January 2026 – Page 14

Blayney MPS Redevelopment reaches completion milestone

The Blayney Multipurpose Service (MPS) redevelopment project has reached a major milestone, with construction of Stage 1 now complete, delivering new and enhanced aged care and healthcare services for Blayney and surrounding communities.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is the final site to be delivered under the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Service Program, which has improved health facilities across smaller rural and remote communities.

Stage 1 includes a new residential aged care wing featuring single rooms with private bathrooms, additional inpatient unit beds, chair-based services, with space for future expansion.

The Blayney community is invited to tour and explore the new facilities and services on Thursday, 22 January 2026 between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. The project team and health staff will be on hand to answer questions, and no registrations are required.

Staff, aged care residents and families have been engaged throughout the planning and design stages, providing valuable input to ensure the new facility is tailored to the current and future needs of the local community.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered in stages to ensure all existing clinical services, including the existing MPS, continue to operate while construction is carried out.

The next phase of works will include demolition of existing buildings and construction of the new HealthOne, entry, reception, waiting room, staff area and ambulatory care zone. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District in partnership with Taylor Construction Group.

For more information on the project, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blayney-multipurpose-service-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering more beds and improved access to the essential health care regional communities need.

“Our last budget included $3.5 billion in vital hospital upgrades across regional NSW after 12 years of delays and broken promises by the Coalition.

“The Blayney Multipurpose Service redevelopment will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, contemporary, and accessible aged and health care to the community.

“This modern facility will provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff, and will support aged care needs for generations to come.”

Government Spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence:

“Residents of Blayney and surrounding communities will soon have access to a modern, purpose-built aged care facility, with construction of stage 1 now complete.

“Blayney MPS isn’t just a health facility – it’s also a home to those living in the residential aged care wing. The new Blayney MPS will ensure the residents have a modern and comfortable home with the provision of high-quality care they deserve.”

Designs unveiled for new ambulance stations in the Hunter

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled artist’s impressions showcasing new ambulance stations at Caves Beach and Gateshead, providing a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities that will soon bolster emergency and mobile medical care for Hunter communities.

The new ambulance stations are part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, which will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and support paramedic infrastructure over the coming years.

The new stations will significantly enhance emergency care capacity, and support paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care to local communities.

The purpose-built ambulance stations will include internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, a dedicated vehicle wash bay, a multipurpose area for paramedics, a gym, meeting and training rooms, administration areas, logistics and storage facilities, and on-site parking.

With excellent access to the major road network, the sites are ideally situated to complement existing ambulance stations in the network and will help meet the growing health needs of the local region.

Locations for the new ambulance stations:

Gateshead Ambulance Station – 79 Oakdale Road, Gateshead
Caves Beach Ambulance Station – 2-4 Kayuga Close, Caves Beach.

Construction is expected to begin on the new stations this year, following planning approval and the appointment of building contractors.

New stations are also planned at East Maitland, Edgeworth and North Rothbury, further boosting mobile emergency care across the Hunter region. The community will continue to be updated as planning progresses.

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

The Hunter region is already benefiting from 62 additional paramedics to support emergency care in the region. This includes 12 paramedics who will work out of a temporary site at Sandgate while planning and delivery of a new ambulance station at Gateshead progresses.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ambulance-infrastructure-program

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“These new ambulance stations will support our paramedics to deliver world-class emergency care to communities in the Hunter well into the future.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our growing communities receive the emergency care they need, when they need it.

“Our $615.5 million investment will help optimise response times and shows we’re backing our frontline workers with the infrastructure and resources they need to continue to deliver high-quality emergency care across NSW.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley:

“Since becoming the Member for Swansea, I have been relentless in fighting to secure the services our community needs and today we are one step closer to delivering on that vision.

“As Swansea continues to grow, access to high-quality healthcare close to home is a necessity. No one should be left hoping an ambulance can get there in time.

“Locating a station closer to where people live means faster care when every second counts and that can be the difference between life and death. I’m pleased this project is moving forward, with construction expected to begin this year.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison:

“I welcome today’s announcement of the new Gateshead ambulance site and release of the artist impressions.

“It marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for our local community and surrounding areas.

“This new Gateshead ambulance station is something that this growing community has been calling for and means people will soon be able to access the best emergency and mobile medical care close to home.”

$2 million more for sheep and goat farmers eID equipment rebate

The Minns Labor Government has announced $2 million in funding for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate, helping producers and livestock agents across the state gain affordable access to electronic identification (eID) equipment.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and secure the agricultural sector.

Under the latest rebate program, eligible farmers and others can claim a 50 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,500, on the purchase of a handheld eID reader. The rebate will be made available in early March 2026.

The latest round of funding is being offered to producers and livestock agents who may have missed out on the initial infrastructure rebate scheme in 2023.

Many producers and livestock agents are now recognising the practical value of this equipment, not just for meeting mandatory requirements such as property-to-property stock movements, but also for improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data.

This information helps farmers make better-informed decisions, strengthening productivity, especially during challenging or variable seasonal conditions.

The equipment rebate follows a strong uptake of eID tags, with some 15.2 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 1.79 million eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 and approximately 22.4 per cent of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

The NSW Government has committed $41 million for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats in the state – the largest funding commitment of any state or territory.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The equipment rebate is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing financial support for primary producers in the transition to electronic IDs.

“Sheep and goat producers, along with livestock agents will benefit from this rebate, targeted specifically to reduce the cost of meeting mandatory eID requirements.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

E-bike Reform After Overnight Incidents

Following two separate e-bike incidents last night, Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward has called on Transport Minister John Graham to urgently act, accusing the Minns Labor Government of putting ideology ahead of community safety.

While the Opposition has had a clear, practical policy to introduce low-cost identification plates for young riders and commercial e-bike operators that would enforce the rules, change behaviour, and prevent crashes –the Minns Government response has been to continue to do nothing.

If the Government doesn’t like the Opposition’s plan, what is theirs to protect riders and the community?

The Opposition’s proposed license plate scheme would require specific rider cohorts to have a government issued license plate attached to an e-bike when in use, including:

Riders who are under the age of 18;
Riders who use e–bikes for a commercial purpose; and
Commercial shared service schemes.

Riders aged 18 and over who use a privately-owned e-bike would be exempt from the scheme.

The plan also includes new penalties for non-compliance, alongside expanded safety education to ensure young riders understand the risks associated with e-bike technology and how to use these devices safely in the community.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Government’s obsession with tinkering around the edges – debating wattage, speed caps and technical specifications – puts bureaucrats before people, ignoring what communities are asking for – safe riding and enforcement of the road rules.

“I am hearing loud and clear that the community wants enforcement and accountability for e-bikes that prevent crashes – the Opposition has a plan to deliver it, while the Government tinkers.”

“This isn’t complicated. If Labor don’t like our solution, what is their plan? It’s time for action and accountability whether it is an e-bike rider or the Transport Minister.”

“Under a Liberal and Nationals Government, if a crash or dangerous riding occurs we can tell you who it was. Under Labor, they will be asking you what the wattage of the bike was.”

M1 PACIFIC MOTORWAY EXTENSION: BRIDGE FOUNDATIONS COMPLETE, CONSTRUCTION SURGES AHEAD

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension has hit a significant construction milestone, with crews driving the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace.

The milestone clears the way for the next phase of high-intensity construction on one of the Hunter’s most important road projects.

Since February 2024, project teams have installed 278 bridge piles across the 15-kilometre corridor, including 173 piles for the 2.6-kilometre viaduct that will span the Hunter River and surrounding floodplain.

Sixteen piles were installed directly into the riverbed using heavy-lift barges – a complex operation delivered safely and efficiently.

Motorists have already benefited throughout the busy summer period, after new bridges opened at Black Hill, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, and the Masonite Road bridge at Heatherbrae opened in October.

The remaining seven bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, will open progressively as construction gathers pace.

The $2.24 billion M1 extension project, jointly funded by the Federal Albanese and the NSW Minns Labor Governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $1.792 billion, and NSW contributing $448 million. The project will also deliver the critical Hexham Straight widening, unlocking safer, faster and more reliable journeys across the Hunter.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

These bridge piles are the literal foundations for the nationally significant M1 extension and getting them in place is a major step forward.

This is one of the busiest sections of the Pacific Highway, and I’m pleased the Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to deliver this major improvement.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

Driving the final pile is a powerful milestone – it means the foundations are done and the finish line is firmly in sight.

Along with the Coffs Harbour Bypass, this is a nation-changing piece of infrastructure, and the missing link between Queensland and Victoria – which enable everyone to drive between these two states without passing through a single traffic light.

The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel across the Hunter, improving safety, reliability and daily journeys for thousands of motorists.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

This is an important milestone for the Hunter. Completing the bridge foundations brings us another step closer to improving how people move to, from and around the region.

By working in partnership with the Albanese Government, we’re delivering infrastructure that improves safety, reliability and supports the Hunter as it continues to grow.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

These bridge foundations will stand for decades, supporting transport infrastructure and easing congestion for now and well into the future.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are investing in our fast-growing region to ensure the M1 Extension delivers lasting benefits for our local communities.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

The M1 extension is critical to keeping Newcastle and the Hunter moving.

Anyone who’s spent time sitting in traffic at Hexham over this summer holiday, or any other day, knows just how frustrating this bottleneck is for families and commuters.

Today’s milestone shows real progress – delivering congestion relief, better freight efficiency and stronger connections for our region.”

the State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

This is a huge win for the Hunter workforce and local businesses.

Completing bridge foundations keeps momentum strong and brings us closer to an M1 extension that will support jobs, productivity and safer travel across the region.”

New Year, Same Reason to Extend the ACT’s Waste-to-Energy Ban

Following ongoing heatwaves and ongoing high fire risks, the ACT Greens are pushing for the ACT Government to renew their now lapsed policy to ban waste-to energy incinerators.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay says that there is no social license for waste-to-energy incinerator projects in the region.

“Right now we are seeing the real impact of climate disasters: destruction, disconnection and lives lost. We cannot afford for governments to stall on climate action – and that includes a long-lasting ban on waste-to-energy,” Ms Clay said.

“Following the NSW Government’s proposal for a waste-to-energy incinerator in Tarago, people in Canberra, and the Queanbeyan and Goulburn regions have contacted the Greens concerned about the impact it will have on our region.

“Waste-to-energy produces harmful byproducts and pollutants like heavy metals, toxic air pollutants, bottom ash, furans and dioxins. It poses many risks for people, nature, our waterways, agriculture and our climate.

“Burning waste for energy creates greenhouse gas emissions and is not a sustainable or efficient source of energy.

“The ACT’s Waste-to-energy Policy 2020-25 prohibits thermal waste-to-energy including incineration, gasification and pyrolysis. It’s time for Labor to put the conversation to rest and extend the ban indefinitely.

“Canberrans have a right to a healthy environment. They have a right to know the ACT Government will continue to prohibit harmful and polluting waste-to-energy incinerator projects.

“Considering the ACT is powered by 100% renewable electricity and is phasing out fossil fuel gas, there is no reason for the Government to delay renewing the ban.”

Ms Clay also urges the ACT Government to immediately progress establishing a circular economy in Canberra to manage waste without harming people and planet.

“Waste-to-energy disincentivises our moves towards a circular economy. It can also promote more waste generation than ever before.

“In the ACT, we have a resource recovery target of 90%. But our actual resource recovery has dropped to only 65%. We need the government to do more – to put policies in place that reduce waste production and create a lifecycle solution for waste we generate.

“We need local recycling facilities that can process household waste so there’s no need to burn it – like soft plastics.

“Instead, the ACT Labor Government sits back and waits for a federal scheme to manage soft plastics, even though it’s taken decades to progress.

“Governments at all levels must work with industry to design out waste and stop the problem at its source.

“If we don’t move towards a circular economy, we will see more waste in landfill and more harmful solutions for waste management like waste-to-energy projects.”

Chair of Toxics Free Australia, Jane Bremmer:

“The ACT has been a leader and a beacon of light in safeguarding a sustainable zero waste policy for a true Circular Economy in Australia.

“Burning our waste makes no sense when it is the most expensive and polluting way to make energy or manage what should be the smallest fraction of our waste stream – residual waste.

“Waste incineration threatens the urgent, global transition to clean renewable energy, emitting more carbon pollution than coal and gas per unit of energy, supports and vindicates the existing policy position of the ACT Government and the ACT Greens’ leadership.

“Advanced Waste Sorting Technologies coupled with non- combustion residual waste technologies can deliver the sustainable, climate friendly, cheaper and more secure, waste management framework that Australia needs and with 200 times more jobs.

“While the waste incineration industry currently has no social license to operate in Australia and with the EU turning away from this technology, the ACT should continue to uphold its ban for the protection of future generations.”

Premier Malinauskas must apologise to save the Adelaide Festival

acting leader of the Australian Greens and Arts spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“The cancellation of the beloved Adelaide Writer’s Week is a dark day for the arts in South Australia and now the future of the Adelaide Festival as whole hangs in the balance.

“Premier Peter Malinauskas must apologise for his intervention which has helped lead to this fiasco.

“Writer’s Week has been cancelled and the whole of the Adelaide Festival Board has now resigned, this is a complete mess that could have been avoided had there not been undue political influence exerted on the board.

“This is a devastating outcome for the authors and audiences who love Writer’s Week. As we face major challenges in the world it is important that we have spaces like Writer’s Week where people can come together to discuss ideas and disagree in a civil manner.

“Premier Peter Malinauskas’ political meddling has destroyed Writer’s Week and now risks derailing the whole of the Adelaide Festival. It is up to the Premier to fix this mess before the Adelaide Festival collapses and South Australia loses thousands of jobs and tens of millions of dollars in economic activity.

“As Louise Adler has warned, Writer’s Week is the canary in the coalmine. It’s now up to all of us to fight for artistic freedom and resist the censorship of our artistic institutions.”

Robbery & Serious Crime Squad detectives charge group accused of a spate of armed robberies

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives have charged three men allegedly behind a spate of armed robberies across Newcastle and Sydney last week.

The armed hold ups occurred in Waratah, Seven Hills, Pyrmont and Kingswood between Monday 5 January and Thursday 8 January 2026.
About 8am on Monday 5 January 2026, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to a licenced premises on Station Street, Waratah, following reports of a robbery. Police were told two men allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the hotel, and demanded cash from an employee before leaving on foot.
About 1pm on Wednesday 7 January 2026, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a pawn shop on Artillery Crescent, Seven Hills, following reports of a robbery. Police were told a man allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the store and demanded cash and jewellery. The employee refused and the man left empty handed.
About 2am on Thursday 8 January 2026, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a convenience store on Murray Street, Pyrmont, following reports of a robbery. Police were told two men allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the store, and demanded cash before fleeing with a safe.
About 4.45pm on Thursday 8 January 2026, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were called to a convenience store at Kingswood Train Station following reports of a robbery. Police were told a man armed allegedly armed with a handgun, entered the story and demanded cash. The employee refused and the man left empty handed.

Local police commenced inquiries into each matter before it was established the same handgun and dark coloured Holden sedan were used in each robbery before the matter was referred to State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad who established Strike Force Dudley to investigate.

Following extensive inquiries, about 2pm on Sunday 11 January 2026, strike force detectives arrested a 36-year-old man at a hotel on Main Street, Blacktown, who was taken to Blacktown Police Station.

A short time later, strike force detectives – with assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad – executed a search warrant at a home in Wilberforce.

During the search, detectives allegedly located a dark coloured Holden sedan, phones and items allegedly used in the robbery.

The 36-year-old man was charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, and two counts of in company rob while armed with dangerous weapon, relating to the incidents at Waratah, Seven Hills, and Pyrmont.

He was refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Monday 12 January 2026, where he was further refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Friday 6 March 2026.

Following extensive inquiries, about 4.10pm on Monday 12 January 2026, strike force detectives arrested a 27-year-old man on Castlereagh Road, North Penrith.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with conceal serious indictable offence and possess prohibited drug, relating to the incidents at Waratah and Pyrmont.

About 8.20pm the same day, strike force detectives – with assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad – conducted a search warrant at a home on Joseph Street, Kingswood.

During that search, detectives allegedly seized clothing, CCTV and jewellery items.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Penrith Police Station.

He was charged with assault with intent rob while armed with dangerous weapon and fail to comply digital evidence access order direction, relating to the Kingswood incident.

Both men were refused bail to appear at Penrith Local Court yesterday (Tuesday 13 January 2026).

Anyone with information that may assist investigations into organised criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Greens call on SA Premier to fix festival mess

acting leader of the Australian Greens and Arts spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Premier Peter Malinauskas has created an enormous mess by putting political pressure on the Adelaide Festival Board. Now he needs to take responsibility and clean it up to save our festival and our state’s reputation.

“Adelaide’s arts and festival brand is in tatters. With half the board, including the Chair, resigning it’s not just Adelaide Writers Week that’s at risk, but the entire Adelaide Festival.

“The Adelaide Festival is now on the brink of collapse and the Government needs to act urgently.

“Premier Peter Malinauskas must change course to stem the collapse of this beloved arts institution, and that must start with reinstating author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah.

“Whether it is direct or indirect, there is no doubt political pressure has plunged the broader Adelaide Festival into crisis. And we need leadership now to save it.

“This will cost our state thousands of jobs, millions of dollars and unimaginable reputational damage.

“Without proper leadership from the SA Government, South Australia’s brand as the arts and festival state is at risk.

“What would Don Dunstan say? What would he say, to see South Australia’s arts community and reputation torn down by such political cowardice and shortsightedness?”

Greens Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“The collective public outrage and boycotting of the festival over the cancellation of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah speaks volumes. This decision risks our reputation as a place of art, courage and challenge.

“This appalling decision by the Adelaide Festival Board, backed by the Premier, must be reversed. The Premier has questions to answer. What role did he play in undermining the independence of this significant event?”