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NSW shark mitigation this summer

The NSW Government will continue the Shark Management Program in its current form for the upcoming summer swimming season.

The Shark Management Program is an effective mitigation program, with a mix of traditional and modern technologies along the NSW coastline.

Last year was the first summer where SMART drumlines, drones and tagged shark listening stations were deployed at beaches which also have shark nets.

Continuing the full suite of measures for the 2023-24 season will help us gather further data to make better informed decisions about possible changes for the following (2024-25) season.

The shark meshing program is actively managed to minimise the impact on marine animals while protecting swimmers at some of NSW’s most popular beaches.

The safety of beachgoers is the Government’s number one priority.

The NSW Shark Management Program is the largest program of its kind in the world, including:

Nets at 51 beaches across 8 LGAs between Newcastle and Wollongong from 1 September to 30 April each year
305 SMART drumlines across the 19 LGAs, including 138 in LGAs with nets
37 tagged shark listening stations, including 13 in LGAs with nets
Surveillance drone patrols at the current 50 beaches across 25 LGAs, including 15 in LGAs with nets

For more information on the NSW Government’s Shark Management Program, visit Sharksmart.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We will continue to work with Councils to assess options for different strategies in future, but for this summer we are sticking with the complement of nets, SMART drumlines, drones and listening stations.

“Nets are only set from September to April to avoid the majority of the whale migration season and are fitted with acoustic devices designed to deter marine mammals from interacting with them.

“The NSW Government will continue to listen to coastal councils and their communities to ensure that local preferences are balanced against effective, evidence-based shark mitigation for beachgoers.”downloadDownload as PDF printPrint this page

A new face of sport at Stadium Australia

The NSW Government has commissioned a giant mural at Stadium Australia to celebrate the Matildas’ historic success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

The permanent mural will capture some of the Matildas’ greatest moments during the tournament at the scene of today’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final.

It will serve as a permanent reminder of how the Matildas’ run at this World Cup captured the imagination of the nation and inspired the next generation of female athletes.

The artwork will be installed on the external façade of the eastern side of Accor Stadium, closest to Olympic Park train station.

It is also the grandstand that will soon be named in honour of a female sporting legend, as the NSW Government completes another one of its election commitments.

The mural will also continue the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in the Olympic stadium, which benefited from more than $80m of capital works upgrades in preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Tonight the stadium will host its fifth sold-out match as a part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 when England take on Spain in the tournament final.

More than 600,000 people attended the 11 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in NSW, while hundreds of thousands more attended live sites around Sydney and NSW to cheer the Matildas throughout the tournament.

The project will be delivered by Venues NSW, which manages State’s major sporting and entertainment venues in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

Venues NSW will work with the advisory team that brought the Allianz Stadium public art project to life, overseeing a tender process in line with NSW Government procurement requirements.

The mural will be funded from an existing Budget allocation.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“NSW is the home of women’s sport in Australia, and this is about recognising the moments the Matildas’ brought our nation to a standstill.

“The Matildas’ campaign captured the imagination of Australia and the footballing world. I’m proud to announce that they will be permanently celebrated with a mural in their honour at Stadium Australia.

“Mary Fowler, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold joined Samantha Kerr as household names and put the world on notice that Australia is a football nation.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The achievements of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will live on not only in our memories but also at Stadium Australia where they created history.”

“We’ve already committed to honouring a female sporting legend with a grandstand and this is the next step in honouring our elite female athletes.”

“It will be a daily reminder to the 10 million people who visit Sydney Olympic Park each year of the greatest FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament in history and how the whole nation got behind the Matildas.”

“We look forward to delivering more for women’s sport as part of our September budget.”

Fast tracking feasibility study for Prospect Reservoir

Western Sydney is on the path to having a new go-to water destination, with the NSW Government starting work on a feasibility study that will look at opening Prospect Reservoir up for recreation in a phased approach.

The NSW Government is asking the community to have their say and have released a discussion paper with an overview of some of the recreational possibilities being considered for Prospect Reservoir.

There will also be local drop-in sessions and information webinars hosted throughout the month of September 2023 to provide more opportunities for the community to get involved.

A key outcome for this feasibility study is to understand how the area could be best managed to balance the opportunities for increased recreation whilst protecting Sydney’s drinking water supply and the significant environmental and cultural values of the area.

There are already dams across the state used for both town water supply and recreation, including Chifley Dam near Bathurst and Brogo Dam on the South Coast.

This study acknowledges Prospect Reservoir is an important part of Sydney’s drinking water supply and will explore how we can expand the use of the reservoir for the community.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“We promised Western Sydney residents we would prioritise this project and that’s what we’re doing by fast tracking the feasibility study.

“If it stacks up, it could pave the way for a new spot to swim and relax only a short drive from Blacktown, 20 minutes from Cabramatta and Badgerys Creek and 15 minutes from Parramatta.

“The COVID lockdowns were a wake-up call. You had eastern suburbs residents who had beaches and pools within a 5km radius, but most people in the western suburbs didn’t have any options for taking a dip while travel restrictions were in place.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to drive this project forward to start the feasibility study and we look forward to receiving feedback from the community to help chart our path forward.”

Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said:

“For Western Sydney families, getting to the beach means expensive tolls, long hours in a car or on public transport and extensive time spent away from home or work. Opening up the Prospect Reservoir would be a huge win for our local community.

“Prospect Reservoir is one of Sydney’s most beautiful public places and it would be a game changer for families in the west if we were able to open it up for swimming and non-motorised watercraft.

“Getting these feasibility studies right takes time, so we won’t have an answer overnight, but we are looking at all options that would enable us to turn the reservoir into a public space that would benefit the community for many generations.”

Have your say about Prospect Reservoirlaunch

Aussie icon named after Aussie icons

A rescued female platypus puggle being cared for at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has been named ‘Matilda’ after Australia’s much-loved women’s soccer team record breaking run at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Matilda, nicknamed ‘Tilly’ for short, was around four months old when she was admitted to Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital in April 2023. She was in poor condition and weighed only 280 grams.

She had been found under a bush on the NSW Central Coast and was weak, severely malnourished and covered in ticks, all of which compromised her waterproofing making it difficult for her to swim and survive on her own.

Thanks to attentive, around-the-clock care from Taronga’s expert Platypus team who hand-fed her 6 times a day for 2 months, she started to improve.

Matilda, who is now approximately 8 months old, is eating and foraging on her own and recently weighed in at 694 grams.

The name Matilda means ‘bold, battlefield warrior’ and represents both our mighty women’s soccer team and Taronga’s puggle who is going from strength to strength.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We are incredibly proud of the Matildas and the spirit they have shown throughout the Women’s World Cup and Tilly is emblematic of that perseverance.

“We know their legacy will be remembered for generations and, now one of our most iconic native animals shares the same name.

“The work being done by Taronga Zoo to care for platypuses is absolutely vital and the recovery of Tilly is a testament to that.”

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“The performance of the Matildas during the Woman’s World Cup has inspired a conversation that will change women’s sport in Australia forever.

“It can be touch-and-go when rehabilitating a Platypus, and Tilly’s recovery is a testament to the calibre of the team we have working at Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital.

“Ensuring the survival of this iconic species is essential work for this government and that means protecting their habitat, addressing climate change and tackling plastic pollution.”

Taronga Wildlife Hospital veterinary resident Dr Jess Whinfield said:

“Each platypus we treat, and especially those that need intensive care like Matilda, offers an insight into their species and what we need to do to help them thrive.

“Tilly would have weighed a tiny 1.5 grams when she hatched from an egg the size of a marble. She then spent four months drinking her mother’s milk in the safety of the nesting burrow.

“After emerging, she has very quickly learned to swim and find her food – not by using sight, sound, or smell, but by using her bill to detect the tiny amounts of electricity her invertebrate prey produces.

“Everyone can help protect platypuses in the wild by responsibly disposing of fishing equipment and picking up rubbish – especially items such as hair ties and rubber bands which platypuses can become entangled in.”

Students name final mega-boring machine for Western Sydney Airport Metro after Dr Marlene Kanga AO

The fourth and final name of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project has been unveiled during a special launch ceremony at the Orchard Hills metro station site.

On hand to witness the launch were representatives from six local primary schools who participated in a Sydney Metro competition to name the machine. The students were the first to be introduced to TBM Marlene, the winning name submitted by Claremont Meadows Public School.

The machine is named in honour of Dr Marlene Kanga AO, recognising her significant contribution as a global leader in engineering and role model to women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

TBM Marlene will tunnel 4.3km, carving out the metro tunnel from Orchard Hills to St Marys alongside TBM Catherine, which is currently about 100m into its journey.

The 900-tonne TBM will tunnel on average 120m per week and is expected to arrive at the St Marys metro station site in mid-2024.

The naming competition was an opportunity for local primary school students to learn more about the new 23km metro line currently under construction from St Marys to the Aerotropolis that will transform travel in their area.

It also provided a chance for students to explore achievements of inspiring Australian women in the community, with all names submitted required to be female – a tunnelling tradition stemming from the 1600s when miners working underground prayed to Saint Barbara for protection.

All six schools that participated in the competition – Claremont Meadows Public School, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, Kurrambee School, St Marys South Public School, St Marys North Public School and Orchard Hills Public School – were commended for the significant thought and effort they put into their suggested names.

The launch of TBM Marlene means all four TBMs for the mega project are now in the ground, with TBMs Eileen and Peggy 1275m and 386m into excavating the 5.5km of tunnels between the Airport Business Park and the Aerotropolis, respectively.

New metro rail will become the transport spine for Greater Western Sydney, connecting communities and travellers with the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the growing region.

The Australian and NSW Governments have a shared objective of having Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport operational when Western Sydney International Airport opens for passenger services.

More information on the Western Sydney Airport Metro projectlaunch

About Marlene Kanga AO

Dr Marlene Kanga AO is listed among Australia’s top 10 women engineers and top 100 engineers. A chemical engineer, she was National President of Engineers Australia in 2013 and President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations in 2017-2019.

Dr Kanga has had an executive career in complex systems safety in the oil and gas and chemical industry. She is now a non-executive director and a board member at Endeavour Energy, Business Events Sydney, Standards Australia and formerly, Sydney Water Corporation and Innovation Australia. She is a director of iOmniscient Pty Ltd which has developed advanced video analytic technologies and Rux Energy Pty Ltd which is commercialising new materials for hydrogen storage.

She is Chair of the global Institution of Chemical Engineers Safety Centre, advancing complex system safety engineering internationally.

Dr Kanga is an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia, an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK), a Foundation Fellow of the International Science Council, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

She was the Engineers Australia 2018 Professional Engineer of the Year, received the Chemeca Medal in 2019 for contributions to chemical engineering and the Ada Lovelace Medal as an outstanding women engineer, in 2023. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia “for distinguished service to engineering, as a global leader and role model to women.”

Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“The students have done a great job naming this tunnelling machine after such an inspiring leader in STEM.

“The name Marlene was suggested by Claremont Meadows Public School, and it is fitting that students from nearby schools were here at today’s launch as this project will serve many generations to come.

“It has been a joy to have these local school children attend the launch and send the fourth and final TBM for this transformational project off in style.

“The entries from local schools demonstrated an awareness of the contributions and successes of many outstanding women, and I’m so pleased to see Dr Marlene Kanga AO recognised in this way.

“The naming of TBM Marlene is a tremendous legacy for its namesake, and I look forward to tracking the machine’s progress as the tunnel advances from Orchard Hills to St Marys.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Major construction is well underway on the Western Sydney Airport Metro, with the fourth and final tunnel boring machine launching its journey to build Sydney’s newest rail tunnels.

“It is fantastic to see local schools get involved and learn more about this vital transport link that will revolutionise how people will move in the area putting Western Sydney on the doorstep of the rest of the world.”

GREENS FORCE ALBANESE GOVERNMENT TO SPILL THE BEANS ON VIP FLIGHTS FOR POLITICIANS

The public has paid millions to fly senior politicians around on “special purpose” VIP flights according to documents forced from the Albanese government by the Greens.

After hiding the truth for more than 12 months the documents were finally released this week and they show more than $3.75 million spent on VIP flights for the new Prime Minister since just May last year.

If flights taken to support his role as Leader of the Opposition are included the cost rises to over $5.3 million.
Meanwhile the new Defence Minister has taken $2.9 million in special purpose VIP flights and the Governor General has cost taxpayers more than $1.9 m to be flown around for his largely ceremonial duties in the same period.

While the numbers are enormous, the full details of the flights are still being hidden by Defence who allege that telling the public where politicians flew last year would cause security concerns.

Greens Senator and Defence Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

“For a government that promised transparency they sure have needed their arms twisted to spill the beans on these VIP flights.

“This is an eye-watering bill to fly senior politicians around in VIP flights.“Of course there’s a need to fly the PM around for offical duties, but this PM is billing taxpayers harder and faster for VIP flights than any before him.

“The refusal, apparently for security reasons, to tell us where the flights went is a very convenient way to avoid serious scrutiny.

“It’s hard to see what credible security risk there is from telling us where politicians were flown to 12 months ago,” Senator Shoebridge said.

Documents available for download belowFile

Attachment	Size
Defence FOI 702_22_23 – Documents.pdf	3.33 MB
Defence FOI 702_22_23 – Schedule of Documents.pdf	117.43 KB
Defence FOI 702_22_23 – Statement of Reasons.pdf	432.24 KB

Vietnam Veterans’ Day

This Vietnam Veterans’ Day will hold a special place in the hearts of our veterans of Vietnam as well as their families. This year we mark 50 years since Australia formally declared its cessation of hostilities in Vietnam bringing an end to our longest war of the 20^th century.

Today we stop to remember the 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam, the more than 3,000 who were wounded, and the 523 Australians who fell in that foreign land.

In a controversial and polarising conflict which engendered public protest on the home front, the service and sacrifice of soldiers was often forgotten. At the time, public opinion often failed to draw a distinction between the politics of war and the people who fought in it.

Having returned home, veterans found that their communities, colleagues, friends and even families neither understood, nor wanted to understand what they had experienced. Some were subjected to outright hostility and accused of war crimes. Others were met with ingratitude or indifference. Many did not receive adequate medical support to deal with their wounds, seen and unseen. Our veterans of Vietnam deserved so much better.

In the decades since the Vietnam War, we have come to acknowledge our nation’s historical mistreatment of many who returned. And we have come to tell stories of the endeavours, valour and sacrifice of Australians who served in Vietnam – to see beyond the politics and rightfully honour the people, their character and their deeds.

Today we remember the Nashos – the 15,000 Australians who served in Vietnam having been conscripted under the National Service Scheme. Their birth dates were pulled from that ‘lottery of death’. But they went to war without complaint. As the Official History notes, contrary to perceptions at the time, the levels of compliance were high, with less than 1.5 per cent failing to register.

Today we also remember the soldiers’ experiences. The gruelling 12-month tours of duty of which a demanding 80 per cent of time was spent in the operational field. The brutal nature of a predominantly ground war with no front lines. The constant patrols. The search and destroy missions. The perils of mines, booby traps, protracted guerrilla warfare and hit-and-run attacks at night. The unrelenting risk of ambush from an enemy who had infiltrated South Vietnam and could be present in any village, jungle, mountain, swamp, rice paddy or rubber plantation. The intense engagements which began without warning and were typically fought at close quarters of less than 30 metres.

And today we remember those major battles like Long Tan, Coral-Balmoral, Binh Ba and others where, testimony to the Anzac spirit, Australians again proved their mettle.

Our dutiful act of remembrance on Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a threefold promise. A promise to the past to honour the fallen. A promise to the present to thank those Vietnam veterans still with us. And a promise to the future to afford all veterans with the proper treatment and dignity they deserve.

As we look around the world at periods characterised by resurgent authoritarianism, we can better understand the strategic reasons behind Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War. Indeed, we can better appreciate the values for which Australians shouldered arms, shed blood and sacrificed so much. Australians stood with our friends against those hell-bent on conquest.

Vietnam is a reminder that the values we hold dear endure beyond any conflict – provided we never become indifferent to defending them. Our region would look very different today had Australians not fought to defend those values in Vietnam.

To all our Vietnam veterans:

In this important commemorative year, Australians express our profound national gratitude to you. You did your duty. You showed courage, camaraderie and commitment in extremis. You are revered equally among all the Anzacs who have served and sacrificed for our country and helped to defend liberty. You have a secure place within Australia’s pantheon of war heroes. On your day, Vietnam Veterans’ Day, we honour you. We thank you. We commit you to our national memory and to always remember you faithfully.

City of Newcastle steps up war on waste with free community workshops

City of Newcastle (CN) is empowering residents to join the war on waste with a new series of free workshops designed to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.

Almost 30 face-to-face and online events are being delivered as part of the Low Waste Living Program, arming residents with information on how to reduce household waste and manage the rising cost of living.

The workshops will be presented by experts in their field and cover a diverse range of topics including the benefits of cloth nappies, easy green cleaning, seed saving, composting, keeping backyard chickens and how to make your own natural skincare products.

CN’s popular Repair Café at Lambton Library is also going on the road to reach more residents, with events planned at Wallsend Library and Hamilton South Community Centre, while tours of Summerhill Waste Management Centre and the Wallsend Op-Shop Trail are also included in the program.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the workshops are designed to give people the knowledge to take action, and aligns with the commitments made under City of Newcastle’s 20-year Sustainable Waste Strategy.

“Every year, Australians send more than 6.2 million tonnes of organic waste and 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste to landfill, and spend between $2,200 and $3,800 on food that ends up being thrown out,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our Sustainable Waste Strategy is focussed on reducing unnecessary waste going to landfill and changing the way we return, reuse, repair and recycle resources.

“City of Newcastle is making a significant investment towards this goal through our planned material recovery facility and organics processing facility at Summerhill, which will provide the infrastructure needed for residents to easily increase their recycling rates.

“This investment is complemented by initiatives such as this Low Waste Living Program, which inspire changes in community attitudes and behaviours around general environmental sustainability, waste reduction, avoidance and recycling while continuing to promote local repair and reuse initiatives.

“Our Libraries and Waste Services teams are collaborating with community partners Catholic Care Social Services, Wallsend Town Business Association and Hunter Multicultural Communities to ensure these free workshops reach as many people as possible within our community so that we can encourage and empower them with practical ways to reduce waste around their home.”

The program was launched with the Newcastle Repair Café and Seed Library Workshop at the Hunter Multicultural Communities in Waratah earlier this month and will continue next week with online workshops including Get into Cloth – Reusable Nappies on 22 August.

To find out more about these and other sessions visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blog/low-waste-living

City of Newcastle delivers million-dollar investment to support innovative local business projects

City of Newcastle (CN) has opened applications for its City Centre and Darby Street Special Business Rates (SBR) program, with $900,000 in funding available for projects designed to promote, beautify and develop the precinct.

The opening of the City Centre/ Darby Street program follows the recent awarding of $150,000 in funding for seven projects in the Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend precincts, with successful projects ranging from a street art festival to an op-shop trail.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Newcastle Councillors with SBR funding recipients and business community representatives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the SBR program provided invaluable support for City Centre and suburban business precincts, with economic outcomes that flowed through to the wider Newcastle area.

“SBR initiatives such as West Best Bloc Fest, which will see 80 local music artists perform in venues across the city, and the Small Walls beautification project, are proven to not only attract an influx of visitors but also drive new and expanded economic opportunities for our local hospitality venues, arts and cultural sector,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what creative applications come through from this next City Centre and Darby Street SBR round and also congratulate the successful applicants from Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend, as we continue to create vibrant, activated spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

SBR recipient and Newcastle Pride president Lee-Anne McDougall said the funding will help deliver a diverse range of LGBTIQ+ free and ticketed events throughout Hamilton during the Newcastle Pride Festival in October.

“We’ve developed a program of LGBTIQ+ community events aimed to delight and entertain the Hamilton community and visitors with ‘Roving Real Queens of Hamilton’, drag bingo, a dance party and much more thanks to SBR support,” Ms McDougall said.

Councillor Carol Duncan said initiatives like the SBR program provide a great way to involve local businesses and the community in the development and promotion of their own business precincts.

“The SBR suburban program will this year support seven truly innovative projects, which I can’t wait to see come to life in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend,” Cr Duncan said.

“Beaumont Street is set to come alive in October with LGBTIQ+ community events delivered by Newcastle Pride, bringing visitors to the area and building on the recent success of the Hamilton Night Noodle Markets.”

Expressions of interest for the City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding round close on Friday 15 September.

For more information about the Special Business Rate program visit City of Newcastle website.

Hamilton SBR projects:

Newcastle Fringe 2024
The project will build on the Fringe Festival’s existing presence on Beaumont Street by expanding the number of shows with more family-friendly events and micro-performances in local businesses.
Newcastle Pride Festival 2023 – Hamilton
Newcastle Pride has developed a diverse range of free and ticketed events to be delivered throughout Hamilton during the Newcastle Pride Festival in October. The project incorporates daytime and evening events for all ages, including ‘Roving Real Queens of Hamilton’, drag bingo, cocktails and a dance party.

New Lambton SBR projects:

Little Festival New Lambton
A whimsical street art festival walking trail featuring live street art painting on temporary and permanent structures, miniature installations, sculptures, stencils, chalk artworks, paste ups, yarn bombs, repurposed found objects, workshops, pop-up exhibitions and activations throughout the business precinct.
Joan’s Inner Power Creative Program
A four-day cultural and creative program set to activate the New Lambton precinct during New Annual festival. With a focus on the voices of women and gender diverse artists, this program will connect communities, celebrate stories and inspire social change through art and creative dialogue.

Wallsend SBR projects:

Wallsend Op Shop Trail
In collaboration with Wallsend Town Business Association, Samaritans, and the other four op shops on Nelson Street, the Wallsend Op Shop Trail is designed to encourage visitors to visit Wallsend on weekends.
Streets Alive Wallsend!
A series of all-inclusive two-hour pop-up events will be held in the Wallsend business precinct, providing entertainment and activities that encourage the local community and visitors to inhabit their public spaces with a sense of play, wonder and connection.
Up&Up Inspirations ArtScape Community Festival
UP&UP Inspirations will transform Wallsend Skate Park into a vibrant hub of creativity, catering to youth and families, featuring street art workshops, DJs, live music performances, and live street art painting exhibitions.

Changes to the public sector to provide laser focus on housing and energy challenges

NSW Premier Chris Minns has today announced that the Department of Planning and Environment will become two new departments to better deliver on the Government’s priorities of addressing the energy challenges, climate change, the environment and housing.

The NSW Government is committed to keeping the lights on for NSW households, leading the essential transition to clean renewable energy, setting up the Energy Security Corporation, securing the future of our natural environment, as well as addressing the cost of living by ensuring housing is more affordable.

From 1 January 2024, the Department of Planning and Environment will be split into two new dedicated entities, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The new departments will be joined by the Office of Energy and Climate Change which is currently in Treasury.

There will be no changes to Ministerial portfolios. The changes have been made following a detailed review and analysis of services and programs.

The Public Sector Review is ongoing and any further machinery of government changes will take place post the budget.

The 2023-24 Budget and Appropriations Bill will be presented on 19 September on the basis of current administrative arrangements.

All changes to machinery of government covered in today’s announcement, due to take effect from 1 January, will be reflected in full in the 2024-25 Budget.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our government will always keep people at the heart of our decisions, and it’s clear that we need to align our agencies with the most important issues facing our communities.

“That’s precisely what this change is designed to achieve.”

“The new Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water pulls together the collective environmental expertise of government into one place – creating a team ready to tackle one of our biggest challenges in energy security.

“The changes announced today will also provide a renewed focus and deep expertise to address the housing crisis.”

Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“We went to the election with a commitment to taking serious action on Climate Change and addressing the decline in biodiversity.

“This new department brings these key tasks together and will allow the Minns Government to deliver on our election commitments and focus on the future of NSW.

“This future secures clean energy, drives economic growth for households and businesses and protects our air, our water, our soil and our plants and animals.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s my job to make sure there is enough housing for people in NSW.

“We inherited a housing crisis more than a decade in the making and know how challenging the housing situation is for everyone.

“We’ve already established new planning rules which encourage the construction of more homes.

“We’ve reformed infrastructure contributions to get roads, schools, health services and open spaces delivered faster in areas of high housing growth.

“These changes combined with departmental changes, will hone our housing delivery focus.

“I look forward to the new approach and fresh ideas that will be generated by bringing together the best minds and expertise in the public sector.”

Minister for Housing and the Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Our government is focused on bringing solutions to the table that are thorough and informed.”

“We want to create a government for the future not just right now. Part of that work means pulling together the right teams.

“As the Minister for Water, this new department not only makes sense but is absolutely crucial to ensure NSW is ready for the future.

“We know that climate change, pollution and land management are some of the biggest risks to water quality and security.”