Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to improve road safety in regional NSW with $45 million to be provided to council-nominated road safety projects across regional areas.

This comes from an additional $80 million investment into the Towards Zero Safer roads program, following an additional $200 million recently announced for regional projects on state roads, managed by Transport for NSW.

To be provided over three years, this funding will allow for the delivery of 23 road safety projects and to progress the implementation of three 40 km/h High Pedestrian Activity Areas on roads maintained by local councils in regional NSW.

The Towards Zero Safer Roads Program is a road safety infrastructure upgrade and speed management program aimed at delivering sustainable and long-term reductions in road trauma across the NSW road network by addressing high risk locations.

The program aligns with the Future Transport Strategy vision to achieve zero road trauma by 2050 and is a cornerstone of the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, which aims to halve fatalities and reduce serious injuries by 30 per cent on NSW roads by 2030.

Examples of the improvements this round of the program will provide to local communities in the regions include the installation of pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, shoulder upgrades and road widenings to help reduce the risk of crashes.

The program builds on the success of the previous Safer Roads Program, which is estimated to save up to 1,550 serious injuries and lives over the lifetime of the program.

Details of each funded project is available here

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Even though regional NSW only makes up a third of the NSW population, sadly two thirds of deaths on our roads happen on country roads.

“The Minns Labor Government has provided more than half of funding for these council projects to regional councils.

“I am pleased to say 23 regional council-nominated projects have secured funding under this round of funding which will result in much needed infrastructure for regional NSW.

“A highlight of the funding will be the delivery of three High Pedestrian Activity Areas to regional suburbs in the state’s north including at Fingal Bay, Charlestown and Wollombi Village to protect pedestrians.

“This investment will go a long way to ensure everyone gets home safely every time to their loved ones.”

The Minns Government is proud to celebrate the wealth of fishing opportunities on offer in NSW with the return of Gone Fishing Day on Sunday 13 October.

The Government will be hosting free community events across the state, giving both novice and experienced fishers a chance to enjoy fishing fun with family and friends.

Gone Fishing Day events will be held at Gordon Park in Nambucca, Queen Elizabeth Park in Taree, Lake Keepit, Lakeside Parkin Narrabeen, Spencer Park in Merimbula and Apex Park in Wagga Wagga, with activities kicking off at 9am.

Many fishing clubs, organisations and community groups will also run their own community fishing events and activities in their own local area on Gone Fishing Day, with support from NSW Government.

A total of 62 fishing clubs and organisations have been sent fishing packages with gear to use at their local events while another 49 clubs and organisations are receiving grants of up to $2000 to help run their events.

An open day and Gone Fishing Day event will also be held at the Gaden Trout Hatchery near Jindabyne to give the community a chance to see the newly renovated, state-of-the-art facilities, with the Government investing $8.6 million in upgrades to help futureproof NSW’s iconic trout fishing sector.

A range of family-friendly activities will be on offer at the Gaden Trout Hatchery open day, including guided tours, Try Fishing sessions, fishing demonstrations, fish feeding opportunities, children’s face painting and much more.

Gone Fishing Day is another example of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to promote and improve recreational fishing in NSW, with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.

To find out more on the DPIRD Gone Fishing Day community events near you or for more information, visit Gone Fishing NSW Day.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Gone Fishing Day is a great opportunity for people to get out on the water and take advantage of the many exceptional fishing locations we have across our great state.

“Whether you are an experienced angler or you’ve never held a rod before – we want everyone to get involved and wet a line!”

“It is a fantastic opportunity to attract keen fishers to take to the water and introduce kids to fishing, with casting competitions and Try Fishing sessions.

“We know that fishing provides so much more than just a nutritious food source and Gone Fishing Day allows us to share the benefits of this fun outdoor activity to everyone around the State.

“Recreational fishing is a $3.4 billion industry in NSW, so it is important that we acknowledge this day and the positive impact this industry has on our economy and communities.”

Millions of extra airline seats, tens of thousands of hotel rooms and a focus on experience-led tourism will transform the state’s visitor economy into a $91 billion powerhouse as set out in a government review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy.

The Minns Government will adopt a more ambitious goal of $91 billion in annual visitor economy expenditure by 2035 – a 40% increase on the previous goal. The accelerated growth is expected to provide a big economic windfall for regional communities, with $44 billion (48%) of the $91 billion expected to be spent in regional NSW. 

This ambitious growth trajectory will further cement tourism as a critical pillar of future growth in the NSW economy, driving up to 150,000 new jobs by 2035.

The next decade of growth in the visitor economy will be underpinned by a potential increase of 8.5 million airline seats due to the new Newcastle Airport international terminal opening in 2025, the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport in 2026, increased capacity at Sydney Airport and growth in cross-border arrivals through Canberra Airport and Gold Coast Airport.

The Minns government has already been working to boost aviation capacity through support for the recently announced Turkish Airlines route to Sydney Airport and an agreement to support Newcastle Airport to attract more international routes.

This additional capacity will increase competition, providing a greater incentive for European travellers to choose NSW as their holiday destination and put downward pressure on the cost of holidays for NSW families.

To meet the $91 billion stretch goal, the review highlights key challenges including:

• The need for 40,000 extra hotel rooms, a 41% increase on what’s currently available
• Significant worker and skills shortages in roles such as tour guides and chefs
• Need for increased business event facilities in Sydney, Western Sydney and priority regional areas.

The review sets out a series of recommendations for achieving the stretch goal including:

• Prioritise the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy as a government-wide economic focus.
• Anchor the Visitor Economy Strategy around ‘experience tourism’
• Celebrate First Nations culture and businesses through authentic visitor experiences.
• Increase accommodation quality across regional NSW and quantity in Greater Sydney.
• Boost aviation capacity in key domestic and international markets.
• Leverage leisure events to grow season al visitation and showcase NSW’s strengths.
• Dominate Australia’s business events sector.
• Capitalise on NSW’s status as being number one for international students.
• Foster a diverse, skilled visitor economy workforce.

The Minns government has begun work on attracting more business events with a $1.5 million increase in funding for Business Events Sydney in FY25.

Confirming the international appeal of the experiences on offer in Sydney, last week the NSW capital was voted ‘best city in the world’ in the Condè Nast Traveller UK’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. The poll cited Sydney’s ‘unique, indoor-outdoor way of life’ which speaks directly to the review’s recommendation to focus the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy on ‘experience tourism.’

The NSW visitor economy is the biggest in Australia, achieving a record $53 billion in expenditure in FY24 and employing almost 300,000 workers. The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 had a target of $65 billion. The review into the 2030 strategy will inform the new NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which will be released in the coming months.

A summary of the review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 is available here.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“From pristine beaches to lush national parks, NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe.

“People coming to New South Wales for a holiday is at an all time high, but this review shows there are opportunities to grow it even more, partially due to more airports opening and more flight routes being secured.

“We are ready to put our shoulder to the wheel and attract even more travellers to NSW, boosting local business and creating thousands of jobs.”

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“This is a very exciting moment for the NSW visitor economy. We’re taking a sector that is already very strong and raising our ambitions even higher.

“This review dares us to dream big, but it also outlines the hard work needed to meet the opportunity.

“To reach this ambitious new target we need to build more hotel rooms, attract and train more workers and create and market the experiences that connect visitors with the culture, nature and people of NSW.

“NSW has the nature, the culture and incredible experiences. We just need to match it with hard work and planning.”

More than 3,900 students across NSW have already benefitted from the Minns Labor Government’s $120 million investment in tertiary health study subsidies, with all subsidies now awarded for the 2024 calendar year.

The recipients of the subsidies include 1,840 nursing students, 280 midwifery students, 1,020 allied health, 520 medical students and 262 paramedical students.

Students beginning their degrees will receive subsidies of $4,000 per year over three years.

The subsidies, announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget, are also expected to support a further 8,000 healthcare students over the next four years.

Students seeking to receive the subsidy in 2025 can apply from mid-January 2025 and must be willing to make a five-year commitment to the NSW public health system.

The subsidies form part of a series of measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to further strengthen the state’s health workforce, including:

• Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
• Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers
• Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.

The full list of 2025 eligible workforce groups will be available in October 2024 on the NSW Health website.

Premier Chris Minns:

“I am so pleased more than 3,900 people across NSW have already benefitted from our health worker study subsidies.

“The subsidies help students with costs such as fees, technology, travel, and helps us keep talented people here in NSW, working in the country’s largest public health system.

“Attracting skilled healthcare workers is a longstanding challenge, and while there is a long way to go rebuilding our healthcare system, we are committed to doing it so that people can access the care they need, when they need it.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are shoring up the future of our health workforce in NSW and we’re honouring our election commitment to reducing financial barriers to studying healthcare.

“When we boost our health workforce we improve health outcomes, it’s as simple as that.

“It’s encouraging to see such a strong subscription of these subsidies.”

The Minns Labor Government has released the findings of a major statewide survey, revealing widespread community concerns about the impact of social media on children, young people, and broader society.

The survey, conducted between 11 August and 15 September this year, engaged more than 21,000 participants from across the state through the ‘Have Your Say’ platform.

This is the largest response to a ‘Have Your Say’ public consultation to date.

It found that 87 per cent of respondents support implementing age restrictions for social media use, with 16 being the most suggested minimum age.

This sentiment was particularly strong among parents, with 91 per cent of those with children aged 5-17 advocating for age limits.

The survey reveals a growing concern over the time young people spend on social media, with those aged 16-17 averaging over three hours per day. This trend begins as early as 10-12 years old, where 70 per cent of children are already using social media, and usage steadily increases with age.

Additionally, 35 per cent of parents of 13-15 year olds, especially in single-parent households, report that social media has a ‘negative’ or ‘very negative’ impact on their child’s life.

Parents cited concerns over excessive screen time leading to issues such as addiction, exposure to inappropriate content and the detrimental effect on their children’s daily responsibilities.

Young people themselves echoed some of this sentiment, with 66 per cent of 16-17 year olds expressing that social media distracts them from essential tasks such as schoolwork and family obligations.

The survey highlights a clear correlation between time spent on social media and negative outcomes reported by parents. Parents whose children use social media for more than four hours a day were more than twice as likely to note negative impacts on their child’s life, compared to parents whose children spend less than an hour a day online. 

The most frequently mentioned issues include ‘cyber security risks’, ‘exposure to harmful content’, and ‘concerns over how social media usage is affecting children’s behaviour’. Notably, parents of younger children who lack rules or safety measures often cited uncertainty about what to implement, signalling a need for more guidance and solutions.

The insights gathered from the survey will play a crucial role in shaping discussions at the upcoming Social Media Summit.

Jointly hosted by the NSW Government and the Government of South Australia, the first of its kind two-day, two-state event will bring together experts, policymakers, young people, and community voices to discuss strategies to combat the negative impacts of social media and foster a more positive digital future.

The summit will start at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Thursday, 10 October and continue the following day at Adelaide’s Convention Centre.

Further details about the summit, including full event schedules and online live streaming information, will be released soon.

To see the full report of survey findings and to stay updated on the summit, visit www.nsw.gov.au/socialmediasummit.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The community has spoken, and the message is clear. Parents are concerned about how social media is impacting the lives of young people.

“The huge response to this survey sends a powerful message about the extent of community concern.

“Parents and children are rightly concerned about this giant global unregulated experiment on young people.

“The feedback we’ve received will guide discussions at the Social Media Summit and help the government as we respond to the harmful aspects of social media.”

As New South Wales enters a long weekend the Minns Labor Government is reminding the community that domestic, family and sexual violence is never acceptable.

With large events over the weekend, where many will be celebrating and consuming alcohol, I ask everyone to play a part in ensuring that all members of the community are safe and respected.

If you witness unacceptable behaviour, call it out.

If you are concerned about the safety of someone you know, or your own, please contact:

The NSW Domestic Violence Line on: 1800 656 463

Or, 1800 RESPECT on: 1800 737 732

If it is an emergency, please contact Triple Zero: 000

We know that at times of large events there is a concerning trend of increased instances of domestic, family and sexual violence.

Sadly, as many in the community gather this weekend in celebration, there will be others who do not feel safe in their own homes, who are the victims of domestic abuse.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to taking meaningful and ongoing action to ensure women across the state are safe, but we know we cannot do this without the community’s help.

This long weekend, check on your friends, do not ignore signs of concerning behaviour and help us in our work towards creating a safer New South Wales. The stakes are far too high for anyone to not play their part.

For those experiencing domestic and family violence, you have a right to safety and help is available.

Support available:

In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services on Triple Zero (000)

NSW Domestic Violence Help Line: 1800 65 64 63

1800RESPECT: 1800 7377 32

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 18 00

Further information on if you suspect and want to help someone in a domestic violence situation is available here.

Information on how to spot the signs of coercive control is available here. 

A record breaking number of people have ditched cars for the Minns Labor Government’s expanded Snowy Mountains Bus Service which has hit a major milestone of more than 90,000 customer journeys for the first time.

This snow season has been the service’s most successful ever, with more than 10,000 additional journeys taken compared to the 2023 season.

The success of the service has led to improved road safety, with Transport for NSW estimating about 30,000 fewer car trips have been taken to and from the Alpine slopes due to the availability of the bus service.

The winter school holidays was unsurprisingly the busiest period this year, with an additional 50 services scheduled to manage the demand. Between 8 and 28 July, 409 services ran at 100 per cent capacity – or about 20 per cent of all services.

Feedback from passengers was again overwhelmingly positive, with 90 per cent of those surveyed saying they would use the service again.

The Snowy Mountains Bus Service for 2024 will conclude on 6 October.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have supported another successful season for the Snowy Mountains Bus Service which is going from strength to strength.

“In response to this growing demand, we delivered an expansion of routes to include a Cooma via Berridale to Jindabyne service while more trips were also added to support the school holiday peak.

“Increased services led to improved safety on our roads at the busiest times for the snowfields, contributing to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow.

“The convenience was experienced by both locals and visitors to our region who not only used the bus as a reliable way to get to the snow, but also to access our mountain trails for other recreational activities.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The Snowy Mountains Bus Service continues to offer a reliable public transport option improving access to the snowfields for workers, visitors and locals. This also means less cars on the road which is a great safety outcome.

“The service allows a stress-free journey to the snowfields for all snow goers and takes the stress off drivers who might not have much experience driving in the alpine conditions.”

The community surrounding the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct (JHHIP) will benefit from improved traffic flow at the campus with two new internal roads and roundabouts complete.

The new roads will open on Thursday, 10 October and are being built in preparation to connect to the 900-space car park beneath the new acute services building, which is under construction and expected to be completed in 2026. Public car parking remains in Car Parks 1, 2 and 3.

Drivers visiting the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) must travel clockwise around the campus via the two new roundabouts and enter the HMRI car park from the northern end. Access via Gumtree Close is closed to vehicles, but cyclists and pedestrians can still use this road.

Signage to mark changes to traffic and access points will be in place on the campus.

The northern roundabout will connect to the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner-City Bypass being delivered by Transport for NSW, which is estimated to remove 40,000 cars per day from Lookout Road once completed. 

There were more than 550 entrants into a competition held for John Hunter Hospital staff to name the roads, with Cockatoo Crescent and Banksia Drive the winning entrants.

• Cockatoo Crescent – named after the campus’s most vocal inhabitants
• Banksia Drive – inspired by the Hairpin Banksia, which is abundant in the neighbouring bushland

The $835 million John Hunter Hospital Innovation Precinct will include:

• A new Emergency Department and more adult and paediatric critical care capacity
• Birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit
• Neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery
• Rooftop helipad
• Operating theatres, interventional and procedure spaces

Construction of the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is progressing, with the new building set to reach its full height in the new year. The new acute services building is scheduled for completion in 2026 followed by refurbishment of areas of the existing health facility, which is due for completion in 2027.

For more information visit www.hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/john-hunter-health-innovation-precinct

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The completion of these road works marks an important step in future-proofing the road network and improving access to this expanding hospital campus.

“The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will transform healthcare services for Newcastle and the wider Hunter region.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“As we embrace the $835 million updates to the John Hunter Hospital, we’re committed to ensuring its accessibility, making it easier for visitors to connect with loved ones and receive medical care.

“We know that many travel long distances to John Hunter and providing convenient nearby parking alleviates one more concern for people seeking medical attention or visiting family.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison:

“The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct is critical for improving health outcomes for residents of Maitland and across the wider Hunter region.

“It is wonderful to see such critical investments being made to provide access to leading edge medical facilities so close to our community.”

Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery:

“This $835 million project significantly increase capacity to provide essential healthcare services to Newcastle, and surrounding areas.

“These changes occurring at the John Hunter Hospital are essential to expand the State’s largest regional hospital and provide the best care and services to our region and beyond.”

NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have joined forces on NSW waterways, calling on the public to put safety first this boating season, which begins this Labour Day long weekend.

With a hot summer predicted, the state’s water rescue agencies are on high alert for a busy boating season ahead.

The start of the boating season aligns with National Safe Boating Week, a week long initiative with a focus on lifejacket wear, care and servicing. All boaters are encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, make sure everybody on board is wearing one, and remember it can only save your life if you’re wearing it.

Over the last five years, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities on Hunter waterways, with nine of those found to not be wearing a lifejacket.

Statewide, there were 61 coastal drownings along the state’s coastline last financial year, with life savers undertaking 4,489 surf rescues.

Leading into the season launch NSW Maritime kicked off the school holidays with Operation Get On Board, a two-day statewide safety and education blitz to help boaters prepare for the months ahead on the water.

NSW Maritime has conducted 33,265 vessel safety checks in the Hunter over the past five years.

While the majority of boaters have been doing the right thing, the top 3 offences in the Hunter over the last five years have been:

• License offences or unregistered vessels – 1478
• Lifejacket non-compliance – 1239
• Improper or no safety equipment on board – 969

All boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before spending a day on the water.

Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. It is quick and easy to Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.

For more on boating safety visit, https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/equipment-checklist

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“New South Wales is the best place in the world to get out on the water, but popular waterways are busy waterways and we have to work hard to remind every skipper and their passengers safe.

“Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so give them a proper once over and check all your safety gear is on board before you set out on the water.

“Last summer, Boating Safety Officers carried out around 35,000 vessel safety checks across the state and lifejacket non-compliance was the number one offence, accounting for 30 per cent.

“Sadly, there have been six boating related fatalities this financial year, and five of whom were not wearing a lifejacket.

“A lifejacket can only save you if you’re wearing it. So if you step into a boat, pop on a lifejacket. It’ll keep you safe.”

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said:

“Police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and will not tolerate any dangerous and anti-social behaviour this boating season.

“Officers will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits.

“We want everyone to get home safely, so we remind skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel – it is vital that everyone has a fitted lifejacket, as it could save a life.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the weather warms up and people flock back to our waterways, it’s important that boat users check they have enough life jackets on board and make sure their vessels are seaworthy.

“Our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dedicate their time to keeping water users safe, and communities need to do their bit by logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW so volunteers know they are on the water.”

As summer approaches, local government, sporting and community organisations have come together to host a free Multicultural Water Safety Day at Wollongong City Beach next Friday.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2024, 61 people drowned at beaches, coastal waterways and the ocean according to Surf Life Saving NSW data.

The Multicultural Water Safety Day aims to empower multicultural communities in the Illawarra with the skills and confidence to safely enjoy local waters.

The initiative is a collaboration between the NSW Office of Sport, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra, Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving, University of Wollongong, and other local stakeholders designed to educate multicultural communities on vital water safety skills and knowledge, particularly the beach, inland water and rock fishing safety.

As well as interactive educational sessions including a live rip dye and resuscitation demonstrations, there will be hands-on practical activities and the opportunity to engage with facilitators and local organisations.

The event will be held at Wollongong City Beach from 10am on Friday, 11 October. 

Minster for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said:

“The Illawarra and South Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the State and the NSW Government is committed to making sure that all members of our community can enjoy them safely.

“With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the water safety in the region.”

“We hope that this event is the first step in instilling a lifelong understanding and appreciation of water safety among our multicultural communities.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said:

“Swimming and being on or near the water is a key part of the Australian lifestyle, but too many people, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, continue to lose their lives to drowning.”

“The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in water activities or just enjoying a swim at the beach have the skills and knowledge to do so safely.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, said:

“Wollongong is a diverse community and events such as these allow us to provide targeted resources to our multicultural residents, particularly those who may not have grown up around the water.

“Many newer residents and visiting students have little or no experience in the surf, it’s important they gave a good understand of water safety. 

“I encourage as many members of our community as possible to come down, participate and learn potentially life-saving lessons.”

Projects Coordinator for Illawarra Multicultural Services, Amro Zoabe said:

“Working with multicultural communities, IMS understands the importance of having vital information available in language. By having our multilingual community workers provide language support for this event, we ensure everyone has equitable access.

“We are lucky to be living on Dharawal land on waters. This event helps make sure our multicultural communities, access these waters safely.”