Category: NSW News

Motorists in Western Sydney suburbs located nearby one or more tolled motorways are benefitting most from toll relief after 12 months of the Minns Labor Government’s $60 weekly toll cap.

There are now five suburbs in the $1 million club where paid claims total $1 million or more – Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Auburn, Merrylands and Marsden Park.

The NSW Government is today urging drivers everywhere to familiarise themselves with the toll relief claim process because there is a little under twice as much money available to be claimed in relief than has so far been paid out under the scheme.

Since the cap was introduced on 1 January 2024, $75 million has been paid to motorists but the total that can be claimed exceeds $215 million – leaving $140 million still to be claimed as of today.

Toll relief has become a key cost-of-living support measure under the Minns Labor Government after the Liberals left behind a total toll bill of $195 billion in nominal terms that must be paid by motorists out to 2060 on top of the billions they have already paid.

The Government is progressing toll reform in negotiation with the private toll road concessionaires while providing vital toll relief through the $60 cap.

In Marsden Park, it is estimated that motorists are eligible to claim $3.1 million but have so far been paid out just over $1 million, leaving $2.1 million to be returned. Likewise in Greystanes, eligible toll relief is approximately $1.97 million, with over $660,000 so far returned to drivers, according to Transport for NSW data.

With the claim period for the fourth quarter of 2024 having opened on January 9, there are now 720,000 toll road users eligible to make a claim.

A little over 276,000 claims have been paid out, with $277 being the average claim returned to motorists.

There are 115 suburbs where the average claim is $300 or above, including, Parramatta, Lidcombe, Schofields, Westmead, Toongabbie, Merrylands and Auburn.

As part of a “fair use” provision in place, motorists can claim up to a maximum of $340 per week for each tag or licence plate number after they pass $60 paid on tolls in any one week.

Claims for quarter four of 2024 (30 September to 29 December) opened on Thurs 9 January 2025 with eligible motorists able to claim for 2024 toll spend until Monday 30 June 2025.

Drivers who have spent more than $60 a week on toll trips are encouraged to visit the Service NSW website, link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account and claim if eligible. 

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The $60 toll cap is a critical cost-of-living support for hundreds of thousands of drivers, many of whom really have no viable alternative than to use Sydney’s toll road network to get to work or get the kids where they need to be.

“When we designed the toll relief scheme we did so with those suburbs in mind where paying a toll is the price to get around and where in many cases public transport service is nowhere near the level of service enjoyed by other parts of Sydney.

“Labor does not forget these suburbs that were saddled with such high tolls by the previous coalition government. We know people are doing it tough and the toll cap is making it just that little bit fairer for drivers that heavily rely on the toll roads.

“The NSW Government is progressing with toll reform to make tolls fairer overall. I want to remind motorists to get on to the Service NSW website and claim what they are entitled to in relief.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The quarterly data keeps telling us that it is the people whose journeys start and end in Western Sydney who are claiming the lion’s share of toll relief, and this is where it is needed most.

“Drivers from the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, and Wollongong are also benefitting in great numbers, showing just how far and wide the benefits are flowing.

“This is a great initiative we have delivered through Service NSW to put money back into people’s pockets at a time when they need it most.

“The claim process is quick and simple to follow on the Service NSW website but if you need that extra support to understand the process, team members at Service NSW Centres across the State are ready to help in person or via 13 77 88.” 

Top toll relief claim suburbs
Suburb	Claim Count	Claim Amount	Average Amount
Blacktown	3,723	$1,250,711	$336
Baulkham Hills	3,838	$1,237,822	$323
Auburn	1,844	$1,067,737	$579
Merrylands	2,416	$1,009,022	$418
Marsden Park	2,661	$1,007,888	$379
Castle Hill	3,172	$980,905	$309
Quakers Hill	2,663	$845,430	$317
Kellyville	2,678	$777,926	$290
Lakemba	1,267	$718,402	$567
Greystanes	2,221	$664,123	$299
Bankstown	1,604	$636,616	$397
West Pennant Hills	1,760	$619,333	$352
Glenwood	1,742	$544,136	$312
Punchbowl	1,317	$537,696	$408
Schofields	1,626	$532,126	$327
Glenmore Park	1,990	$512,897	$258
Seven Hills	1,477	$508,506	$344
Maroubra	2,010	$507,334	$252
Mosman	2,310	$506,883	$219
Carlingford	1,534	$501,144	$327
Cherrybrook	1,440	$499,052	$347

The Minns Labor Government has launched a new program of low-cost technology trials on highways throughout regional NSW to prompt safer driver behaviour on roads in 2025. 

The $5 million Smarter Highways program will harness emerging and existing technologies in innovative ways to address driver behavioural issues that can lead to crashes. The aim is to improve journey management, especially when a major disruption occurs. 

Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the network causing systems to be activated to warn drivers about hazards and, if possible, provide alternative options.

Most of the trial technologies are wireless solar-powered systems that can be installed relatively cheaply and are also tailored to suit individual sites, taking into account the environment and conditions of the road. 

Smarter Highways is part of a suite of measures to improve road safety but also aims to use technology to help create a safer work environment for road crews, traffic managers and emergency workers by reducing the amount of time they are exposed to live traffic.

Transport for NSW will trial the technologies on state managed highways but also consider how they could be adapted for use on local roads, in partnership with councils. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making our road network safer, more reliable and more resilient to better connect our communities. We are always looking at harnessing innovations in technology as they become available.

“What’s so important about Smarter Highways is that the technology’s focus is to effect behavioural change and reduce risky driving actions, such as not driving to the conditions, that we know contribute to deaths and injuries on our roads.

“I’m glad that the Smarter Highway technologies will be trialled in the regions because outside of the cities, driving is often the only available form of transport and sometimes there are no alternative routes, so we need to make those journeys safer. 

“Key to these innovations is improving safety for road crews by reducing the risks of carrying out works near traffic. The aim is to minimise the amount of time work crews have to spend in live traffic environments by increasing the use remotely controlled traffic operations, which creates a safer work environment.”

The Smarter Highway trials

Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)

• Self-adaptive electronic signage with machine learning capability which is able to predict events and provide motorists with advance warning of hazards such as black ice, smoke or wildlife.
• Designed to replace the current processes whereby maintenance crews need to source and locate portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) to high-risk areas.
• Includes three components to warn motorists – prism signs with vertical slats that slide across to reveal different warnings, VMS screens and flashing lights
• Solar powered with high-capacity batteries, localised radio communications between signs, and full Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity for real-time remote access and status reporting.
• Trial locations under investigation

Permanent traffic counters – Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer (VM)

• A new form of permanent traffic counter device installed on the road which can detect and provide information on vehicle volumes, classifications, speeds, headways, road temperatures and system health in real time.
• A very low-cost 4G technology system that is powered by solar-panels and offers significant cost and time savings compared to ad-hoc traffic surveys. It is also easy to install and takes less than an hour to set up.
• Allows live monitoring of traffic in various scenarios but will be especially beneficial particularly during the start and end of holidays, during harvest sessions, and situations where monitoring seasonal variations and natural disaster periods is critical.
• Importantly, data collected will be provided via NSW Traffic Viewer.
• Can be deployed relatively quickly when a part of the network is likely to face disruption to help monitor and address impacts. For example, key routes that connect ports to renewable energy zones.
• Trial locations – Great Western Highway, Kelso and Newell Highway, Dubbo.

Rural Intersection Activated Warning System (RIAWS)

• When a vehicle on a side road approaches a high-speed main road, sensors trigger Variable Speed Limit Signs (VSLS), which instruct drivers on the main road to slow down.
• Designed to provide safer gaps in the traffic and provide more time for better driver reactions. This is particularly important for larger vehicles (such as trucks and buses) looking to turn from a side road onto a main road with a higher speed limit.
• Less severe crashes due to the reduced speed limit when traffic is merging from the side roads.
• Reduces the need for permanent speed reductions on main roads.
• This technology is currently being used in Victoria.
• Trial location under investigation

Improving local area traffic management during major disruptions

• Using technology to provide safe reliable access in times of unplanned and planned events that cause disruption on the roads.
• One trial will be conducted at Jenolan Caves ahead of its planned opening to the public in late 2025, the other will be Cowra, where roads are often flooded.
• The type of technology to be used is still to be determined.

Permanent Congestion Management

• Using existing technology, such as radars and traffic signals, and combining them in a way that will enable dynamic management of traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains.
• Designed to resolve issues caused by vehicles breaking down while queuing on the steep climb up Victoria Pass during peak periods such as holiday periods and around key events such as the Bathurst 1000.
• The system will detect eastbound queues forming at the top of Victoria Pass and that data would then be fed into the operation of traffic lights at the bottom of the hill. The vehicles will then be released up the hill in a managed way that is safe and reduces the number of vehicles breaking down on the incline.
• If the trial is successful, this system will be a more permanent replacement for the current system whereby crews have to stay onsite during congested periods and use temporary signals to control the flow of traffic.
• Trial location – Victoria Pass – Great Western Highway near Mount Victoria.

Motorists will soon experience improved rest stop facilities in both directions on the Hume Highway between Tarcutta and Holbrook with work to start this month on upgrades to the Kyeamba Gap Rest Areas.

Thanks to a more than $1.8 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the existing composting toilet at the northbound rest stop will be upgraded to feature flushing toilets with disabled access and improved lighting.

The upgraded southbound rest stop, which currently only offers bins, will soon boast a new toilet block with disability access.

Both rest stop upgrades will also include the installation of new lighting, and parking for heavy vehicles.

The northbound rest area will be upgraded first, with works set to start this month and be completed by March, weather permitting.

During construction the northbound rest area will remain open, with additional portable toilets installed to limit impacts on road users.

The southbound rest area will be closed to all traffic when construction is expected to start later in 2025.

Motorists are advised the next available rest areas are at North Billabong (southbound) and South Tarcutta (northbound).

Access to local properties will be maintained throughout the work.

Work will be carried out on weekdays from 7am to 6pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Electronic signs and safety fencing will be in place to alert motorists to the upgrade work and access to the rest area will be maintained for motorists to continue to use the rest area during work.

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“These upgrades will vastly improve the amenities available to motorists and truckies who travel along the Hume Highway with toilets now open, new lighting installed and more parking available.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top three contributors to fatal crashes on NSW roads so these rest area upgrade investments we are making are designed to improve facilities to encourage the community to stop and rest.”

NSW Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“Rest is something that should be factored into all road journeys and this is the perfect reminder to motorists to stop in at a rest area like Kyeamba Gap and make the most of these facilities, before hitting the road again.”

A new report from Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of New South Wales, has found elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium in locations throughout New South Wales.

This research is an example of the benefits from the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion investment over 35 years into the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative, under its Future Made in Australia plan. 

The report provides Australian explorers with geological information and a comprehensive methodology for testing soil gas samples for natural hydrogen, bringing scientific rigour to this emerging field. 

Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of our ancient geology. 

Since the discovery of a 98 per cent pure natural hydrogen gas field in Mali in 2018, explorers around the world are looking for accumulations of natural hydrogen. This is because natural hydrogen holds the potential to be a new, emission-free energy source, especially if it can be recovered at low cost from the earth directly for use. 

In Australia, hydrogen gas is primarily used for industrial processes including ammonia and fertilizer production, while helium is used in medical equipment, manufacturing, research, and the space sector.

Hydrogen can also be used to reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industries, like remote power applications, heavy vehicle transportation, and industries like iron and steelmaking. 

Minister for Resources, the Hon. Madeleine King MP:

“The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity.

“The Albanese Government is committed to unlocking our minerals potential and discovering opportunities for alternative energy and storage. 

“This report is just one example of how our government is working with our state and territory colleagues to help build a Future Made in Australia.”

Acting NSW Minister for Natural Resources, the Hon. John Graham MLC:

“This new data grows the wealth of knowledge about NSW’s geological potential, as well as our understanding of natural hydrogen and helium. 

“Natural hydrogen has potential as a new energy source and can support the economy’s shift to a net-zero future. 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to exploring new ways to innovate and create a clean energy future using NSW’s natural resources.”

The Minns Labor Government is abandoning NSW’s most vulnerable as more than 200 of the state’s 260 psychiatrists prepare to resign amid a fractured pay dispute. This implosion of the mental health system will leave people in desperate need – including those at risk of self-harm or harming others – without the care they urgently require.
 
While NSW grapples with the biggest mental health crisis in decades, Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson is holidaying overseas. This comes as the government has resorted to posting helpline numbers on social media.
 
In the shadow of the Bondi Junction coronial inquest, Labor’s response to this crisis is nothing short of shameful. Instead of resolving the situation, they’ve doubled down on failed “efficiency pilot” schemes and dragged the matter into industrial arbitration – a process that will leave the system in chaos for months.
 
The Minns Labor Government promised industrial harmony yet all we see are industrial dispute after industrial dispute across the public sector, with no leadership or solutions in sight. The government’s so-called “mutual gains bargaining” has become a cruel joke, forcing psychiatrists to endure untenable working conditions while patients suffer the consequences.
 
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope said the impending resignation of over 200 of the State’s 260 psychiatrists is yet another sign of the massive failure of Labor’s so-called ‘mutual gains bargaining’ system.
 
“Having blown the budget giving their friends in the NSW Teachers Federation a massive multi-billion pay rise, there is no money left in the kitty. Labor’s idea of ‘mutual gains bargaining’ is a new wages cap of 3.5% for 2024-25 and compliance with unilateral efficiency savings,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Robyn Preston said the State’s mental health system is in crisis. Rose Jackson spoke in November of her optimism that no resignations would take place.
 
“Now, with over 200 resignations looming, she’s on holiday, leaving the biggest mental health crisis in NSW’s history in the hands of Minister Harrison. This is leadership failure at its worst,” Ms Preston said.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said the implosion of the mental health system in NSW is happening in the shadow of the Bondi Junction coronial inquest, where support for those with acute mental health issues will come under scrutiny.
 
“Labor must fix this mess as a matter of urgency – not just for the sake of the psychiatrists but importantly for the patients and their families and the broader community,  who are all at risk if a solution is not brokered,” Ms Sloane said.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said regional communities are being left behind once again, with the Minns Labor Government failing to secure the mental health services they desperately need.
 
“This mass resignation of psychiatrists will have devastating consequences for vulnerable people in the bush who rely on these critical services,” Mr Singh said.
 
Premier Chris Minns himself has admitted the care provided to vulnerable people will decrease, yet his government continues to waste time and deflect blame onto the psychiatrists’ union, ASMOF. It’s a classic Labor tactic: when they can’t solve a problem, they point the finger elsewhere.
 
NSW is worse off under the Minns Labor Government.

The latest Australian-made Parramatta River Class ferry has arrived in Sydney after a fast-tracked sailing up the coast from Hobart to Sydney Harbour.

The vessel is the fourth of seven new Northern Beaches-designed Parramatta River Class ferries being built by ship builder Richardson Devine Marine.

The vessel’s namesake is University of New South Wales global solar technology pioneer, Professor Martin Green.

The Martin Green covered her 630 nautical mile journey in just three days, stopping at Flinders Island, then briefly in Eden for fuel before sailing through the night to Sydney, with a crew of four expert mariners.

She passed through Sydney Heads at 3am on Tuesday morning and is now being thoroughly cleaned before the first passengers hop on board in the next few weeks.

Martin Green will predominantly run in the calm river conditions of the F3 route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.

The Parramatta River Class ferries will be a significant improvement on the River Class ferries procured by the former government that did not fit under some bridges with passengers on the top deck, contained asbestos, were a potential fire risk and had wheelhouse windows that made night operations dangerous.

The seven new vessels are gradually replacing the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which are retiring after 30 years of service.

Each vessel in the new Parramatta River Class fleet has a 200-person capacity, while using 40 per cent less diesel and are also future proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when the technology and network infrastructure become available.

They are more reliable and include more comfortable seating, upgraded safety systems and provide greater accessibility.

A team of 60 people are working to build the remaining three vessels which are expected to enter passenger service by the end of the year.

The next ferry in the new Parramatta River Class fleet is due for delivery by April 2025.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Passengers in areas like Parramatta, Meadowbank and Drummoyne will soon have access to another brand-new ferry for their commute.

“These are state-of-the-art vessels, designed in Sydney and made in Australia.

“We have now taken delivery of most of the new fleet, giving commuters along the Parramatta River the reliable and comfortable services they deserve.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“It’s exciting to see the fourth ferry in our new Parramatta River Class fleet enter the Sydney heads and prepare to serve passengers in the coming weeks.

“This state-of-the-art fleet was designed in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and built in Hobart.

“It is fitting that this vessel is named after solar pioneer Martin Green. This ferry has arrived ready to be converted to electric operation in the coming years, so one day, The Martin Green could be charged at a wharf using the very solar cell technology that Professor Martin Green played such a key role in developing.”

Professor Martin Green:

“I never imagined I would one day have a ferry named after me—what an incredible honour!

“I take great pride in knowing that this ferry is designed and built in Australia. It’s fulfilling to see such a magnificent and more sustainable vessel serving as transportation for thousands of people in our beautiful city every day.

“The Sydney to Parramatta route is one of my favourite ferry journeys, and I am thrilled to see a vessel bearing my name traverse this route daily.”

About Professor Martin Green

Professor Martin Green is Scientia Professor at UNSW Sydney and Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

Professor Green pioneered solar technology development in Australia and is often described as “the father of modern photovoltaics”.

Over a 50-year career at UNSW Sydney he has led the development of the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) – the world’s most commercially viable and efficient silicon solar cell technology. Today, his PERC technology is used in the production of more than 90% of the world’s solar energy.

There would be no modern solar industry as we know it today without Prof. Green’s work developing the PERC. Prof. Green and his UNSW colleagues are credited with making solar power a prime weapon in the battle to control climate change.

Fifty years on from when he started, Prof. Green is still at the forefront of clean energy technology, continuing to work on new ways to drastically improve the efficiency of solar cells.

The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for truckies travelling on regional roads as part of an $11.9 million investment to improve rest areas.

To increase the number of identifiable safe rest stop options for heavy vehicle drivers and improve road safety in the state’s south, Transport for NSW has marked 14 new green reflector sites.

These sites serve as an informal heavy vehicle rest area and are marked by green dot style reflectors placed on guideposts.

The green reflectors mounted on roadside guide posts are a simple tool to help heavy vehicles drivers easily identify appropriate informal heavy vehicle rest stop opportunities, particularly at night or when visibility is poor.

Work is complete on the delivery of new green reflector sites along the following important freight routes:

• Burley Griffin Way: 4, 8 and 10 kilometres north of Binalong.
• Lachlan Valley Way: 17 kilometres north of Yass.
• Snowy Mountains Highway: 3 kilometres south of Bemboka.
• Princes Highway: 5 kilometres south of Cobargo.
• Olympic Highway: 8 kilometres south of Cootamundra and 5 kilometres north of Bethungra.
• Mid-Western Highway: 4 kilometres west of Weethalle.
• Newell Highway: 2 kilometres north of Narrandera and 18 kilometres south of Ardlethan
• Hume Highway: 4 kilometres south of Bowning/7 kilometres north of Yass and 10 kilometres north of Little Billabong.
• Monaro Highway: 13 kilometres north of Cooma.

Delivery of the new green reflector sites has come through the $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program which is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

In addition to this investment, the NSW Government will also continue to roll out around $1 billion in lifesaving road infrastructure upgrades through its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program and the joint federal/ state funded Road Safety Program.

The NSW Government also introduced a number of measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025. They include:

• The trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles in 2025
• Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with an additional 2,700 new sites where a camera can be deployed. Total enforcement hours will remain the same
• Seatbelt enforcement via the state’s existing mobile phone cameras
• The demerit point return trial that encourages safe driving
• Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of its star rating system
• Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
• Implementing recommendations from the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce to stamp out rorting of the system by mainly visiting foreign nationals
• Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth

Transport is also exploring opportunities to establish additional new green reflector sites and industry feedback is guiding this work. 

Find out more information about green reflector sites and more details about heavy vehicle rest area improvements.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Heavy vehicle drivers have told us how important green reflectors are in helping to easily identify a safe place to park, rest and check their loads.

“The Minns Labor Government is listening and acting in response to the feedback we’ve received.

“Green reflector sites are an important part of providing heavy vehicle rest stopping opportunities along NSW’s State Road network. 

“Marking these sites with green reflectors is a practical measure that supports the wellbeing of our truck drivers who play a crucial role in keeping our supply chains moving.

“The 14 new green reflector sites will go a long way in enabling truck drivers to stop and rest on what can be very long journeys, particularly at night.”

Road safety advocate and Past National Road Freighters Association President Rod Hannifey said:

“The rollout of more green reflect sites is a big win for heavy vehicle drivers.

“Green reflector sites have made a real difference out on the road. Another driver told me it had saved their life. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s already saving lives.

“There just aren’t enough rest stops for truck drivers across Australia, so this initiative in NSW is a huge help. It gives drivers a clear signal of where they can safely pull up and take a break.

“This project is definitely welcomed by the industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of these sites rolled out over time.”

The community is being invited to view and provide feedback on the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) on public exhibition from Monday 20 January 2025.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $138 million in the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment, to deliver a new two-storey acute services building at the hospital campus, enhancing health services for the region.

The REF and hospital designs have been informed by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community, including recent community information sessions on the schematic design of the new acute services building held in October last year.

Key features of the redevelopment include an expanded emergency department, two inpatient wards with single and two-bed rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, a new medical imaging service and day surgery spaces.

In the 2024-25 NSW Budget, the Minns Labor Government allocated an additional $26.5 million to the original $111.5 million project, to support the delivery of additional new facilities including an operating theatre, procedure room, Central Sterilising Services Department, and a modern pharmacy department.

The contemporary health facilities will support best-practice models of care and improve campus accessibility for patients and staff by better integrating healthcare services.

Main works construction is expected to start in mid-2025, following the planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

The Review of Environmental Factors and supporting technical documents will be available from 9.00am Monday 20 January 2025 on the Health Infrastructure website. 

Feedback can be provided until midnight on Monday, 17 February 2025.

Hunter New England Local Health District will continue to work closely with community stakeholders and staff to ensure the redevelopment meets the future health needs of the growing Cessnock community.

For further information, visit the project website.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The investment in the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment project will enable delivery of modern hospital and healthcare facilities to support the current and future health needs of communities in Cessnock and the Lower Hunter region.

“This is a significant milestone for the redevelopment project and we’re grateful for the input provided by staff and community into the planning process for the project.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:

“I’m delighted to see planning for the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment reach this significant milestone, which will boost health services for patients, families and their carers across the lower Hunter region.

“We encourage the community to provide their feedback on the plans while they are on public exhibition.”

Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, Hunter New England Local Health District, Dr Ramsey Awad:

“This important step in the $138 million redevelopment will mean we are one step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art hospital for the Cessnock community.”

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has taken an important step forward, with a portion of the former Grafton Gaol set to be acquired from Property and Development NSW to support the upgrade of the hospital.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to improve health outcomes and meet the growing needs of Grafton and surrounding communities.

In addition to the site acquisition, a Development Application has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to refurbish two administration blocks within the former minimum-security portion, on the north-eastern corner of the gaol, to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities.  

Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site.

The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, it was closed following the opening of the new Grafton Correctional Centre in Lavadia. The former Grafton Goal was added to the state’s Heritage Register in 1999.

The adaptive reuse of a portion of the former gaol site aligns with the conservation management plan prepared for the site in 2021, to ensure areas of heritage significance within the site are preserved and activated.

Work is underway on the planning and design for the main works of the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, which will deliver a new three-storey acute services building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.  

The current Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. Construction timeframes for the full redevelopment will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder has been appointed, with the refurbishment works at the former gaol site expected to start this year.

Find out more information.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The acquisition of this section of the old Grafton Gaol will provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.

“This multi-million dollar redevelopment will improve healthcare capacity and ensure the hospital has the best, most up to date models of care for the residents of Grafton and the surrounding communities.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The transfer of this part of the subdivided site to NSW Health ensures the Old Grafton Goal doesn’t remain an unused relic.

“This great outcome enables new uses for this important community asset, while also providing a major economic benefit for the Grafton community.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong: 

“We have delivered another important milestone to revitalise and reuse one of our state’s key former correctional centres. 

“Grafton Gaol is an iconic place with a somewhat dark history, so it is wonderful we are delivering a positive new chapter that will ensure this monument serves the local community for years to come.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Grafton and Clarence communities as it secures the future use of this historic site, which will really benefit the local residents.”

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA), set to speed up the delivery of well-located homes to NSW.

The newly established HDA will help deliver the homes that young people, families and key local workers need – a major reform which will streamline the development of major housing projects.

The HDA will lead a new State Significant Development (SSD) pathway and State Significant Development with a concurrent rezoning process for major residential developments.

The EOI process will remain open with proposals submitted to be reviewed monthly, giving industry ongoing opportunities to have their proposals considered.

Established on the 19th of December, only a month after it was announced, the HDA includes Simon Draper, Secretary of the Premier’s Department; Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; and Tom Gellibrand, CEO of Infrastructure NSW. 

Before a proposal is recommended to be declared a State Significant Development project, the Department will assess it against criteria that meet the objectives of this EOI process, which are: 

• Identify high-yield housing proposals by focusing on known high-yield types of residential accommodation.
• Identify housing projects that can be assessed and constructed quickly by focusing on more compliant, major housing proposals that can commence construction quickly.
• Drive quality and affordable housing by focusing on housing development proposals that are well-located, have enabling infrastructure and contribute to affordable housing supply.
• Complement the State Significant Rezoning Policy by providing a potential pathway for major housing proposals that are seeking concurrent rezoning.

This new assessment pathway will reduce the number of large complex Development Applications (DA) councils are required to assess each year, freeing up resources for councils to assess less complex DAs faster.

Delivering well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, and this pathway will streamline the assessment of these projects.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever to tackle the housing crisis and encourage developers to build and boost housing supply and overall affordability.

“The NSW Government will do everything possible to build a better future for NSW so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.”