The Minns Labor Government is calling on the best and brightest in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology tools to improve the NSW Planning Portal and speed up assessment timeframes to deliver more homes, jobs and infrastructure.
The NSW Planning Portal processes all the state’s Development Applications (DA) as well as Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Concurrence and Referrals (C&R) for DAs that require state agency advice.
The NSW Government has launched two Requests for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative technology and AI solutions to integrate into the Planning Portal as a feature of the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem. The first RFP asks for:
Products to improve DA quality and assessment times that can be integrated into the existing Portal
Products or services that use AI to provide data analytics and spatial insights
Products to strengthen cybersecurity and improve user privacy including document security and certificate forgery
A second tender seeking a range of technology enhancements to upgrade the core platform functionality of the NSW Planning Portal which include:
Making this legacy platform more efficient through upgrades to assessment and implementation planning
Seeking products that improve security through data processing and document migration and validation
Enhancements to the core platform, making it more reliable and improving the user experience
These two RFPs follow the NSW Government’s $5.6 million investment to introduce AI into the planning system with 16 councils currently trialling AI solutions through the AI Early Adopter Grant.
To provide a Request for Proposal for the NSW Planning Portal, applicants should respond by 3pm on Friday 1 November: NSW Planning Portal – Pega Upgrade – SR00252 | buy.nsw
To provide a Request for Proposal for the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal ecosystem applicants should respond by 3pm on Monday 4 November: Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem – SR00132 | buy.nsw
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The NSW Planning Portal services millions of people, it should be utilising the best technological platforms available to us.
“AI can assist planners to determine DAs much faster and that means faster assessments for housing across NSW.
“We are also looking for solutions to improve the core technology of the Planning Portal to improve user experience.
“The Minns Labor Government is bringing the planning system into the 21st century.
“Our Early Adopter AI grant Program has already seen 16 councils commence technology trials to help their planners free up valuable time and energy to improve assessment times. This next round of technology enhancements will bring us even closer to the future of digital assessment in the planning system.”
The Liverpool community is a step closer to having a new purpose-built ambulance station at Prestons following the purchase of a site on Enterprise Circuit.
The new Prestons Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the site to ensure the location best meets the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff.
New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the needs of local community. NSW Ambulance identified Prestons as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls.
The next steps for the project include design development and seeking planning approval for the new ambulance station. Construction and operational timeframes will be determined as the project progresses.
The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline emergency ambulance care.
Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other Government stakeholders to identify potential sites for new ambulance stations.
Sites are confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra and now Prestons.
New stations across south-western Sydney are also planned to service the communities of Raby, Prairiewood, Doonside, Glenmore Park, the Aerotropolis and Bargo.
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“I’m delighted our paramedics will have a purpose-built ambulance station to support them while they deliver world-class emergency mobile medical care to our communities well into the future.
“The purchase of the site marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for the local community and surrounding areas.
“The new ambulance station at Prestons will bolster the ambulance station network across the growing communities of south-western Sydney and support existing ambulance stations including at Liverpool and Macquarie Fields.”
Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong:
“I welcome this investment in urgent medical care services for our rapidly-growing region.
“An ambulance service at Prestons means more local jobs for south-west Sydney, and better response times in emergencies. It’s a win-win for our fast-growing communities.”
Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:
“As Liverpool grows, it is important that we invest in health infrastructure to meet the needs of the community.
“The new station is a testament to the NSW Government’s dedication to providing first-class emergency services in the fast growing communities of south west Sydney.
“We know health services like Liverpool Hospital are under a lot of pressure, and this announcement demonstrates that the NSW Government is actively working to ensure Liverpool has what we need to meet the demand, now and into the future.”
Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:
“This new ambulance station in Prestons will provide better care for families across the region.
“South-western Sydney is growing rapidly, and it’s crucial that our frontline services grow with us.
“This new station will strengthen the entire network and ensure our local paramedics have the resources and facilities they need to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.”
Essential workers will receive significantly more support to move and settle into the Northern Rivers thanks to a successful Minns Labor Government initiative, The Welcome Experience, being extended into the region making it easier for local organisations to attract workers to making the move.
Originally piloted during 2023 in Broken Hill, Muswellbrook, Bega, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Corowa, Griffith and Goulburn, The Welcome Experience has been such a success it is now being rolled out to additional locations since September this year and is now operating in 55 Local Government Areas.
The Welcome Experience will now provide workforce support to the additional town locations of Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley thanks to a successful tender application from new host agency, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers.
As part of The Welcome Experience, host agencies help essential workers make the regions their home, forge social connections, access childcare and schooling options, join sporting clubs and even assist with finding job opportunities for partners.
Launched in June last year, The Welcome Experience has helped 665 essential workers and their families to move to regional New South Wales, including 346 health workers, 110 educators and 42 police staff.
The Northern Rivers can look forward to similar type success stories that have emerged after the program was rolled out to other regions over the last few months.
Host Agencies in new delivery locations such as Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Kiama and Inverell are now onboarding Local Connectors, plus engaging their local communities and gathering feedback to assist them to tailor the delivery of The Welcome Experience to meet specific needs of communities.
Among the new host agencies is RDA Murray, which has reported a positive stream of enquiries since September from essential workers considering the move to the Albury area.
RDA Program Manager for Albury Karin Willcox is already assisting two registered nurses and their children move to the region from New Zealand.
Karin has organised arrangements for the family ahead of their arrival, including airport pickup, car rental, childcare, schooling options, and even securing furniture for their new home.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“Our Government is focusing on ensuring regional NSW receives the services it needs and attracting essential workers is critical to making that happen.
“If people get to hear first-hand info about schools or childcare, and that there is a good bunch of people in the local netball team, plus insights on cafes and places to fish, you are making them feel welcome.
“Recognising the area’s needs, the Government is pleased the procurement process has been completed to engage RDA Northern Rivers to set up services in five towns that will boost the attraction of essential workers.
“The Welcome Experience has a strong track record of warmly welcoming workers to regional NSW and encouraging them to build lasting connections in their new communities, and I look forward to seeing RDA continue this valuable work in the Northern Rivers region.”
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“I congratulate Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers on successfully tendering to be host agency for The Welcome Experience in towns across our region as this organisation has a track record of building capacity through strengthening networks.
“We need to attract and retain more essential workers as our population grows, and providing workforce support with relocations and settling into a new community for workers and their families is a no-brainer.
“Some councils provide new residents with a welcome pack to help them navigate their new surroundings, and this Minns Labor Government initiative is that concept writ large, offering a wraparound set of services specific to our region.
“The Welcome Experience’s pilot sites have been successful in helping hundreds of health workers, educators and police move to the regions, and I look forward to more success in Lismore, Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley.”
RDA Northern Rivers Director of Regional Development Anthony Schreenan said:
“The Welcome Experience will support new essential workers through every step of the relocation process, from when they first consider the move, to when they decide to make their home in the Northern Rivers and build connections in the community,” Mr Schreenan said.
“We are so happy to be able to benefit from The Welcome Experience, the pilot showed that the key to retaining workers is welcoming them into the community, and that’s more than finding a house to live in and school for the kids.
“It’s becoming part of the local sports club, getting to know fellow parents, connecting with the people at your local and building networks of friendship.
“Our Local Connector will provide a concierge service, connecting with essential workers who are considering relocating to our region and providing information about the region, finding a place to live, access to schools and amenities, and services available.
Locations delivering The Welcome Experience:
Region
Location Government Areas
Successful Host Agency
Northern NSW
Glen Innes Severn and Inverell
Attract Connect Stay Glenn Innes
North Coast & Rivers
Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley
RDA Northern Rivers
Mid North Coast
Kempsey, Nambucca and Port Macquarie Hastings
RDA Mid North Coast
Mid North Coast
Coffs Harbour and Bellingen
Boambee East Community Centre
Hunter
Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter
Muswellbrook Shire Council
New England
Armidale, Tamworth and Uralla
RDA Northern Inland
Moree Plains
Moree Plains
Moree Plains Shire Council
Orana region
Bourke, Dubbo (incl Wellington) and Walgett
RDA Orana
Central West
Bathurst, Cowra, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin
Skillset
Western NSW
Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling,
Regional Solutions Community Development
Far West NSW
Unincorporated Far West and Wentworth
Regional Solutions Community Development
Murray
Albury, Federation and Greater Hume
RDA Murray
Eastern Riverina
Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga
RDA Riverina
Western Riverina
Griffith, Leeton,
RDA Riverina
Southern NSW
Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy-Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee and Yass Valley
The Minns Labor Government will hold an open tender process for the long-term lease at the Entertainment Quarter (EQ), Moore Park, with the aim to unlock the potential of the site through a world-class redevelopment.
Proposals are being sought that will deliver more visitors, more live performances, and more events at Entertainment Quarter, the former Sydney Showgrounds site.
The NSW Government is also seeking proposals that would deliver additional creative spaces such as a new indoor space that could host substantial audiences of up to 15,000 – 20,000 people, for live performances and public events.
The EQ is one of Sydney’s key entertainment and sports precincts, and a hub for creative industries, but it is currently underutilised considering its prime location between Centennial Park, the SCG and Allianz Stadium and its proximity to the CBD via light rail.
The NSW Government is determined to ensure EQ’s history as the venue for some of Sydney’s biggest events, including the start of World Series cricket and the old Royal Easter Show, is honoured in transformation to a world-class entertainment precinct that Sydney can be proud of.
The current lease over the site has a maximum lease term expiring in 2046 and while no decision has been made in relation to the existing lease, this open tender process will allow all parties to put forward proposals to redevelop the precinct.
The open tender process will commence in the near-term and will look beyond the next decade to a proposal that supports long-term investment, with the tender process to run through next year.
The tender process will seek bids that deliver on key precinct and infrastructure upgrades and support increased use of the precinct while supporting better integration with the broader sports and entertainment precinct and parklands while retaining the site as a public space.
Through a long-term lease we have an opportunity to secure the Entertainment Quarter’s future and deliver the revitalisation the site needs.
This builds on work already undertaken by the NSW Government with the announcement of Vibrancy Reforms set to be debated in Parliament this week, that are aimed tackling red tape that has destroyed nightlife and entertainment by bringing vibrancy back to New South Wales.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“The Entertainment Quarter is in one of Australia’s best entertainment precincts, however it is falling far short of meeting its full potential.
“We want to turn the EQ into a thriving world-class precinct, full of dining and entertainment options, complete with a brand new venue that can host between 15,000 – 20,000 for live music and public events.
“The new EQ entertainment precinct would provide another world-class venue for great home grown artists and international acts to perform at, like Cold Chisel and Dua Lipa who Sydney will be hosting over the next 6 months.
“From cutting through red tape that has decimated Sydney’s nightlife to getting visitors and entertainment back into the city with projects this like this, we’re focussed on turning Sydney into the best entertainment destination in the world.”
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:
“The Entertainment Quarter’s potential currently outweighs its offerings. In short, we want more entertainment in this precinct, more people visiting and much more activation of what has always been a special place in Sydney right back to the days of the Showgrounds and the heyday of the Hordern Pavilion.
“The creation of a live performance area that can host 15,000 – 20,000 people is central to this vision, particularly as the Minns Labor Government pursues its agenda to grow live music back from the brink.
“A revitalised Entertainment Quarter fits the objective of the Vibrancy Reforms we are enacting, the 24-Hour Economy Strategy and the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy Review. This place should be an experience that keeps visitors coming back again and again.
“I look forward to seeing the vision of the private sector to deliver on a much more ambitious use of this exciting site.”
Councils across NSW can now apply for grants to employ hundreds more apprentices and trainees as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $252.2 million investment in securing the future of the local government workforce.
The Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Program which will fund the wages of 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets over the next six years, is the largest state government investment in the direct hire of new apprentices in recent memory.
The program aims to support a 15 per cent increase in the local government workforce through new apprentices and trainees, starting with 1,300 new roles across metropolitan, rural and regional NSW councils.
The program has been designed so councils can determine their own workforce priorities and the types of roles they hope to fill – whether that’s more plumbers, childcare workers and carpenters, or mechanics, landscapers and planners.
Applications will be assessed on merit with the funding to be administered by the Office of Local Government.
Following an assessment period grants will be allocated to councils and the first round of apprentices, trainees and cadets are expected to start work in early 2025.
Guidelines for the grants are now available and all 128 councils, county councils and joint organisations are eligible to apply for round one of the funding.
“Apprenticeships provide opportunities for young people to learn a trade and work in a role where they can have a direct impact on their community.
“We need to create more of these opportunities across NSW to boost the capability of councils, reverse the trend of outsourcing and keep council jobs in councils where they belong.
“This significant investment by the Minns Labor Government will help ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital workforce which provides the services and builds the infrastructure we use every day.
“A stronger local government sector means stronger communities, so I encourage all councils to apply as soon as possible.”
The Minns Labor Government is taking further measures to ensure community members and landowners hosting renewable energy infrastructure projects are actively supported, by expanding the functions of the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW.
For the first time, the Ombudsman will provide impartial information and an external dispute resolution service to landholders and community members impacted by new major renewable energy transmission infrastructure and renewable energy infrastructure projects which will deliver more affordable and reliable power across NSW.
$1.3 million in grant funding from the NSW Government will improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in addressing complaints by individual community members or landowners hosting renewable energy generation and transmission projects.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will provide a ‘no wrong door’ referral service for residents, connecting them with the most appropriate channels to address their complaints where they fall outside the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
The service will also provide an investigation and resolution process for residents dissatisfied with how their complaints are handled by the relevant transmission and renewable energy entities.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will actively engage with residents to understand their concerns and identify any widespread issues requiring action.
The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW was established in 1998 as the NSW Government-approved dispute resolution scheme for electricity and gas customers, and some water customers. The external dispute resolution scheme operates independent of Government and industry.
The new services will be rolled out by the NSW Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW from December.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:
“We have listened to communities and understand that better engagement and support is needed for communities hosting renewable energy infrastructure.
“The investment in expanding this dedicated complaint handling function proves our commitment to a fair and transparent energy sector.
“Residents will no longer have to navigate a maze of agencies. The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW will connect them with the right people to have concerns investigated and addressed.”
Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW, Janine Young:
“The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW is the established, trusted and independent dispute resolution scheme for NSW energy and water customers. We resolved more than 28,000 energy and water complaints last year.
“This isn’t new territory for us. We already handle complaints about existing energy transmission and distribution infrastructure, so we’re well placed to expand into managing complaints and disputes regarding new network and renewable energy infrastructure projects.
“The renewable energy sector is developing rapidly, and customers need a free and impartial Ombudsman scheme to help them navigate the energy transition.”
The Minns Labor Government is pressing ahead with building a better Budgewoi transport network with a $6 million investment to improve Scenic Drive.
More than 16,000 motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and bus passengers who use the road daily will benefit from safety and access improvements to be delivered along the section of Scenic Drive between Wills Road and Ourringo Street.
Safety improvements at intersections along Scenic Drive will be a key focus of the upgrades which will help make it easier for people to access Halekulani Oval, the skate park and Budgewoi West Village.
Potential solutions include:
enhanced accessibility of bus stop facilities
additional pedestrian refuges along the corridor
upgrades to existing active transport infrastructure around Budgewoi Bridge
adjusting the Budgewoi West Village car park entry location at Noela Place intersection
traffic slowing measures at the Alawai Avenue intersection and
replacement of the existing pedestrian refuge adjacent Budgewoi West Village with a signalised pedestrian crossing.
To help Transport for NSW determine what improvements should be prioritised to best meet community needs, Budgewoi locals are being invited to share their improvement ideas by:
mailing feedback to Transport for NSW via Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300.
The feedback period ends on 13 November and Transport for NSW expects to share final improvement plans with the community in 2025.
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
“We want these changes to help create a vibrant centre for Budgewoi with a high-quality transport network, so we’ll be looking at design options that improve the amenity of the local street environment.
“Feedback from residents and other stakeholders is encouraged during this early stage of project development and it will help Transport for NSW get the final plans right so the whole community benefits.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“Thanks to strong advocacy from Yasmin Catley and David Harris, projects like the better Budgewoi transport network are being delivered by the Minns Labor Government.
“I encourage community members to share their ideas and help decide what the final set of upgrades look like for Budgewoi.”
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:
“We’ve long advocated for changes to the Budgewoi transport network, and now the first steps are finally being taken to improve transport for people on the Central Coast.
“While it’s great to have community facilities, it’s crucial that they’re accessible to locals – a priority that has been overlooked in the past.
“Locals know their community best, so I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and have their say.”
The NSW Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet will today meet with key stakeholders across Western Sydney, including small businesses, faith-based organisations, community leaders, and local government representatives in Penrith— the territory of champions – at its Shadow Community Cabinet event.
The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Western Sydney is the engine room of aspiration in New South Wales, and Penrith is at its heart.
“When Western Sydney thrives, the rest of the state benefits. We are here to ensure the Penrith area gets the support it deserves, so families, businesses and communities can succeed,” Mr Speakman said.
The former Coalition Government recognised the importance of quality healthcare in Western Sydney, including investing $1 billion in the Nepean Hospital redevelopment.
This vital investment delivered:
A new cancer clinic providing life-saving treatments.
Over 600 new parking spaces for easier access.
A 14-storey hospital tower expanding critical care services.
The Somerset Cottage Early Childhood Education and Care Centre.
A modern pathology laboratory for faster, more reliable diagnoses.
The Northern Road upgrade, a $4.1 billion joint project between the Federal and State Governments, has also laid the foundation for major growth ahead of the new Western Sydney Airport.
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston said projects like these wouldn’t have happened under the Minns Labor Government, which is cutting health infrastructure spending by over a third by 2027-28.
“This government lacks the urgency to deliver for Western Sydney. That’s why the Shadow Cabinet is here—to make sure the voices of Western Sydney are heard and acted upon,” Ms Preston said.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $75 million to build roads, parks, infrastructure and improved town centre access for more than 42,000 new homes across Western Sydney.
Special Infrastructure Contributions fund critical supporting infrastructure for homes such as state and regional roads, primary and secondary schools and emergency, health and bus services.
For more than a decade, fast-growing communities in Western Sydney have not received their fair share of infrastructure. Delivering on its commitment to support essential infrastructure for the communities taking the most housing, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new grant funding to help build better communities.
The $75 million in round 6 of the Special Infrastructure Contribution grant funding targets councils in specific local government areas in the Western Sydney Growth Centres such as Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, The Hills and Liverpool.
The grant funding aligns with the National Housing Accord target of 377,000 new, well-located homes across NSW by 2029.
Previous grant rounds have supported long-awaited projects for growing communities, including:
More than $34 million toward the Memorial Avenue Road Upgrade at Kellyville in North West Sydney, which is currently underway.
More than $20 million toward the new Edmondson Park primary and high schools. Approvals have now been received for the high school, with construction set to get underway in the near future.
The key driver of these projects has been the significant population growth experienced by Western Sydney, which has not been matched by the infrastructure these communities need.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with more homes, paired with vital infrastructure, as we take action to address the housing crisis.
This grant is also open to state agencies including Communities and Justice, Education, Transport for NSW, NSW Health, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and the Planning Ministerial Corporation.
The grant funding for the Special Infrastructure Contributions $75 million Round 6 will open for nominations at 9am on Friday 18 October and close midnight on Monday 16 December 2024.
The Special Infrastructure Contributions will continue to apply until 30 June 2026 when the Housing and Productivity Contribution will apply to the current area of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
“Western Sydney is one of the largest growth areas in our state but is lacking the infrastructure to support vibrant and well-connected communities.
“New roads, open spaces, active transport and town centre access will make housing across these six LGAs possible, especially in Blacktown and The Hills.
“Western Sydney was left behind by the previous government, we are not only building new homes but we are building the infrastructure to support better communities.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The Minns Government is committed to delivering new, well-located homes where they are needed most.
“In order to build a community, residents need access to a local school, connecting roads and critical services.
“This funding means supporting infrastructure is being delivered alongside new homes.”
The Far West region of NSW is experiencing a widespread electricity outage after severe thunderstorms on Thursday, 17 October.
This storm has had a devastating impact on power supplies to Broken Hill and towns throughout the Far West of NSW, including White Cliffs, Wilcannia and Menindee.
10,000 homes and businesses were initially left without electricity after transmission towers supplying electricity to the region were damaged.
A large-scale back-up generator has restored power to approximately 9,000 homes and businesses with an estimated 1,400 customers around Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs still without power.
It’s expected that constructing temporary towers to restore the transmission line will take a number of weeks.
The NSW Government immediately activated an emergency response and is coordinating assistance across a number of emergency services and government agencies, as well as electricity companies, who are responding to this event:
Multiple agencies are involved in transporting supplies including generators, fuel pods, cool rooms, lighting towers and Starlinks (satellite connections) to the area.
The NSW Government is working with Transgrid and Essential Energy to safely manage impacts on communities.
NSW Police is leading the coordination of support by government agencies and will manage the distribution of fuel supplies.
RFS is establishing community hubs at RFS Brigade Stations in Menindee, Wilcannia and White Cliffs.
SES units at Menindee and Wilcannia are open for community members to drop in and charge their devices and are deploying generators to local organisations.
NSW Health is contacting vulnerable patients in areas impacted. Essential Energy is also making contact with registered Life Support customers who remain without power.
NSW Telco Authority has deployed a Cell On Wheels and mobile radio assets to Menindee.
NSW Department of Education has mobilised an Emergency Response Unit that is coordinating the delivery of generators from Sydney to schools in the Far West, with a priority for schools with students sitting the HSC and students with special needs.
Transgrid and Essential Energy crews have completed their assessment of the damage and are now engineering the repair works and deploying small mobile generators in multiple locations.
Customers, including Life Support customers, can contact Essential Energy on its outage line on 13 20 80 for support.
Community meetings will continue to take place over the coming days to keep everyone updated on progress and address any concerns.
The NSW Government encourages community members to follow the guidance of emergency service crews and asks travellers to the Far West of NSW avoid this area surrounding Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee and White Cliffs unless absolutely necessary.
“A serious thunderstorm has impacted thousands of properties across the Far West of NSW.
“While power has been restored to around 9,000 properties, there is still a significant amount of people who do not have electricity.
“The NSW Government has activated an emergency response team working across all emergency services agencies to ensure the community gets access to the essentials they need.
“Contractors are also downing tools on other jobs to respond to this incident and energy providers and government teams are working around the clock to restore power to the region.”
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:
“The NSW Government is working closely with Transgrid and Essential Energy to restore power to homes and businesses in the far west.
“While generators have kicked in for many properties, I encourage those in the affected area to minimise their electricity usage specifically during the evening peak period (5:30pm to 10:30pm Australian Central Daylight Time).
“I encourage you to check in with your friends, family and neighbours and stay up to date with the latest information from NSW emergency services and Essential Energy.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“I want to thank volunteers and emergency responders who have moved quickly to supply generators and satellite communications where they are most needed and providing support for community members to drop in and charge devices.”
