Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to tackle pest and weed infestations between neighbouring public and private lands across the state through its $10 million investment in new or expanded, on the ground, biosecurity projects.

The Good Neighbours Program, led by Local Land Services, will undertake 21 initial projects in priority areas across NSW.

The initiative is part of the Government’s $945 million commitment to addressing biosecurity threats to the state’s $20 billion primary industries sector.

The Good Neighbours projects will target pest animals and problem weeds, including feral deer, feral pigs, tropical soda apple and hudson pear.

Improved on-ground outcomes will be achieved through coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, as well as capacity-building workshops, training and education for landholders and land managers.

The 21 projects will be delivered in partnership with respective public land managers including Forestry Corporation, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local councils.

The Good Neighbours Program highlights the importance of public and private land managers working together to prevent the spread of pests and weeds and protect the NSW economy, environment and community.

Pest animals and weeds impact more than 70 per cent of the state’s threatened species and endangered ecological communities, posing a significant agricultural threat.

The Good Neighbours Program brings together a range of stakeholders and agencies to combat the issue and educate landholders and land managers about their shared general biosecurity duty under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 to control pests and weeds on their properties.

The program will run until mid-2026, with additional projects to be funded. Visit nsw.gov.au/good-neighbours to learn more.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“Effective pest and weed management are critical to supporting agricultural productivity and biodiversity in NSW, and it’s best achieved by working as a united front.”

“The Good Neighbours program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to protecting our natural environment and agricultural industry by focusing our resources on areas where we can work together to achieve the best results.

“As the saying goes, everybody needs good neighbours. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a part to play.”

Local Land Services Project Manager Good Neighbours Program, Dale Kirby said:

“When it comes to coordinated pest animal and weed control programs, many hands make light work.”

“We can achieve far better outcomes when private and public landholders work together, with expert advice and support from Local Land Services, to reduce impacts and limit the spread of pests and weeds across the landscape.”

MEDIA: Michael Salmon | Minister Moriarty | 0417495018

Good Neighbours projects

• Cane Toad Program (North Coast) – Joint efforts between the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Local Land Services, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Landcare and private landholders to control cane toads on the North Coast.
• Chinese Violet Program (North Coast) – This program is based in the Tweed Shire, where Rous County Council is targeting Chinese violet on the fringes of the Heritage Wollumbin National Park and Jerusalem National Park.
• Job’s Tears Eradication Program (North Coast) – Led by Rous County Council, Landcare and landholders, this program aims to eradicate Job’s tears from creek lines in the Kyogle and Lismore shires.
• Tropical Soda Apple Eradication (TSA) Program (North Coast) – This program targets Tropical soda apple across the Lismore, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron, Richmond Valley and Tweed local government areas, led by Rous County Council, community groups and landholders.
• Far South Coast Coastal Weeds Program (South East) – Tackling weeds such as coastal bitou bush and sea spurge on the Far South Coast between Tuross and Wonboyn, led by Far South Coast Landcare, local councils, Local Land Services and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
• Hudson Pear Control Program – Kinchega National Park (Western) – Combating Hudson Pear in the middle reaches of Stephens Creek to the west of Kinchega National Park, led by the managers of Kars and Eureka stations, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
• Jumping Cholla Control Program (Western) – Targeting Jumping cholla in the Living Desert State Park and nearby Limestone and Nine Mile stations in the Broken Hill area, with the help of the station owners, Broken Hill City Council, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council and Local Land Services.
• Parthenium Weed Eradication (North West)  Management and control of Parthenium weed across two Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR) at Croppa Creek, led by North West Local Land Services and supported by local councils, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, TSR users, landholders and Traditional Owners.
• Mt Stuart Boxing Glove Control Program (Western) – Tackling the spread of Boxing glove cactus in Tibooburra, south of the Sturt National Park, in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mt Stuart Station neighbours, Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, Crown Lands and Local Land Services.
• North Coast Branch Pig Control Program (North Coast and Northern Tablelands) – Feral pig control led by the North Coast branch of the National Parks and Wildlife Service across 12 reserves from western Richmond River to the coast, from Ballina in the north to Hat Head in the south.
• Orange Hawkweed Eradication Program (South East) – A collaboration between Snowy Monaro Council, Snowy Valleys Council, Local Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and private landholders targeting Hawkweed in the Kosciuszko National Park and surrounding private land.
• Strategic Weed Management and Control – Blackberry and St John’s Wort (Central West) – Coordinated control of priority weeds within Goobang National Park, led by Parkes Shire Council, Macquarie and Lachlan Valley Weeds Committee, Central West and Central Tablelands regional weeds committees and neighbouring landholders.
• Wild Horse Cross Tenure Eradication Program (North Coast) – Wild horse control focused on the Barcoongere area, south of Grafton, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service and landholders.
• Bathurst Joint Weed Program (Central Tablelands) – Working with the Forestry Corporation of NSW and private landholders to control weeds such as broom, gorse and Chilean needle grass between state forest and private land in Bathurst.
• Bathurst Pest Program – Feral Pig Management Program (Central Tablelands) – Support for a feral pig baiting program involving the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands and neighbouring land managers.
• Feral deer control – Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Central Tablelands, Hunter, Greater Sydney and South East) – Coordinated efforts between the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Local Land Services, the Invasive Species Council, Crown Lands and public land managers to reduce the impacts of feral deer.
• Forestry Pest Management Neighbour’s Program (Western, Central West, Central Tablelands, North West, Riverina and Murray) – Targeting feral pig populations on properties with state forest boundaries in the Western NSW region, led by the Forestry Corporation of NSW and state forest neighbours.
• Koala Habitat Restoration (North Coast) – Protecting and restoring koala habitat in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas in conjunction with private landholders, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Landcare groups, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
• North Coast Feral Deer Management Program (North Coast) – An existing feral deer coordinated control program based in the Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie areas involving local councils, Forestry Corporation of NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service and private landholders.
• Red Cestrum Management and Control (North Coast) – This program is focused on controlling Red cestrum infestations on the Dorrigo Plateau, led by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Bellingen Shire Council and private landholders.
• Tamworth Peri Urban Pest Species Project (North West) – Targeting feral goats, pigs and deer within the Tamworth Local Government Area, supported by Tamworth Regional Council, Crown Lands and private landholders.

The Minns Labor Government is slashing red tape to get more homes built faster across the state, unveiling a clear blueprint to speed up approvals and ensure new properties are connected and ready to turn on the tap sooner.

The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan is a joint initiative between the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Sydney Water, and WaterNSW to streamline approvals and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure.

After more than a decade of underinvestment and stalled approvals, the NSW Government is taking action, establishing a cross-government team to fast-track water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring developments stay on track and homes are delivered sooner.

Every new home requires essential infrastructure. From providing drinking water and wastewater management to handling stormwater, a robust water cycle management plan is a key factor in assessing land use and development proposals in NSW.

Government agencies evaluate a wide range of potential impacts on water quality, including stormwater management, erosion and sediment control during construction and wastewater disposal.

Beyond accelerating housing construction, the plan will focus on protecting, enhancing, and restoring waterways and water sources to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Housing Approval Reform Action Plan streamlines housing delivery and eases system pressure through clear actions, including:

• Expanding risk-based triaging for all referrals to ensure homes that are ready can be connected without delay.
• Streamlining the removal of groundwater process on building sites to ensure construction can commence quickly and safety.
• Revising key performance indicators to mitigate inefficiencies.
• Support developers and Water Servicing Coordinators in getting their applications right from
  the start.
• Facilitating early engagement for smoother applications.

Following an industry forum in August 2024, these reforms were shaped with key stakeholders and construction industry leaders, who highlighted real-world obstacles slowing housing development, to break down barriers and get more homes built faster.

This action plan strengthens the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a better NSW, including:

• $2.2 billion infrastructure investment to fund more housing, critical infrastructure and better planning for housing.
• Over $250 million to continue the overhaul of the planning system and planning reforms.
• The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
• $5.1 billion to build 8,400 new public homes, the largest investment in social and affordable housing.
• Creation of Housing Delivery Authority that recently announced plans to fast-track the delivery of 6,400 new homes.

To learn more, please visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/plans-and-strategies/housing-approval-reform-action-plan/

Minister for Housing and Water Rose Jackson said:

“Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater might not be front of mind, but they’re make-or-break for getting homes built and ready to live in.

“We’re cutting red tape, speeding up approvals, and pulling every lever we’ve got to get more homes on the ground faster—because NSW can’t afford delays.

“This plan is about fixing the system. The entire NSW water sector has come together with developers to find solutions that actually work and get things moving.

“These are practical changes that will slash approval timeframes and address industry concerns—while still doing the right thing by our water sources and environment.”

NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Katie Stevenson said:

“When applications for apartment buildings get the stamp of approval from planning, there are often further strings attached where significant excavations need additional sign-off from water authorities and this adds costly further delays to the delivery of new housing.

“Today’s announcement effectively declares 2025 as a year of cultural change for the three water authorities involved in the pre-construction approval of new housing – it is the sort of leadership we need to align all aspects of the government’s activities toward the resolution of the housing crisis.

“We appreciate the priorities outlined in the action plan, along with the specific activities and timelines it includes, which have been created through extensive consultation with the industry.”
 

The Fair Work Commission yesterday ruled in favour of a “cooling off period” from 10pm last night (19 February 2025) until 1 July 2025.  

This means all industrial action will end to allow Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink to focus on negotiating and finalising a deal with the Combined Rail Unions (CRU). 

The Commission found that it was “in the public interest” for industrial action to pause. 

This morning, almost all rail services are currently running on time. 

Passengers now have certainty that their rail services will not be affected with the types of disruption that industrial action has caused recently. 

The Rail Agencies remain committed to continuing to negotiate with the CRU.  

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink thank all passengers for their patience during this period of disruption. 

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $15 million to deliver a safer, stronger new Warroo Bridge in the NSW Central West with construction work set to start in March.

A new concrete bridge will be built just a few metres upstream from the existing 116-year-old bridge timber truss bridge which is located over the Lachlan River 46 kilometres west of Forbes and 55 kilometres south-east of Condobolin.

Warroo Bridge is a critical connector in the region as it is the only major crossing of the Lachlan River linking the Lachlan Valley Way to the Henry Parkes Way between these two towns.

The existing narrow bridge was built in 1909 and is not suitable for use by modern agricultural equipment or heavy vehicles with higher mass limit loads.

If the existing bridge is closed for maintenance, motorists face a 93-kilometre detour to travel from one side of the bridge to the other.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in construction of a new bridge that will be safer, more reliable and allow for more efficient transport, particularly for freight operators in regional NSW.

Abergeldie Contractors Pty Ltd will deliver the work on behalf of Transport for NSW, with work due to start on March 3. The new bridge is expected to be open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

The existing Warroo Bridge will remain open to traffic throughout the construction of the replacement bridge and will be removed completely once the new bridge is operational.

Transport for NSW will continue to update the community as construction progresses. For more information on the project visit the website of Transport for NSW. 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This new Warroo Bridge over the Lachlan River is an important piece of infrastructure that will make life easier for farmers, businesses and families in the Central West.

“The new bridge will be safer and more reliable than the existing bridge that is now well over 100 years old.

“This sort of investment is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to regional NSW and to driving jobs and investment across the state.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in the future of regional NSW by building better bridges that keep communities connected, improve safety and increase efficiency for freight operators.

“I’m excited to see construction start on the new Warroo Bridge which will have wider travel lanes and better road approaches, increased load capacity for heavy vehicles, and improved access for wide vehicles.”

Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“It’s great to see the contract for this project has been awarded and construction is on track to commence.

“Communities in our region rely on Warroo Bridge and when the new bridge is built it will make life so much easier for local residents and freight operators.”

NSW Labor’s Orange spokesperson Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“The awarding of the contract to Abergeldie Contractors Pty Ltd to build the replacement Warroo Bridge is an important milestone in this project to improve transport efficiency and reliability in the Central West.

“When construction is complete the community will have a fantastic new asset the Minns Labor Government is proud to be delivering.”

Communities in Griffith, Deniliquin and Lake Cargelligo are set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

The Minns Labor Government will invest $23 million in health worker housing in the Murrumbidgee region as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

The $200.1 million program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

“Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government and this $23 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to the Murrumbidgee.

“The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support Murrumbidgee Local Health District in providing high-quality health services to the community.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“This investment is set to significantly benefit communities across Griffith and Deniliquin. The success of the initiative in other areas such as Narrandera, Finley and West Wyalong shows that provision of quality housing can help to attract and retain essential healthcare professionals to regional and rural areas.

“With the new Griffith Base Hospital opening soon it is also a wonderful time to be promoting our community as an attractive destination for healthcare workers looking to take the next step in their career, or enjoy a tree change to our beautiful region.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“Lake Cargelligo is warm and friendly community, with a dedicated team working at their MPS. Accommodation in town is tight at the best of times, so providing more places to live for health workers is essential for the community.

“More accommodation for health workers means less pressure on local rental and housing markets. Rural and remote communities desperately need more accommodation for our key workers, and this will be a good start.”

The NSW Government is taking steps to bring forward the date of the 2027 NSW State general election by two weeks to 13 March 2027 due to a clash with Easter.

The next NSW State general election is due to fall on 27 March 2027, the end of the Government’s four-year term. However, this date coincides with the Easter public holiday weekend (Good Friday, 26 March – Easter Monday, 29 March 2027).

To bring forward the election date, the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) permits the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly up to two months prior to the end of its fixed four-year term if the election would otherwise clash with a public holiday.

The proposal to bring forward the polling day by two weeks to avoid an Easter clash is informed by consultation with the Opposition and the NSW Electoral Commission.

The Special Minister of State told NSW Parliament today that, subject to finalising consultation, the Government intends to recommend to the Governor, in due course, the making of a proclamation to dissolve the Legislative Assembly early, to achieve a 13 March 2027 election date.

Usually, the NSW state election is held on the fourth Saturday in March after a Government has served a four-year term.

The 2027 Election is the first time that the election has fallen on the Easter weekend since four-year term parliaments were approved by NSW electors at a referendum in 1995.

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“Bringing the NSW election forward two weeks is a commonsense move. With so many people away on holiday, asking voters to get to polling booths over the Easter long weekend would create a logistical challenge for voters, but also a significant operational challenges for the NSW Electoral Commission in conducting the election.

“There is no politics in this decision, it is a simple matter of reviewing where dates fall and what is a feasible and legal solution to working around the Easter break and public holiday period.”

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared eleven housing proposals State Significant Development (SSD) creating capacity for 6,400 new well-located homes, following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

The proposals were recommended for State Significance following the first meeting of the HDA, which was established by the Minns Labor Government to speed up assessment timeframes, with the option of concurrent rezoning and assessment, rather than being assessed by councils.

The HDA has received over 160 expressions of interest (EOIs) since it invited proposals in mid-January 2025. This meeting examined the first 28 proposals received.

Some applicants submitted proposals that are already well progressed along another, more suitable assessment pathway. These have been advised that they are on the right pathway for their proposal.

The HDA has resolved to meet fortnightly to consider further EOIs in a timely manner.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will now provide clear advice and guidance to HDA applicants on the next steps to take with their development proposal.

In some cases, this advice includes recommending an alternative planning pathway for major housing projects that may require a concurrent rezoning but do not satisfy the criteria of the HDA pathway.

High-quality housing projects that have detailed plans submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval and deliver affordable housing were given priority by the HDA, to set a clear benchmark for future EOI submissions.

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.

The HDA builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

·       The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.

·       The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs.

·       The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.

·       $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning. 

·       $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters. 

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said: 

“These changes that we have implemented are making it easier and faster to increase housing supply near existing infrastructure, critical to delivering thousands of much needed homes for young people, families and workers.

“This new authority that is fast tracking the approval of new homes is a major but necessary change to cut through the red tape and delays that have haunted the NSW planning system for well over a decade.

“This is an important step that is helping to deliver thousands of new homes for those who need them, but we know that work does not stop here to increase housing supply.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is reforming the planning system to deliver more market and affordable housing across NSW because everyone having access to a home – either to rent or buy – is a foundation of social and economic participation.

“The Housing Delivery Authority not only encourages new housing proposals by asking for expressions of interest, but it also allows existing proposals to receive fast track consideration by being assessed by the State rather than the local Council.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to streamline the planning system to create more homes. In just the first meeting, we have the potential for 6,400 homes. That is thousands of families, workers and grandparents finding a home.”

The NSW Government will introduce legislation to Parliament today to confront hate speech and antisemitism by establishing a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred.

The Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 responds to recent disgusting instances of antisemitic conduct and hate speech, and makes clear that inciting racial hatred has no place in NSW.

The legislation will make it a crime to intentionally and publicly incite hatred towards another person, or group of people, on the grounds of race. The bill will establish a new section, 93ZAA of the Crimes Act 1900, with a maximum penalty for an individual of two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $11,000, or both, while corporations can face fines of $55,000.

The proposed offence will contain the following elements:

• It must be a public act;
• The public act must incite hatred;
• The incitement to hatred must be intentional; and
• The intentional incitement to hatred must be on the basis of race.

To ensure the implied freedom of political communication is protected, the new offences have been drafted to apply to specific conduct.

The new section includes an exception for directly referencing religious texts during religious teachings.

Criminalising the incitement of racial hatred is the latest measure taken by the NSW Government to respond to acts of racial violence and hatred. Other actions include:

• Introducing a new offence in the Crimes Act to ensure people of faith can attend their place of worship in safety and provide police with associated move on powers;
• Introducing a new offence in 93ZA of the Crimes Act directed to the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue or place of worship, Jewish school or the Sydney Jewish Museum;
• Amending existing graffiti offences to make it an aggravated offence to graffiti a place of worship; and
• Ensuring that hatred or prejudice as motive for an offence will be an aggravating factor on sentence regardless of the presence of other motives.

The Minns Labor Government also increased funding for the NSW Engagement and Hate Crime Unit, the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants (led by Multicultural NSW), and the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program.

This package of measures helps crack down on the recent escalation of troubling graffiti, racial hatred and antisemitism in the community.

It also builds on the work of the NSW Police Force, with Operation Shelter conducting more than 300 proactive patrols daily, while Strike Force Pearl has doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.

With these reforms, the NSW Government is sending a clear message about how seriously it takes racial hatred and antisemitism.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Racial hatred and antisemitism have no place in our society, and we are making it clear with this law.

“These are strong new laws because this disgraceful behaviour must stop.

“NSW is a multicultural state. The people of NSW already stand against racial hatred, and we are making it criminal with this law.

“While this package confronts recent antisemitism, the new laws will apply to anyone, preying on any person.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Racial hatred is unacceptable – and under this new legislation, it will be a crime to publicly and intentionally incite racial hatred.

“It is important for members of our community to be protected from conduct that causes them to fear for their safety, or to fear harassment, intimidation or violence.”

Singleton’s largest ever road infrastructure project is progressing well, with piling and pier work now underway on four bridges on the Singleton Bypass.

The eight-kilometre bypass will divert the New England Highway from travelling through Singleton, avoiding five sets of traffic lights and removing about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre.

It will ease the passage of freight, improve safety and congestion, and deliver time savings for the 26,000 motorists who use this section of the New England Highway each day.

The project includes the construction of six bridges. The project reached a major milestone last week when the first girder was placed on the longest bridge– a 1.6-kilometre section on Doughboy Hollow floodplain.

Work is also well underway on bridges located at the southern connection, the crossing of the Hunter River and the crossing of the New England Highway at Gowrie. Piling and construction of piers will continue across the project for about three months.

A total of 435 girders, 207 piles and 161 pier columns will be put in place over the next six months to form the bridges, while other work is continuing across the project for the relocation of utilities and major earthworks.

The Singleton Bypass will feature eight kilometres of new highway, with a single lane in each direction, a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the New England Highway at the southern and northern ends of the bypass and at Gowrie Gates.

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting. It is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $560 million and the New South Wales Government contributing $150 million.

For further information visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/singleton-bypass-new-england-highway

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

“It’s fantastic to see the biggest road infrastructure project in Singleton’s history starting to take shape.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress as part of this great partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

“The project is also giving the local economy a welcome boost by supporting more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Well done to the project team and its contractor, hitting the ground running with major construction starting last September.

“Bridge building is an important step, and motorists will soon begin to see the magnitude of the bypass taking shape before their eyes.

“The Singleton bypass will improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter region through safer journeys, shorter travel times and more efficient freight transport.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“It’s wonderful to see the progress of the Singleton Bypass, which will benefit so many people who live in, work in, and visit our region.

“This is just the start of transformative work for this project, with bridge columns coming out of the ground and the start of girder installation, which will continue over the coming months.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress.”

State Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal:

“When the bypass is built motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and it’ll remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre — improving safety, slashing travel times and increasing efficiency for all road users.

“Well done to the Transport project team and all the staff for their hard work on building this game-changing project.”

The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, forming the iconic building’s crowning glory.

With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973.  

This marks a pivotal moment in the project, as the focus shifts from structural work to internal finishes, bringing the building one step closer to construction completion.

The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams – with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length – and was completed in December 2024.

Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes. The roof requires some finishing touches including waterproofing, which will follow in the weeks ahead.

Since construction began, the project has provided a major boost to the local economy with delivery partner Multiplex awarding more than $670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers for services including maritime piling, steel reinforcement and installation of the roof cassettes.

The new Sydney Fish Market will offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and community spaces, including fresh seafood market, restaurants, and a seafood school. The new market will create a dynamic hub for both locals and tourists, celebrating Sydney’s reputation as a global seafood destination.

The new Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, which will unlock a connected waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo, 1,100 homes on the old fish market site and more than 6,000 square metres of public space, improving pedestrian and cycling links.

The project is also supporting over 700 jobs during construction, and a further 700 jobs once operational.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The revamped market will be truly spectacular, offering a world-class, authentic seafood for an expected 6 million annual local and international visitors – ensuring it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on offer in our harbour city.”

“Excitement around the new Sydney Fish Market is growing every day as this spectacular new building, now with a completed roof, comes to life at the head of Blackwattle Bay.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Today marks a significant milestone with the completion of the roof at the new Sydney Fish Market, a testament to world-class engineering and design.

“The roof not only enhances the market’s aesthetic with its magnificent wave-like form now in place, but also the environmental sustainability of the building.

“It is incredibly exiting to have reached this stage in the build and start work on finishes. We’re on the home stretch now and getting closer to being able to set foot in the new Sydney Fish Market, which will be an icon for Sydney and a destination for all.”

NSW Regional Director Daniel Murphy at Multiplex said:

“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction team and partners. We can’t wait to see visitors enjoying this impressive building when it opens to the public.”