Category: NSW News

Eleven community organisations will deliver projects across NSW aimed at creating more opportunities for young people to connect in person through sport, mentoring, creative activities and community programs.

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $2 million in grassroots programs across the state to help young people connect face-to-face and build healthy relationships offline.

The Connect IRL program is the direct result of feedback from young people at the world-first social media summit, who asked for more government support to find a sense of community and belonging.

Through the Connect IRL program, 11 not-for-profit organisations will deliver community lead projects from Sydney to Boggabilla, creating more opportunities for young people to get off their phones and engage with people in their communities.

The programs cover a range from sports training, creative workshops and structured mentoring to appeal to a broad mix of young people.  

In Sydney, projects will run in Lakemba, Mount Druitt, Newtown and Parramatta, while regional communities across the Central West, Riverina, Shoalhaven, North Coast, Northern NSW, and regional and remote Western NSW will also benefit.  

For example, young people in Mount Druitt will be able to join the new leadership development stream into the long-standing Savannah Pride program, providing consistent after school basketball training, mentoring and educational support.

Initiatives in Newtown, Parramatta, Lismore and Newcastle will involve a series of in person, safer spaces programs, designed for LGBTIQA+ youth.

Across the Murrumbidgee region, a new peer connection program will help combat isolation, helping them foster new friendships and encouraging young people to seek support early when they need it.

It’s part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to better support young people in New South Wales, led by the newly-established Office for Youth.

For more than a decade, the NSW Liberal-National Government silenced the voices of young people in this state, and young people have since called for genuine influence in shaping policy.  

The NSW Government is leading the nation in advocating for reforms to better support young people and building a future where young people feel like they are seen and heard by government.  

With nationwide social media age delays for children under 16 introduced in 2025, it is vital to provide opportunities for young people to connect in person.

Connect IRL is helping create a generation of young people who feel connected, supported and part of their community by bringing friendship, belonging and connection back into physical spaces.

The Connect IRL Grants Program is administered by the Premier’s Department, co-funded by the NSW Office for Youth.

More information on the program as well as a full list of recipients is available online at Connect IRL Grants. 

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“We’ve seen the research. We know that high social media usage is linked with loneliness and distress in young people and every parent knows that our kids are spending more time online.

“With nationwide social media restrictions now in place, we need to make sure we’re filling that void with meaningful connection, ensuring they have opportunities to connect in-person.

“That’s why we’re backing grassroots organisations right across NSW to give young people more opportunities to connect outside of school and to feel part of their community.

“This program has been designed with young people, for young people. It’s exactly the kind of practical investment that helps young people thrive and I can’t wait to see these projects in action.”

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Katherine McKernan said:

“Every young person should feel connected, included and actively involved in their community. Programs like Connect IRL are important because they create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build friendships, develop confidence and participate in activities that strengthen their sense of belonging.”

“We consistently hear from young people that face-to-face connection matters. Whether through sport, creative programs, mentoring or cultural activities, these initiatives give young people opportunities to engage with their communities in meaningful ways and build healthy relationships offline.”

“The Connect IRL program recognises that strong communities are built when young people are supported to participate, connect and have access to activities that reflect their interests and experiences. The Office for Youth looks forward to building relationships with the grantees and supporting the delivery of the projects over the next 2 years to help ensure young people feel valued, connected and empowered within their local communities.”

BackTrack CEO Marcus Watson said:  

“We know that when young people feel safe, value and connected, they are more likely to thrive and give back to the communities they live in.  

“Through this project young people who are engaged with BackTrack will have regular opportunities to connect in device-free spaces that are grounded in real life – from group conversations about things that matter to them, to boots-on-the-ground activities on country.

“This connection is the foundation from which young people can build confidence, independence and a sense of real belonging.”

CEO of Milk Crate Theatre Jodie Wainwright said:

“Milk Crate Theatre is thrilled to receive support through the NSW Premier’s Connect IRL program, which will empower young people across New South Wales to connect, create and share their stories through the arts. At a time when many young people are experiencing increasing isolation, these projects will provide meaningful opportunities to build confidence, develop creative skills and form lasting connections within their communities. We’re incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for investing in the power of youth creativity and community connection.”  

CEO of Mounty Aboriginal Youth & Community Services Ltd. Daniel Daylight said:

“This project will mean a lot for our young people in Mount Druitt. It gives us more ways to build a space that is youth-led and shaped by what young people actually want and need. For us, it is about backing young people to connect, be creative, have a go, lead in their own community and be proud of who they are and where they come from.”  

CEO of headspace Wagga Wagga’s lead agency, Relationships Australia Canberra & Regions Lauren Anthes said:  

“The Connect IRL Grant is giving headspace Wagga Wagga the chance to co-create a program with those with young people that directly responds to their needs. Young people in the Riverina have told us clearly: they don’t want more screens; they want more reasons to leave the house and connect.”  

“We’re excited to work with young people in our community to create meaningful in-person connection opportunities, utilising their lived experiences to drive the program’s direction.” 

Motorists will benefit from toll reductions on several Sydney motorways, alongside broader reforms designed to make the toll network more consistent, affordable and easier to navigate.

Toll prices will be lower across large sections of the Sydney motorway network as a result of the Minns Labor Government completing direct deal negotiations with the private toll road owners.  

The agreement delivers the first ever toll price reductions on the existing motorway network. While the discounts are modest, they build on a broader set of reforms designed to make Sydney’s toll network simpler, fairer and more consistent.

In addition to lower prices, toll reform has already delivered a permanent toll cap – currently $50 per week, the removal of toll notice administration fees, digital toll notifications, the NSW Tollway Ombudsman and the establishment of NSW Motorways.

This marks a clear break from 12 years of Liberal-National privatisation where road by road, contract by contract, motorists were left with different prices, different rules and different operators.  

In contrast, the Minns Labor Government is delivering a long term plan for a fairer, more consistent network that delivers practical cost-of-living relief for motorists.

Price discounts

The direct deal with the private motorway owners will deliver the following discounts:  

• 10% reduction on the Lane Cove Tunnel from 1 July 2027.
• 10% reduction on the M2 for longer journeys (80% of trips) from 1 July 2027.
• 10% reduction in the M7 distance cap from 1 January 2028 – subject to the widening decision (see below).
• 20% reduction on the Cross City Tunnel when the Western Harbour Tunnel opens in 2028.
• 50% reduction for motorcyclists on all motorways progressively from 1 July 2027.  

In addition to the direct deal, the Government has reduced future toll increases for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel to 3.25%, lower than the 4% planned by the former Government from 1 July 2027.

A fairer and more consistent network

The agreement will also deliver broader changes across Sydney’s motorway network.

Private operators to contribute to toll relief

As part of the agreement, private toll road owners will contribute $75 million over five years towards the weekly toll cap, recognising the benefits of toll relief for motorists and increased use of the motorway network due to induced demand.

Heavy vehicle and motorcycle reform  

Under a new more coordinated price structure, heavy vehicles will pay 3.15 times the light vehicle toll across the network (except on the Lane Cove Tunnel) progressively from 1 July 2027. This will support the introduction of two new heavy vehicle toll relief schemes which will be piloted for two years after consultation with the heavy vehicle industry.

This reform is part of broader and comprehensive enforcement and support policy, aimed at shifting heavy vehicles off local roads and onto the motorway network, and improving freight efficiency and safety.  

It will include a scheme to reduce truck movements along the Stoney Creek Road corridor, which will be announced in the coming months.

Motorcycle riders using toll roads will pay a reduced 0.5 times the light vehicle toll, representing the lower impact these vehicles have on road assets.

Two-way tolling on the Eastern Distributor

The Eastern Distributor will be tolled both directions when the Western Harbour Tunnel opens in 2028. Rather than paying the full toll in one direction, motorists will pay a lower toll each way.  

The price in both directions will be set at 53% of the northbound toll. This completes two-way tolling across all toll roads improving consistency, equity and reducing diversions onto local roads.  

Pathway for M7 and M2 widening  

The agreement also creates a pathway to widen the remaining two-lane sections of the M7 and the M2 between Richmond Road and Windsor Road, without extending the existing private concession beyond 2051 or increasing tolls.

The project would also deliver a 10% reduction in the M7 distance cap.

The widening of the M7 and M2 is subject to a final business case and investment decision by the Government.  

Long term reform

In addition to the price reductions, the Minns Labor Government’s toll reforms make the motorway network fairer overall for the drivers of Western Sydney through the permanent weekly toll cap and continuation of the M5 Cashback Scheme.  

To support the long-term sustainability of the permanent weekly toll cap, the Government has already announced two-way tolling on the Harbour crossings. This continues the direction set under the former Liberal-National Government while helping fund ongoing toll relief for the motorists.

The Government has also established NSW Motorways to manage government-owned motorways, future motorways and private toll roads as they return to public ownership when their concessions expire.

These reforms build on the recommendations of the 2024 Independent Toll Review which included reducing the toll burden, commencing direct deal negotiations, removal of administration fees, changing heavy vehicle incentives, reclassifying motorcycles, consistent multipliers, consistent two-way tolling, IPART oversight, the establishment of an independent ombudsman and the establishment of a Government motorways entity.

WestConnex is part of the network reforms, but not the price changes because the government and the toll road owners could not come to an agreement at this time that would have been good value for both motorists and taxpayers in the timeframe required.  

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Sydney motorists have been paying more and more in tolls for years. This agreement means a modest reduction in tolls for motorists, builds on the permanent weekly toll cap and is another step towards a fairer toll network.

“We know people in Western Sydney and across Sydney rely on toll roads every day to get to work, school and home. Every dollar saved makes a difference.

“Families are used to hearing about prices going up. Today we’re announcing something that’s going the other way.

“The former Liberal-National Government sold Sydney’s motorways and locked motorists into decades of complex private contracts. We can’t undo that overnight, but we’re making the system fairer step by step.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focussed on helping working families with the cost of living, and these reforms will provide relief where it is needed most.  

“For too long families in Western Sydney have carried the burden of an increasingly complex and costly toll system. These changes build on our permanent weekly toll cap to make the system simpler and fairer.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“We acknowledge these reductions are modest, these were tough negotiations, made even tougher by the contracts signed when the Liberal government privatised motorway after motorway.  

“Toll prices have only ever gone up. We are putting them down.  

“We’ve fought for these reductions without paying billions in compensation, ripping up contracts or extending the toll road concessions further into the future.  

“For too long Western Sydney motorists were getting a raw deal, now we’ve levelled the playing field with the price reductions and a toll cap that means regular users won’t spend more than $50 a week on tolls.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This hard-fought deal will see private toll road owners lower prices and contribute to toll relief. Few people believed that was possible.  

“We promised to deliver a better outcome for motorists and that’s what this deal achieves.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“These reductions will provide cost of living relief by putting money back in the pockets of motorists, while also building on key reforms like the $50 toll cap and the removal of unfair toll notice fees.  

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to make Sydney’s toll network fairer and more affordable for the thousands of people who use it every day.”

Interim Chief Executive of NSW Motorways Camilla Drover said:  

“Reaching this agreement is a significant milestone and reflects the willingness of all parties to work through complex issues in the interests of NSW motorists.

“I would like to thank the concessionaires, the entire State team and our advisers for their constructive engagement and collaboration throughout the negotiations.

“This reform strikes an important balance, delivering a better deal for motorists while ensuring value for money for taxpayers and helping to optimise the long-term performance of Sydney’s motorway network and its investment to date.

“These reforms position the network to better meet the needs of customers today while creating a foundation for future improvements across the broader transport system.” 

The 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government will recognise outstanding women and councils driving leadership, gender equity and positive change across the sector.

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, recognising the outstanding women whose leadership, service and commitment are strengthening communities across New South Wales.

Now in their 19th year, the Awards recognise women working and serving in councils whose enduring contributions have helped build stronger communities across the state.

The Awards will be presented by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison at Parliament House on 22 October 2026.

This year, two new award categories have been introduced – Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship and Emerging Councillor Leadership. Together with the existing awards, they recognise women whose leadership, innovation and service are helping shape the future of local government.

Nominations are open in the following categories for both metropolitan and rural/regional councils:

1. Rising Star Award – recognises an outstanding female employee aged 25 or under (including apprentices, trainees and cadets) who demonstrates strong performance and initiative early in her career.

2. Champion of Change Award – recognises a general manager or senior leader who has driven meaningful cultural or structural change to advance gender equity in local government.

3. Breaking Barriers Award – recognises a woman in local government who has challenged traditional career pathways and helped break down gender barriers and stereotypes.

4. Excellence in Gender Equity Award – recognises a council that is creating inclusive workplaces and supporting women’s participation, progression and leadership.

5. Woman of Distinction Award – recognises a woman who has demonstrated excellence, integrity and leadership, and who is a positive role model within her organisation, community or the sector.

6. Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award – recognises a female councillor who has strengthened the presence, voice and impact of elected women in local government.

7. Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship Award – recognises a woman who has supported, mentored, sponsored or championed the development and progression of women in local government.

8. Emerging Councillor Leadership Award – recognises a first-term female councillor who has demonstrated strong early leadership, commitment to public service and contribution to her council or community.

Nominations for the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government close on 28 August 2026 and can be made via the Office of Local Government website.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Throughout my years in local government, I’ve worked with many outstanding women who have given an enormous amount to their communities. They’ve served as councillors, managers, engineers, planners, community workers and across every part of local government. Their contribution deserves to be recognised.

“These awards acknowledge women whose leadership, judgement and commitment have made a real difference in their councils and in the communities they serve.

“It’s encouraging to see more women stepping forward to serve their communities, with women now making up 40 per cent of elected councillors in New South Wales following the last local government elections. That’s significant progress, but we should continue working towards councils that reflect the diversity of the communities they represent.

“I know there are remarkable women making a difference in councils across New South Wales every day. I encourage councils, colleagues and community members to nominate someone whose contribution deserves to be recognised.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The dedication and leadership I’ve witnessed from women in local government over the years has been truly inspiring, and these Awards continue to be a wonderful celebration of their achievements.

“Whether they’re serving as mayors, councillors, executives or staff, women are making a lasting difference in all of our councils – championing better services and local priorities, and creating opportunities for new generations to follow in their footsteps.

“These Awards recognise not only individual excellence, but the powerful impact that women in local government have on the decisions and actions that shape our communities.” 

The Albanese Labor Government’s Free TAFE Construction program has nailed its target, with almost 25,000 TAFE enrolments in just 15 months, easily surpassing the 20,000-enrolment target set for the end of 2026.

New data shows 24,616 enrolments were recorded in construction courses and pre-apprenticeship training between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026.

It’s a welcome sign as the Government prioritises bolstering the pipeline of skilled tradies to build more homes for Australians.

The Albanese Government is providing $86.4 million to the states and territories in targeted funding to help train the next generation of tradies and construction workers, in addition to the existing Free TAFE program.

In New South Wales, the Minns Labor Government has soared past its target by more than 20 per cent. 15 months into the two-year program, Free Construction enrolments in the state sit at 7,607.

In the wider Free TAFE program, New South Wales has seen the strongest growth of Free TAFE Construction sector enrolments of any state or territory in the latest quarter.

Free Construction is available nationally through TAFEs and eligible RTOs, offering courses that equip Australians with the skills they need to build a career in construction.  

22-year-old Lucas Felstead from Sydney recently finished his bricklaying apprenticeship and is encouraging more Australians to make the jump into a construction trade, saying “Bricklaying is such a niche trade and that means there are a lot of opportunities to make good money and have a long career.”

“My TAFE NSW studies gave me the skills and knowledge to really thrive in my trade.”

Lucas is proud of his work and the homes he’s helping build, saying “it’s satisfying to know the homes I build will stand long after I’m gone.”

The Free Construction program will continue throughout 2026.

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“Free TAFE is delivering exactly what it was designed to do – getting more Australians into the training pipeline for careers in our most important industries, including the construction trades.

“In just 15 months of our targeted Free Construction program, we’ve not only met our target, we’ve exceeded it – more than 24,000 enrolments by aspiring tradies who have taken the opportunity to gain skills for rewarding and secure careers in construction.

“We need more skilled workers on the tools and on worksites to build the homes that we need for Australians. That’s exactly what Free TAFE is helping deliver.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:

“We can’t build more homes without more tradies. That’s why the Minns Labor Government is working with the Albanese Government to roll out more Free TAFE places across New South Wales, including in trades courses.

“Tradies like Lucas – who last year was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Bricklayer Contractors Australia Annual Awards – are an example to people across NSW of the opportunity a trade provides to get great skills and build a career for life.

“Labor is the party of TAFE. Our Government will continue backing in TAFE and building Free TAFE for our state’s future.”

BACKGROUND

Free Construction complements existing apprenticeship supports by providing funding for courses that support pathways into apprenticeships and skills development beyond them.

Popular courses under Free TAFE Construction include entry-level qualifications such as the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), which has attracted 2,569 enrolments, and advanced qualifications including the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) with 1,734 enrolments.

The program supports qualifications linked to licensing requirements, including the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, which has recorded 3,755 enrolments, and critical enabling qualifications such as the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, which has attracted 1,415 enrolments.

Within the broader Free TAFE program construction sector courses are the second-largest category and now represent the fastest growing Free TAFE sector. There have been 73,220 enrolments nationally, including the 24,616 enrolments supported through the Free TAFE Construction program. 

Construction is underway on the permanent Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School as the Minns Labor Government delivers the largest investment in new public school across The Hills in a generation.

The milestone marks a major step forward for a community that has long advocated for local public schools, with student enrolment growth in Box Hill increasing by more than 1,000 per cent between 2018 and 2023, according to the NSW Enrolment Growth Audit.  

The new permanent Box Hill Public School will cater for 1,000 students and include 44 classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, sports court, play areas and covered outdoor learning areas. It will also have co-located public early learning for up to 120 children each week.  

In recognition the significant growth in the area, Box Hill High School will be built to accommodate 2,000 students, with 79 classrooms, including seven support classrooms, plus specialist science, arts and technology spaces, a hospitality kitchen, multipurpose hall, library, sports field and courts.  

This will be the first new high school in The Hills since Labor was last in Government.

The new permanent schools will open on Day 1, Term 1 2028 and are part of the Minns Labor Government’s $1 billion investment in new school infrastructure in The Hills, which is the largest investment in new schools in a generation.

Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School are currently operating from purpose-built temporary facilities delivered by the Minns Labor Government last year as an urgent measure to ensure local children could attend school close to home while the permanent facilities are built.

In total, the Minns Labor Government is delivering five brand-new schools including new primary schools in Gables and Bella Vista and a new high school in Bella Vista as well as co-located public learning alongside three primary schools.

This is on top of major upgrades at Cherrybrook Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School, Rouse Hill High School, Excelsior Public School and Castle Hill Public School.

Across the state, the NSW Government is investing a record $9.2 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, including $4.1 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the permanent public schools Box Hill families should have had years ago.  

“We made a commitment to families in Box Hill that we would urgently deliver local public schools and we did just that. While local students are learning today in their temporary schools, I cannot wait to welcome them into their brand-new schools in 2028.

“The failure of the Liberals to deliver much-needed schools across The Hills and North West Sydney as it exploded in population has no clearer example than in Box Hill, where their own local MP Robyn Preston could not explain it when asked why.  

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the biggest investment in public schools across The Hills in a generation because we believe families deserve world-class public education close to home.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“Labor promised to deliver for Box Hill, and that’s exactly what we’re focussed on achieving.  

“This is an exciting milestone for our local community and will ensure that families and students have access to high-quality, permanent facilities from Day 1, Term 1, 2028.  

“Box Hill is one of the fastest-growing communities in New South Wales, and I’m proud to that by working together, state and federal Labor are delivering the essential infrastructure locals deserve.”

Relieving Box Hill High School Principal Colleen McKenna said:

“This is a significant milestone for our school community and an exciting moment for our students and families.

“We have already established a strong culture and identity in our temporary facilities and look forward to continuing that journey in our permanent home in 2028.”

Box Hill Public School Principal Melanie Mackie said:

“Our school community has been looking forward to this moment, and it is exciting to see construction now underway.

“These permanent facilities will create outstanding opportunities for current and future students and support the continued growth of our school community.” 

After three and a half years of much promised toll reform, the Minns Labor Government’s deal announced today will do next to nothing to reduce the impact on most drivers, especially in Sydney’s West and South West.
 
Analysis by the Opposition shows this announcement only covers 40 per cent total traffic movements in Sydney on any given day, with drivers using WestConnex and drivers in South West Sydney receiving a small benefit.
 
The Government had years to come up with a deal that its own Fels Review said was possible, and instead it has delivered a half-done job despite their spin.
 
With the Opposition still reviewing the terms of the proposed deal, we would highlight the following:
Four new tolls will be introduced across Sydney – The Western Harbour Tunnel, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Harbour Tunnel and the Eastern Distributor.
Taxpayers are on the hook to pay up to $600 million to Transurban directly.  
60 per cent of drivers will receive no benefit under the terms of the deal.
Taxpayers will pay to widen the M2-M7 with the additional revenue going to Transurban.
 
The Opposition has supported toll reform and consistently advocated for greater detail from the Government. The Opposition remains committed to the $50 toll cap until July 2027 – in line with the Labor Government’s commitment.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward was surprised by the limited scope of the deal.
 
“A fairly shocking admission today by Labor’s John Graham to describe his own deal as ‘modest’ after three and a half years and empty promise after empty promise,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This is hardly the radical reform that was promised by Chris Minns and Labor with 60 per cent of drivers still waiting for any benefit and other drivers unable to even buy a coffee with what they’ll save.”
 
“The Minns Labor Government’s promise of toll reform has been all talk and no action.”

Work on the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is progressing quickly, with upgrades to connecting roads underway, the helipad under construction and the internal fit out of several clinical and support departments well progressed.

Premier Chris Minns will today tour the construction sites of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and the Batemans Bay Community Health facility, as work progresses to deliver expanded healthcare facilities to communities across the South Coast.

The Minns Labor Government’s $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will deliver expanded world-class services in a modern, purpose-built facility, providing care to communities from Narooma to Batemans Bay and significantly improving access to essential health services.

The new Hospital will have an emergency department larger than currently available at Moruya and Batemans Bay combined, it will feature the region’s first intensive care unit and new services which will mean in some cases patients no longer need to travel to Canberra, Bega or Shoalhaven for care.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital includes:

• An Emergency Department
• An eight-bed Intensive Care/Close Observation Unit — the region’s first Intensive Care Unit
• Surgical and operating theatres, including a day-stay surgical unit
• Expanded chemotherapy and renal dialysis services
• An expanded medical imaging department, including MRI
• Ambulatory care and outpatient services
• Paediatric and maternity services, with a special care nursery
• Mental health beds for short-term care
• Education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory

Key medical equipment is being installed throughout the facility, including an MRI machine, CT scanner, as well as X-ray and ultrasound equipment, which will expand access to medical imaging services for the growing South Coast community.

Additionally, the hospital’s main entrance is taking shape with a new canopy structure now in place and landscaping around the hospital progressing, creating welcoming outdoor areas for patients, visitors and staff.

Construction of the $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility is also making significant progress, with the building façade nearing completion and internal fit-out well underway.

The new health facility is located on the existing Batemans Bay Hospital site and, together with the existing Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, it will provide the community with convenient access to both health services.

The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver the health facilities growing communities around NSW need delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities, after the Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around NSW.

Premier Chris Minns:

“I’m excited to see the significant progress that has been made here at Eurobodalla, this facility is going to make a major difference to healthcare in the region.

“With more ED beds than currently on offer at both Moruya and Batemans Bay Hospitals, the first intensive care unit in the region and new services which will mean patients no longer have to travel to Bega, Shoalhaven or Canberra, this facility is an investment in the future of this region.

“No one will be more excited to see Eurobodalla Hospital open its doors than Dr Michael Holland, the Member for Bega is a lifelong advocate for healthcare in this region and has been fighting for this brand-new hospital for a very long time.”

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will transform access to healthcare across the region, with expanded services and contemporary facilities designed to meet the needs of a growing community.

“The Minns Government is investing in the essential services the Eurobodalla community needs, delivering more beds, more hospitals, and more staff for the region.

“Once complete, the Batemans Bay Community Health facility and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, will provide the south communities with greater access to healthcare, closer to home.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“As a Doctor, I know how important timely access to high-quality healthcare is for patients and their families. That’s why seeing the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital taking shape is so significant for our community.

“This new hospital will provide a level of care that has never before been available in the Eurobodalla, including the region’s first Intensive Care Unit, expanded emergency services, advanced medical imaging and a broader range of specialist services closer to home.

“It’s also wonderful to see the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility progressing so well. Together, these projects represent a once-in-a-generation investment in healthcare that will improve access to services, support our dedicated health professionals and deliver better health outcomes for communities across the Eurobodalla for decades to come.”

A further 17 projects have been declared as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of the declared proposals, 12 are in metropolitan Sydney and five are in regional New South Wales.

If all are lodged and approved, it could create almost 4000 homes including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, on the recommendation of the HDA, 493 proposals have been declared SSD, which would create close to 153,000 homes.  

Fourteen of these proposals have been approved, unlocking more than 2500 homes.  

State Significant Development applications have been lodged for a further 81 projects representing around 26,600 potential homes.

State significant development declarations have been revoked from seven proposals which failed to meet timelines or where the applicant decided not to proceed.  

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.  

The Ministerial Order can be found here: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/Orders.

Queanbeyan and surrounding communities are set to benefit from a boost to frontline healthcare, with an additional 14 paramedics due to start in early 2027.

These paramedics will be part of the fourth intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the Minns Labor Government’s regional 500 initiative. This expansion will help strengthen emergency and mobile healthcare services across the southern NSW region and support growing demand for ambulance services.

NSW Ambulance is continuing consultation with staff and the Health Services Union to finalise proposals for the remainder of the fourth intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW under the program.

Under the Regional 500 initiative, an additional 58 paramedics are already working across the southern part of the state, including 17 additional paramedics who commenced at Cooma Ambulance Station earlier this year.

The fourth intake follows the successful rollout of previous Regional 500 cohorts, with 375 paramedics commencing work across regional NSW since the initiative launched in 2024.

Future locations continue to be determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based service and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen ambulance services in regional, rural and remote communities by rolling out an additional 500 paramedics across the state.

“We are recruiting more paramedics and building more ambulance stations to deliver faster response times and better outcomes for communities like Queanbeyan.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“This upgrade is all about the growth Queanbeyan is experiencing with new communities in Googong and South Jerrabomberra.

“My first task in 2023 was to get our Queanbeyan ambulance service up to the staffing levels it was meant to have – fixing the Nationals neglect. Since then I have focused on making sure we have enough paramedics for the future to make sure Googong and South Jerrabomberra residents get appropriate response times.

“I’ve worked closely with Health Minister Ryan Park and the Ambulance service on this and this massive boost of 14 paramedics is by far the best way of giving our communities the service they need.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“The Regional 500 initiative is helping NSW Ambulance build a stronger and more sustainable workforce to help us meet increasing demand for ambulance services across the state.

“NSW Ambulance will continue consulting with staff and unions as we plan for the next intake of paramedics and work to ensure our resources are aligned with the healthcare needs of local communities.”