easier.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We have seen Sydney Metro transform how Sydneysiders get around – especially over the past 12 months of services running through the city. Next, it is the turn of south west Sydney.

“We thank the communities here for their patience in using replacement buses before this game-changing train service begins.

“Metro will open more doors to job and education opportunities while also bringing more business to this part of Sydney.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“The Metro between Sydenham and Chatswood over the last year has changed the way people get around in our great city, bringing with it new patronage for local businesses and new pathways for education and employment.

“I know that people in the Inner West, Canterbury and Bankstown are eagerly awaiting the delivery of fast, reliable Metro services, and have shown great patience while work has been underway.

“The two-thirds completion of construction of the Metro line between Sydenham and Bankstown is an exciting milestone heralding the soon-to-come arrival of a public transport system set to expand the connections and opportunities for the people of the Inner West and Southwestern Sydney.”

The Minns Labor Government has backed national plans to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCCs) and shut down loopholes which put children at risk.

At today’s Standing Council of Attorneys-General (SCAG) meeting, Attorneys-General from across Australia agreed to urgently work towards implementing mutual recognition of negative WWCC notices by the end of 2025. 

This will ensure anyone denied or stripped of a clearance in one state will be barred from working with children in other states.

The Minns Labor Government also agreed with other states and the Commonwealth to strengthen and improve consistency for a national approach to WWCCs and remove barriers for information sharing.

This will include a consistent risk-assessment framework and WWCC exclusion criteria for consideration at SCAG in late 2025.

Attorneys-General noted the Commonwealth’s commitment to deliver a new National Continuous Checking Capability (NCCC) – a secure system continuously monitoring WWCC holders against fresh criminal history information from national, state and territory datasets.

These national reforms follow major child safety legislation introduced in the NSW Parliament last week, including: 

• Removing external appeal rights for denied WWCCs
• Removing external appeal rights for denied NDIS Worker Checks
• Transferring all appeals to the Office of the Children’s Guardian — the agency best placed to assess risk to children

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“NSW has already acted to close loopholes in our WWCC system. Today’s agreement ensures denied Working with Children Checks will be recognised nationally, so offenders cannot move between states to gain access to children.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

 “The NSW Government is determined to see the strengthening of the WWCC system across Australia. Because we want parents to know that people who prey on children can’t slip across state borders unseen.” 

The Minns Labor Government has today revealed the designs for a new fire station for Lithgow, which will become one of the largest fire stations in NSW.

Lithgow’s new purpose-built facility will replace and merge existing Lithgow and Lithgow West Fire and Rescue NSW stations, bringing together both crews under one roof and modernising firefighting facilities in the region.

With Lithgow station built in 1915 and Lithgow West in 1956, the pair of stations has a combined age of 179 years.

The new facility will have five engine bays and be one of the largest fire stations in NSW, housing vehicles from both current stations.

The new station will accommodate up to 35 firefighters and deliver upgraded facilities including training space and staff amenities like modern locker rooms.

The station will also include dedicated clean and dirty zones, helping to prevent the spread of hazardous material from fire scenes.

The new facility will be located between the two existing stations, next to Club Lithgow on Lithgow Street.

Civil works are underway at the site and construction is expected to start next year.

The new station forms part of a $98.7 million capital investment by the Minns Labor Government, part of our work to keep people safe and better serve the community by supporting frontline emergency services.

The Minns Labor Government continues to upgrade and build new fire stations across NSW, including recently opened stations at Cessnock and Dungog, as well as refurbishing stations at Alstonville, Cooma and Cootamundra.

Design work continues for new stations at Broken Hill, Byron Bay, Charlestown, Goonellabah and Wentworthville as well as a $15.4 million capital investment to build a new station at Badgerys Creek to service the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The new Lithgow Station is expected to open in 2027.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Lithgow’s new fire station is a significant investment in frontline services for Lithgow and the Central West.

“Our firefighters put themselves on the line every day, and we are backing our firies with this new build.

“We are backing these essential workers with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities to help them provide essential services for this community.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This investment future proofs our response capabilities in the Central West while delivering a safer, modern workplace for our firefighters to protect the local community for years to come.

“By bringing the two Lithgow crews together under one roof, we can strengthen teamwork and training, streamline response operations and better support our people and the public.

“The new Lithgow Fire Station will play a key role in strengthening our emergency response capability in this region.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Field Operations Cheryl Steer said:

“The new Lithgow Fire Station will be a vital hub for emergency response in the Central West.

“It’s also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to firefighter wellbeing through modern design and safety-focused infrastructure.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced Dr Katherine Clift as the state’s new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner as part of the Government’s ongoing work to build a better New South Wales safeguarding the state’s economy against biosecurity threats.

Committed to during the 2023 election, the Minns Government established the role of Biosecurity Commissioner to provide independent, expert advice, which informs the government’s biosecurity protection, detection and response program.

In this year’s budget our Government has invested a historic $1.05 billion to protect the state’s primary industries to boost the economic growth of the sector.

Having held senior leadership positions for biosecurity in Victoria, Western Australia and overseas, Dr Clift brings valuable expertise to support the continued improvement of NSW’s biosecurity systems and programs.

The appointment of Dr Clift follows on from the incumbent Dr Marion Healy needing to finish her term early as Commissioner due to personal reasons.

Dr Clift will continue Dr Healy’s work in strengthening the NSW biosecurity framework, with a focus on improving the effectiveness and transparency of pest and weed management across the state.

One of Dr Clift’s first priorities will be to provide advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program, which has been ongoing for more than 100 years with the aim to protect the state’s livestock operations along the border with Queensland from where cattle tick is an established pest.

The NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has requested that the Commissioner determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW.

In developing their advice, Dr Clift will undertake the following:

• work with stakeholders in the beef industry and north-east communities
• review the present program
• recommend opportunities to improve the program for more effective biosecurity outcomes.

Dr Clift’s appointment reflects her proven leadership, technical expertise, and deep commitment to Australia’s biosecurity and animal welfare systems, while building public trust through strong partnerships and innovation.

Dr Clift’s appointment as Independent Biosecurity Commissioner is for a three-year term and will commence on 1 September 2025.

The NSW Government thanks Dr. Healy for her work, which saw her provide two important reports to government, that are presently being considered, covering the following:

• an examination of governance structures to optimise the management of pests and weeds in NSW
• opportunities to improve compliance and enforcement approaches to invasive species management in NSW.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I would like to congratulate Dr Katherine Clift on her appointment to the role of NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and look forward to the application of her career’s impressive experience in biosecurity and public sector leadership to our priority projects.

“There is important work to progress so that our farmers and regional communities can continue their work with the confidence that our Government is taking biosecurity seriously.

“The NSW Government extends its gratitude to Dr Healy for her work in the inaugural statutory role of Biosecurity Commissioner, and I thank her for the important contribution she has made to the role and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

“I look forward to Dr Clift’s advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program, so that the NSW Government can continue to build a better program for our north-eastern cattle industry.

“The current program receives more than $4 million per year in funding and I want to ensure we keep on delivering what is best for industry, the community and government.”

NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift said:

“It is an honour to accept the position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner for NSW.

“My career has been grounded in a commitment to working closely with rural and regional communities, industry stakeholders, and across government to build practical, effective, and trusted systems.

“I understand the critical role strong partnerships and local capability play in achieving biosecurity outcomes and I am a passionate advocate for collaborative and community-informed approaches.

“Dr Healy’s work has been integral in building public trust, promoting accountability and transparency, and supporting better biosecurity outcomes for our communities and natural environment – I look forward to continuing this important work.”

Background for Dr Katherine Clift

Dr Katherine Clift is a nationally and internationally respected leader in biosecurity, animal welfare, and regulatory reform.

Dr Clift has a lifelong connection to primary industries, having grown up on a farm in South Australia before beginning her career as a rural veterinarian. Plus has a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management, is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate, and Executive Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

Dr Clift recently held the role of Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports, where she provided independent oversight of the Commonwealth livestock export regulatory system.

Her previous roles include Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria, where she secured major investment in biosecurity preparedness, delivered major improvements in regulatory capability, modernisation of service delivery and developed the state’s Biosecurity Strategy.

She has represented both Australia and New Zealand on the global stage, including as Counsellor in Brussels, representing the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries across Europe.

The NSW Government has today announced a $17.9 million upgrade to Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, a major community and sporting facility that will deliver a world-class ice sports venue in the heart of Western Sydney.

The new facility is expected to be completed in 2026 and will support the return of ice sports and community skating to Canterbury, with the upgraded infrastructure paving the way for state and national level events.

The redevelopment will see significant improvements made to the site, including:

• Five multipurpose/change rooms
• New skate hire facilities with storage for 600 pairs of skates, seating and lockers
• A new concrete ice floor and barrier system
• Upgraded spectator seating areas
• A new roof structure fitted with solar panels

The NSW Government is contributing $17.7 million and an additional $200,000 coming from co-contributions.

The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink has long been a much-loved community asset, and the upgrades will ensure that it continues to serve the region for generations to come.

The project has already completed site disconnection works from the neighbouring aquatic centre, held stakeholder and community consultation sessions, appointed consultants, and submitted a development application to Canterbury-Bankstown Council.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will once again be a place where the community can come together, whether it’s to train, to learn, or to support local and elite athletes.

“This upgrade is about creating a vibrant, modern space that reflects the energy and growth of Western Sydney.”

Chair of Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink Alex Allan said:

“When we reopen, this will be one of only two Olympic-sized rinks in Sydney — and the only rink run by a not-for-profit cooperative.

“This upgrade will keep ice sports alive, grow our community, and inspire the next generation of skaters.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is another huge milestone in the journey to get this wonderful facility up and running again.

“Canterbury locals have been calling for this upgrade and today’s announcement shows that we’re listening and delivering. This is about building modern infrastructure that reflects the energy and potential of our area.

“This ice rink has always been a special part of our community. It’s a place where kids have learned to skate, teams have trained, and families have come together. I’m proud to see this investment delivering the future our local community deserves.”

“It is vital south-west Sydney has ice skating facilities available so that more athletes can have the opportunity to chase their Olympic dream.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li said:

“Canterbury Ice Rink is an important, greatly loved facility for residents in my community, including local schools, skaters and ice-hockey players, and those who just want to have fun on the ice.

“It is also a facility that has given those who experience mental or physical challenges a place where they can be themselves. We are delighted to be able to save this critical piece of sport and community infrastructure.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“I’m delighted to see progress being made towards the reopening of the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.

“I grew up learning to skate at this rink, so it’s wonderful to see the NSW Government investing in much-needed upgrades.

“Now, my grandchildren will get to enjoy the same hours of fun on the ice that I did as a child, and it’s great to know the rink will continue to nurture Australian talent for generations to come.”

The latest icon of the Sydney Harbour has showcased its latest feature, with a sneak peek of its roof lighting system, offering a glimpse of what the 200-metre-long floating roof will look like when on full display.

This impressive installation features over 400 individual light fixtures and more than four kilometres of cabling, with the test performance recently lit up the night sky and demonstrates how over 400 roof cassettes can be individually lit to achieve multi-coloured and moving displays.

The 200-metre-long floating roof canopy is already the iconic building’s crowning glory and the lighting serves to enhance the market’s iconic silhouette.

The lighting display will be able to be activated to mark special events and could also be included as part of the much-loved Vivid Sydney festival or upcoming World Cups. 

Additional public domain lighting will create a welcoming and vibrant environment for the 6 million visitors expected to visit the new Sydney Fish Market every year.

With the unique and spectacular Sydney Fish Market on full display, we can see how Sydney’s skyline will be forever changed, as it was when the Opera House was built in 1973.   

Under the spectacular lighting display, the roof is an engineering marvel, comprised of more than 400 roof cassettes, and weighing a staggering 2,500 tonnes.

The building is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability, utilising sunlight to illuminate upper levels during the day, collecting rainwater for recycling, and generating solar energy for the building’s energy consumption.

The new Sydney Fish Market being delivered by Infrastructure NSW and construction partner Multiplex will offer mix of retail and dining, including a fresh seafood market, restaurants and a seafood school, and is expected to open this year.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Excitement is already building around the spectacular new Sydney Fish market, and this lighting is just a taste of what’s to come with this iconic destination.

“The roof with its magnificent wave-like form and fish-scale design is a sight to behold during the day, and even more spectacular at night when it is lit up.

“We are now well and truly on the home stretch and we look forward to the new Sydney Fish Market being completed by the end of the year.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become a world-class destination — blending fresh seafood, vibrant retail, diverse dining, and unforgettable entertainment all under one iconic roof.

“We’re proud to bring this bold vision to life, celebrating the heart of NSW’s seafood industry and invigorating our tourism future.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing that major construction has begun to deliver 60 new build to rent homes in Bomaderry, providing much needed long term, affordable housing on the South Coast.

Housing is the single largest cost of living pressure facing the people of NSW and this is particularly acute on the South Coast where in Bomaderry and Nowra, almost half of all households are experiencing rental stress.

This Build to Rent project that was first promised at the 2023 election by the then Labor Opposition, will deliver a variety of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of local families, workers and residents looking to rent.

The project at 4 Bienda St, Bomaderry includes 48 homes for long term rental at market value and 12 which will be set aside for households on very low to moderate incomes.

The apartments are conveniently located for future residents, situated close to Bomaderry railway station, with easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

South Coast based Zauner Construction has been contracted by the government to deliver these homes, creating more local jobs, with keys in doors expected by late next year.

This project has been funded through a $65 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to deliver secure rental housing on the NSW South Coast and in the Northern Rivers.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver homes where they are needed, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live on the South Coast.

For more information about the project visit Bomaderry | Landcom

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“These homes will be life changing, delivering secure and affordable homes for young people and families to rent.

“From new and upgraded schools and hospitals to this build to rent project – we’re building the infrastructure that the electorate of Kiama needs.”

“The cost of housing is one of the biggest cost of living pressures in our state right now – these much needed new homes will help address this while also creating local jobs on the South Coast.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“More than a third of households rent in the Nowra-Bomaderry area, so Build to Rent projects like this are vital to increase supply and provide better long-term housing choice in areas like Bomaderry that are already well-connected to shops, transport, open space and other amenities.

“Projects like this are a prime example of the Minns Labor Government delivering a more affordable housing future for New South Wales.

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world but it’s getting harder and harder for the next generation to have the same chance we had to grow up here and now raise our family here.

“Projects like this that respect our pristine natural environment while providing much needed affordable housing are critical if we want to continue to be able to deliver the new world class services the Minns Labor Government are delivering like new and upgraded schools and hospitals.”