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Greens call for Moratorium on Data Centre building until High Quality Standards are in place with Mandatory Obligations on Proponents

Greens respond to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s AI speech.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications, arts and environment and chair of the inquiry into AI data centres:

“AI is the new extractive industry, if we don’t have the right rules in place big tech companies will take our resources and leave Australians with little to show for it.

“We need a moratorium on the building of data centres until there are laws in place to properly regulate their impact in Australia including energy, water use, environment and communities.

“It is essential that we get the rules right. To do that we need a pause on the approval and construction of new hyperscale data centres while we do this important policy work.

“Just because big tech companies want to move at hyperspeed, doesn’t mean that we need to fast track and roll out the red carpet for them. We need to take the time to get this right, if we don’t there will be serious consequences for our energy grid, water, environment and climate.

“The Albanese Government needs to show the Australian people that they are more than just talk when it comes to putting the interests of Australians ahead of the interests of big AI companies.

“Today’s announcement that there will be rules for the building of data centres is welcome, but with more than 90 data centres already in the pipeline we cannot allow a free for all in the meantime.

“A key part of getting the rules right is protecting Australian artists, creators, journalists and copyright holders who all need their work protected from the extractive AI industry.

“AI companies want to build data mining factories that strip mine our knowledge, culture and intellectual property. This is theft. We do not allow other industries to pick and choose what laws apply to them, big tech should be no exception to this.

“The test for the Albanese Government will be how strongly they protect Australia’s knowledge, culture and environment.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for digital rights:

“If this government was serious about accountability it would be building an independent regulator and giving it strong statutory powers, not just building another door inside the PMs office for tech lobbyists to knock on.

“This is another power grab from one of the most centralising PM on record, keen to ensure he doesn’t face another rogue Minister with a vision for serious regulation of this technology.

“Providing government data for US AI companies raises real questions about consent, privacy and surveillance risk for all Australians and it’s hard to see how it’s in the public interest.

“A coordination office in Canberra doesn’t stop a single kid getting harmed tonight, and no amount of branding changes the fact that this government still hasn’t legislated a single enforceable protection.

“Not only does this announcement not provide any meaningful steps for building sovereign capability, the PM is also leaving Palantir embedded in the agencies holding Australians’ most sensitive information including Defence.

“The Prime Minister points to Five Eyes as if that settles the sovereignty question, but our closest security partner is also home to the AI companies that are the biggest security risks across the public and private sectors.

“He’s calling this an AI for Australia plan but the future he mapped out is controlled by American billionaires, not Australian communities.

“Australians need an independent AI regulator with real powers, mandatory guardrails, and legislated protections for kids, workers and creators.

“What we got today was a red carpet for Meta, Palantir and Amazon that leads straight to the PM’s office.”

Podcast pulls mask off Hanson’s billionaire-funded hatred

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Acting Leader of the Australian Greens:

“Pauline Hanson’s on a holiday with a billionaire, spouting racism and Islamophobia in a hotel room paid for by a different billionaire’s media empire – trying to turn Australians against one another.

“This latest insight into Pauline Hanson’s mind is scary stuff, but unsurprising. Her sit down interview with convicted criminal and professional hate monger Tommy Robinson is the latest in a decades-long career of her spreading the same, hate-filled message.

“Harking back to a white Australia and piling hate on Muslims and migrants is disgusting, blatant racism. This hate doesn’t exist in headlines or in a vacuum, it has a material impact on targeted communities and One Nation knows that.

“They don’t want people fighting the system making their lives harder, they want people fighting each other.

“The Australia of One Nation’s fantasies is a mean and selfish place where pointing the finger at your neighbour and punching down on Muslims becomes the norm, where women’s rights are wound back, and where we fight each other for scraps dropped from above by the billionaires pulling the strings.

“Labor and the Liberals have created the conditions for One Nation’s hate to rise, by constantly putting their corporate donors’ interests ahead of people’s and dogwhistling on migrants.

“The One Nation scam of pretending to be anti-establishment while being bankrolled by billionaires and right-wing media is clear for everyone to see. Hanson goes on holiday with a billionaire in a luxury hotel in Italy and still has the gall to tell you it’s migrants making it hard for you to pay your rent.

“I have taken on Hanson and the far-right in parliament, on the streets and in the courtroom. Now is the time to fight back and show people that something different is on offer. We want to see a country where everyone feels safe, welcome, and has everything they need to thrive and live a good life.”

AI in Australia’s interests

The Albanese Labor Government will introduce a world-leading artificial intelligence framework to ensure Australia can capture the opportunity, share the benefits and keep Australians safe.

We will do that the Australian way – without undercutting conditions, dividing communities or damaging our environment.

The Government will introduce a set of Australian Standards for AI, building on the Data Centre Expectations, with our values as the benchmark to ensure AI works in Australia’s interests.

The new standards will set out clear rules for large data centres— including a legal obligation to underwrite their own new power supply, pay their full share of connection costs so energy bills are not impacted, reduce power when needed to strengthen the grid, and be as water efficient as possible.

The Federal Government will also work with State and Territories to ensure large data centres are built in the most appropriate locations, and with input from local communities.

Effective today, the Office of AI will be established within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to accelerate implementation of the Australian Standards on a national level.

The Government’s approach will be considered by National Cabinet in August, with standards expected to be legislated early next year.

The implementation of these standards will deliver a simple, consistent regulatory framework for large data centres and AI training and be the first to be legislated by a government worldwide.

The Government’s approach will help further grow Australia’s economy, strengthen our sovereignty, secure benefits consistent with our national interests, and lift our standard of living.

The AI Standards will deliver greater clarity, speed up approvals and streamline the process for verifying compliance with energy, water, safety and other requirements.

The Government will also ensure the strongest possible protection for Australian artists and media.

Our approach will ensure Australian writers, artists and journalists retain ownership over their work, meaning no company should use Australian creative works to train AI without the artist’s control.

The Government will also outline its whole-of-government AI consumer safety priorities in coming weeks, building on the recent establishment of the AI Safety Institute.

The Government has every confidence that Australia can seize this moment of technological advancement and make it our own, while ensuring AI stands for Australia’s interests.

the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“This world leading framework is about Australia choosing to shape the future rather than letting the future of AI shape us.

“This framework is about protecting our national interests and ensuring certainty for growth, jobs and investment.

“If we set our national standards high, then we can make AI stand for Australia’s interests.

Senator Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science

“A Future Made in Australia is all about shaping Australia’s industrial and technological future in the national interest and in the interest of every Australian.

“That means securing critical AI investments here so Australians shape the future.

“Australian Standards for AI strengthen Australia’s framework to make sure AI investments are on Australia’s terms and strengthen our resilience, security and economy.”

Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy

“Australia has an opportunity to ensure that new technology delivers inclusive, safe and sustainable growth, with shared benefits for our workers, and the community.

“Establishing a clear and enforceable social licence for AI is fundamental towards achieving this objective.”

Albanese must explain his assurances on Big Build corruption

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has serious questions to answer following fresh allegations of corruption and improper government intervention on Victorian Big Build projects.

On ABC’s 7.30 on 30 June, the Prime Minister was asked whether he had sought assurances from Premier Jacinta Allan that Commonwealth funding would not end up in the hands of organised crime. His response was unequivocal: “Well, of course.”

Just two weeks later, The Age today has published fresh allegations from a former senior Victorian Health Building Authority executive alleging government intervention on behalf of the CFMEU on a Commonwealth-funded hospital redevelopment, alongside further reporting of alleged corruption and criminal influence across Victorian Big Build projects.

These allegations raise serious questions about the assurances the Prime Minister claims he received from the Victorian Government.

Australians deserve to know what assurances the Prime Minister received, whether he still stands by them, and whether he remains confident that Commonwealth taxpayer funds have been properly protected.

The Prime Minister cannot simply rely on assurances while serious allegations continue to emerge. He owes Australians an explanation.

The Albanese Government should stop hiding behind assurances and heed the calls of almost 50,000 Australians who have signed Senator Maria Kovacic’s petition for a Senate inquiry into CFMEU and construction sector corruption. The Coalition stands ready to support such an inquiry when the Parliament next meets.

Inclusivity the goal as construction begins at Tarro and Lambton

City of Newcastle has kicked off more than $2.5 million worth of upgrades at two Newcastle sports fields experiencing a significant increase in female participation across different codes.

Funded by City of Newcastle and the NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program, Tarro Reserve and Johnson Park at Lambton will each receive a new amenities building complete with female friendly change rooms, an accessible toilet, a canteen, a referees’ room and storage.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the upgrades will support the city’s growing population.

“These facilities are vital community assets that host a range of sports including football, cricket and touch football,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Tarro Reserve and Johnson Park have seen female participation in cricket expand by more than 130% since 2024.

“The number of female footballers using Tarro Reserve has grown from 11 in 2024 to 144 this season, with those numbers expected to increase over the next few years.

“Female-friendly change rooms will support increased participation by women and girls, allowing them to train and compete in a safe and inclusive environment.

“The upgrades will also provide improved accessibility, ensuring we have more appropriate facilities for people of all ages and abilities.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said sporting infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growth of women’s sport.

“Through the Level the Playing Field Fund, the Minns Labor Government is committed to removing barriers for women and girls in sport, so everyone can participate in an environment that makes them feel safe and supported,” Mr Kamper said.

“These projects ensure more equitable and inclusive access, so all members of the community feel comfortable taking part.”

The amenities at Johnson Park will complement improvements already completed by City of Newcastle including new LED floodlighting that meets modern standards for training and matches, along with drainage improvements.

City of Newcastle also completed the construction of a new playground at the southwest corner of Johnson Park in December.

The old playground at the intersection of Bindera and Wyong Roads will be demolished to make way for the new amenities building.

The existing toilets in the southeast corner of Johnson Park will be demolished when the new building is complete.

Construction at both fields is expected to be completed by early 2027.

This July will also see City of Newcastle upgrade facilities at Waratah Park with the installation of a new toilet block near the existing playground.

The work forms part of the Waratah Park Masterplan, which was endorsed by the Sports Infrastructure Working Party in 2025 following community consultation.

New life for mine site as $1.8b pumped hydro project approved

A major pumped hydro project with the potential to power up to 120,000 homes has been given the green light to transform a former mining site into a renewable energy generator in the Gloucester Valley.

The $1.8 billion Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar project will boost energy security and bring investment and jobs to the Hunter, with up to 350 construction jobs and 10 ongoing jobs.

This project will bring lasting benefits for the region, including around $18.2 million over the life of the project for community and infrastructure projects through a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Mid Coast Council.

Located, about 100 kilometres north of Newcastle, the project will sit on the Stratford Mining Complex site where coal mining operations ended in 2024, providing a productive and innovative future for the post-mining land.

The project by Gloucester Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Yancoal Australia Limited, includes a 300 megawatt (MW) pumped hydro power station with 12 hours of energy storage and a 320 MW solar farm.

To generate electricity, water will be transferred between a new upper reservoir and an existing dam via a tunnel, with water for the initial reservoir to be sourced from the existing mine site.

It will provide “firming” energy by storing surplus electricity generated during the day during and releasing it to generate electricity at peak times in the evening. It is forecast to deliver around 13 per cent of the State’s 2034 long duration storage target.

Declared Critical State Significant nfrastructure (CSSI) in June 2024, the project is a crucial component of the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, a 20-year plan to diversify the energy generation mix, and provide energy security as NSW moves away from coal-fired power.

The coal to renewable energy evolution happening in the Hunter is also demonstrated in the Port of Newcastle.

While the Port of Newcastle remains the largest coal export port in the world, it is also now a critical gateway for renewables infrastructure. The port is the entry point for everything from wind turbines, to solar panels and battery energy storage systems to enable energy projects across the Hunter and beyond.

The Minns Labor Government has supported this evolution by declaring part of the Port of Newcastle State Significant Infrastructure, consolidating approvals for updates to the Port which will add flexibility for future operations.

Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has approved 52 renewable energy projects that, when built, will generate enough electricity to power 5.1 million homes.

There are currently more than 57 renewable energy, storage, pumped hydro and transmission projects under assessment in NSW. If approved, these 12.9 GW of generation projects could produce enough electricity to power about 6.68 million homes.

A further 107 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects are at various stages in the planning pipeline.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government backing jobs in the Hunter for decades to come, alongside pilot sites, to rezoning mines into employment land and its commitment to establish a long-term pipeline of passenger train manufacturing in the region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“This is exactly what planning for the future looks like.

“We are taking a former mine site and giving it a new purpose powering up to 120,000 homes across New South Wales.

“This is a major vote of confidence in our region. We have the land, infrastructure, and skilled workforce needed to deliver the next generation of major energy projects.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is the first pumped hydro project to secure final planning approval in NSW in 6 years. It’s a sign of our commitment to a clean energy future and the beginnings of an evolution of jobs and energy generation in the Hunter to power homes and businesses.

“Projects like Stratford Pumped Hydro also show how we can make the most of former mining sites and create new jobs and industry which will help to drive the region’s economic growth for decades to come.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp said:

“The Port of Newcastle is the mouth that feeds the state’s transition to renewable energy.”

“This project is a great glimpse into NSW energy future, reusing a former mining site for new and innovative renewable energy technologies.”

Full steam ahead on Muswellbrook Bypass

The $381 million Muswellbrook Bypass is powering forward with early work well underway and a refined design to deliver safer journeys, faster freight movements and better outcomes for the local community.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the Australian Government is investing $304.8 million and the NSW Government $76.2 million to deliver the transformative New England Highway upgrade.

The bypass will reshape travel through the Upper Hunter by diverting around 2,500 heavy vehicles a day away from Muswellbrook’s town centre, creating safer roads, more reliable freight movements and a more connected community.

Every day, around 20,000 vehicles travel through the heart of Muswellbrook.

Once complete, the bypass will provide a free-flowing 100 km/h alternative route for through traffic, cutting congestion, improving travel time reliability for freight operators and reducing conflicts between heavy vehicles, local traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.

The project’s refined design delivers a safer, more resilient and more efficient road network.

Key refinements include:

a safer intersection at Milpera Drive

improved northern and southern connections

better local road access

a dedicated U-turn facility on the New England Highway north of the project.

The updated design also reduces flooding impacts, improves traffic movements and minimises property acquisition.

The project is expected to provide a significant boost to the regional economy, supporting about 720 jobs during construction.

Early works are progressing across the project, with the Aboriginal cultural heritage salvage program, undertaken in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, completed in late 2025. Utility relocation work is underway, and dynamic compaction work is now progressing on a section of the alignment crossing a backfilled open-cut mine ahead of major construction.

Completing this work ahead of the main construction contract will help reduce project risk and minimise potential delays during construction.

The project is also moving closer to major construction, with shortlisted applicants progressed to the Request for Tender stage.

The project has been fast tracked with main construction expected to start in 2027.

For more information visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/muswellbrook-bypass-new-england-highway.

Alongside the bypass, Wybong Road and Bengalla Link Road have now both been officially re-categorised as state roads, recognising their strategic importance to the regional freight network.

The reclassification means the NSW Government will take responsibility for their ongoing maintenance, reducing costs for Muswellbrook Shire Council.

Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain said:

“With early works well underway and a refined design finalised, we are powering forward to deliver this $304.8 million Australian Government investment, ensuring trips across the Upper Hunter will be quicker and safer, sooner.

“By moving heavy vehicles onto an alternate route and removing traffic lights, we will fast-track freight movements and save critical time for motorists and truck drivers traveling through the Upper Hunter.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“The Minns Labor Government’s $76.2 million investment in this bypass is about delivering the infrastructure the Hunter has been waiting for.

“The Hunter powers our state, and we’re making sure the infrastructure keeps pace with its ambition by backing families, businesses and the jobs that drive this region forward.

”There is nowhere else quite like the Hunter and this project is another important step in securing its future.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Muswellbrook Bypass is one of the most significant road projects underway in the Upper Hunter. It will take 20,000 vehicles out of the town centre, making local streets safer while giving freight operators a faster, more reliable route.

“And it’s not the only win for the region. For years, Muswellbrook Shire Council asked the former Liberal and National Government for help with these roads, and for years they were ignored. That government promised to reclassify 15,000 kilometres of roads across the state and never delivered.

“We’re getting on with the job they walked away from. I’m proud that Wybong Road and Bengalla Link Road are now officially reclassified as state roads, with the NSW Government taking on responsibility for these important freight links.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:

“For a long time, the people of Muswellbrook were just told about a bypass, but now they can actually see it happening.

“We are getting closer to having heavy traffic flowing away from the town centre, which will make our local streets safer and quieter, and give locals their community back.”

Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“I’ve seen firsthand what 20,000 vehicles a day rattling through Muswellbrook does to this town – the noise, the wear on streets, the risk to families crossing the road.

“This bypass finally takes that pressure off. Combined with recategorizing Wybong Road and Bengalla Link Road, we’re backing the freight routes this region relies on.

“I look forward to seeing the project progressing over the coming months.”

Call out for foster carers across the Illawarra and South Coast

The Minns Labor Government is appealing to people across the Illawarra and South Coast to change a child’s life by becoming a foster carer, with over 50 local children needing foster care.

Right now, there are 37 children in the Illawarra and 14 children on the South Coast who cannot live safely with their families and need the love and stability provided by foster carers.

There is an acute need for all types of foster carers on the South Coast, where a shortage of local carers means that children may need to live further from family and friends.

Across the Illawarra there are sibling groups, some with children under 5 years old, who often wait the longest for a suitable home so that they can stay together.

There is also need for more local respite carers. Becoming a respite carer is a great way to start fostering children, by providing just a few days of care for kids to help other foster carers.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering historic investment to boost the training, support and financial assistance to better equip foster carers to support the children in their care.

This year, the Foster Care Allowance was increased by 20 per cent and the emergency carer payment was more than doubled to $200 per child.

This is the first time these payments have been increased in over two decades.

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“We are asking more people in the Illawarra and South Coast to become foster carers to help vulnerable kids across the region.

“There are many ways you can provide foster care – emergency, respite, short term and long term. Even by offering a few days or weeks of care over the holidays, you can become part of the village that vulnerable children need to thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering more support for foster carers because we value and respect the critical role they play – opening their hearts and homes to kids in care.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Our government is delivering reforms that better support people becoming foster carers, because we want more safe homes for kids across our communities, including throughout the Illawarra.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“Foster carers come from all walks of life. You can do it from a few days to a few weeks, but it takes a village to raise a child, and we need to wrap our local village around these vulnerable kids.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I’m proud that we are delivering increased support for foster carers, including the first real increase to the foster care allowance in over two decades.

“We are part of an incredibly generous community, and I would urge anyone who has ever considered fostering kids in need of some love and a safe place to call home, now is the time to make the enquiry.”

Member for the South Coast Liza Butler said:

“There’s a real need for more people to become foster carers on the South Coast. We want local kids to stay connected to their community, family and friends and we need more foster carers to make it happen.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“We need people in our communities to make room for vulnerable children who can’t live safely with their own families. The government cannot do this alone but we’re providing increased support for the generous people who can care for these kids.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice Michael Tidball said:

“We are focused on recruiting more foster carers in the Illawarra and South Coast, so local children who cannot live safely at home can remain close to their schools, friends, culture and support networks.”

“We have a particular need for carers who can support sibling groups and respite carers who can provide valuable support to existing foster families.”

“Foster carers are never expected to do this alone. DCJ provides training, practical assistance, financial support and access to dedicated caseworkers who walk alongside carers every step of the way.”

Major projects cementing Western Sydney Aerotropolis as a centre for industry and innovation

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the transformation of both the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Bradfield City into a nationally significant centre for industry and innovation, with construction commencing today on a new state-of-the-art building at Bradfield City and the approval of a new $1 billion industrial estate in the Aerotropolis.

Marking another major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s first new city in 100 years, Bradfield City’s Second Building is dedicated to building sovereign manufacturing capability, attracting advanced industries and creating high-value jobs in Western Sydney.

The purpose-designed 7,000 square metre building will house Australia’s first commercial Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Facility, providing local businesses with access to the world-class advanced semiconductor packaging, micro-electronics and precision manufacturing capabilities needed to commercialise Australian innovations onshore.

Advanced semiconductors are a critical supply chain for advanced technologies and industries which Sydney already excels in. There are only about 13 of these in the world.

Having this facility in Bradfield City will mean that technology that is developed in Australia can be industrialised here, when historically those innovations go overseas.

Featuring ISO 5 cleanroom laboratories supported by advanced microscopy, electronics, taping and dicing capabilities, the facility will help drive breakthroughs in critical fields such as quantum computing, photonics, sensing, communications and medtech.

The new building will also include:

A second advanced manufacturing hall to expand the capabilities of the initial Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) opened last year, helping businesses develop, test and scale new technologies more quickly.
Commercial office and collaboration space for businesses in high-growth sectors to locate within Bradfield City’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Delivered by leading Australian builder Hansen Yuncken, the Second Building will be located next to the first AMRF facility already operating in the heart of Bradfield City.

The combined $300 million NSW Government investment across the two facilities will create the type of industry enabled environment found in leading innovation precincts around the world.

This will attract local and global businesses across semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and robotics, education and research, cleantech, and modern construction, supporting a critical mass of advanced industry activity in Western Sydney and the delivery of new jobs and economic opportunities for the region.

Bradfield City sits alongside a growing pipeline of private investment and development across the broader Western Sydney Aerotropolis, including a new $1 billion industrial estate given planning approval earlier this week.

Jointly owned by Uni Super and IFM Investors, Burrah Park is the largest industrial estate approved in the Aerotropolis to date and is expected to create more than 6,300 ongoing jobs in freight, logistics, advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries when finalised in 2032.

The proposal includes early commitments from international logistics giant DHL Supply Chain (Australia), which plans to establish a world-class 24/7 warehouse and distribution operation within the estate.

Designed as a next-generation industrial estate, the plans integrate sustainability, smart technology and 26 hectares of dedicated parklands for conservation, recreation and community use. These spaces will be open to workers, residents and visitors, offering places to be active, relax and enjoy.

The concept proposal for the entire estate has been approved, as well as the first stage of the development which involves the construction of three logistics centres and the staged delivery of major infrastructure such as upgrades to Elizabeth Drive and earthworks to support future warehouse and logistics operations.

Burrah Park is the eighth State Significant Development to be approved in the Aerotropolis, which is fast establishing itself as a destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and industrial investment, supported by the global connectivity provided by Western Sydney International Airport opening this month.

The Aerotropolis will contribute towards 200,000 new jobs in the broader Western Parkland City area, with a $31 billion investment pipeline.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be creating new opportunities for Western Sydney and ensuring the industries of the future are being built right here in NSW, in the heart of growing communities.

“These investments are driving the creation of jobs, industries and economic opportunities where local residents can build their careers closer to home.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a brand-new city from the ground up, and we’re attracting investment and industries that will benefit the region for generations to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“By delivering ambitious projects like the Second Building to house Australia’s first commercial Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Facility, Bradfield City is creating the conditions for advanced industries to invest, innovate and grow in Western Sydney.

“We are also seeing continued investment in the Aerotropolis as a place to do business, with significant investment and development occurring across manufacturing, logistics, technology and industrial sectors.

“Projects like these demonstrate how Bradfield City and Aerotropolis are places where businesses can expand right in the heart of Western Sydney close to a talented, skilled and diverse workforce, supported by world-class infrastructure and growing industry capability.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“Supporting local manufacturing is critical to building resilience in our supply chains and helping us withstand global shocks.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility and the Second Building will help deliver high value, skilled jobs and create opportunities for Western Sydney workers to work in advanced industries and drive innovation across the economy.

“This is an important part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild manufacturing in NSW and support local jobs.”

UniSuper Head of Property, Kent Robbins said:

“We’re very pleased to reach this important milestone. Burrah Park is a premier logistics and industrial and offers unparalleled development flexibility and is primed to benefit from the region’s demographic and economic expansion.”

IFM Investors Chief Investment and Development Officer Real Estate, Will Walker, said:

“Burrah Park offers a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a marquee asset that has been designed to support Australia’s future freight and logistics needs while contributing to the long-term economic development and job creation across Western Sydney.”

Upper Hunter to host first NSW trial of smart intersection safety technology

Drivers in the Upper Hunter will soon be part of a trial of smart highway technology designed to make one of the most dangerous driving manoeuvres – turning into a busy highway – safer for all motorists.

The Rural Intersection Speed Zone (RISZ) system – the first of its kind to be trialled in NSW – will soon be switched on at the intersection of Ulan Road and the Golden Highway near Cassilis, between Merriwa and Dunedoo.

Using radar, the system detects vehicles approaching the intersection on Ulan Road and temporarily lowers the speed limit on the Golden Highway using Variable Speed Limit Signs. The reduced speed creates safer gaps in traffic, giving drivers more time to react and allowing vehicles entering the highway—particularly larger, slower-moving vehicles—to merge more safely before the speed limit returns to normal.

Designed specifically for rural intersections, RISZ aims to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes while avoiding the need for permanent speed reductions on high-speed roads.

The fully self-contained, solar-powered system combines vehicle detection, Variable Speed Limit Signs, communications and remote monitoring technology in a single unit managed through a centralised control system.

The technology was designed and built by Transport for NSW’s Operational Technology Infrastructure team at Yennora in Western Sydney.

While similar systems are used in Victoria, this is the first trial of its kind in NSW. The trial will start in early August and will run for 12 months.

The trial is part of the Smarter Highways initiative, which is delivering innovative technologies to improve the safety, reliability and resilience of the NSW highway network.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter has always been a place of firsts – a place where ideas are tested, proven and put to work. Trialling this new, smart technology is another example of our region leading the way and delivering practical outcomes.

“We all have a role to play in making our roads safe and this trial is about using innovative technologies to help keep people safe on our roads in the Upper Hunter.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Road safety has traditionally focused solely on seatbelts and speed limits. Today, as our roads become busier and the vehicles using them change, technology is helping us tackle the next generation of road safety challenges.

“I’m very pleased this new technology, designed and built in NSW, will be trialled in the Upper Hunter. A region home to significant freight movement and busy road corridors.

“We know risky behaviours like not driving to the conditions or sudden breaking contributes to deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“The technology uses radar to detect vehicles approaching the intersection and temporarily lowers the speed limit on the highway. This creates safer gaps in traffic, helping larger and slower vehicles enter the highway more safely.

“This is just one of the Smarter Highway trials the Minns Labor Government is rolling out across regional NSW – harnessing technology to address known issues and make our roads safer”.

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“This initiative is a great example of smart technology solving a real problem for drivers in our region.

“It’s great to see the Upper Hunter at the forefront of testing new technology that could benefit communities right across the sate”

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/smarter-highways-program