Category: NSW News

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

After helping nearly 27,000 people overcome barriers to obtain their driver licence, Transport for NSW is launching a new initiative to train Aboriginal driving instructors, boosting access to culturally safe licensing support in communities across the state.

Established as part of Transport for NSW’s successful Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP), this Australian-first initiative supports Aboriginal people to become qualified instructors, enabling them to help people in their communities learn to drive and gain their licence.

The first cohort includes 20 Aboriginal participants from the Far West, Western, Northern and Southern regions of NSW. Once training is complete, the initiative will expand to more communities across the state.

Aboriginal driving instructors bring local knowledge, cultural understanding and trusted relationships that can make the learning experience more accessible and supportive for people working towards their licence.

By investing in Aboriginal leadership, the initiative will strengthen access to culturally safe driver licensing support, while creating qualifications that provide pathways to long-term employment.

For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped remove barriers to licensing by supporting people build the skills, confidence and driving experience needed to obtain a driver licence.

Funded through the NSW Community Road Safety Fund, the program reinvests revenue from road fines into road safety initiatives that help keep communities safe.

Since the program began, almost 27,000 people have been able to achieve their driver licence through more than 258,000 hours of free supervised driving lessons across 19 community-based providers.

For information about the Driver Licensing Access Program, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/driver-licences/driver-licensing-access-program

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to gain their licence, and this Australian-first initiative will help more Aboriginal people access culturally safe support from within their own communities.

“By training Aboriginal driving instructors, we’re investing in local leaders, employment and helping break down barriers that prevent people from getting their licence.

“For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped thousands of people build the skills and confidence they need to drive safely. This initiative builds on that success by putting communities at the centre of licensing support.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“This empowering initiative will provide meaningful jobs and give Aboriginal people opportunities to deliver driver education for their communities, enabling more people to be independently mobile.

“This is another community-driven solution from the Minns Labor Government that will leave a lasting impact of educational and cultural strength and economic and social independence, supporting our efforts to close the gap for Aboriginal people.”

Transport for NSW Director of Aboriginal Outcomes Jaymee Beveridge said:

“By supporting Aboriginal people to become qualified driving instructors, we’re creating meaningful employment opportunities while ensuring communities have trusted local people delivering culturally informed driver education.

“These instructors won’t just be teaching people how to drive. They’ll become mentors, role models and leaders who are creating opportunities for others while building stronger communities for the future.” 

The NSW Government’s H5 bird flu surveillance and monitoring program has confirmed a second positive case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza in a second wild migratory seabird.

Samples from a Giant Petrel found on Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest tested positive for H5 at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

This follows preliminary testing at the NSW Government’s laboratory at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI).

A national surveillance plan is in operation monitoring for detections and facilitating rapid response.

The Giant Petrel was found following a report made by a member of the public.

Surveillance operations are continuing across the state, and the Emergency Animal Disease hotline covering call-ins on potential birds spotted by the public or non-government organisations has been operating since June.

There are no signs of any mass mortality in the area or anywhere else in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.

Importantly, there have still been no detections of H5 in commercial poultry, native birds or any other animals in NSW, and the risk to human health remains low.

The State Coordination Centre has been operating at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s Orange Agricultural Institute since 19 June 2026.

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au

Acting Minister for Agriculture Yasmin Catley said:

“This is the second wild migratory bird to test positive however it is important to note that to date, H5 has not been detected in native birds or commercial poultry flocks in NSW.

“The detection of this bird demonstrates the Government’s increased and targeted surveillance and monitoring program is working as intended.

“The NSW Government has been preparing for a situation like this, and we remain well equipped to manage further impacts. Our State Coordination Centre has been operating since June and we are continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth Government.

“If you encounter a suspected sick bird, avoid contact and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said:

“This positive case is not unexpected, given the location and it shows that our enhanced surveillance is working.

“I would like to remind everyone that importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW.

“We are continuing to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments plus industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations. The risk to human health remains low.

“I would like to thank the public for their vigilance in avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment, recording what they are seeing and reporting any unusual sickness or mortality to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

“Our surveillance operations with Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers are underway and use innovative spatial mapping tools, decision-support systems and response databases to enable rapid and targeted action.”

Emergency response across southern NSW has been given a major boost with the completion of a state-of-the-art upgrade to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Southern Zone Headquarters.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $24 million to upgrade five NSW SES Zone Headquarters across the state, with Wagga Wagga now home to one of the most advanced emergency coordination facilities in regional NSW.

From major floods events to severe storms, the new headquarters will support emergency operations across one of NSW’s largest and most diverse regions, helping coordinate responses, during and after disasters.

The redeveloped facility on Fernleigh Road features a purpose-built, Level 3 Incident Control Centre (ICC), expanded training spaces, and modernised operational facilities designed to manage large-scale emergencies.

A Level 3 ICC is a facility used to accommodate an Incident Management Team (IMT) during preparation for or response to a large or complex incident (storm of flooding event).

The NSW SES Southern Zone covers a large footprint, spanning 27 Local Government Areas and 43 NSW SES Units across the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Upper Murray, and Central Murray River catchments.

The upgraded, fit-for-purpose hub includes:

• A state-of-the-art Incident Control Centre for seamless multi-agency coordination;
  • Dedicated work zones for specialised flood rescue coordination and public information operations; and
• Upgraded technology and amenities to support volunteers, staff, and partner agencies during prolonged, high-pressure operations.

This significant upgrade equips Southern Zone SES members with the technology and space required to lead major operations and protect communities before, during, and after floods and storms.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“The is an investment in preparedness. The outcome of every major emergency depends on good decisions made quickly and this facility will help make that happen.

“The public will often only see the response on the ground, but behind every major emergency is a dedicated team coordinating crews and resources, and making critical decisions.

“This new headquarters at Wagga Wagga strengthens that coordination, helping emergency services support communities more effectively during major incidents.  

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services are equipped to meet the challenges of the future to continue protecting the people of NSW.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“Communities across our region know how vital the SES is during floods and storms. This new HQ ensures our dedicated volunteers have what they need to coordinate major emergency responses.”

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM:

“This upgraded facility is a significant investment in the future of emergency management and reflects the growing demands placed on our volunteers and staff.

“The new Level 3 Incident Control Centre gives us the space, technology and capability needed to coordinate large-scale, multi-agency responses to floods, storms and other emergencies.

“Importantly, this headquarters will also support our people outside of major events, providing improved training, planning and operational spaces that strengthen our preparedness year-round.” 

The Southwest Metro has reached its biggest milestone yet, with trains now running the full length of the connected line between Bankstown and Tallawong, and the railway officially handed over to its operator, Metro Trains Sydney, as final testing gets underway ahead of opening later this year.

For the first time, the entire M1 Metro line is operating as one connected network, with trains successfully completing end-to-end journeys between Bankstown and Tallawong during weekend testing.

During weekend testing, every second train successfully completed a full run of the track from Bankstown to Tallawong, end-to-end operations will progressively be added, culminating in every service running to Bankstown as we get closer to first passenger service.

Passengers will continue to travel between Tallawong and Sydenham. But from today, those services will arrive on Platform 2 at Sydenham permanently for the first time before continuing through to Bankstown as part of testing (passengers will be required to get off the metro at Sydenham).

Citybound services from Sydenham will continue to operate from Platform 1. Passengers should check platform information screens and to listen for announcements while at the station.

Around 22,000 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing, and more than half of the required 9,000 hours of testing, is now complete.

The Southwest Metro extension of the M1 Metro Line will deliver capacity for an additional 17,000 people per hour during peak periods, transforming travel across one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions.

Southwest Metro will open later this year, with the exact date to be confirmed following the successful completion of trial running and receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

Southwest commuters will have fast and reliable metro, including:

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
• Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
• Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

As previously announced, M1 line closures will continue to ensure the safe and reliable opening of the converted line to Bankstown later this year.

Full line closures:

• Saturday 18 July to Sunday 19 July
• Saturday 25 July to Sunday 26 July
• Monday 27 July to Wednesday 29 July from 9.50pm nightly

Replacement buses will run between Tallawong and Chatswood, with Sydney Trains services between Chatswood, the City and Sydenham.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This is a really exciting milestone because it shows we’re in the home stretch. For the first time, Metro trains are now running all the way from Bankstown to Tallawong as one connected railway.

“I know communities across southwest Sydney have been incredibly patient while this work has been carried out. We’ve got a little more to do to make sure everything is thoroughly tested and ready before we welcome passengers.

“When the Southwest Metro opens later this year, it will completely change the way people travel across Sydney, giving thousands of people faster, more frequent and more reliable public transport every day.”

Acting Minister for Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is another significant milestone for the Southwest Metro, with trains now travelling from Tallawong to Bankstown as one connected line for the first time.

“While we work through the next phase of rigorous testing, passengers will still only travel from Sydenham to Tallawong, but we are powering closer to completion.

“Once the full line opens later this year, more than 18,000 Metro trips are expected between Bankstown and Central during the morning peak from 8am and 9am.

“With every major testing milestone, the Minns Labor Government is building momentum towards opening a world-class service for southwest Sydney.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“I’m so pleased to share this milestone with our community as the Southwest Metro gets closer to opening.

“I want to thank the whole community for your ongoing patience as we all see the progress being made on the Metro and our new improved stations. Every step forward is a step closer to catching the Metro – and it will be worth it.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“This milestone brings our community closer to fast, reliable metro services which will transform travel for people in the city’s southwest.

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the community for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“What an incredible milestone to reach as we edge closer to getting passengers on board. I’m thankful to everyone for their understanding as the pink buses keep people moving.

“The Southwest Metro will completely transform the way we travel in the inner west and help people choose public transport more often.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils are working together to secure the future of the Hunter, with new plans set to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region’s shift from coal into a major industrial hub.

The first major post-mining land transformations plans at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend have been revealed today delivering on the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.

These sites will be repurposed to create new jobs and industrial precincts that drive economic growth across the region.

The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are now on public exhibition. They map out how the Hunter’s skilled workforce combined with the proximity of strong rail, road, power and water infrastructure lay the foundation for the success of new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

The plans set out how the Mt Arthur and Macquarie coal mining areas will be transformed from supplying coal to providing new job opportunities as part of a post-mining land use trial.

The plans deliver on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments’ effort in the Hunter that land previously used for mining can be transformed for new employment and industry.

Mt Arthur coal mine, Muswellbrook

Following the commercial decision by BHP to cease mining operations at their Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030, two areas will be zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop.

Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:

• Total area of 5,400 hectares
• Over 950 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
• Approximately 5,900 new jobs.

Macquarie Coal Complex, Teralba/West Wallsend

The Macquarie Coal Complex, located just 20km south-west of Newcastle, is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

Macquarie Coal Complex is a former mine site and is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.

Key features of the draft master plan and rezoning proposal include:

• Total area of 1,160 hectares
• At least 500 hectares of developable land
• Up to 1,130 new jobs
• Around 36 hectares of new open space

Next Steps

A recommendations report will be handed down based on these pilot projects by the end of the year, setting out a clear reform agenda to streamline future post-mining land use opportunities.

This complements other work by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments along with local councils, already underway to investigate future rezonings at sites across the state including Eraring, Liddell and Bayswater.

The draft master plans are on public exhibition for 28 days from 14 July to 11 August. In-person drop-in sessions will be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie during the exhibition period, giving the community the chance to speak directly with the project team.

Community feedback received during this time will help shape the final plans, which are expected to be finalised by the end of the year. To view the proposals and have your say, visit Mt Arthur Mine or Macquarie Coal Complex.

Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:

“The Hunter has the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to lead Australia’s next wave of economic growth.

“These masterplans are about attracting new industries, creating high quality local jobs and cementing the region as a major hub for manufacturing and innovation –powering Australia’s economic resilience for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and we are making sure it continues to power our economy into the future.

“These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state’s economic powerhouses.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is acting now to plan for the Hunter’s future, including making the most of strategically located land and existing infrastructure.

“These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come and add thousands of hectares to the amount of available and serviced industrial land in NSW.”

NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“Coal mines in the Hunter have sustained communities and families for generations, and we want to make sure these sites can continue to support jobs even after mining ends.

“This is another example of how the Minns Labor Government is partnering with communities and industry to re-build manufacturing and industry across the Hunter.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:

“The Hunter’s next chapter has been built here, by Hunter workers, using Hunter skills. These plans are about turning former mine land into future job sites, with real opportunities in manufacturing, renewables, logistics and industry.

“We’ve got the workforce, we’ve got the know-how, and we’ve got the infrastructure. Now it’s about making sure local people are front and centre as these sites are transformed.”

NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing the Hunter, creating opportunities for local workers, businesses and communities as the region’s economy evolves.”

“The more than 7,000 jobs set to be created through these projects will make the most of the existing Hunters skilled workforce and help cement the region as a major industrial hub.”

Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said:

“This project is critical for our community. We need the land to attract new industry and create jobs, so Muswellbrook has a future after mining. We don’t have time to wait until mines close down to do this work.”

“This is not about letting mines off the hook. It is about balancing environmental, economic and social outcomes so Muswellbrook can achieve our potential and continue to power the future economy like we have been doing for decades.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said:

“The transformation of the Macquarie Coal Complex represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help shape Lake Macquarie’s future.

“By working in partnership with the NSW and Australian Governments and industry, we’re planning ahead to create new jobs and attract investment as the economy evolves.”