Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has announced that funding for fishing clubs and native fish stocking groups is now available for restocking regional rivers and dams with iconic native fish such as Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod.

These fish are also appreciated as highly sought after angling fish that support recreational fishing and local tourism.

The NSW Government is committed to delivering for recreational fishers and the NSW regional environment to preserve the many locations and lifestyles that are special for families and locals.

Two dollars in funding is provided from for every dollar raised by the community to purchase Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod from accredited commercial fish hatcheries for stocking into public waterways.

This program is part of the Government’s commitment to recreational fishers and helps boost native fish stocks to deliver enhanced fishing opportunities into regional waterways where factors such as carp and drought may have hindered native fish stock levels.

The program also supports the regional aquaculture ventures which produce the high-quality fish stock that are released release into public waters to benefit recreational fishers. These ventures provide local jobs in the regions at hatcheries and breeding sites.

Last year 70 grants were approved under the program and delivered fish stocks for local fishing clubs to restock waterways in places like Lake Cargelligo, Leeton, Walgett, Bermagui, Nowra, Goulburn, Tumut and Yass.

Australian bass live in coastal rivers along the east coast and downstream for breeding from may to August. Golden Perch occur throughout the Murray-darling river system and are migratory species following increases in water flow up stream during spring and summer.

Murray Cod encompass most of the Murray Darling Rivers and mature adults will travel long distances to spawn during spring and summer.

Fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed under a fish stocking fishery management strategy to ensure sustainability to ensure the activity is conducted with appropriate environmental controls and generates quality recreational fishing outcomes.

Groups interested in applying for the grants, can apply online before the closing dates for the Community Native Fish Stocking (CNFS) 2025/26 grants program. Fish stocking is expected to take place between November 2025 and April 2026.

A minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $6,000 per application per group is required.  Only one application per group may be submitted.

Applications to stock Australian Bass close on 28 March 2025. 

Applications to stock Golden Perch or Murray Cod close on 9 May 2025.

To apply https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/CNFS

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Our Government is focused on delivering great recreational fishing and environmental outcomes. This program delivers in every way for fishers by populating highly popular native sportfish in regional waterways.

“These fish stocking events will help diversify and enhance our valuable native fishery, increase fishing amenity and support local businesses.

“Millions of fish are produced and stocked by government and private sector hatcheries each year into rivers, streams and dams across the State to improve recreational fishing opportunities in NSW that create jobs for regional people.

“Native fish stocking provides many economic and social benefits, as well as positive environmental outcomes due to the importance of native fish in the landscape.

“This is another great example of your fishing licence fees at work. More information on fish stocking can be found online.”

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong has welcomed Building Commission NSW warning plumbers across the state to get up to speed on their supervision requirements or face fines in an upcoming targeted compliance campaign.

Only plumbers with a NSW Government-issued contractor licence or supervisor certificate can do plumbing work without immediate supervision* to ensure work is carried out to required standards.

To hammer home these requirements to industry, from June this year Building Commission NSW will conduct targeted compliance activities at sites across the state.

If workers without the right licence are found to be unsupervised, Building Commission NSW can issue fines of up to $1,500 per breach.

In the event Building Commission NSW finds repeated instances of workers being inappropriately supervised it can also suspend or cancel licences.

Since September 2024 Building Commission NSW has detected 17 instances of incorrectly supervised plumbing work, sparking concerns plumbers are not taking their obligations seriously.

In a recent compliance visit to an apartment building site in Port Macquarie, Building Commission NSW found five apprentices working unsupervised, resulting in the licensed plumber being fined $1,500.

Ahead of the compliance blitz, Building Commission NSW is rolling out a wide-ranging awareness campaign to ensure plumbers around the state know how to stick to the rules.

The awareness campaign will include direct emails to plumbers across the state, the distribution of newsletters, and engagement with peak bodies, industry and training organisations.

To further educate plumbers on the supervision requirements, TAFE NSW and Building Commission NSW have also launched a new Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting Regulation short course.

Developed in consultation with industry and subject matter experts, the new online short course also provides regulatory knowledge and best practice skills required by plumbing professionals.

TAFE NSW students undertaking their Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services can enroll in the course fully discounted until 1st October 2025.

For more information on the course, please visit the Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting regulation in NSW course webpage.

For more information on plumbing supervision requirements, please visit the Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work webpage.

*Building Commission NSW views ‘immediate supervision’ as the relevant licence holder:

• Always being physically present and with clear line of sight of the work being carried out by the person they are supervising.
• Being readily available to provide specific instructions and guidance to enable the work to be undertaken correctly by the individual performing it.
• Directly overseeing and reviewing the work.
• Ensuring the completed work is compliant and meets all regulatory requirements.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The Minns Labor Government aims to keep every part of the building industry in check through a strong regulatory presence, while also supporting the workforce to comply with its obligations.

“Building Commission NSW inspections have revealed a concerning lack of awareness about plumbing supervision requirements or even some plumbers deliberately cutting corners. 

“The point of these requirements is to make sure young apprentices work in a safe environment supported by more experienced workers who will ensure work is done to the required standards while also passing on skills to the next generation of plumbers.

“We want to give fair warning to the plumbing industry in NSW to pull itself into line and brush up on their supervision requirements.

“But when the inspectors’ boots hit the ground later this year, plumbers should expect the full weight of the regulator will be put behind the penalties they issue.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan:

“The Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting Regulation Microskill course is the latest in a range of courses developed in consultation with industry and subject matter experts aimed at providing the regulatory knowledge and best practice skills required by plumbing professionals to meet the state’s high standards of construction.

“The course provides engaging, flexible, and industry-responsive learning where students can progress at their own pace and have access to the course for up to six months from the day of enrolment.

“By offering this Microskill fully discounted to Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services students, TAFE NSW and Building Commission NSW are helping graduates build the right skills from day one.”

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard:

“Building Commission NSW is seeing a serious lack of awareness about plumbing supervision requirements, with inspectors consistently finding apprentices left on site unsupervised.

“What licenced plumbers need to remember, is that even if one of their workers has finished their studies at TAFE NSW, if they don’t have the right NSW Government licence they need to be supervised.

“These supervision requirements are in place to ensure the quality of plumbing work is maintained across NSW, protecting homeowners from expensive repairs down the track.

“In June our specialist trade inspectors will be out in force to ensure the industry is complying with the requirements, but in the meantime, plumbers are urged to get up to speed.”

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments have partnered with Balranald Shire Council to deliver a major road upgrade which is improving safety and access to the World Heritage Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes Region.

Marma Box Creek Road is a critical link to the World Heritage listed sites in remote south-western New South Wales and historically, around 26 kilometres of the road was dirt.

Now thanks to a $3.25 million investment from the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program and $900,000 from Balranald Shire Council, a 23.1 kilometre stretch of the road has been sealed.

Additionally, with investment from the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program of over $1.35 million, council is working to seal the final 2.9 kilometres of Marma Box Creek Road before the end of 2025, weather permitting.

These upgrades will significantly reduce road closures during wet weather and improve safety for local farmers, families and school students.

Tourists who visit the site will also benefit from safer journeys in the world-famous region where Mungo Lady and Mungo Man were discovered.

For the Mutthi Mutthi, Paakantji and Ngyimpaa people, the 40,000-year-old remains, and other evidence of their ancestors found in the area are an important part of their communal history.

The remains of Mungo Lady were returned to Lake Mungo in 1992, while Mungo Man’s remains were repatriated in 2017, both via Marma Box Creek Road.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The upgraded Marma Box Creek Road represents more than just improved tourism and freight infrastructure; it signifies a crucial link to the ancient cultural heritage of First Peoples.

“This investment not only enhances access to the area but also supports the preservation and sharing of Indigenous history dating back over 40,000 years.

“By facilitating safer and more accessible travel, this initiative promises to enrich tourism experiences and foster greater appreciation for the profound cultural significance of this unique landscape.”

Deborah O’Neill, Senator for New South Wales:

“This is a very special part of the world and a place that all Australians can be proud of.

“The Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery program provides critical funding directly to local councils for maintenance and upgrades like these works for Marma Box Creek Road. Investments like this mean better local roads for residents, and for tourists – and less pressure on councils and ratepayers.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Government investment in maintaining and upgrading rural and remote transport infrastructure is vital to keeping our communities connected, and for their economic growth. It’s reassuring to see continued investment in rural and remote NSW.

“Mungo National Park is a spectacular location in my electorate, a significant cultural site and hidden gem.

“It’s fantastic that the government is making this incredible part of the world more accessible for us to improve our knowledge of the heritage, culture and history of our First Nations people.”

Balranald Shire Council Mayor, Cr Louie Zaffina:

“This road is ‘the gateway’ to major tourism attractions in the area and an integral freight route for the area’s mining interests and local farms.

“Ensuring the road’s safety and resilience supports the longevity of the significant economic benefits and employment opportunities that are fed back into the nearby communities through these industries.”

Tanya Charles, Discovery Ranger at Mungo National Park:

“The improved all weather access to Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area brings added safety for visitors, tour operators, local and staff using the new road.”

An old Broken Hill mine site will soon be transformed into a first-of-its-kind compressed air energy storage system, delivering energy security, jobs and investment to Broken Hill.

The Minns Labor Government has provided planning approval for Hydrostor’s compressed air energy storage system with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) / 1,600 MW-hours (MWh). The Silver City Energy Storage Centre could power about 80,000 homes in peak demand and will maintain a reserve capacity of 250 MWh to provide back-up to Broken Hill during times of planned and unplanned outages.

The project is the first-of-its-kind in Australia. It utilises advanced technology that uses compressed air to store energy and generate electricity, without producing greenhouse gases.

The $638 million project will boost the local economy, creating up to 400 full-time construction jobs and around 26 ongoing operational jobs.

During periods of low-energy demand, excess electricity is used to compress air and store it in large underground caverns or tanks.

When energy demand is high, the compressed air is released, heated and expanded through turbines to generate electricity.

The project will be supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near the Potosi mine at Broken Hill.

The energy storage system will support different renewable energy sources in the region to reliably power homes and businesses in and around Broken Hill.

Broken Hill City Council will receive $3.1 million under a Voluntary Planning Agreement, paid over five years, to benefit the local community.

With work expected to start this year, it is estimated construction of the project will take three to four years.

For more information visit Silver City Energy Storage System | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Hydrostor’s Silver City Energy Storage Centre boosts the reliability of the NSW electricity grid and provides back-up for homes and businesses in the state’s far west in times of planned and unplanned outages.

“Energy storage solutions like this will go a long way to preventing blackouts like the ones the Far West experienced last year.

“The project will provide construction and ongoing jobs, and will put Broken Hill on the map as a nation leader in renewable energy.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The city needs a reliable supply of power and this project will provide certainty and reliability for local residents and businesses.

“The Minns Government is working with proponents to see industrial sites rehabilitated and renewed for future use.

“This technology not only supports our transition to cleaner energy sources but also promotes economic growth through job creation in the energy sector.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“It’s fantastic to see planning approval confirmed for the Hydrostor project which will be further supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near Broken Hill.

“The Silver City Energy Storage Facility will be the first of its kind for Australia, generating both vital backup energy for Broken Hill and significant ongoing jobs and investment spending for the Far West economy.”

Truck drivers travelling across Sydney will soon be able to stop at the city’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest area, with the Australian and NSW governments identifying a six-hectare piece of land located close to a key junction of the motorway network.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will each contribute $40 million as a first step towards transforming the greenfield site at Eastern Creek into a purpose-built rest stop where truckies can shower and take a break from the road.

Developing the first dedicated truck stop in Western Sydney was an election commitment by NSW Labor, and the Eastern Creek site will deliver a much-needed rest area for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.

The site is located five minutes from the M7 and ten minutes from the M4 and will be of particular benefit to drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland.

A survey of 800 truckies – overwhelmingly long-haul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers.

Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the truck cabin.

The new rest stop will provide space for a range of heavy vehicles, including oversize overmass, and it will give truckies a safe and accessible area to rest and mange fatigue as part of their journey.

For more information click here Heavy Vehicle Rest Stopping Improvements | Transport for NSW

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The safety of our truckies is a priority of our government and improving the number and quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that. 

“We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep.

“These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.

“Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham:

“Sydney has a reputation for being Australia’s least friendly city for truck drivers. We are changing that.

“Truckies are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a place in Sydney to rest and recharge. It was our promise to deliver a dedicated truck rest area in Western Sydney and identifying this six-hectare site is the critical step.

“This land is close by the heart of the motorway network where the M7 and the M4 meet at Eastern Creek making it the ideal site.

“At the moment there is a 180-kilometre gap from the southern outskirts of Sydney to the Central Coast in which truck drivers must make do with service stations and local roads to get a break. This is not fair.

“By ensuring our truck drivers are well-rested we are also ensuring the safest possible motorway network for all drivers.”

Federal Member for McMahon Chris Bowen:

“We know that Western Sydney is the beating heart of Australia’s economy.

“The Eastern Creek industrial complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

“That requires measures to ensure that local truckies stay safe when delivering for our community.

“This is what the community wanted, and we’re delivering”.

the Steering Committee Chair Senator Glenn Sterle:

“The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative aims to increase heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through vital new and upgraded rest areas across their journey.

“We want to keep our truck drivers and communities safe and these new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce their fatigue as they keep goods moving across the country.”

Minns Labor Government is taking strong action to prevent a waste crisis in NSW, with landfill due to reach capacity in Greater Sydney by 2030.

NSW has just passed landmark legislation to become the first state to implement a statewide mandate for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling, to divert food waste from landfill into compost.

The legislation mandates FOGO collection services for households by July 2030, and for businesses and institutions in stages from July 2026.

FOGO bins will be rolled out at premises such as supermarkets, pubs, cafes, universities, schools, hotels and hospitals. Large supermarkets will also be required to report on the amounts and types of surplus food donated to charities like OzHarvest, Second Bite and Foodbank.

With FOGO taking up to a third of household red bin capacity, this legislation will help take some pressure off landfill. It also takes us one step closer to a circular economy in NSW, where resources are recycled, reused and repurposed.

The new laws are backed by a $81 million FOGO Fund to go largely to Councils for infrastructure including bins, kitchen caddies and liners, contamination audits, community education programs and staffing, including a $9 million boost in funding allocated to:

• $4 million to support implementation in apartments and multi-unit dwellings
• $3 million for a statewide advertising campaign to raise awareness and encourage behaviour change
• $1 million for councils with existing FOGO services to conduct annual ‘booster’ education campaigns
• $1 million for a pilot to tackle contamination hotspots using artificial intelligence.

The new laws are projected to divert up to one million tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year. Most will be transformed into high-quality compost for parks, sporting fields and agriculture, promoting healthier soils and sustainable food production.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority is working closely with communities, councils and industry to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

A step-by-step Best Practice Guide has also been launched to help councils introduce FOGO and manage contamination risks.

To learn more about the rollout, visit the NSW EPA website.

The next step to tackle the waste crisis is the refinement of the Energy from Waste framework in NSW.

A discussion paper outlines some small, proposed changes to the existing Energy from Waste framework, including clarification around the definition of thermal treatment.

Public consultation is open from Tuesday, 25 February until Tuesday, 8 April, and feedback can be provided through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“NSW has ignored the crisis for landfill capacity for too long. We cannot kick this can down the road any longer.

“The new FOGO laws mean NSW is leading the nation in combating food waste, becoming the first to mandate this recycling revolution across the state.

“These new laws are backed by $81 million to support councils to move to FOGO by 2030.”

---

The future of animal care just got brighter on the Central Coast, with Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, and Minister for the Central Coast and local Member, David Harris today officially opening the new $4.9 million Animal Studies Training Centre at TAFE NSW Wyong.

This state-of-the-art facility is set to become the go-to-hub for more than 480 Central Coast students enrolled in animal care and veterinary nursing courses this semester.

These students will have access to a simulated veterinary-style clinic, theatre and radiology rooms, as well as grooming and hydrotherapy facilities, and specialist animal habitats.

By equipping students with real-world skills in animal care services, veterinary nursing, and even wildlife and exhibited animals, the new centre is unlocking exciting career pathways into the booming animal care industry.

With the number of veterinary nurses in Australia expected to grow by 5.9% from 2023 to 2028, and an ongoing shortage of animal care and veterinary nursing professionals, this new facility will help address workforce demand across the Central Coast region.

Animal studies courses now being delivered at TAFE NSW Wyong include:

• Certificate II in Animal Care 
• Certificate III in Animal Care Services 
• Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animals 
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 
• Certificate II in Animal Care (TVET)

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW. In addition to the new Animal Studies Centre, TAFE NSW Wyong is set to receive more than $2.6 million to upgrade campus facilities ensuring students have access to top-tier education and training. 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding TAFE NSW to provide education and training focused on priority industries and the critical skills our communities need.

“The new Animal Studies Training Centre at TAFE NSW Wyong is proof of our unwavering commitment to restoring TAFE NSW as a leading provider of vocational education and training aligned to local industry and community needs.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a game-changer for the Central Coast, giving students access to cutting-edge equipment and specialised training that mirrors real-world industry standards. We’re setting them up for success with job-ready skills that will open doors to rewarding careers in the growing animal care industry.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“Like many regional communities, Wyong and the Central Coast rely heavily on TAFE NSW to deliver education and training to support local business and industry.

“Wildlife attractions, animal hospitals, and pet-loving residents contribute to the demand for skilled animal care workers and veterinary nurses.  

“After touring the facility late last year it’s exciting to see that the doors are finally opening to bolster tertiary education on the Central Coast.

“The NSW Government’s investment in the new animal services training centre at TAFE NSW Wyong will ensures Coasties have access to top quality educational facilities on the doorstep.”

The Minns Labor Government is building a better Sturt Highway in Wagga Wagga by starting work on a $13.9 million upgrade to the road east of the city.

Work is due to begin on Tuesday March 4 to upgrade a 1.8 kilometre section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD.

Work will include completely reconstructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes. The changes will provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes and provide a safer and more comfortable journey for all road users.

Shoulders will be provided for cyclists on the northern and southern sides of the highway.

The first stage of this project – between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road – will start Tuesday 4 March and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete.

The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road – will be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year.

This location is a high traffic area and Transport will plan to carry out work with as few impacts as possible. All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. Detours around the work area will be in place at various stages of the project. Most of the work will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work also planned.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic control and signage.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia.

“It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route, especially Wagga Wagga, to enable customers to access goods, services and employment.

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be investing in building a better section of highway in Wagga Wagga and we want to thank the community in advance for its patience and understanding while this work is carried out for the long-term benefit of all who live, work and visit the area.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“These works, coupled with the work now underway to redevelop the Marshalls Creek Bridge, are welcome improvements that will deliver a safer, smoother Sturt Highway for thousands of users every day.

“I acknowledge Transport for NSW’s efforts to liaise with businesses in the area and urge them to maintain that focus on reducing construction impacts, especially in Lawson Street during the closure period.

“The works will cause some disruption so I appreciate the patience of residents and motorists during a construction process that will cause inconvenience but will also deliver improvements that have been identified as important to the community.

“A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment to improve oversight of how NSW fishing licence fees are spent, with new regulation now in place to establish a Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council to oversee the spending of the funds.

The new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will be responsible for providing advice to the NSW Minister for Agriculture on all expenditure from the Recreational Fishing Freshwater and Saltwater Trusts.

Revenue raised from recreational fishing license fees, around $16 million annually, is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing experiences, opportunities and habitats in NSW.

Since 2001, the Recreational Fishing Trusts have supported funding for more than 3,300 large and small projects, with almost 3,000 projects completed.

By providing advice directly to the Minister, the Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will increase the confidence of recreational fishers in the way trust funds are spent, by improving the decision-making transparency.

In addition to members with expertise in recreational fishing, the new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will look to have members with expertise in other important areas, including fisheries science and infrastructure construction, to assist with the review of the many diverse types of funding applications that are received each year.  

The existing advisory council on recreational fishing will continue to provide a key role with its focus on advising the Minister on recreational fishing issues, while the new council will focus on how expenditure is allocated to projects and ensuring they benefit recreational fishers.

Appointment to the Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will be made following an open and transparent recruitment process that can now get underway following the change to the regulation.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“In 2023-24, over 400,000 NSW recreational fishing licences were issued, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring that recreational fishers fishing fees are used transparently and deliver the greatest benefit to saltwater and freshwater fishers.

“Projects funded through the Recreational Fishing Trusts—ranging from improvements to fishing access and facilities, to the annual stocking of millions of fish into waterways—play a crucial role in enhancing fishing opportunities for both current and future fishers in NSW.

“The new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will bring specific expertise to decision making processes and ensure that recreational fishers can have confidence in the way funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts are used and invested.

“I look forward to welcoming applications and appointing members to the Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council following an open and transparent recruitment process this year.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to improve education outcomes for all students as ambitious academic, HSC attainment and school attendance targets are introduced to public schools to lift outcomes for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

New system-wide measures will provide clear guidance for school leaders, and are designed to lift outcomes for all students, including at comprehensive primary and high schools, selective schools, regional and rural schools, and Schools for Specific Purposes.

Our long-term plan to improve outcomes for students is in sharp contrast with the former Government’s failed approach, which was criticised in an OECD report for its “top-down” approach, which focused solely on lifting the outcomes of those already achieving the top results.

Schools will be required to strive for ambitious new goals, including:

• Increasing the average NAPLAN reading and numeracy scores in 2027 by:
  • 10.2 points for Year 5 Reading
  • 5.8 points for Year 9 Reading
  • 11.5 points for Year 5 Numeracy
  • 5.7 points for Year 9 Numeracy
• Increasing the proportion of NSW students attaining Year 12 from 70.5 per cent in 2022 to 74 per cent in 2027.
• Growing the number of students taking up university, training or work for school leavers from 88.1 per cent to 92 per cent in 2027
• Increasing the average student attendance rate from 87.8 per cent in 2023 to 88.8 per cent in 2027

These new system-wide targets reflect specific improvement targets required of schools in the areas of reading, numeracy and completions. With NAPLAN tests scheduled two academic years apart, data is now available to measure year group improvement after the Commonwealth introduced new NAPLAN baselines in 2023.

Correcting the course of our education system is vital for our state’s future, after 12 years of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals led to a stagnation in academic results, and a fall in our international rankings in Reading, Science and Mathematics. Under the former Government, disadvantage gaps also continued to widen, particularly in rural, regional, and remote areas.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to reversing this decline and setting high expectations for academic results and educational outcomes like attendance and school completion for every child and every public school. This ongoing work includes:

• Bringing teacher vacancies to a four-year-low, or a 40 per cent reduction since when we came to Government in 2023, ensuring all students have a teacher in front of them
• Making Small Group Tuition permanent in all NSW public schools to support all students with critical foundational literacy and numeracy skills
• Trialling a Number Screening Check for Year 1 school children
• Valuing the workforce by delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to NSW’s 95,000 teachers
• Giving teachers job security by making 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contacts permanent
• Implementing the new knowledge-rich NSW Curriculum, underpinned by evidenced-based explicit teaching

Alongside new academic targets, the Department has introduced a suite of system-focused measures to support teachers, schools and school-support staff wellbeing and retention, as well as prioritising key school infrastructure projects.

These measures include reducing teacher administrative time, cutting teacher vacancy rates, and attracting and retaining teachers, as part of our recognition that a strong teaching workforce is critical to improving student learning. The complete set of 16 measures is available on the Department’s website.

Progress made to date during 2024 can be found here.

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

“We were elected with a commitment to rebuild public education in NSW by fixing a broken system and lifting outcomes. That is exactly what we are doing.

“We cannot undo 12 years of neglect overnight, but we are working hard to ensure that no matter your postcode, parents know their children are receiving a world-class education.

“This is about setting high expectations of our public education system and every one of our students.

“No longer will targets be focused simply on the top-achieving students – these ambitious measures will help lift outcomes for all students across the state.”

Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“We have high expectations for achievement for our public education system, with ambitious reading and numeracy improvement measures being put in place by every school during term 1 this year.

“All public schools aim to ensure all students show growth in their literacy and numeracy skills. We recognise that this is the cornerstone for a successful schooling experience for every student.”

“Our new measures will account for the achievements of all students, not just those in the highest bands.

“The pathways improvement measure will capture the transitions of all students into meaningful post-school pathways, whether that is tertiary education, technical and further education or paid employment.”