Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is taking another step towards rebuilding trust in the NSW corrective services system.

A $30 million investment will support changes to lift standards, deliver better workplaces for staff and protect inmates.

The investment comes as the NSW Government releases its formal response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Offending of Former Corrections Officer Wayne Astill.

All recommendations of the Inquiry have been accepted in full or in principle. The NSW Government is getting on with the most urgent action while working through the longer-term reforms.

The Inquiry, led by former High Court Justice Peter McClellan and initiated by the Minns Labor Government, found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) system.

These failures allowed unconscionable offences to occur inside the justice system and meant staff who tried to speak up were silenced.

The Inquiry followed a decade of reports and reviews that pointed to serious problems but were ignored.

The report and the Government’s response does not remedy what these women have endured.

The crimes and systemic problems outlined by the Special Commission are deplorable and inexcusable.

The NSW Government is committed to undertaking the reform necessary to ensure inmates are properly protected and hardworking staff are safe and supported, including:

Protecting inmates

• Hundreds of new CCTV cameras and a network wide capacity to store and access footage for at least 90 days, meaning serious matters can be reviewed (Rec 1). These cameras will be in addition to those recently installed in priority areas at Dillwynia.
• An advocacy service will be established to ensure female inmates can voice concerns (Rec 20).
• CSNSW will develop a Women’s Strategy that includes mandatory training for all new CSNSW staff working in female correctional centres (Rec 30).

Safer workplaces for staff

• New staff misconduct processes and procedures, including improved triaging, allowing faster resolutions. This will complement recent announcements designed to clarify the line of accountability between the Minister for Corrections and CSNSW, while keeping investigations at arm’s length within the Department of Communities and Justice (Rec 6, 7, 8 and 9).
• Better contraband detection with more K9 drug detection dogs to keep prisons safer and reduce the risk of coercion and bribery (Rec 25).
• The Government will work with staff to put in place policies and procedures to better manage workplace relationships and conflicts between employees, in consultation with staff and their union (Rec 23, 24).

Stronger laws and procedures to prevent misconduct

• The NSW Government will change the law to reduce barriers to prosecutions of staff engaged in inappropriate relationships with inmates (Rec 4).
• The NSW Government will amend the regulations to impose a misconduct reporting obligation on all CSNSW staff (Rec 5).
• Additional staff to improve misconduct management processes.

These changes are in addition to the structural and practical reforms already underway to ensure the NSW prison system is safe for staff and inmates:

• Provision of sexual assault trauma counselling service for the victims of Astill’s offending.
• All uniformed staff at Dillwynia Correctional Centre who work with inmates now have body worn cameras.
• CSNSW will be elevated to a stand-alone agency directly accountable to the Minister and the Government.
• In addition to existing avenues of support, a Sexual Misconduct Reporting Line has been established to provide a confidential reporting mechanism for inmates.
• Face to face sexual harassment training has been completed for all employees in leadership, HR, Professional Standards and staff support roles. 
• A compulsory on-line sexual harassment awareness training module has been launched to be completed by all CSNSW staff.

The NSW Government’s response to the report can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/the-cabinet-office/resources/special-commissions-of-inquiry/astill

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong

“Our thoughts are with the victims of Wayne Astill’s horrific crimes. We again thank the inmates, staff and advocates who spoke up, including to provide the Special Commission with evidence.

“The Astill inquiry found that our prison system had not met the expectations of the community, the NSW Government, or the majority of its 10,000 staff.

“These reforms will help keep inmates safe and they’re also designed to fix the culture that has seen too many good staff let down.

“We should accept nothing less than a corrections system that is built on integrity, transparency, safety and respect for both staff and inmates.

“These are significant changes and we’ll need to work closely with staff, the union and advocates to get them right.”

Aboriginal women and girls in Walgett are benefitting from a local community program helping them build their confidence and self-esteem, while connecting them to language and Country.

Funded with $50,000 from the NSW Government, the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council has been running weekly face-to-face programs to revitalise and revive local language and cultural practices.

The program extends to communities across Walgett, including Gingie Reserve, Namoi Village, as well as engaging young women at Walgett Community College and students at the local primary school.

Activities include community Yarn Ups, workshops, Sista Speak programs and Bro Speak programs. It is also a way for women and girls to connect with local service providers such as the Thiyama-Li Family Violence Service, Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, Dharriwaa Elders Group and Barwon Cottage.

The NSW Government is working hard to Close the Gap in Aboriginal communities, especially in regional and rural NSW where women and children face additional barriers to accessing opportunities and resources.

The Warrangal Wirringa Women’s Group supports the important pillars of health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment of the NSW Women’s Strategy by building the confidence and self-esteem for Aboriginal women and girls to actively participate in community.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people, in partnership with the NSW Government.

“Led by the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council, this program is a wonderful example of this.

“The program brings a broad range of Aboriginal service providers together to help Aboriginal women and girls reach their potential, while connecting them to language, culture and Country.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Warrangal Wirringa Women’s Group is a fantastic initiative created by community for community, and something I’m pleased to support.

“This program has engaged local Aboriginal women and girls through language and culture to develop a stronger sense of self-worth, empowering them to make their own choices, as well as giving them access to opportunities and resources.

“Partnering with the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council on this program has allowed us to maximised outcomes for women and girls in Walgett. It has encouraged community participation, led to improved social and emotional wellbeing, increased participation in school, and revived local language and cultural practices.”

Independent member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“This is great news for women and girls in Walgett. Establishing links with services, culture and language is a simple thing, that can make a big difference. Thanks to the Minister for this grant, I know it will be appreciated in the Walgett area.”

Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Wendy Fernando said:

“The Warrangal Wirringa Women’s Group is a space for women to connect – connect to Country and back into the community.

“We get people from the Thiyama-li Family Violence Service, MacKillop Family Services and the Dharriwaa Elders group – we all work together. It’s a gathering place for our women to come and talk and give support to each other.

“The funding provided has done a lot for our women and our community.”

In an important step for regional NSW, the NSW Government has approved the Illabo to Stockinbingal section of the 1,600-kilometre Inland Rail project between Brisbane and Melbourne.

The Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) project was approved by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, meaning the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is closer to beginning construction in late 2024. As Critical State Significant Infrastructure, the project is deemed to be essential to the State’s economy and society.

ARTC will construct up to 39 kilometres of single-track railway for the double-stacked freight trains which will soon travel through the South Western slopes of the Riverina.

The Illabo to Stockinbingal connection is one of seven sections traversing inland NSW. The Inland Rail line will include a crossing loop at Bethungra and connect with the Stockinbingal to Parkes and Lake Cargelligo lines so that goods can also travel along the Main Southern Railway from Sydney to Albury.

The project is expected to create up to 400 jobs to build the new track, bridges and level crossings along the newly approved section with upgrades to a further 3.5 km of existing train track for necessary integration works to the main rail line at Illabo. The project will also involve the construction of infrastructure for communications, drainage, signage, fencing, and temporary worker’s accommodation.

The heritage-listed Bethungra Spiral on the main rail line will be bypassed as part of the project.

The new section will connect to the Inland Rail’s Albury to Illabo proposal in the south and the Stockinbingal to Parkes proposal in the north.

The proposal is a controlled action and requires approval from the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has assessed the project against the EPBC Act under the Bilateral Agreement between the NSW and Australian Government.

The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will now review the NSW approval assessment and the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water will determine the project under the EPBC Act.

If approved by the Australian Government, work is expected to begin later this year and be completed in 2027.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“Inland Rail needs the cooperation of the three states it spans so it is great to see regional NSW leading the charge with this approval.

“Planning approval is a significant step for this transformative project to enhance our freight and supply chain capabilities.

“Each section of Inland Rail is a valuable link in the chain of this important national infrastructure.

“Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for inland communities across rural NSW. Once complete, we will be able to move goods much more efficiently to both Melbourne and Brisbane.”

Regional NSW and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for people across rural NSW.

“Regional communities need big developments to keep workers in the bush and actively contribute to their communities.

“We look forward to Inland Rail continuing its essential journey throughout the state.”

Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“This section of Inland Rail will provide a valuable infrastructure link for the South West Slopes as it connects with this vital piece of national infrastructure.

“The NSW government is working with Inland Rail to deliver this project and strengthen its commitment to the regions.

“Consumers right across regional NSW stand to benefit with valuable cost savings once the Inland Rail project is complete as our state will have a more efficient and sustainable freight transport.”

Duty MLC for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence said:

“The nearby Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail project have injected more than $4.2 million into the local economy with many businesses receiving a timely economic boost during a cost-of-living crisis.

“I’m encouraged by this next significant project milestone for communities across the South West Slopes.

“Once finished, Inland Rail will provide faster, more reliable freight and safer, less congested roads.”

The Minns Labor Government is making essential information more accessible for communities across the state with a new ‘Easy Read’ format for a wide range of topics from how to prepare for an emergency to applying for a Photo Card.

The Easy Read format presents information in a straightforward and easy to understand way, with simplified language, large font sizes and images to support text.

This new format is particularly useful for people with an intellectual disability. In NSW, there are approximately 1.34 million residents living with disability, and one in 20 who require assistance in their daily lives, according to the Judicial Commission of New South Wales. 

The Easy Read format is also useful for people with low literacy levels and those whose first language is not English.

The newly launched Easy Read Hub delivers on Labor’s election commitment to make all NSW Government documents relevant to people with an intellectual disability available in Easy Read format by 2025.

So far, 36 topics have been translated into Easy Read including guides on applying for social housing, paying debts, and accessing TAFE courses. Another 10 guides are in progress covering everything from emergency preparedness to topping up your Opal card and staying safe from scams, which will be available in the coming months.

In partnership with the Council for Intellectual Disability and other key stakeholders, an Easy Read Style Guide is also being released to ensure all NSW Government departments can prepare online content using Easy Read.

The Style Guide is part of the NSW Government’s Accessibility and Inclusivity Toolkit which provides the guidance and tools for NSW Government agencies to make their content accessible.

Find out more about Easy Read at www.nsw.gov.au/easy-read or find the style guide at https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/accessibility-and-inclusivity-toolkit/communication/easy-read.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Inclusion is a key priority for me, including making sure every resident can access the information they need online and in person. I am grateful for the key role played by the Council for Intellectual Disability in partnering with my department to develop a guide for the NSW public sector on how to produce more information in Easy Read format.

“Lived experience provides an incredibly important insight, and we continue to work closely with people with intellectual disabilities and other stakeholders to ensure that our services are truly inclusive and accessible to all.

“The launch of the Easy Read project is an important step as we continue to make NSW a more inclusive state for everyone.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Coming into Government, we made a commitment to the disability community to make our important information available in Easy Read.

“Working in partnership with the Council for Intellectual Disability, we’re delivering on our commitment so everyone can access the information they need.

“The Easy Read format ensures we are clearly communicating important information about essential services to everyone, especially people with disability and those with low literacy levels.”

Fiona McKenzie AM, Vice-Chair of the Council for Intellectual Disability said:

“Easy Read is our ticket to inclusion! It helps us find the government services we need and how to live a full life in the community. Thanks to the Government for its commitment to Easy Read and listening to us about what makes good Easy Read.”

The Minns Labor Government is making it easier for residents to build their dream home, with new features of the myHome Planner online tool taking the guess work out of knocking down and rebuilding a home.

The new guides now provide support for infill housing (knocking down and rebuilding a home) or home and land packages – all types of homes that will help us confront the housing crisis.

With checklist guides on the building process, as well as potential costs and approvals required for a build, homeowners now have a single online resource they can use.

Current or prospective homeowners can enter the property address and gain access to relevant council information, zoning, ratings, easement information, developer guidelines such as building heights and minimum block size, and relevant planning controls such as bushfire and flood risk.

NSW has a target of 377,000 homes over the next five years to meet the National Housing Accord target and to meet this demand the Minns Labor Government has implemented extensive planning reforms to increase the supply and affordability of housing.

The expansion of the tool complements the NSW Government’s low and mid-rise housing reforms, which commenced on 1 July this year.

The changes allow development applications for dual occupancies and semi-detached dwellings to be submitted in more R2 residential zones, such as duplexes and semis.

Enabling dual occupancies in these locations allows homeowners with suitable blocks two replace one existing home with two dwellings.

Other low and mid-rise housing reforms will commence later in 2024. These will include townhouses, terraces and two storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low density residential zones across Greater Sydney, the Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra regions and mid-rise apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R3 medium density and R4 high density residential zones across these regions.

This update builds on the original myHome Planner, which only provided guidance to those building project homes.

The myHome Planner was developed in collaboration with the Department of Customer Service and is available at the NSW Planning Portal at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/myhome-planner.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Housing is the biggest cost of living pressure on household budgets. It makes sense to help people have information about what they’re spending their money on.

“With the NSW Planning Portal receiving more than 12 million page views each year, we know people are actively seeking information on building homes.

“By providing myHome Planner, the NSW Government can support people actively seeking information from the NSW Planning Portal by placing it under one single source of truth.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“While it can be exciting, building a new home can also be stressful, confusing and time-consuming, which is why these new features of the NSW Government’s myHome Planner tool are so helpful.

“This website takes a holistic approach, covering all the steps needed to build a home and is one example of how digital tools can support the delivery of housing targets.

“This is an easy-to-use digital platform that takes away some of the guess work when doing a new build, providing reliable information on things like key steps, obligations, and approvals, in a single place.

“It is important that more homes are built in NSW, and for those wanting to build their own home, this expanded resource makes it that little bit easier.”

A police officer has been charged over the alleged assault of two boys in the state’s west.

On Saturday 22 June 2024, the off-duty officer – an inspector attached to Western Region – is alleged to have assaulted two 11-year-old boys on a bus between Coolah and Walgett.

Following an investigation, the officer was today (Friday 6 September 2024) issued a future court attendance notice for two counts of common assault.

He is due to appear at Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday 23 October 2024.

The officer is currently suspended with pay.

The Minns Labor Government has committed to working with industry to double the farm gate value of the NSW aquaculture sector to $300 million by 2030 through innovative research, continual investment in breeding programs and a commitment to water quality improvements.

The launch of the NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement, which outlines an overarching approach to the development of the State’s aquaculture industries, came as more than 300 state, interstate and international delegates attended the national Oyster Industry Conference in Port Macquarie.

The Vision Statement is a joint industry and government initiative built on a shared approach to seafood production, developing bioproducts and climate change adaptation.

Key to delivering a doubling in the farm gate value of the NSW aquaculture industries will be industry and government supported initiatives including:

• Managing oyster industry risk through a breeding program, plus alternate species
• Innovative research at DPIRD research stations and with partners
• Opening up new areas for marine aquaculture (mussels, oysters, algae)
• Promoting the environmental benefits of aquaculture – e.g. algae, oysters and mussels all take up excess nutrients and help improve water quality
• Streamlining aquatic biosecurity rules to facilitate access to interstate spat supply
• Protecting and enhancing water quality
• Providing opportunity for Aboriginal people to participate in aquaculture businesses.

The Government and industry will develop a detailed roadmap that will guide implementation of the target initiatives of the Vision Statement to reach the target of $300m by 2030.

The oyster sector, which underpins the aquaculture industry, is the fastest growing seafood segment in NSW, having increased in farm gate value by 30 percent in 2022/23 to $78m.

In addition, the oyster industry contributes more than $30 million to the NSW by employing thousands of people across production, wholesale, processing, retail and agri-tourism.

The oyster industry also prides itself on their commitment to water quality monitoring and protection of the marine environment.

The Minns Government has recently announced it is investing more than $3 million to provide much needed upgrades at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute to enhance breeding and research facilities for shellfish, including oysters and finfish, for innovation in seafood production to support the industry vision.

The Government has also provided financial support for aquaculture and commercial fishing businesses with fee relief as they were impacted by natural disaster and aquatic disease – the White Spot prawn virus, and QX disease in Sydney Rock Oysters.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty

“These past few years have been tough for oyster farmers with NSW estuaries having suffered from storms, floods, harvest area closures, disease and climate change impacts.

“Despite this, the increasing output of produce highlights the strength of the industry and the people who work in it.

“The NSW Aquaculture Vision Statement is the result of the hard work of oyster farmers and the aquaculture industry, working in collaboration with government, looking to a future where NSW grown oysters are enjoyed across Australia and in every country around the world.

“The Government is investing in research infrastructure and collaborative activities to drive industry growth, the sustainable development of our natural resources, and to support innovation so that industry can manage the risks and take advantage of opportunities for the coming decades.”

Brandon Armstrong, Chair of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee

“Our growers are embracing new opportunities and innovation, and we’re excited to see the industry grow in line with our Vision Statement launched today.

“This conference is a great way to bring the industry together to share, learn and connect with other farmers and industry stakeholders.

“The Mid Coast region has experienced a lot of hardship the past few years, but the industry is recovering well.

The Minns Labor Government’s $189 million Bulk-Billing Support Initiative commences today, helping ensure the cost of seeing a GP remains accessible for families and households across NSW.

Introduced in the 2024/25 NSW Budget, the program protects bulk-billing for people needing a GP and reduces the strain on our emergency departments. It is the first time the NSW Government has made a direct intervention to protect bulk-billing rates.

The package provides a new, ongoing payroll rebate to clinics for contractor GPs that meet the bulk-billing thresholds of 80% of services in metropolitan Sydney, and 70% in the rest of NSW.

Clinics will also benefit from the waiving of $104m of historical payroll tax liabilities, which began accruing for contractor GPs under the previous government.

There are more than 2,300 GP clinics across NSW. The NSW Government’s Bulk-Billing Support initiative will protect the bulk-billing rates at GP clinics for families across the state, saving households money and reducing the strain on emergency departments.

NSW Health estimates that a 1 per cent decrease in bulk-billing equates to around 3,000 additional emergency presentations.

For large clinic networks like ForHealth, with 37 clinics across NSW, the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative will enable them to continue to serve their communities and keep bulk-billing rates high. ForHealth bulk-bills roughly 5 million patient visits each year around Australia, 2.5 million of which are in NSW. They are the largest bulk-biller in the country.

GP clinics in metropolitan Sydney must bulk-bill at least 80% of their patient services to be eligible for the ongoing payroll tax rebates. For GP clinics outside of metropolitan Sydney, a lower bulk-billing rate threshold of 70% applies to ensure broader access to the initiative.

Since the announcement in June, Revenue NSW, the AMA and RACGP were engaged in a specially formed working group to develop a practice note to assist clinics, their accountants and legal advisors.

Following these discussions, Revenue NSW released a comprehensive list of LGAs and suburbs in NSW where the 80% threshold is applied, as well as the Commissioner’s Practice Note and a flow-chart to assist clinics.

Previously, the AMA’s Dr Michael Bonning said of the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative that: “Legislating ‘no retrospectivity’ will provide certainty for practices and will minimise the risk of more closures of general practices in NSW.”

With this Initiative, the Minns Labor Government is keeping GP clinics open and appointments bulk-billed for families and households amid the cost-of-living crisis, while also reducing the strain on emergency departments.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We know that the federal Coalition’s freeze on Medicare rebates as well as the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ inaction on GP payroll tax had severe consequences for the access of GPs in NSW.

“With GPs becoming more difficult to access, people are either putting off seeing a doctor and allowing their conditions to deteriorate, or they are presenting to hospitals with non-urgent conditions. 

“The lack of GP access is having severe impacts on our emergency departments.

“The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative will stem declining bulk-billing rates, and foster greater access to GPs, and in turn, relieve pressure on our busy hospitals.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative comes after extensive consultation and cooperation with the peak-bodies to deliver a solution that alleviated financial stress for GP clinics and delivered real cost-of-living relief for families.

“This is the first-time the NSW Government is making a strategic investment to support bulk-billing rates and protect family budgets.”

CEO of ForHealth Andrew Cohen:

“At ForHealth we understand how important access is in healthcare, and especially in the current economic context. We are proud to be one of the largest bulk-billing general practice providers in NSW with roughly 2.5 million bulk-billed patient visits each year.

“This initiative from the NSW Government will help protect bulk billing accessibility at clinics like ours, throughout outer metropolitan and regional NSW. In many of these practices we are expecting the level of bulk-billing to increase as a result.

“The removal of any retrospective payroll tax liability for all medical centres is a weight off the shoulders of the industry as clinics will no longer be at risk of closure due to large historic tax bills.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have today announced they will provide a combined $3.2 million to Paddle Australia to support the hosting of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 1-6 October 2025.

The funding will be used by Paddle Australia for the organisation, staging, marketing and programming of the event.

Approximately 300 competitors from 50 nations will compete in the World Championships across ten events, supported by 100 coaches, officials and staff with an estimated 20,000 spectators expected to attend the Championships.

The World Championships will feature 10 medal events including Canoe and Kayak singles (C1 and K1), Canoe and Kayak Teams, and Kayak Cross, with Olympic Gold Medallists and local legends Jess and Noemie Fox scheduled to compete.

In recognition of the outstanding contribution the Fox family has made to the paddling community, the NSW Government have also announced that the island in the heart of Penrith Whitewater Stadium will now be known as Fox Island. This announcement reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to celebrate the achievements of female athletes.

The announcement follows the recent completion of a $3.1 million upgrade to Penrith Whitewater Stadium to enable it to stage the World Championships which included upgrades to the whitewater course and venue infrastructure, including new course gates and obstacles, a new timing system, refurbishment of pumps, stadium pathways improvements and canoe conveyor system upgrades.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“The Paddle Championships is another major international competition on our green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Games.

“This is a world class event that will help inspire our next generation of canoe and kayak stars while adding to our investment in two Rugby World Cups, Netball World Cup and Women’s Asian Cup.

“The Fox family are incredible ambassadors not just for their sport but for sport full stop and deserve the Fox Island honour for all they have contributed to Australia.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“NSW is rightly proud of our Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship legacy, and we couldn’t be more excited to help host the 2025 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships in the heart of Western Sydney.

“A large part of Australia’s most successful Olympics performance in history came down to two girls from Penrith, Jess and Noemie Fox who honed their skills through countless hours on the rapids here at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

“To recognise the significant contribution of the Fox family to Australian sport – from Jess and Noemie to their parents Richard and Myriam, we are very proud to also be naming the island at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Fox Island.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Penrith has a rich history of developing sporting talent that excels on the world stage, including World and Olympic Champion Jess Fox and inaugural Kayak Cross Gold Medallist Noemie Fox.

“We are proud of our world-class sporting venues which have hosted some of the biggest sporting events in the world, including the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre.

“The Fox family has made a tremendous impact to the local and paddling communities, and it is only fitting to have Penrith Whitewater Stadium become home to Fox Island.

“The 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships will boost both the Penrith community and Western Sydney economy, and we look forward to hosting the world’s best paddle sport athletes and showing them some Penrith hospitality.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the major sporting events capital of the nation, providing sports lovers with the opportunity to witness the best male and female athletes from around the globe in their back yard.

“I am sure Sydney sports lovers will ensure the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium next October are the best World Championships ever.

“There is no doubt that the Fox family are the first family of paddling in Australia. The contributions that each of them has made have lifted the sport to new heights. I look forward to joining Richard and Myriam watch the girls fly down the rapids of Fox Island in October.”

CEO Paddle Australia Phil Jones said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for their continued support of canoe slalom in Australia and this significant contribution to help us deliver the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

“The Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a proud legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and we are pleased to once again be delivering a world class event at this facility as we aim to inspire a new generation of participants and fans.

“Sydney is renowned for delivering incredible major events and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world to Western Sydney for another marquee event.

“We want to build on the great success our athletes, in particular Jess and Noemie Fox, delivered for Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.  By hosting the World Championships in 2025 we can connect with even more fans and hopefully unearth future Olympic champions,” he said.

Three-time Olympic Gold Medallist and IOC Athlete Commission, IOC Board Member Jess Fox said:

“Following Australia’s most successful Olympic Games ever in Paris, we are excited to welcome the world’s best slalom paddlers to Penrith Whitewater Stadium in 2025.

“We have seen at recent World Championships and Olympic Games, how much fans enjoy our sport with packed crowds creating a wonderful atmosphere.  We know Penrith is primed to provide fans of our sport and Western Sydney locals with that same incredible atmosphere.

“I remember being a six-year-old in the stands for Sydney 2000 and an 11 year old in the stands when the World Championships were here in 2005, so to have that legacy 20, 25 years on, for me it means so much.”

ICF President Mr. Thomas Konietzko said:

““The NSW Government’s significant contribution for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith will help towards delivering a successful event. 

“Penrith has played a crucial role in producing the world’s best Canoe Slalom athlete Jessica Fox. After the resounding success of Paris 2024 which saw her sister Noemie win gold during the kayak cross debut at the Olympic Games, the World Championships at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium will be the perfect setting to inspire future generations, add to the legacy of Sydney 2000 and engage fans on the green and gold runway towards 2032 Olympic Games in Australia.” 

A brand-new city is set to rise around Western Sydney’s new Airport following the formal adoption of Bradfield City Centre’s Master Plan. The vision of Bradfield city will build on significant momentum already underway across the Aerotropolis, with the Nancy Bird Walton Airport set to open in late 2026.

In the future, the ambitious and city shaping project could provide over 20,000 jobs and 10,000 new homes – of which at least 10 per cent will be affordable housing. The Master Plan developed by the Bradfield Development Authority (formerly the Western Parkland City Authority), includes over 2 million square metres of mixed-use Gross Floor Space for commercial and retail opportunities.

It will be a unique walkable parkland city for residents, workers and visitors, with the plan outlining areas for commercial, light industrial, open and residential spaces across the 114-hectare mixed-use city centre, within 400m of the new Bradfield Metro station.

Expansive new public open space areas are proposed across the city centre, including:

• A two hectare city-scaled Central Park located adjacent to the Metro and bus interchange.
• A naturally integrated swimming area on Moore Gully.
• Major events space on Thompsons Creek for concerts and community events.
• New urban greening approaches to provide access to over 36 hectares of public open space on a 114-hectare mixed use site with amenities, shops and jobs.

Ahead of the opening of Western Sydney Airport in 2026, new development and infrastructure will also be accelerated following amendments to the Western Parkland City State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP). The SEPP provides an optional master planning process for owners of large or strategic sites in the heart of the Aerotropolis.

Planning for the Bradfield City Centre will have a strong focus on culture, creativity and innovation across the precinct’s vast green parkland environment.

Bradfield has also been designed to support a circular economy, with 80 per cent of rooftops to feature gardens or bio-solar systems to address urban heat and climate resilient design features to maximise energy efficiency and manage temperatures.

The development is backed by $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and will unlock billions more in private investment, with the first land release for a 4.8 hectare Superlot now going through an open market process. This process will inform the provision of essential services for the region, including future schools.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Superlot received widespread interest, both locally and internationally. Shortlisted EOI participants are now invited to bid to develop the Superlot in partnership with the Authority.

The appointment of Bradfield Development Authority’s first major privately funded development partner will follow in 2025.

The final approved Master Plan will be available here, including amendments that have been made in response to submissions received during public exhibition.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Our Government is committed to building better communities in Western Sydney, with the masterplan for Bradfield City Centre setting out an exciting vision for a new world-class city.

“As we work towards the opening of Western Sydney Airport, this area has enormous potential to provide new employment and business opportunities in manufacturing, freight, health and agriculture.

“This opportunity to provide highly-paid, skilled jobs in the Western Sydney area is a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to seeing Bradfield deliver for our community.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Under our Government, and now with the approval of the Master Plan, we have seen genuine momentum build around Australia’s first new city in over 100 years.

“More skilled jobs, close to where people live and the right infrastructure will improve the lives of young people and families in Western Sydney. While this city will not pop up overnight, the now approved Master Plan is set to drive major growth over the years and for generations to come.

“I look forward to watching Bradfield develop and evolve over the coming years.”

Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison said:

“This is a significant milestone for the development of the Aerotropolis. Investment needs certainty and this Master Plan helps provide that.

“The Master Plan is fundamental to driving a true legacy project at Bradfield City Centre. This 114-hectare site will become a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving advancements in industry and act as a central gathering place for arts, culture, and entertainment, for Western Sydney’s diverse communities to enjoy and benefit from.

“The first land release at Bradfield City Centre for commercial, retail and 1,000 homes, is in a market process now, which will inform the provision of essential services, including future schools. The opportunity for a premier site adjacent to the 2 hectare Central Park in the heart of the city, has attracted interest from both local and international parties.”

Bradfield Development Authority Chair, Jennifer Westacott AO said:

“This Master Plan is backed in by world-class urban design and sustainability principles. It is the genesis for building an extraordinary new city underway now. This plan has capacity for 10,000 homes and over 20,000 jobs, as part of more than 100,000 across the Aerotropolis.

“Many new jobs will be ripe for the ever increasingly skilled, trained and educated workforce across Western Sydney. Imagine industries of the future like advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and quantum, with Bradfield acting as a magnet for innovation and investment across NSW and Australia.

“The Bradfield Development Authority is laser focused on building this city in partnership with the private sector, starting with Superlot 1 well underway, and fully leveraging Bradfield’s proximity to the new 24/7 airport. This will ensure local people and industries are connected with global opportunities, and visitors are welcomed to enjoy all that this new city and extraordinary region has to offer.”