Transformation of iconic harbourfront precinct takes next step

Work has begun beneath Queens Wharf as preparations get underway for the safe demolition of the fire-damaged western building.

Building inspections will get underway today before the work moves under the wharf later next week, pending favourable swell and wind conditions. Workers will use a small boat to carry out investigations underneath the structure before a floating pontoon is installed to enable the isolation and relocation of utilities connected to the site.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said the upcoming demolition of the western building is a critical first step in unlocking the future potential of the precinct.

“The transformation of Queens Wharf is a significant undertaking for City of Newcastle, which will deliver a new future for one of our city’s most iconic waterfront precincts,” Ms Hyland said.

“Some people would be unaware that this site and the majority of the adjacent road is built on piers above the harbour.

“The complex nature of the sub-structure means there is some preparatory work that needs to be completed as part of the safe and carefully managed demolition of the vacant western building.

“While not all progress will be immediately visible, this work is an essential step in transforming Queens Wharf and enabling the long-term revitalisation of the site.”

This services relocation work will take around two months to complete and will occur both under the wharf and inside the building.

Site establishment for the demolition of the building will begin after the services work is completed.

Access to the ferry and public promenade will be maintained during this period. Once demolition is complete, a range of short-term activations will be implemented to encourage the community and tourists to continue to enjoy the harbourfront site.

Queens Wharf has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. 

It includes two separate buildings – the western building which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel, along with two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. 

Revitalisation of the precinct received strong community support, with almost 1,800 comments and suggestions received by City of Newcastle during a recent community engagement process, with 97% endorsing the overall vision for the project. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest information about Queens Wharf visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Critical trackwork on the Blue Mountains line

Transport for NSW has halved the length of scheduled trackwork of the Blue Mountains rail line, to reduce further impact on communities already affected by the ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

Scheduled prior to the unforeseen closure of the Great Western Highway in March, the trackwork was planned to last two weeks. The trackwork has now been reduced to one week by delaying all non-time critical work.

Intercity passenger rail services will not operate between Mt Victoria and Lithgow from 2am on Monday 25 May to 2am on Monday 1 June and on the weekend of Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, the closure will extend between Lithgow and Blacktown.

The safety critical works include overhead wire renewal on vulnerable parts of the network which use an older fixed tension system and are vulnerable to the extreme temperature changes during the Blue Mountains winter. Critical works also include rail grinding, rail welding, and track defect removal.

Replacement buses will operate with an additional 25 trips during the week and two Bathurst peak‑hour services will continue to operate from Lithgow Station in the morning, departing at 6:50am and 8:48am. In the afternoon, two peak‑hour services will run from Bathurst to Lithgow, arriving at 5:46pm and 8:12pm.

In response to the 2025 Independent Rail Review the Minns Labor Government has invested $423.4 million over the next four years towards an asset renewal program targeted at upgrading rail tracks, signalling, and overhead wiring across the network as well as drainage in flood-prone areas.

As the rail reliability investment rolls out, the Minns Labor Government is also accelerating the re-opening of Mitchells Causeway on the Great Western Highway, with two consortia led by Seymour Whyte and Gamuda shortlisted to deliver the safest and fastest solution.

The NSW Government acknowledges the significant impact for communities across the Blue Mountains and Central West and has committed $50 million towards improving the safety and resilience of key detour routes through the Blue Mountains and Central West. More than $15 million worth of work has already been completed.

Public transport uplifts introduced earlier this year will remain in place during the closure including NSW TrainLink’s free turn-up-and-go coach services currently used by more than 300 passengers each week.

Passenger are encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info/trip-planner or downloading the Opal Travel App.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We know the Victoria Pass closure is causing a lot of pain for communities either side of mountains. We’re sorry this trackwork will add to that disruption, which is why we’ve cut it as short as we can by delaying any non-time critical work.

“As we learnt with the big Homebush rail shut down last May, overhead wire faults can lead to enormous disruption. We can not let that happen at a time where the train line is a critical alternative to the Great Western Highway.

“Rail reliability is a key focus for our government, which is why we’re investing $424.4 million into network maintenance and improvements, and that includes the Blue Mountains line which is more important than ever during the Mitchell Causeway closure.”

Minister Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Maintenance on our rail lines is critical, and our Government continues to get on with the job of important, and targeted rail maintenance programs to ensure people can get to work, to appointments and to school.

“We acknowledge the ongoing impacts for Blue Mountains and Central West communities as a result of the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

“As we work towards a fix for the Highway, this rail maintenance program will ensure the Blue Mountains line can continue to be a reliable transport option for communities.”

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:

“Thank you so much to everyone in my community for their patience during this extraordinarily disruptive time.

“The train service is a crucial part of daily life in the Blue Mountains, especially as we live through the road closure, but we can’t afford to let it deteriorate and add further long-term pain to our transport situation.

“I want to thank my colleagues for finding a way to halve the shutdown time and thank the community for their understanding.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“Sydney Trains is carrying out planned critical upgrades and essential maintenance work to improve service reliability.

“During this time, passengers impacted by the closure of the rail line and the Great Westen Highway can use free turn-up-and-go coach services daily between Bathurst and Katoomba, stopping at Mt Victoria and Lithgow Stations.

“Trackwork is planned 12 months in advance so as much can be carried out at once to minimise the number of shutdowns in each area of the network.

“Sydney Trains apologises for the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience as we carry out this essential work.”

Construction begins on NSW’s first end-to-end green hydrogen hub

Construction has started on NSW’s first end-to-end hydrogen and ammonia production plant, The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project, near Moree.

GEGHA’s plant will boost NSW’s ability to produce essential fuel and fertiliser locally and help make farming supply chains more reliable in the face of global disruptions. It will also cut emissions from local fertiliser production, transport and heavy machinery.

The project is scalable and repeatable, representing a model that can be rolled out across regional NSW to increase domestic manufacturing and develop energy security through sovereign supply chains for key industries.

Overall, 93 local jobs will be created during the construction and ongoing operation of the project.

The plant will produce up to 4,500 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia per year, replacing imported, fossil fuel-based fertilisers and removing up to 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from farming, which equates to taking 6,500 passenger cars off the road.

The ammonia will be used to produce green fertiliser for Sundown Pastoral Company’s Keytah Farm – a 65,000-acre sustainable cotton and cropping operation, one of the largest in the Gwydir Region – as well as other agricultural properties in New England.

The plant will also produce more than 200 tonnes of green hydrogen per year to reduce diesel use in irrigation pumping on-farm and in heavy-vehicle refuelling.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of $45.2 million in the project through the NSW Hydrogen Hubs Initiative and the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative. Through this funding, the Minns Labor Government is delivering local jobs, boosting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on fuels such as diesel.

GEGHA is jointly led by New Zealand’s Hiringa Energy and the Moree-based Sundown Pastoral Company and is expected to be operational in 2027.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“The start of construction on GEGHA marks a major milestone for hydrogen capacity building in NSW, showing how clean energy investment can deliver real benefits for regional communities, industry and farmers.

“The current fuel shock shows why projects like this are so important – they help make farming supply chains more reliable by reducing our need for imported fertilisers.”

Hiringa Energy Co-founder and CEO, Andrew Clennett said:

“We are delighted to be able to begin construction of the unique hydrogen and ammonia elements of this project, which has so much potential for the regional NSW farming community.

“In particular, GEGHA is testament to the power of the relationships we have across project partners, especially Sundown, the NSW Government and NAB. I’m very proud of Hiringa’s record of delivering leading green hydrogen and renewable projects, but that doesn’t happen without strong collaboration across many parties.”

Sundown Pastoral Company Owner, David Statham said:

“Recent fuel and fertiliser supply pressures have highlighted how exposed regional industries remain to volatile international markets, reinforcing the need for greater local energy resilience.

“Australia is very vulnerable when it comes to imported fuel and fertiliser. Farmers live and breathe those pressures every day. We need to find another solution to insulate regional economies that are dependent on agriculture, and this shows it’s possible.”

Minns Government boosting Western NSW’s workforce participation with 176 additional childcare places

The Minns Labor Government is boosting the workforce in Western NSW by investing an additional $4.9 million into early childhood education and care services into the high need locations of Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires.

The upgrades and expansion work, funded through the Government’s Regional Development Trust, will deliver 176 additional childcare places and 26 new jobs.

Childcare shortages in Western NSW place increasing strain on essential worker employment and reduce opportunities for parents and carers to return to work, education or training.

The childcare availability in these three LGAs are amongst the lowest in NSW. The Minns Government is continuing to support regional communities and families by addressing significant childcare shortages to improve workforce participation and build essential services.

This latest funding builds on the success of the $5.6 million announced in November 2024, which is creating more than 150 additional childcare places in Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar.

The Regional Development Trust will provide the funding to the following services:

  • Hay Children’s Services Incorporated – $1,843,794 to undertake a full renovation and fit-out of its early learning centre to double its capacity, creating 15 new jobs and adding 120 extra childcare places.
  • Riverina Children’s Activity Van Inc. – $1,312,548 to provide mobile services in Goolgowi and deliver a purpose-built demountable at Rankins Springs Primary School for Early Childhood Education and Care, creating two new jobs and providing 16 extra places in Goolgowi and Rankins Springs Preschools.
  • Dunedoo Pre-school Kindergarten Inc. – $755,450 to expand its storage shed and upgrade play equipment, kitchen and laundry facilities, and will create three new jobs and add 12 extra places.
  • Warrumbungle Shire Council – $636,000 to expanding its Connect Five mobile early education service from fortnightly to weekly and upgrade its fleet vehicle and storage facility, creating five new jobs and adding 20 extra places.
  • Baradine Preschool Inc. – $388,050 to refurbish its facility to offer an Out of School Hours Care program in the morning and afternoon for children in primary school, creating one new job and adding eight extra places.

The Minns Government’s plan to rebuild the workforce in regional NSW is being addressed through a range of programs such as this Western Workforce Activation Program focusing on making extra childcare spaces available, and The Welcome Experience that’s attracting essential workers to make the move to regional towns.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Access to quality childcare should not depend on where you live, and this investment will help more families in Western NSW access the early learning services they need close to home.

“These additional childcare places will make a real difference for parents and carers who want to return to work, study or training, while also helping local businesses and essential services attract and keep staff.

“By expanding and upgrading early childhood education services across Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires, we are creating jobs, supporting regional communities and helping rebuild the workforce in Western NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional families have access to the same opportunities and essential services as families anywhere else in the state.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This Minns Government funding will deliver real improvements for families in Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires, helping local early childhood services expand capacity and better meet community demand.

“Access to quality childcare is essential for strong regional communities, and these upgrades will support families where it is needed most, and at the same time help us rebuild essential services with the additional workers we need.

“Childcare shortages limit workforce participation and by investing in expanded facilities, service improvements and workforce development, the Minns Government is helping parents and carers return to work, education or training while supporting local employers that are keen for workers.”

Emily Perkins, General Manager, Hay Children’s Services said:

“Hay Children’s Services is proud to share it has been awarded funding through the Western NSW Workforce Activation Program, a significant investment that will support the expansion of our Early Learning Centre and strengthen the delivery of early childhood education and care across our community.

“This funding will enable us to increase capacity, improve facilities, and create a more engaging and supportive environment for children, while also supporting the attraction and retention of a skilled local workforce.

“We recognise the importance of this initiative in addressing regional workforce challenges and are committed to ensuring more families in Hay and the surrounding region have access to high-quality, accessible early learning services.”

Warrawong Seawall works begin as parklands transformation takes shape

Construction is underway on the new Warrawong Seawall, marking the first major milestone in the revitalisation of Warrawong Parklands and the Lake Illawarra foreshore into a renewed waterfront destination for the Illawarra community.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $5 million to deliver the new seawall at Kully Bay as part of the broader transformation of Warrawong Parklands into a more accessible, vibrant and resilient public space.

The existing seawall along the promenade has significantly deteriorated due to ongoing erosion, forcing sections of the foreshore to close.

The new seawall will replace the ageing structure, restore safe public access to the northern foreshore and help protect the area from future erosion and storm impacts.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the seawall will incorporate environmentally sensitive features to support marine habitat, improve ecological outcomes and strengthen the natural environment along the lake edge.

This work kicks off delivery of the Warrawong Parklands Masterplan, which outlines a long-term vision for the foreshore including new recreation areas, community gathering spaces, walking connections and nature-based play opportunities.

The project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering better public spaces, improving access to open space and creating healthier, more liveable communities across NSW.

Construction will be undertaken in line with local and state environmental management frameworks, including the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program (2019) and the Wollongong Coastal Zone Management Plan: Management Study (2017).

The new seawall is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. For more information visit NSW Planning.

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

“We’re getting on with revitalising Warrawong Parklands, and the construction of the new seawall is the first step in restoring access to this important foreshore and bringing it back to life for the local community.

“This project will restore safe access to the waterfront, help protect the foreshore from future erosion and deliver a more resilient and environmentally sustainable public space.

“Lake Illawarra is one of the region’s great natural assets, and this project will help preserve and enhance the foreshore so it can be enjoyed by local families and visitors for generations to come.”

Design unveiled for new Moss Vale Ambulance Station

Moss Vale and surrounding communities are being given a first look at the design for the new Moss Vale Ambulance Station which will boost emergency and mobile medical care across the Southern Highlands.

The new Ambulance Station will be located on Lackey Road, Moss Vale and is part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, to bolster frontline emergency services.

The modern, purpose-built ambulance station will include internal parking for up to eight emergency ambulance vehicles, on-site vehicle wash facilities, administration and logistics areas, multipurpose spaces, staff amenities including a gym, and on-site parking.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

NSW Ambulance identified Moss Vale as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls. The new ambulance station will optimise response performance to better meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

The Minns Government is delivering 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

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

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

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We’re backing our paramedics with the modern infrastructure and resources they need to deliver high-quality emergency care for communities across NSW.

“More ambulance stations, more paramedics, faster response times, and better patient outcomes.

“The unveiling of the design for the new Moss Vale ambulance station marks another step towards delivering a vital health service for the Moss Vale and Southern Highlands communities.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva:

“Local paramedics will have a purpose-built ambulance station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care to the local community when and where it is needed.

“The new ambulance station will bolster the network of ambulance stations across the Southern Highlands and south-western Sydney regions and support existing ambulance stations in the local network including at Bowral and Picton.”

Minister visits NSW’s busiest remand prison to thank staff on National Corrections Day

The Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong is today visiting the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) at Silverwater Correctional Complex to thank staff for their service.

The visit marks National Corrections Day, an annual opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of corrective services staff who work around the clock to keep communities safe.

At MRRC, the following recipients will be honoured with National Corrections Day awards: the Immediate Action Team, the Darcy Intake Screeners, the Senior Service Integration Management Unit, and Overseer David Vile.

MRRC is the state’s largest and busiest remand facility.

The correctional centre plays a critical role in the NSW correctional system, receiving offenders directly from court and managing remanded inmates as they move through the justice process. The centre processes around 22,000 offenders each year, with most inmates being released on bail or transferred to another NSW correctional centre, making it a fast‑paced and demanding environment for staff.

It is facilities like MRRC that highlight the importance of National Corrections Day, which is observed across Australia and New Zealand to recognise the vital work of correctional employees in both custodial and community settings.

Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) staff are responsible for overseeing more than 14,000 inmates within the state’s 36 prisons and supervising 35,000 offenders in the community. Every day, staff operate in complex, high‑pressure environments to uphold safety and security.

The CSNSW workforce includes around 5,100 custodial officers working in prisons, 2,300 Community Corrections staff, and nearly 3,000 personnel employed in psychology, program, education, industries, and corporate professional roles.

CSNSW continues to attract people motivated by purpose and public service, offering a unique and rewarding career where employees contribute directly to community safety. Staff are supported through comprehensive training, clear career development pathways and a strong focus on wellbeing.

National Corrections Day morning teas, gatherings, and awards ceremonies will be held across the state’s prisons and community corrections offices.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Today is about saying thank you to the men and women who do this vital work, often out of the public eye, to keep the NSW community safe.

“Staff at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre work in one of the busiest and most complex correctional environments in the state, and their professionalism and commitment deserves recognition.

“National Corrections Day is a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge both our uniformed and non‑uniformed staff and the important role they play every day.”

CSNSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said:

“Our staff play a critical role in upholding the law and order of our community, while supporting offenders to change the course of their lives.

“National Corrections Day is an opportunity to say thank you, for the difference our staff make through their work.

“Their unwavering commitment to rehabilitation at every stage changes lives and helps keep the community safe. This outstanding service deserves the highest recognition and deep gratitude.”

BACKGROUND

Immediate Action Team

The MRRC Immediate Action Team is being recognised for its outstanding professionalism, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the MRRC.

Operating on a continuous 24 hour basis, the team of 28 consistently upholds high standards of immediate incident response while managing the highest volume of incidents of any centre across the state.

Beyond providing critical incident responses, the MRRC IAT plays a fundamental role in enhancing the safety and order of the facility. Their vigilance and proactive approach have contributed to a substantial disruption of organised inmate activity and the prevention of serious security threats.

Time and time again, the team has proven their dedication to protecting staff and inmates. Their service brings great credit to themselves, the MRRC, and the broader Correctional Services New South Wales network.

The Darcy Intake Screeners

The Darcy Intake Screeners – a small yet critical team of 11 dedicated employees – engage with inmates in what is often the most complex and volatile period of their custodial experience. This team is recognised for their tireless work to ensure every individual is screened properly and promptly, maintaining professionalism amid high emotion and demand.  

Ensuring inmates are properly assessed for their safety and security in custody is fundamental in determining the way the inmate is managed and is therefore critical in keeping our community safe.

Overseer David Vile, Community, Industry & Capacity

David is a highly valued member of the MRRC Industries team, known for his adaptability and unwavering commitment to facilitating great outcomes for inmates. His ability to step into any role and perform to a high standard reflects his strong work ethic and passion to contribute to meaningful change.

He is recognised for his professionalism and sound judgement, consistently contributing to the smooth and reliable operation of MRRC Industries.

David approaches every task with dedication, always striving to deliver his best. He actively builds his knowledge and capability, drawing on past experience to inform thoughtful, effective decision-making.

Senior Service Integration Management Team

The MRRC SSIM team is being recognised for leading the centre with professionalism and strong leadership.

Abiding by the principles of care, fairness and integrity, the team of seven has supported staff through change, while also maintaining operational stability.

The team’s collaborative approach has strengthened capability, trust, and culture at MRRC at a time when such values are crucial. 

Moor than an average wreck: Oldest colonial era boat preserved for permanent display

Australia’s oldest surviving colonial-era boat, discovered under layers of tidal sand and mud during excavation for the Barangaroo metro station, will be go on permanent display at the Australian National Maritime Musuem.

The nine-metre boat made from Sydney Blue Gum, Stringybark and Spotted Gum sourced in the Sydney basin, is believed to be around 200 years old and spent about 150 years buried under wharves, warehouses and shipyards on what was once a small harbourfront beach.

The boat was built using the “clinker” technique of overlapping timber planks to make up the hull and is believed to have been used to transport goods around Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River.

Discovered during the Sydney Metro excavation at Barangaroo in 2018, the boat has been the subject of detailed conservation work and is now in the hands of Australian National Maritime Museum after being delivered in a refrigerated truck container due to its importance and delicate state.

The museum has begun to prepare the boat for permanent exhibition

The 294 individual pieces of timber have been treated with Polyethylene Glycol, a product that reinforces the cell structure of the wood and reduces further degradation.

It has been used on several other notable recovered shipwrecks, including the Mary Rose, the Bremen Cog, Batavia, and the Vasa.

Polyethylene Glycol was added in increasing concentrations into tanks holding the timbers before remaining in the solution for a year-and-a-half.

The boat was then snap frozen and transported to Braeside, Victoria, to be professionally freeze-dried.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Sydney Metro is the most modern form of transport in Sydney, and it is a nice bit of symmetry that it was construction of the metro line that unearthed the nation’s oldest colonial era boat.

“This is a piece of Australian history we are determined to protect for many more centuries to come.

“I want to thank those who carefully excavated the boat, preserved it and the Australian National Maritime Museum for giving it a permanent home so generations to come can get a unique look at was life on Sydney Harbour in the early 1800s.”

Design unveiled for new Bargo Ambulance Station

The Bargo community are being given a first look at the design for the new Bargo Ambulance Station which will boost emergency and mobile medical care in the Macarthur region.

The new Ambulance Station will be located on Great Southern Road, Bargo and is part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program to bolster frontline emergency services.

The modern, purpose-built Ambulance Station will include internal parking for up to eight emergency ambulance vehicles, on-site vehicle wash facilities, administration and logistics areas, multipurpose spaces, staff amenities including a gym, and on-site parking.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, following planning approval and appointing a builder.

NSW Ambulance identified Bargo as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls. The new ambulance station will optimise response performance to better meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

The Minns Government is delivering 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

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

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

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We’re backing our paramedics with the modern infrastructure and resources they need to deliver high-quality emergency care for communities across NSW.

“More ambulance stations, more paramedics, faster response times, and better patient outcomes.

“The unveiling of the new Ambulance Station’s design marks another step towards delivering a vital health service for communities in the Bargo and Macarthur region.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan:

“Local paramedics will have a purpose-built ambulance station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care to the local community when and where it is needed.

“The new ambulance station will bolster emergency care for the Bargo community and support existing ambulance stations in the local network including at Bowral and Picton.”

Labor Spokesperson for Wollondilly Mark Buttigieg MLC:

“Equipping our paramedics across NSW, especially in our rural and regional areas with the quality resources they deserve is vital to supporting and strengthening our communities.”

“This significant investment ensures that communities in Bargo and the Macarthur region receive quality care within their local area”

The Forest High School returns bigger and better to a new home

Students and staff have welcomed the opening of the new Forest High School, as the Minns Labor Government delivers on its promise to build world-class infrastructure across NSW.

The ribbon will be cut on the new campus today by the Premier, alongside the Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan and Principal Nathan Lawler.

Now on Allambie Road, Allambie Heights, the $160 million Forest High School is a comprehensive co-educational high school for up to 1,500 students, with views across the Northern Beaches.

The new school includes 73 classrooms and three special support unit classrooms, a library, canteen and administration spaces, an outdoor synthetic sports field, five basketball courts, landscaped recreation and outdoor learning areas, and more than 180 parking spaces for bicycles and scooters.

Forest High School is a local school of choice. Its supportive environment and strong community engagement help every student thrive, with explicit teaching used across all year levels to help deliver strong academic results.

The new school location remains within the current intake area for The Forest High School, ensuring a smooth transition for students who will continue their educational journey at the existing school site until the completion of the new school.

Over the past two years, two thirds of the school’s HSC students have achieved results in the top three bands, its highest proportion in recent years.

Across NSW, 230 new and upgraded public schools are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s record $9 billion commitment to rebuild public education.

This record investment is backed by $100 million for new specialist facilities to deliver programs for high potential and gifted students across 33 partner schools through the Inspire program, and by a teacher workforce with the lowest vacancy rate in 12 years.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Today is an exciting day for students, teachers and families on the Northern Beaches as we officially open the new Forest High School campus.

“This is exactly the kind of investment growing communities deserve – a brand-new public high school with modern classrooms, outstanding sporting facilities and high-quality learning spaces that will support students for generations to come.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“We’re excited to open the brand-new Forest High School, which shows this Government’s investment in public education in the Northern Beaches.

“There is a strong sense of community and values, and high expectations at The Forest, and the new facilities will be a perfect match for them.

“I am confident it will be a beacon of excellence in the area for generations to come, where every student is inspired to reach their full potential.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“This is a proud day for The Forest High School and for public education in Wakehurst. It’s great to see the Premier here today recognising the importance of this investment in public education on the Northern Beaches.

“This day has been a long time coming. The vision for this relocated campus was in the works since my early days as Mayor.

“The new school campus is a huge step forward with modern classrooms, facilities and great spaces for sport, performance and student wellbeing.

“I want to thank the teachers, staff, students and families who have carried the school’s strong community spirit into its new home.”

Principal Nathan Lawler said:

“Our state-of-the-art facilities open up wonderful opportunities for our students, and I am especially excited to see our creative students showcase their talents in the performance theatre.

“We have high expectations of our students, and we now have the facilities to match the effort they’re putting in and what we’re expecting from them.

“By working together as one unified community, we will continue to grow and thrive, always focused on serving our students.”