Category: NSW News

Industrial action has been suspended, and train services are being restored. However, delays will continue due to maintenance backlogs and storm-related disruptions. Plan ahead, allow extra time, and check updates before travelling. 

The Broken Hill community can now enjoy completing NSW Government transactions in a larger, modern Service NSW Centre which is easily accessible by public transport.

The centre has relocated to the Westside Plaza on Galena Street near banks and other retailers, doubling the space of the previous Service NSW Centre.

The new location ensures customers can access the Service NSW Centre via public transport with a bus stop opposite the shopping complex and increased availability of parking spots.

All 1300 NSW Government transactions and services remain available at the new site including applying for financial assistance for Far West NSW residents impacted by last October’s power outage.

More than $2 million in Power Outage Grants has been paid into accounts already with eligible adults able to receive a single, one-off payment of $200 to help provide some financial relief for expenses while eligible business owners can claim a $400 grant.

Service NSW team members have assisted around 30 per cent of the individual power outage support grants with other applications being completed digitally.

A dedicated space is available in the new Service NSW Centre for customers who have booked one-on-one appointments with team members who can provide guidance on cost-of-living support while business owners can meet with a Business Concierge for free, personalised support.

Driver testing parking spots for applicants will be located adjacent to the Service NSW Centre in the customer parking area.

Broken Hill Service NSW Centre team members assisted more than 23,000 customer visits in 2024.

The centre’s opening hours are 9am – 4pm weekdays. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The communities of Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs, and surrounding areas have faced disruptive and challenging times since the severe storm last October and this newly opened Service NSW Centre shows the NSW Government remains committed to ensuring government services remain accessible.

“Eligible residents and businesses have until the end of March 2025 to apply for Power Outage Grants, so I encourage people to pop into the new Broken Hill Service NSW Centre if they have any questions.

“Service NSW is a one-stop-shop that makes working with government easier for people and business owners whether you are completing a driving test, applying for an Owner-Builder permit, or requiring personalised business advice through the Service NSW Business Bureau.

“Service NSW is committed to our regional and rural communities and where there is increased demand for NSW Government services, such relocations are vital to ensuring an enhanced customer experience.”

Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP said:

“This new Service Centre in the Westside Plaza offers convenience particularly for people who rely on public transport in Broken Hill – the closest bus stop to the former Service Centre was around 700 metres away whereas a bus stop is just steps away from the new location.

“Service NSW team members have worked to ensure continuity of services at the new location and look forward to assisting people over the counter or via self-serve touch screens in a bigger, better, modern space.

“This relocation has also provided a boost for the community with local tradespeople assisting the fit-out of the new Centre.”

As part of the NSW Government’s billion-dollar commitment to protecting the state against biosecurity threats farmers and landowner in the state’s south-east are being urged to join efforts to control feral rabbit populations while conditions are favourable.

With grass drying off, it’s an ideal time for neighbours in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area to sign up to an upcoming coordinated control program led by South East Local Land Services.

Feral rabbits are a priority pest in the South East due to the widespread agricultural and environmental damage they can cause.

The use of biocontrol agents, such as calicivirus, has proven effective in combination with traditional control methods like baiting, trapping, and shooting.

South East Local Land Services will deliver a targeted release of calicivirus in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area around February to March, weather permitting.

Landholders are encouraged to register their interest online to participate and receive updates.

The more landholders who join the program, the better the results are likely to be.

Recent successes highlight the power of collaboration. In Carwoola, 22 landholders worked together to manage rabbit populations across 126 hectares, showing how community efforts can yield significant results.

For more information and resources, download the CISS Glovebox Guide to Rabbit Control guide and South East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028.

Landholders can contact their local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 at any time to develop a control plan tailored to their property.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“Feral rabbits are one of the most widespread and destructive pests in NSW, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems, farmland, and native wildlife.

“The NSW Government urges landholders in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area to take advantage of the free advice and support Local Land Services offers to help control feral rabbits.”

Local Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:

“Protecting against feral rabbits can’t be achieved on your own, so working with your neighbours and Local Land Services is very important.

By working together, we can make a positive difference to the widespread damage rabbits do to farms and the environment.

Local Land Services Senior Biosecurity Officer, Louise MacDonald said:

“Landholders have a general biosecurity duty to manage pests on their properties, including feral rabbits.

“For effective, long-term control, feral rabbit populations must be curbed by at least 90 per cent using a combination of control methods.

“This can’t be achieved on your own, so working with your neighbours and Local Land Services is vitally important.

“In addition to the calicivirus release program, landholders are also being asked to assist with trapping efforts and surveillance testing for calicivirus resistance to monitor effectiveness.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are supporting communities in the Maitland, Port Stephens, and Snowy Valleys Local Government Areas (LGAs) following severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall that impacted the regions between January 15 and January 17.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include:’

• Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

More LGAs may submit assessment forms outlining damage from this event in the coming days and weeks ahead, with the opportunity to expand the proposed Natural Disaster Declaration for this event.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the severe weather system had impacted multiple states and thousands of homes. “The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation and ensure councils can start clean up and repairs,” Minister McAllister said. “It is still a dynamic situation, and I urge people in affected areas to stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings and follow the advice of emergency services.” 

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of first responders and the local councils who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.”

“The Australian and NSW governments are working hard to activate support as quickly as possible. The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies, help restore what’s been lost, and repair what’s been damaged.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said disaster declarations like these are crucial in unlocking assistance for communities so they can begin cleaning up as quickly as possible. “The NSW Government is committed to helping people and businesses clean up debris and remain safe after the severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall,” Minister Dib said.

“There have been a high number of calls to the NSW SES, and I would like to thank our incredible volunteers and emergency responders who have responded to these incidents and provided vital support for the community.”

“They have been busy throughout the night and will respond when needed as this wet weather continues. Please continue to watch the weather conditions and follow the advice of emergency services.”

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.

Yesterday’s train debacle, with nearly 2,000 services cancelled and only 5 per cent of trains on time, was a disgrace. Commuters deserve their money back immediately—no excuses, no delays.

The Minns Labor Government must refund every fare for train commuters yesterday – and until reliable services are restored, train travel should be free.

In the unlikely technological event in 2025 that the government can’t do a refund then a fare free day should happen.

This government pocketed almost $600,000 in donations from the unions behind this mess—the RTBU and ETU—and now commuters and small businesses are paying the price.

Enough with the apologies. Labor must refund fares, guarantee reliability, and put the public ahead of their union paymasters.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government can’t hide.

“Refund the fares, make travel free until this chaos is fixed, and stop the blame game. Commuters deserve better,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward commuters are fed up with Labor’s incompetence.

“People are furious, businesses are hurting, and this failure is on Labor.”

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope said Labor can’t take $600,000 from unions and leave commuters stranded.

“If Labor can’t fix the mess, they need to refund the fares. No one should be paying for a service that doesn’t run,” Mr Tudehope said.

NSW is worse off under the Minns Labor Government.

Volunteer life savers across NSW have performed more than 300,000 preventative actions to keep beachgoers safe as more than four million people flocked to the surf since 1 December.

The warm weather has encouraged big beach crowds resulting in more than 1,000 rescues, serious incidents requiring lifesaving action, and first aid treatment for more than 6,000 people in the first month of summer.

As the holidays continue, the NSW Government is urging those taking advantage of our beautiful coastline to play it safe at the beach with the launch of a new water safety hub.

The new online water safety hub complements the efforts of life savers by bringing together essential water safety information, featuring tips and guidance from key organisations across NSW to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s stunning waterways.

The Minns Labor Government last year fast-tracked the installation of Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) at unpatrolled locations, installing almost double the number proposed for the year of these potentially life-saving help points.

ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site.

With most fatalities occurring on unpatrolled beaches, this can reduce response times when every second counts.

The Government installed 19 beacons throughout 2024, at key locations including Fisherman’s Beach at Collaroy, Narrabeen Beach, South Curl Curl Beach and Forresters Beach on the Central Coast.

Beacons installed in 2024 are now in place at locations including:

• Northern Beaches: Narrabeen Beach, South Curl Curl, Fishermans Beach, North Palm Beach, Turimetta Beach
• Sydney:  Brighton-Le-Sands, Dolls Point, Gordons Bay, Lake Parramatta, Mahon Pool
• Hunter: Moonee Beach
• Central Coast: Bateau Bay, Forresters Beach, Frazer Park
• Illawarra: Woonona Pool, Austinmer
• Far South Coast: Bar Beach Merimbula, Camel Rock, Pambula River Mouth

The next generation of beacons are now being rolled out, with 15 expected to be installed during 2025 at key locations up and down the coast.

The new beacons are fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to provide another set of eyes on the beach.

Currently, there are 53 ERBs strategically located at beaches frequented by both locals and tourists, ensuring quick access to emergency assistance.

The beacons are part of the NSW Government’s record $72 million additional investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

Alongside the ERBs, the NSW Government is delivering 67 jet skis over four years, with 14 delivered to beaches along the state’s coastline for the summer.

The NSW Government continues to work in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW, local councils and community organisations to deliver initiatives that keep residents and visitors safe.

Visit the water safety hub at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our investment in this life saving technology is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of all beachgoers across NSW.”

“These new beacons, along with our education programs and simple to use tools like the water safety hub, are here to provide a crucial safety net for communities across NSW, especially for those who are most at risk.”

“We are building on the 53 Emergency Response Beacons installed across our beaches, backed by a record $72 million investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.”

“These Emergency Response Beacons can establish an instant link to the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre, ensuring swift action in emergencies, especially at unpatrolled beaches.”

“With the holiday season continuing, I urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow the guidance of our lifesavers and enjoy our stunning coastline safely.”

“This holiday season let’s work together to reduce the tragic toll of drownings in NSW. Enjoy the warm weather, make great memories, and most importantly, stay safe while cooling down at our incredible beaches.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

“We’ve had an extremely busy holiday period on beaches across the state and are expecting the tempo to remain high for the remainder of the summer. The crowds do put pressure on our volunteers.”

“Swimming between the red and yellow flags isn’t just a smart choice – it’s a lifesaver. No drownings have occurred at patrolled locations during patrol hours, so staying where lifesavers and lifeguards can see you is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

“We’re urging beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages; don’t swim at unpatrolled locations – look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.”

The Minns Labor Government is reducing red tape which has in practice stifled farmers’ ability to fight fires on their own property.

During a fire emergency, a landholder can now take water from surface water and groundwater sources on their land without needing to have a water licence and water use approval. This includes streams, creeks and rivers abutting the boundary.

This commonsense exemption has been made via amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018.

The water can be used by landholders on their property and adjacent land to fight fires. It can also be used for training and controlled burning when it is carried out by or under the authority of a firefighting agency such as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), and for the testing and maintenance of firefighting equipment.

Landholders who wish to prepare for the threat of bushfires can now also lawfully take water and store it in a tank or dam for future firefighting purposes. The maximum volume for each property is 100,000 litres (0.1 ML) per year.

The NSW Government will carry out targeted periodic surveys of landholders to understand how the exemption is being used and to identify the extent and scale of water use.

While landholders are not required to submit reports, they are encouraged to log the volume of water they take under the exemption, for their own records.

Find further information on the exemptions.

Acting Minister for Water Jodie Harrison said:

“Rules to protect the state’s water security are important – but the fact is, when there is a fire, no one should need to stop and think if they are allowed to access water to keep themselves and their property safe.

“This is a common-sense decision, and it is great to see these amendments now in place in time for summer. When fire threatens life and property, landholders need fast and easy access to water to protect their properties and themselves.

“These changes make it easier and cheaper for farmers and property owners to access water to prepare for and respond to emergency fire situations.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“When it comes to emergencies, landholders can play an important role in bushfire response, and this change further empowers them to act when their properties are under threat.”

“The NSW Government has been proactive in finding common sense ways to make it easier for landholders to fight fires on their properties, which also includes a trial to make it easier for farmers to keep firefighting vehicles on their properties.”

The Minns Labor Government is supporting NSW’s working families, as data shows the parents and carers of a record 200,000 children were provided with fee relief for attending early childhood education and care throughout 2024.

Faced with stubborn inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, many young families are struggling to make ends meet. That is why the Minns Labor Government last year made a record $430 million investment to help families with three-, four- and five-year-olds, with the cost of early childhood education and care.

New Department of Education data shows:

• This investment helped the families of around 200,000 children last year, with parents or carers receiving a subsidy to reduce the costs of early childhood education and care.
• Families of more than 64,000 three-year-old children attending long day care were eligible for fee relief for the first time in 2024, under an initiative introduced by the Minns Labor Government.
• In 2025 the families of at least 200,000 children will be eligible to access fee relief.

Families can now apply for fee relief at their chosen early childhood education and care service for this year. Eligible services will pass on the savings as a weekly reduction in fees.

From January 1, 2025, NSW families can receive:

• Up to $4,347 a year for three- to five-year-olds attending eligible community and mobile preschools
• Up to $2,174 a year for children aged four and above attending eligible preschool programs in long day care services. This can be received on top of the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy payment.
• Up to $515 a year for three-year-olds attending eligible preschool programs in long day care services, on top of their Australian Government Child Care Subsidy payment.

Research shows that children who attend quality early childhood education and care for two days a week, or 600 hours a year in the two years before starting school, gain lifelong benefits. This supports their social, emotional, and cognitive development, with these benefits evident throughout their schooling years and into further study or the workforce.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing an additional $40 million in 2025 to drive improved quality in long day services delivering preschool programs for three-year-olds. Funding can be used by the services to pay salaries of early childhood teachers and educators, buy educational resources and develop quality early childhood education programs.

The Minns Labor Government is prioritising quality education in the early years of a child’s life, with $1.82 billion invested in early education and care as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

In addition to fee relief, the Government has made the largest ever investment in public preschools. The Government will also build 100 new public preschools in public schools by 2027, the largest ever expansion in NSW.

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

“High-quality early childhood education and care should be affordable and accessible for all children across NSW, no matter their postcode or background.

“That is why we are making a record investment in fee-relief – so more families can access quality preschool and long day care, where they can develop their language and social skills before starting school.

“More affordable preschool means more support for parents to return to work, which can make a big difference to hardworking families.”

More information on Start Strong fee relief is available on the Department of Education website.

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a plan for a 42-hectare site in Parramatta North to meet the evolving needs of Parramatta, one of Sydney’s fastest growing central business districts.

The rezoning proposal will allow for the delivery of 2,500 new homes well located on the new Parramatta Light Rail line and a new university campus with potential for up to 25,000 students in support of the Westmead Health and Innovation District (WHID). Importantly the new proposal will increase the amount of recreational green space, with roughly half of the precinct to be open space for the local community to enjoy.

The Parramatta North proposal will also deliver up to 12,000 high-value jobs by transforming the WHID, incorporating health services, research, education and supporting industry.

As part of the proposal, planning controls for State Significant Development Applications will include design guidelines and design excellence processes to streamline the delivery of quality community outcomes.

The rich history, cultural significance and local heritage of the area has been sensitively considered in the rezoning application of Parramatta North with over 30 significant heritage buildings earmarked to be conserved. 

Parramatta North’s Cultural Precinct, which incorporates the Parramatta Female Factory, is not included in the rezoning application. Respecting the heritage of this place, new and varied uses will rejuvenate historic buildings, showcasing compelling stories and enriching this historic area.

Home of the Burramada people of the Dharug Nation, PDNSW is working with local Dharug people as well as the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council to understand and reflect the wishes of First Nations peoples in the plans for Parramatta North.

The public exhibition will conclude on 10 February 2025. For more information, visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/our-business/precinct-development/parramatta-north-precinct

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Parramatta is going from strength-to-strength, and delivering a vibrant Parramatta North is the next piece in the Parramatta puzzle.

“The rezoning of Parramatta North is crucial to unlocking the full potential of this precinct delivering jobs, housing, and open space, whilst taking full advantage of the new Parramatta Light Rail.

“Delivering a vibrant mixed-use precinct will mean the local community will be able to live, work and play on the doorstep of one of Sydney’s fastest-growing central business districts.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“As Parramatta grows, we need to make sure the things that make Parramatta special are maintained. Importantly, this proposal will protect the cultural precinct and earmark 30 significant heritage buildings for conservation, whilst delivering 21 hectares of open space.

“We achieved these outcomes through meaningful consultation with the local community. I encourage members to continue to have their say to shape the future of Parramatta North.”

I am aware that Police are currently investigating offensive, antisemitic graffiti that was located on a home in Sydney’s east and on a synagogue in Newtown overnight.

Police have also released CCTV vision of the person alleged to have graffitied the Southern Sydney Synagogue yesterday. We encourage any witnesses to come forward to NSW police through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through Triple Zero (000).

Our message is clear – these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work.

In addition, the NSW Government is announcing today the extension of a one-off grant of $340,000 from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to contribute towards enhanced temporary security measures for the NSW Jewish Community.

These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are – monstrous and appalling.

The Minns Labor government will continue to strengthen the laws protecting people’s right to worship safely as well as ensuring NSW Police have the resources they need to catch the people who commit these bastardly acts.

When Parliament resumes this year, we’ll be introducing legislation that protects religious institutions and places of worship to prevents attempts to intimidate or stop religious people from practicing their faith.