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$95 million to restore Blue Mountains landslips

Roads damaged by landslips across the Blue Mountains Local Government Area are set to be restored following a major investment by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Blue Mountains City Council has received $95 million to undertake remediation works at locations including Mount Wilson, Mount Irvine, Hartley Vale, Megalong Valley, Kanimbla Valley and Glenbrook. The investment is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Blue Mountains City Council is currently managing 101 landslip sites caused by severe weather in recent years, and has already invested more than $20 million in remediation, with more than $90 million in additional works planned as part of its recovery program.

The Mount Wilson Lower Hairpin Project is also a key priority for council, with concept designs underway following approval of more than $8.2 million in funding.

Temporary traffic arrangements remain in place to support public safety while long-term remediation works are developed.

For more information visit: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/major-projects

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Safe and reliable road access is essential for Blue Mountains communities, helping people get to work, school, appointments and essential services with confidence and safety.

“These roads are also vital economic links, supporting local businesses, freight, primary producers and the visitors who help drive the Blue Mountains economy.

“The Albanese and Minns governments are working together to help council restore damaged infrastructure and rebuild the strong, resilient connections the people of the Blue Mountains deserve.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“This $95 million funding injection is giving Blue Mountains City Council the financial support it needs to fix complex landslip sites and build back better for the future.

“Fixing these sites is critical because these roads are vital links connecting our local communities to each other, to local schools, healthcare, and everyday services.

“Recovery on this scale takes time, but by all three levels of government working together, we are ensuring Council has the backing to deliver long-term, resilient solutions that local residents can rely on.”

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP:

“This funding demonstrates our practical focus in the face of natural disasters.

“We live in a fragile environment and our ageing-built infrastructure was never designed for the current climate impacts, so I’m proud of the Albanese Government’s commitment to continue to help Council to remediate and build back better.”

NSW Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:

“This $95 million funding commitment is a significant investment in the long-term strength and safety of our local road network.

“In a unique environment like the Blue Mountains, keeping towns and villages connected to essential services and to one another is vital for everyday life and our regional economy.

“I’m pleased to see State and Federal support coming together to deliver resilient, durable infrastructure for our community.”

Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill:

“This funding gives council greater certainty to progress some of our highest priority landslip remediation projects and restore important road connections for our communities.

“The Blue Mountains’ steep terrain and severe weather mean landslip repairs are often complex, requiring detailed investigation, specialist engineers and careful planning.

“We thank the Australian Government and NSW Government for their continued support as we work to restore damaged infrastructure, improve road safety and strengthen the resilience of our road network.”

Two major parks in Sydney’s North West a step closer

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the finalised plans for two major parks that will support communities in Sydney’s fast-growing north-west.

Kellyville Centre Park and Bella Vista District Park will deliver high-quality open space, supporting growing communities that will benefit from more near new homes and better transport connections.

Kellyville and Bella Vista Parks are the first to be delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $520 million investment in Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts, to deliver infrastructure, active transport and high-quality open space alongside new homes.

Kellyville Centre Park and Bella Vista District Park will transform land next to Kellyville Metro Station and the Metro North West Line into a shared backyard for this growing community, enabling families and residents to stay active and connect with nature close to home.

More than 700 people provided feedback on the initial designs earlier this year, helping to shape parks that will be welcoming, safe, accessible and responsive to the needs of the local community.

Key features of the Kellyville Centre Park design include:

a shared pedestrian and cycle path, improving access to Kellyville Metro Station,
spaces for sport and active recreation for all ages, including pickleball and basketball,
nature-based play areas with climbing equipment,
a BMX track and paths for skating and rollerblading,
a central lawn and flexible community spaces for informal sport, events, and gatherings,
well-located drinking water stations and accessible toilets,
more than half the site will be dedicated to plants, shade and native trees to cool the park and support local wildlife, and
designs that recognise local Aboriginal heritage and culture through the park’s landscaping and community spaces.

Key features of the Bella Vista District Park finalised designs include:

extensive tree planting to increase shade and create cooler outdoor spaces,
a large community lawn surrounded by trees, suitable for casual ball games, picnics and community events,
an amphitheatre for small performances with nearby picnic spaces,
family-friendly play spaces, including forest-themed play area, a water play area and spaces for casual sport and active play,
stepped grass lawns for people to relax and gather,
accessible walking paths connecting play areas, picnic spaces and gathering areas beneath shady trees,
native trees and plants to create habitat for local wildlife, and
spaces developed with input from Traditional Owners and Custodians that reflect Aboriginal culture and support learning about Country.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure worked closely with Landcom, Sydney Metro, The Hills Shire Council, Traditional Custodians and the local community to finalise the designs.

The upgrade works expected to commence in 2027 with both parks set to open in 2028.

The TOD Accelerated Precinct rezonings around seven transport centres have created capacity for nearly 60,000 new homes and more than 126,000 commercial and retail jobs.

This is part of the Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, jobs, parks and services, so young people, families, and key workers have somewhere to live and work in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“We’re not just building more homes – we’re delivering the parks, infrastructure and open space that make neighbourhoods great.

“These two parks will give families and the growing community in Kellyville and Bella Vista more places to play, exercise, relax and connect with nature, right on their doorstep.

“Communities need more than just homes. That’s why we’re investing $520 million in infrastructure and open spaces to make sure growth around public transport is supported by places and facilities people rely on.

“With about 4,600 new homes expected across Kellyville and Bella Vista, we’re making sure growth is matched with high-quality open space and community infrastructure for local families.”

Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“We’re building communities, not just housing. That means delivering transport-oriented development with the parks, infrastructure and public spaces families need.

“As Kellyville and Bella Vista grow, these parks will become a shared backyard, welcoming places to play, stay active, connect with nature and come together as a community.”

Taking parliament to regional NSW

A Liberals and Nationals Government will establish a Regional Parliament in its first year, delivering on a commitment to reconnect with the communities that sustain NSW.

Under the policy, the NSW Parliament will sit for a full week in a regional city, with both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council conducting Question Time, debating legislation and undertaking the full business of Parliament outside Sydney.

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said it is important to bring the political process to regional towns and cities and remind those on Macquarie Street of the world outside the city.

“While travelling across NSW this year what I’ve heard from regional communities is that they often feel forgotten and their voice doesn’t matter,” Ms Sloane said.

“As someone who was brought up in the country, I feel strongly about addressing that.”

“Regional NSW grows our food, powers our economy, supports our exports and drives so much of our prosperity. The regions do most of our heavy lifting and therefore deserve a Parliament that is prepared to come to them.”

Under the plan the host regional centre would be selected following a transparent, competitive process overseen by a multi-party parliamentary committee.

Communities would then have the opportunity to bid to host Parliament, showcasing their region, industries and local priorities.

“This is not about symbolism. It is about making better decisions through better understanding,” Ms Sloane said.

“When Members spend a week living, working and engaging in regional communities, they return to Sydney with a deeper appreciation of the impact government decisions have on families, farmers, small businesses and local industries.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals said the initiative would also deliver significant economic benefits to host cities.

Beyond the immediate economic injection, the annual sitting would place a national spotlight on the host region, showcasing its industries, attractions and investment opportunities to the rest of the state.

“Government works best when it is close to the people it serves,” Ms Sloane said.

“An Annual Regional Parliament will strengthen democracy, improve public policy, benefit the host region and send a clear message that regional New South Wales is central to our state’s future.”

Labor axes funding for faith community security

The Minns Labor Government has abandoned its commitment to keeping faith communities safe, with Multiculturalism Minister Stephen Kamper admitting in Budget Estimates today that there is no funding to continue the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program in the 2026-27 NSW Budget.

The admission means the Government has effectively axed the dedicated program that provided grants to churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship to install vital security measures including CCTV, fencing, lighting, reinforced doors and access control systems.

Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Government’s decision was a disgraceful betrayal of faith communities across NSW.

“At a time when our social cohesion is under significant strain, Labor has shamefully axed the only dedicated program designed to keep places of worship safe.” Mr Coure said.

“This is a government that has spent years telling our churches, mosques, synagogues and temples that their safety is a priority, only to turn around and abandon them when they need support the most.”

“The hypocrisy of the Minns Government to talk about protecting religious freedom and community cohesion while simultaneously ripping away a program that protected those very places of worship is appalling.”

Mr Coure said the decision was particularly concerning given the heightened security environment facing religious communities across NSW.

“We have seen too many incidents of threats, intimidation, vandalism and attacks against religious communities, yet this Labor Government has decided now is the time to walk away from dedicated funding for their security.” Mr Coure said.

“You cannot tell people their safety matters and then leave them to foot the bill themselves.”

“Faith communities deserve better, not more empty promises from the Minns Labor Government.”

The Safe Places for Faith Communities Program provided grants of between $5,000 and $250,000 to specifically fund security infrastructure.

National partnership delivers ACT firearms buyback & stronger community protections

The Albanese Government and Barr Government have reached an agreement to deliver a Gun Buyback Scheme in the ACT following a similar agreement with NSW.

Following the deadly antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last year, National Cabinet stood in solidarity and agreed to action to eradicate antisemitism and to strengthen gun laws across the nation. 

Greater consistency between jurisdictions is important to ensure firearms reforms designed to strengthen community safety and reduce the number of high-risk firearms are effective.

The Commonwealth Government will fund 75 per cent of the compensation and administration costs of the scheme and all firearm destruction costs for the ACT.

There are more than 7,000 firearms licence holders and about 23,000 firearms in the Territory.

Approximately 14 per cent of ACT licence holders may be affected by the proposed firearms cap. Further details will be announced in due course.

In February, the ACT Government introduced the Firearms (Public Safety) Amendment Bill 2026 (Public Safety Bill). The Bill seeks to limit the number of firearms a licensee may possess or use, re-categorise certain firearms, prohibit belt-fed firearms, and create an offence for possession of digital blueprints for the computer-aided manufacture of firearms and firearm parts.

These measures are intended to reduce the capacity for harm caused by the misuse or diversion of firearms to illicit markets and to prevent the proliferation of untraceable and illegal weapons that threaten the security of the ACT community.

The ACT Government has also introduced the Firearms (Firearm Prohibition Orders) Amendment Bill 2026.

This Bill seeks to introduce a firearm prohibition order scheme into the ACT to give police additional tools to ensure high-risk individuals do not gain access to firearms.

These Bills are still before the ACT Legislative Assembly and are anticipated to be debated during the spring sittings of the Territory Parliament.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“We’re taking action to strengthen Australia’s gun laws and keep our communities safe.

“National gun reform is an important part of making sure an antisemitic terrorist attack like we saw at Bondi can’t happen again.

“I thank the ACT Government for their collaboration as we work to take guns off our streets in order to better protect Australians.”

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:

“This agreement strengthens community safety and supports effective firearms reforms across jurisdictions. Reducing the number of high-risk firearms in circulation is a sensible and practical measure to help keep Canberrans safer. Working with the Commonwealth and NSW ensures a more coordinated approach to firearms safety.

“The ACT has some of the strongest firearms laws in the country and this agreement supports our ongoing efforts to further reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.

“We recognise that the overwhelming majority of firearm licence holders are responsible and law-abiding citizens. The buyback scheme will provide compensation while helping deliver further community safety outcomes.”

Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke:

“After the horrific antisemitic attack at Bondi, our government committed to addressing the motive and the method of the attack.

“Since then we have brought forward the strongest laws against hate speech and hate crimes in the history of our country, and initiated the most significant round of gun reform since the wake of the Port Arthur massacre.”

ACT Minister For Police, Fire And Emergency Services Dr Marisa Paterson:

“We take our responsibility as a government to do everything we can to reduce the risk posed by firearms in the community and keep Canberrans safe. I want to recognise that the majority of firearms owners are responsible and law-abiding, and we acknowledge that the reform agenda is significant.

“We are here to work with the community as we progress through the changes. Once we have finalised the agreement we will provide clear information to the community about the process of the buyback, including eligibility, compensation and the process for surrendering the firearms.

“This will be a major undertaking for ACT Policing and the ACT Government will continue to work to support them as they progress. Work is also continuing to progress on the development of a fully digital ACT Firearms Registry, which will be integrated with the National Firearms Register and will provide frontline police with real-time access to firearms data.”

ACT Policing Chief Police Officer Scott Lee:

“ACT Policing supports an ACT gun buyback scheme and believe it is an important measure to reduce the number of firearms in circulation in the ACT.”

“We know that reducing firearms availability can reduce the risk that firearms will end up in the wrong hands and that legally owned firearms can be stolen and diverted into illicit markets, where they may become available to organised crime or individuals with extremist ideologies.”

Homicide Squad detectives charge fourth person with murder after alleged fatal stabbing – Lake Macquarie

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fourth person with murder following an investigation into an alleged fatal stabbing in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.

Shortly after 4am on Sunday 19 April 2026, emergency services were called to Montgomery Street, Argenton, following reports of an assault.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a 38-year-old man had been stabbed.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene.

A crime scene was established by local police before the investigation was handed to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad under Strike Force Blave.

Over the course of the investigation, a 22-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys have been charged with murder and remain before the courts.

Following further extensive inquiries, about 9.40am yesterday (Thursday 20 August 2026), strike force detectives arrested a 20-year-old man at Newcastle Police Station. He has since been charged with murder.

The 20-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Bail Division Local Court 2 today (Friday 21 August 2026).

Appeal to locate man missing from the Hunter region

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

Cameron Ottaway, aged 43, was last seen on Murray Dwyer Circuit, Mayfield West, around the 13 or 14 August 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified on Tuesday 18 August 2026 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for Cameron’s welfare as his behaviour is out of character.

He is described as of Caucasian appearance, 175cm to 180cm tall, medium build with short grey hair, and is unshaven.

Cameron was last seen wearing a grey hooded jumper, a black jacket, dark pants and grey joggers and may be driving a silver Nissan utility with NSW registration AD49XR.

He is known to frequent the Bellingen and Dorrigo areas.

Anyone with information about Cameron’s whereabouts is urged to contact Waratah Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal to locate man missing from Chisholm – Port Stephens-Hunter PD

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Maitland area.

Michael Rush, aged 60, was last seen in Chisholm, in the afternoon on Wednesday (19 August 2026).

When he was unable to 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 Michael’s welfare.

Michael is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of slim build, with short grey hair, and beard.

He is known to frequent the Maitland, Chisholm, and Thornton areas.

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

NSW Government backs Hunter businesses to tap into booming ASEAN markets

The Minns Labor Government is encouraging businesses across the Hunter to attend the NSW Government’s ASEAN Market Update in Newcastle on Thursday, 27 August to explore export opportunities in Southeast Asia and hear from market experts and successful NSW exporters.

The free event is part of the Government’s plan to grow the state’s economy, support local jobs and help more NSW businesses expand into high-growth international markets.

Local businesses will come together to learn about key market trends, sector-specific opportunities and real-world exporter experiences in one of the world’s most dynamic regions, covering markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Southeast Asia is expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, fuelled by rising incomes, industrialisation, urbanisation and digital adoption, creating significant opportunities for NSW exporters.

The Hunter is home to world-class businesses with strengths across advanced manufacturing, food and beverage, clean technology, mining equipment, technology and services, and professional services, making the region well placed to capitalise on growing demand across Southeast Asia.

Attendees will receive practical market intelligence and hear case studies from Hunter businesses already exporting to the region, including:

· Macka’s Australian Black Angus: a Hunter-based family-owned premium Black Angus beef producer supplying domestic and international markets
· Anditi: a Newcastle technology company specialising in geospatial analytics, spatial data and AI-driven insights.
· Tamburlaine Organic Wines: one of Australia’s largest organic wine producers, with vineyards in the Hunter Valley and Orange regions.
· Banlaw: a Gateshead-based company in the City of Lake Macquarie, specialising in fuel and fluid management technology for the mining and industrial sectors.
Supporting more businesses to diversify, increase exports and create local jobs is a key priority in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy, which is delivering a stronger and more coordinated approach to trade promotion and export growth.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government announced a renewed suite of export support programs to help NSW businesses enter new markets, build export capability and connect with customers overseas.

The renewed support includes refreshed export capability workshops, new Communities of Practice for Exporters and 30 Going Global Export Programs and Trade Missions planned for 2026–27 to help NSW businesses build export skills, connect with buyers and pursue new international opportunities.

The ASEAN Market Update series is being successfully rolled out across NSW, including in Western Sydney, the Illawarra, Northern Rivers and Riverina regions. Register for the Newcastle event here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/asean-growth-asean-market-update-for-newcastle-and-hunter-businesses-tickets-1994261249080.

For more information on how the NSW Government supports businesses to export, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/export-from-nsw

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter has always been a region that makes things, builds things and sells its expertise well beyond its own backyard, and that is exactly the kind of practical capability Southeast Asian markets are looking for.

“From advanced manufacturing and clean technology, to food and beverage, innovation and professional services, Hunter businesses have the skills, products and know-how to compete on the international stage.

“Bringing this event to Newcastle means local businesses can get the advice and connections they need here in the region, so more Hunter companies can explore new customers, new partnerships and new growth opportunities across Southeast Asia.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on growing our economy, creating jobs and helping NSW businesses reach more customers around the world.

“Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in the global economy, and we want businesses in the Hunter and across NSW winning a bigger share of that growth.

“We’re backing businesses with practical support, stronger trade engagement and a renewed export program because we know that when local businesses grow, they create jobs and drive investment in our communities.

“The ASEAN Market Update in Newcastle will help Hunter businesses build the connections and confidence they need to take the next step into these high-growth markets.”

Anditi Managing Director Peter Jamieson said:

“Our team has recently worked alongside international partners in Vietnam, using advanced data and AI technologies to help identify high-risk school zones and improve road safety outcomes. Experiences like this demonstrate the appetite across Southeast Asia for Australian expertise and innovation.

“Many businesses in the Hunter already have world-class capabilities. The challenge is often understanding where the opportunities are and how to access them. That’s where programs and events like this can make a real difference.

“Exporting doesn’t need to be limited to large companies. There are opportunities for businesses of different sizes and sectors, and Southeast Asia is a market that should be firmly on the radar for companies looking to grow.”

ROAD UPGRADE UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND RESILIENCE ON OLD MAITLAND ROAD

Newcastle motorists are set to benefit from a safer, more resilient Old Maitland Road, with work now underway on a major road upgrade.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing almost $4 million through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, which is jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) , to support the City of Newcastle’s upgrade of Old Maitland Road.

The package supports councils across northern NSW to rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by the February and March 2022 floods while improving resilience to future disasters.

The project will upgrade a 360-metre section of Old Maitland Road between Galleghan Street and Hexham Park. Works include stronger road pavements, improved drainage, resurfacing, paved shoulders and improved access for on-street parking and cyclists, helping the road better withstand future extreme weather.

The upgraded road will address existing drainage issues that cause water to pond along the road edge, reducing damage to the pavement and shoulders. Improved drainage and stronger construction will help minimise future damage during severe weather, reducing maintenance needs and disruption for the community.

Early works are already underway with major construction starting in September 2026. The upgrade is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The Australian Government is committed to helping communities recover from natural disasters while ensuring infrastructure is rebuilt stronger and more resilient for the future.

“This investment in Old Maitland Road at Hexham will not only improve safety for motorists, cyclists and local residents, it will help this important transport link better withstand the impacts of future flooding and severe weather.

“Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, we are working with the NSW Government and local councils, reducing future disruption and helping communities stay connected when they need it most.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Many regional communities face flooding as a regular reality, which makes building infrastructure that can withstand future storms critical.

This betterment package means roads and other transport assets may be able to stay open longer during a disaster and open again sooner after the disaster has passed, allowing vital food, medical supplies and other essentials to be moved and hastening recovery for local communities.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

We are committed to supporting local councils so they can build back better, smarter, and stronger after severe weather events.

By investing in the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, we are giving City of Newcastle the support it needs to deliver upgraded infrastructure that will stand up to future floods and keep the community moving.

Old Maitland Road is a vital connection for Newcastle residents and a key emergency detour route for the Pacific Highway. Making this road more resilient means safer daily commutes, less disruption during severe weather, and faster recovery for local families and businesses.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“Hexham is one of Newcastle’s most important transport gateways, and Novocastrians know just how disruptive flooding and road damage can be. This investment will make Old Maitland Road safer, more reliable and better able to withstand future severe weather events.

“This project builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s significant investment in Newcastle’s transport network – from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the Hexham Straight widening to the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension – ensuring the Hexham corridor remains a safer, more resilient and more reliable route for local families, businesses and freight operators.”

NSW Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

Novocastrians know all too well the stress and disruption that severe weather causes along this corridor.

This $4 million investment into Old Maitland Road isn’t just about laying down fresh asphalt – it’s about giving our community a safer, more reliable link that won’t wash out when the next heavy rain hits.

Whether you’re commuting, doing the school run, or relying on this route during an emergency, these upgrades will deliver real peace of mind for local families and drivers.”

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure David Witherdin:

The project would improve the resilience of a priority section of Old Maitland Road.

“This stage of work will help make this section of Old Maitland Road more resilient and better able to withstand flood events in the future.

“That means less damage and maintenance being required at a time when our crews are also responding to our wider road network following natural disaster impacts.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Peta Winney-Baartz:

“Natural disasters place enormous pressure on local communities, which is why it is so important that all levels of government work together to fund infrastructure projects that strengthen resilience and support recovery.

“We welcome the support of the Australian and NSW governments in partnering with City of Newcastle to deliver these vital upgrades.”