Month: August 2026

Work on the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is progressing quickly, with upgrades to connecting roads underway, the helipad under construction and the internal fit out of several clinical and support departments well progressed.

Premier Chris Minns will today tour the construction sites of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and the Batemans Bay Community Health facility, as work progresses to deliver expanded healthcare facilities to communities across the South Coast.

The Minns Labor Government’s $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will deliver expanded world-class services in a modern, purpose-built facility, providing care to communities from Narooma to Batemans Bay and significantly improving access to essential health services.

The new Hospital will have an emergency department larger than currently available at Moruya and Batemans Bay combined, it will feature the region’s first intensive care unit and new services which will mean in some cases patients no longer need to travel to Canberra, Bega or Shoalhaven for care.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital includes:

• An Emergency Department
• An eight-bed Intensive Care/Close Observation Unit — the region’s first Intensive Care Unit
• Surgical and operating theatres, including a day-stay surgical unit
• Expanded chemotherapy and renal dialysis services
• An expanded medical imaging department, including MRI
• Ambulatory care and outpatient services
• Paediatric and maternity services, with a special care nursery
• Mental health beds for short-term care
• Education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory

Key medical equipment is being installed throughout the facility, including an MRI machine, CT scanner, as well as X-ray and ultrasound equipment, which will expand access to medical imaging services for the growing South Coast community.

Additionally, the hospital’s main entrance is taking shape with a new canopy structure now in place and landscaping around the hospital progressing, creating welcoming outdoor areas for patients, visitors and staff.

Construction of the $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility is also making significant progress, with the building façade nearing completion and internal fit-out well underway.

The new health facility is located on the existing Batemans Bay Hospital site and, together with the existing Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, it will provide the community with convenient access to both health services.

The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver the health facilities growing communities around NSW need delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities, after the Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around NSW.

Premier Chris Minns:

“I’m excited to see the significant progress that has been made here at Eurobodalla, this facility is going to make a major difference to healthcare in the region.

“With more ED beds than currently on offer at both Moruya and Batemans Bay Hospitals, the first intensive care unit in the region and new services which will mean patients no longer have to travel to Bega, Shoalhaven or Canberra, this facility is an investment in the future of this region.

“No one will be more excited to see Eurobodalla Hospital open its doors than Dr Michael Holland, the Member for Bega is a lifelong advocate for healthcare in this region and has been fighting for this brand-new hospital for a very long time.”

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will transform access to healthcare across the region, with expanded services and contemporary facilities designed to meet the needs of a growing community.

“The Minns Government is investing in the essential services the Eurobodalla community needs, delivering more beds, more hospitals, and more staff for the region.

“Once complete, the Batemans Bay Community Health facility and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, will provide the south communities with greater access to healthcare, closer to home.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“As a Doctor, I know how important timely access to high-quality healthcare is for patients and their families. That’s why seeing the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital taking shape is so significant for our community.

“This new hospital will provide a level of care that has never before been available in the Eurobodalla, including the region’s first Intensive Care Unit, expanded emergency services, advanced medical imaging and a broader range of specialist services closer to home.

“It’s also wonderful to see the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility progressing so well. Together, these projects represent a once-in-a-generation investment in healthcare that will improve access to services, support our dedicated health professionals and deliver better health outcomes for communities across the Eurobodalla for decades to come.”

A further 17 projects have been declared as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of the declared proposals, 12 are in metropolitan Sydney and five are in regional New South Wales.

If all are lodged and approved, it could create almost 4000 homes including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, on the recommendation of the HDA, 493 proposals have been declared SSD, which would create close to 153,000 homes.  

Fourteen of these proposals have been approved, unlocking more than 2500 homes.  

State Significant Development applications have been lodged for a further 81 projects representing around 26,600 potential homes.

State significant development declarations have been revoked from seven proposals which failed to meet timelines or where the applicant decided not to proceed.  

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.  

The Ministerial Order can be found here: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/Orders.

Queanbeyan and surrounding communities are set to benefit from a boost to frontline healthcare, with an additional 14 paramedics due to start in early 2027.

These paramedics will be part of the fourth intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the Minns Labor Government’s regional 500 initiative. This expansion will help strengthen emergency and mobile healthcare services across the southern NSW region and support growing demand for ambulance services.

NSW Ambulance is continuing consultation with staff and the Health Services Union to finalise proposals for the remainder of the fourth intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW under the program.

Under the Regional 500 initiative, an additional 58 paramedics are already working across the southern part of the state, including 17 additional paramedics who commenced at Cooma Ambulance Station earlier this year.

The fourth intake follows the successful rollout of previous Regional 500 cohorts, with 375 paramedics commencing work across regional NSW since the initiative launched in 2024.

Future locations continue to be determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based service and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen ambulance services in regional, rural and remote communities by rolling out an additional 500 paramedics across the state.

“We are recruiting more paramedics and building more ambulance stations to deliver faster response times and better outcomes for communities like Queanbeyan.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“This upgrade is all about the growth Queanbeyan is experiencing with new communities in Googong and South Jerrabomberra.

“My first task in 2023 was to get our Queanbeyan ambulance service up to the staffing levels it was meant to have – fixing the Nationals neglect. Since then I have focused on making sure we have enough paramedics for the future to make sure Googong and South Jerrabomberra residents get appropriate response times.

“I’ve worked closely with Health Minister Ryan Park and the Ambulance service on this and this massive boost of 14 paramedics is by far the best way of giving our communities the service they need.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“The Regional 500 initiative is helping NSW Ambulance build a stronger and more sustainable workforce to help us meet increasing demand for ambulance services across the state.

“NSW Ambulance will continue consulting with staff and unions as we plan for the next intake of paramedics and work to ensure our resources are aligned with the healthcare needs of local communities.”

New scholarships will help veterinary students complete clinical placements in regional NSW, supporting workforce development and encouraging more graduates to pursue careers in rural and regional communities.

The Minns Labor Government today announced at Charles Sturt Univeristy in Wagga Wagga the creation of 94 scholarships for veterinary students to undertake work placements in the bush and regional areas.

This initiative is part of the Minns Government’s plan to address the veterinary workforce shortage in NSW, particularly in regional areas and to maintain a well-functioning veterinary profession to safeguard animal and public health and welfare, plus manage biosecurity threats.  

The Regional Placement Scholarships Program is providing financial support of between $1,500 and $3,000 for 94 veterinary students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the University of Sydney (USYD), to complete their unpaid clinical placements in regional areas.

Students placed in regional veterinary practices experience first hand the benefits of living in regional NSW, and are more likely to be enticed back when they finish their studies, playing a role in supporting the state’s critical agricultural industry.

According to the Australian Veterinarian Association the veterinary workforce shortage is particularly acute in regional areas, with 44 per cent of advertised jobs left vacant for more than 12 months, compared to 28 per cent left vacant in metropolitan areas.

Vet students are required to undertake at least 52 weeks of unpaid work placement and financial pressures are a significant reason many students drop out.

The NSW Government is rolling out a series of support programs to get vets into regional NSW and boost services across the state, by delivering the following:

• The Minns Government’s Welcome Experience Program which has supported the placement of 44 veterinarians and veterinary nurses across NSW so far (by 30 June 2026).
• $900,000 in funding to support to veterinary hospitals for small capital expenditure, consumables and operating costs to assist with wildlife treatment.
• Work is underway to reform the Veterinary Practice Act so it is modernised, and increases workforce capacity and capability and better protects the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary workforce

These scholarships are higher for those completing placements in large/mixed animal clinics, that are critical to the agricultural industry. They include:

• $1,500 for a small animal regional veterinary placement
• $3,000 for a large/mixed animal regional veterinary placement, and
• $3,000 for a Local Land Services regional district veterinary placement.

As well as easing the financial burden through the Regional Placement Scholarship, the NSW Government through The Welcome Experience can offer relocation advice, help in finding temporary housing and facilitating new social connections.  

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring our state has a thriving veterinary profession working closely with our farmers, regional families and part of the team addressing biosecurity threats.  

“Regional NSW has a higher rate of veterinary shortages than the cities and we need to focus on solving that issue with these scholarships. That is critical for maintaining both our livestock industry and our regional lifestyle.

“Regional NSW has much to offer young professionals and by supporting these students spend time undertaking their work placements in regional and rural areas we will make a difference down the line.

“Attracting a sustainable veterinary workforce to regional NSW is a priority and so is developing a thriving veterinary profession across the board, and our Government will continue delivering reforms and initiatives to make that happen.

President of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW, Dr Magdoline Awad said:  

“The Veterinary Practitioners Board welcomes this initiative, which provides students with financial support to pursue opportunities to move beyond the classroom and into real clinical settings, building confidence and practical skills.

“Placement costs can be a real barrier for students, especially when they are unpaid and involve travel and accommodation in regional areas. Anything that helps ease that pressure makes a meaningful difference.

“Regional practices give students exposure to a wide and varied caseload, particularly in large and mixed animal work, and that hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing them for everyday veterinary practice.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Leigh Henson

“I’ve had incredibly positive placement experiences throughout my degree so far.

“Placements are invaluable opportunities to develop the skills and experience needed for professional practice.

“However, they can be financially challenging due to the costs of travel, accommodation and groceries, and the demands of placement often prevent us from working.

“Financial support through scholarships makes a significant difference, helping us manage these costs and fully engage with every placement opportunity.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Noah Esmonde

“Our placements are an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

“Throughout my degree I have done many placements on farms and in vet clinics across Australia.

“It’s the best way we can apply our learning, improve our communication skills and network across the industry.

“As well as being great for our learning, the placements are a requirement to complete our course, and travelling so much, costs a lot of money.

“Each placement is three weeks and across our final year we end up doing 30 weeks of unpaid placement.

“Scholarships like this large animal scholarship allow students like me the opportunity to travel and experience as much variation as possible.

“It also means that the financial stress that all full-time university students struggle with is reduced and means we have more time to study and focus on our learning.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Jasmine Wholton

“The costs associated with work placements are significant.  

“Many veterinary clinics simply don’t have the capacity to offer accommodation to students, as their priority has to be looking after their staff – which is completely understandable.

“If we limit ourselves to only doing our placements at clinics that are able to offer accommodation, we miss out on some amazing places.  

“This scholarship has made it possible for me to complete placements in rural clinics including three weeks in Holbrook.

“When we do our placements, we should be focused on trying to put our best foot forward and learn as much as we can, but instead we’re often worrying about how we’ll afford three weeks of unpaid work, while also juggling final exams and planning the next placement.

“This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Having the accommodation costs looked after is one less thing to worry about, and it’s allowed me to fully focus on gaining the experience I need.” 

A draft 20-year plan for the Illawarra Shoalhaven has been released for public exhibition, outlining a vision for housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection across one of NSW’s fastest-growing regions.

The Minns Labor Government is backing the Illawarra Shoalhaven and helping it plan for a strong future with the release of the draft Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the state’s fastest growing regions and the Plan will help cement its position as a globally connected hub for investment, innovation, jobs and a great place to live.  

The draft 20-year Plan, which is now on exhibition, will guide the region’s long-term direction for homes, jobs and infrastructure investment.  

It has set clear goals to help deliver 117,000 more homes, more than 101,000 new jobs and mapped out the delivery of critical infrastructure such as transport, roads, schools, and health services to make sure communities across the region can continue to thrive.  

With the Illawarra Shoalhaven expected to be home to an extra 161,000 people by 2046 it’s critical we create a clear vision now which can make sure the growth of homes and jobs happens in the right places.  

For the first time the draft Plan sets a benchmark for jobs growth targets for each local government area in the region.  

Through this planning it has identified Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra as key locations to drive employment and economic growth.  

Additionally, it acknowledges the need for improved transport connections between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven and stronger connections to South West Sydney and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which is an emerging epicentre for employment and investment opportunities.

The Plan also highlights the increasing connectivity and strengthening economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney by bringing the Wingecarribee Local Government Area into Illawarra Shoalhaven region.  

To continue to support vibrant communities around 80 per cent of housing growth will be focused around key urban centres like Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bowral, Kiama, and Nowra with access to jobs, transport, schools and services.

This reflects recent work around Transport Oriented Development precincts in Corrimal, Dapto, and North Wollongong, and will help councils identify opportunities for more housing to make sure there is a steady supply of feasible development-ready land.

Building on this the Plan will strengthen vibrant centres and public spaces across the region, including key destinations such as Wollongong Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, the Nowra Riverfront and Warrawong Parklands, alongside beaches, national parks, and other community spaces.

It also prioritises protecting the Illawarra Shoalhaven’s unique environmental assets, while creating new opportunities for First Nations land management and stewardship.

Importantly, the Plan supports the delivery of Australia’s first Urban Renewable Energy Zone, helping position the Illawarra Shoalhaven at the centre of the state’s clean energy future.

Following the release of the NSW Government’s draft Sydney Plan in late 2025, the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan is the next region plan to be released as part of a new generation of simpler, action-focused plans.  

Together, these plans will support a more consistent, coordinated and fit-for-purpose planning system that delivers on the NSW Government’s broader planning reforms flowing from the passage in November 2025 of legislation to overhaul the nearly 50-year-old Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Once finalised, the Plan will make sure the region’s growth is well-planned and support a more connected coastline with liveable communities, backed by a strong economy.

The community have until Monday, 28 September 2026 to have their say on the Plan.

For more information and to view the draft Plan, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the most beautiful regions in New South Wales, and this Plan will help ensure it remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“As the region continues to grow, we need to make sure we deliver the infrastructure, services, and jobs to grow with it

“We’re planning for the years to come by creating more opportunities close to where people live, whether that’s new jobs, more homes or better-connected communities.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven is one of the country’s great regions and through this plan for the region we are helping build a bright future for it.  

“By including the Wingecarribee region for the first time this recognises the growing social and economic connections between the Illawarra and southwest Sydney.  

“Through its jobs targets the Plan is backing the region’s economic future. Driving key employment precinct in Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra while also strengthening ties to the emerging innovation and investment hub that is Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:  

“This Plan puts communities at the centre and invites people to have their say on how Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra Shoalhaven grows and evolves over the coming decades.

“It in particular highlights important investments to upgrade Shellharbour Hospital and the crucial role Shellharbour Airport will play as an economic anchor for the south of the region.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“This plan creates a clear road map so we can get growth right for the South Coast and broader region – coordinating homes, jobs, transport and infrastructure so our region can thrive over the next 20 years.

“For the South Coast in particular, it lays crucial groundwork for a secure jobs future by identifying industrial land around Nowra as a key employment centre for the region.”  

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“This is an opportunity for local communities to help shape the future of Kiama and the broader the Illawarra Shoalhaven, and I encourage everyone to have their say.

“It spotlights some of the great housing projects already being delivered in our region like the Bomaderry build to rent project that is providing a vital boost to our regions rental housing availability.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“The Illawarra Shoalhaven has always been a place of opportunity, and this Plan gives us the roadmap to continue building an ever brighter future.

“It sets a clear intention tap into the growing opportunities offered by strengthening the economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney in which the Heathcote electorate will play a vital role.”