Category: NSW News

Sydney Gateway, the toll-free, time-saving connection to Sydney Airport, will open to traffic from the motorway network on Sunday 1 September.

The new five kilometres of motorway will transform access to the airport, saving motorists an estimated 17 minutes between the airport and the St Peters Interchange which connects to the M8, and the main routes to Western Sydney – the M5 and M4.

A driver joining the motorway network at Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith or Parramatta will now have a traffic light-free run all the way to the domestic terminal and just one traffic light into the international terminal at Sydney Airport.

Sydney Gateway, which employed 8000 workers over almost four years of construction, will also provide an alternative route for up to 10,000 trucks per day travelling to the airport and Port Botany, reducing the number of trucks on local streets in and around Mascot.

After the local traffic impacts that resulted from the opening of the Rozelle Interchange, motorists are urged to be as prepared as possible for how the new road works. Driver animations released in July provide a valuable guide of signage, lanes and exits on the new road.

For the first time on a big motorway project, signage and road markings were tested in advance with members of the public, resulting in 100 changes pre-opening.

Transport for NSW is conducting final commissioning this week and establishing a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre to monitored and react to congestion and traffic incidents as the new motorway integrates with the network.

Sydney Airport will have in place kerb-side management measures at the international and domestic terminals to manage traffic flow through the airport.

Since November last year, the $2.6 billion Sydney Gateway has opened in stages to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption. This included the unveiling of the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport’s domestic terminals, two stunning twin arch bridges close to the international terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“A driver in Western Sydney joins the motorway network and the next set of traffic lights they stop at may well be in Melbourne, Brisbane – this is the real dividend of the toll-free Sydney Gateway.

“Sydney Metro was a transformational infrastructure project for Sydney and the opening of Gateway is now going to transform that familiar car trip to the airport, whether it is to depart on holidays, return on business or picking up the family.

“Transport for NSW is working closely with Sydney Airport for the smoothest start, but I urge all Sydney drivers to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the animations, know their route and expect some initial traffic impacts as fellow drivers also get familiarised

“I want to thank the 8000 workers who built Sydney Gateway, part of the most skilled and experienced infrastructure workforces we have in Australia or anywhere around the world.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said: 

“There are always impacts when opening large infrastructure projects as drivers get used to new conditions.

“We have been working hard to ensure we are well prepared to welcome motorists onto the newest section of Sydney Gateway, with the Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre crucial to this.

“We want people to reap the benefits of the new road connections straight away, so we are eager for as many people as possible to watch the in-car driver animations as these provide a perfect opportunity to see what is coming before opening.

“The animations include the signage and road markings that drivers will see in the M8 tunnels and on the new adjoining surface roads, helping them to navigate the new routes to and from the Sydney Airport precinct.” 

The NSW Government will rollout 86 dedicated patient flow concierge officers across the state.

In a speech to the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Health Minister Ryan Park will announce that 18 of them will be deployed in Western Sydney.

It forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s budget investment of $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

These roles will support clinical staff to facilitate patient flow and better co-ordinate the discharge processes.

This will enhance patient communication and experience, including for patients awaiting discharge who are National Disability Insurance Scheme recipients or residential aged care residents.

This is just one of a range of measures included in the Minns Labor Government’s $480.7 million emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June.

The ED relief package also included $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times.

The nation-leading initiative is making strong progress with rigorous testing of the “NewGen” matrix commencing next month.

Other measures in the ED relief package include:

• $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
• $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours; and
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Having people and their loved ones waiting around in our hospitals for lengthy periods of time is not good for them, our staff, or other patients.

“Today we can announce that we will rollout 86 dedicated patient flow concierge officers, and 18 of them will be deployed in Western Sydney.

“Discharging patients from hospital is often an admin-heavy task, taking clinicians away from seeing patients.

“We’ve created this new role to help get patients home as soon as possible once they’re ready to be discharged – freeing up our doctors, nurses and other staff to get on with seeing patients.  

“And today, I’m also pleased to announce that nation-leading initiative real time ambulance matrix is making strong progress with rigorous testing of the “NewGen” matrix commencing next month.

“The growth in presentations in Western Sydney and South Western Sydney emergency departments has outpaced the state average over past 10 years.  I know this pressure is tough on the system but it’s also tough on our staff.

“The benefits of these key initiatives will be most strongly felt right here in Western Sydney.”

Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) dedicated staff have been recognised at an annual awards ceremony held at the Dubbo Rhino Lodge overnight.

The WNSWLHD Awards recognise the hard work and outstanding success of teams, projects and health professionals across the region. The Awards program recognises, supports and promotes innovation in the provision of quality care, patient experience and clinical care, while providing an opportunity for the workforce to connect, learn and celebrate achievements together.

The 2024 Awards were presented across 18 different team, project and individual categories, following the District’s annual symposium which featured presentations from all the categories’ finalists.

The Symposium also provided an opportunity for attendees to vote for the People’s Choice Award, while the Chief Executive’s Award and the Board Choice’s Award have also been presented.

2024 WNSWLHD Award recipients:

• Staff Member of the Year Award: Jasmin Jones (Registered Nurse, Grenfell Multipurpose Service) and Tammy Jones (Support Services Manager, Narromine Health Service)
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Elizabeth Allen (Dubbo)
• Chief Executive’s Award: Circular recycling program Orange
• Board’s Choice Award: First experience, lasting impression – Paediatric clothing pool Dubbo
• People’s Choice Award: Occupational Therapy in the Emergency Department
• Senior Leader of the Year: Jo Lemmich (WNSWLHD Patient Safety Manager)
• Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Rural Innovation Award: Public Health Analytics Dashboard
• Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award: Right time, Right place: Innovative collaboration to connect women from Western NSW to world-class cancer treatment
• Health Innovation Award: Scan – Reuse – Reduce
• Inspiring Teams Award: Mudgee Health Service, food service team
• Keeping People Healthy Award: Cervical screening during pregnancy Dubbo
• Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award: Tuning in to kids
• Transforming Patient Experience Award: Oral health waiting list reform
• Patient Safety First Award: Changing the slippery slope of deteriorating patients
• People and Culture Award: Allied Health Rural Graduate Program
• Health Research Award: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy in regional NSW hospital
• Excellence in the Provision of Multicultural Healthcare Award: Arogya: Co-designing solutions to healthcare disparities in Dubbo’s migrant community
• Environmental Sustainability Award: Excess PPE Management Success

More information, including profiles of all Award recipients and finalists, is available on the WNSWLHD website.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Western NSW is unique as a Local Health District, and with a huge geographic footprint which includes some of the most remote towns and most vulnerable populations in the state, the workforce faces different challenges every single day.

“However, our dedicated staff continue to rise to those challenges and provide innovative, world-class care to the people of western NSW, doing so with incredible drive and commitment.”

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions these special individuals give to our health system all over western NSW.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all of Western NSW Local Health District’s Award recipients and finalists who are thoroughly deserving of this recognition, and I also want to thank the entire workforce for their ongoing dedication.”

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal:

“Every year this event allows us to see and appreciate the amazing work our staff do right across our District. Importantly, it gives us an opportunity to come together to celebrate and recognise those achievements.

“I look forward to seeing and hearing from our finalists at the Symposium every year, the passion they have for their projects, improvement and above all the communities they are engrained in is nothing short of inspiring.

“I thoroughly congratulate all our winners and finalists, there were so many worthy projects that were submitted for consideration across the District. Our entire District is so proud of our staff’s work and the care they provide.

“We are truly grateful to have such dedicated healthcare professionals in western NSW, of whom our communities can be justifiably proud.”

A new refuge – Walgett Women’s Safe House – opens today, providing crisis accommodation and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence in the local area.

With a $4.6 million investment by the government, the complex has been delivered by Maas Constructions and local community Elders will be invited to give each building an Aboriginal name.

There is an urgent need for safe housing in Walgett which has the highest rate of reported domestic violence assault incidents in NSW.

A priority group for this refuge is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who will have access to culturally appropriate supports and connections within their community.

The NSW Government is working hard to address this crisis of domestic and family violence in the state through our $245.6 million domestic violence package.

The Government is also committed to our Closing the Gap target of reducing family violence and abuse against Aboriginal women and children.

Walgett Women’s Safe House is one of the many initiatives the NSW Government is implementing to respond in a meaningful and sustained way to reduce the high number of Aboriginal women and children impacted by family violence.

This refuge comprises 5 houses and an on-site office where residents will have access to specialist domestic and family violence case worker support.

Mission Australia will manage the safe house and deliver support services to residents, including counselling and legal assistance.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is one of the main causes of homelessness in women and children.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing this issue, with $5.1 billion in our most recent budget to build safe, accessible and affordable housing, with half of them prioritised for people escaping abusive relationships.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Government and strong, local and culturally sensitive services are so important to healing and recovery for women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

“This refuge will boost on-the-ground housing and specialist support services in Walgett and provide vital whole of community care for its residents.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and ensuring women and children can live safely and freely in their own communities.

“Walgett Women’s Safe House will provide a home for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and a place where recovery is encouraged and supported, including holistic healing and wraparound support for Aboriginal women and families.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP said:

“Having a safe place to come home to at night is a basic human right. Women in Barwon who are affected by domestic violence currently have a shortage of places where they can take refuge. This safe house at Walgett will provide a much-needed secure refuge for women escaping domestic violence.”

Labor spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence said:

“The Labor Government has identified the need for this vital service and is taking concrete action.

“The Women’s Safe House Walgett is a crucial addition to supports for women and children escaping domestic violence and an essential service in this regional community.”

Mission Australia Executive Ben Carblis said:

“As people struggle to access affordable housing across the region, refuges and women’s safe houses are vital beacons of safety and security.

“The combination of housing with the provision of onsite wraparound services at the Walgett Women’s Safe House ensures that women and their children can remain connected to their communities while being supported by Mission Australia staff as they start to rebuild their lives.”

New analysis of the state’s innovation system shows NSW leads the nation when it comes to harnessing opportunities from new investment, ideas, industries and talent.

The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2024 Scorecard compares NSW against domestic and international jurisdictions using a range of data sources and metrics to highlight opportunities for the state to perform even better.

The report card shows that NSW outperforms the rest of the nation in new startup and spinout companies arising from universities and research institutes, and tops Canada, Germany and Japan on venture capital investment as a share of Gross State Product (GSP) or Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While NSW beats other Australian states when it comes to economic and productivity growth the report card finds there is room for NSW to improve productivity growth when it comes to international comparisons.

The scorecard has been released as the NSW Government continues to work on its Innovation Blueprint, which will set a clear framework for the way businesses, universities and government work together.  

View the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2024 Scorecard Dashboard and accompanying Companion Report.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The ability to innovate across the economy will be crucial to creating the jobs of the future and tackling our biggest challenges, including rebuilding manufacturing in NSW.

“The scorecard shows that NSW is a national and global leader but there’s much more to do to ensure government, industry and communities are working together for maximum impact.

“The NSW Innovation and Productivity Scorecard highlights the strengths of our innovation system but also gives us a good indication of where we should be focussing our efforts to capture new opportunities or improve outcomes.

“We’ll be using this work to strengthen the Innovation Blueprint and putting in place a clear strategic direction for growing and supporting the NSW innovation sector.”

NSW Innovation and Productivity Council Chairman Charlie Taylor said:

“Our latest Innovation and Productivity Scorecard is a comprehensive analysis of NSW’s place in the global innovation context and outlines where we can sharpen our focus to achieve long-term success.

“NSW has a highly educated and skilled workforce underpinned by our world-class universities and researchers.

“We also have a wealth of ambitious startups, supported by strong venture capital, that are developing innovative products and services.

“These ingredients combined with meaningful support for innovators through collaborative and effective programs will optimise NSW innovative capacity based on good evidence ensuring a meaningful relationship between the Government, industry and the innovation ecosystem.”

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said:

“The NSW innovation system is evolving and government policy is evolving alongside it.

“To continue to mature and take advantage of new opportunities, we need a strong strategy. We’re working across the innovation system on a NSW Innovation Blueprint which draws on the best available evidence, such as the 2024 Scorecard, to chart a clear course forward for our state.”

The Minns Labor Government continues to deliver for communities in Wollongong and across the Illawarra region.

Significant progress has been made on a range of vital projects since the 2024-25 Budget was handed down in July.

These include the appointment of a main works contractor for the new Shellharbour Hospital and the appointment of a design team to lead the master planning for the upgrades and redevelopment of Wollongong Hospital.

The NSW Building Commissioner has landed in the region to crack down on dodgy builders, with a newly established permanent office servicing the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

More homes are being delivered in line with meeting the Minns Government’s five-year housing target of 13,900 new dwellings, through its Transport Oriented Development policy which is already accepting Development Applications around Corrimal and Dapto, along with the affordable housing bonus scheme which has attracted strong interest in the region.

And first home buyers in the Illawarra have been beneficiaries of the expanded stamp duty relief program, saving an average of $22,477 across the region.

In the Wollongong LGA alone, 780 first home buyers have saved an average of $22,500 to get a foot on the property ladder since the scheme began in July last year. Across the Illawarra more than 1500 first home buyers have benefited.

The 2024-25 NSW Budget included significant investments in improving essential services and infrastructure in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, including:

• $781.9 million for the new Shellharbour Hospital and the new Warrawong Community Health Centre
• $390 million investment to build a new Mount Ousley Interchange in partnership with the Commonwealth Government
• $21.9 million Wollongong Hospital package
• $19.9 million for the construction of the Cleveland Road upgrade
• $10 million to develop the Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan
• $5 million for the BlueScope Surplus Land Masterplan, preparing for the creation of a jobs centre for the State within the Illawarra
• $2 million for the activation plan for the Lake Illawarra foreshore land at Warrawong
• Ten new public preschools

Three sites in Wollongong will also be among the first in NSW where Homes NSW will trial the use of modular housing to deliver much needed social homes.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in NSW has access to world class health care, public education, housing, and essential services.

“Our 2024-25 Budget supported growing regional communities like the Illawarra by investing in hospitals and preschools, bringing more frontline workers to the regions and increasing housing supply.

“These investments are must-haves for the Illawarra region, and we are making progress on delivering them.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor government is focused on delivering for Wollongong and the Illawarra, for residents of all ages and at all stages of life.

“We’ve already seen great take up of our first home buyers scheme, helping to get more people into homes today as we rezone areas to help deliver more homes for the future.  At the same time we’re cracking down on dodgy builders.

“We’re also looking to the region’s future with the hard work underway to create a great public space on the Lake Illawarra foreshore at King Street and working across government on the planning to make sure that the surplus BlueScope lands deliver the best possible jobs and economic outcome for the region and state.

“Our investments in the region will improve people’s lives with our focus on building better homes, creating more jobs and building better communities.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Tania Brown said:

“Since the election of the Minns Government, I’ve been pleased to develop an even stronger working relationship with the NSW Government.

“It’s very clear to me that Wollongong and its future is high on the priorities of the government.

“I look forward continuing to work with them and provide new leadership for Wollongong’s future.”

The NSW Government and Narrabri Shire Council are seeking community feedback on the future of Narrabri and how they would like to see the city grow and evolve over the next 20 years.

The draft Narrabri Place Strategy identifies the potential for up to 2,100 homes on flood-free land supported by local amenities in the residential precinct.

This proposal will allow for a rezoning of land for new homes, community facilities, infrastructure and services to revitalise the area.

The proposal also includes rezoning land connected to the inland rail to accommodate new investment and employment opportunities.

It aims to build a vibrant and growing community to stimulate development, encourage population growth and provide new investment opportunities to further support the existing township.

The draft Narrabri Place Strategy will deliver:

• An Eat Street concept within Narrabri town centre.
• The Lakeside Village, previously Narrabri West, will leverage off its central location within Narrabri township to improve amenity for residents through new and existing sport, recreation and social infrastructure.
• A residential precinct to accommodate up to 2,100 new homes in a flood-free area with a mix of detached and medium density housing types, mixed-use village centre, and health and education facilities.
• Rezoning of the Employment Land and Northern Inland Port precinct to accommodate new economic and social opportunities. This will be facilitated by future projected investment and development demand within Narrabri.
• Open space and new recreational opportunities as well as enhanced wetland and an active transport network.

The proposal is on exhibition from Friday 23 August and closes Friday 20 September.

For more information and to have your say, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/narrabri

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s important that we are looking at all opportunities for more well-located homes. Investment and jobs will help to stimulate development, encourage population growth and provide new opportunities for Narrabri.”

“Development within the proposed residential precinct will support the population growth in the Narrabri area over the next 20 years.”

“I encourage the community to have their say on this project.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“I asked the State Government to get involved in a master plan for Narrabri to avoid a cost burden on the Narrabri Shire Council and its ratepayers. I want to thank Minister Scully for responding quickly, with the Narrabri Place Strategy now on display.

“These planning instruments provide for future housing, population, and industry growth. They set the scene for reduced housing pressure in Narrabri and provide more flood-free land for housing.

“These are costly processes, and while the need for housing is undeniable, having the State Government involved has spared significant costs to Narrabri Shire Council and ratepayers.

“Your feedback is crucial. For the master plan to be successful, it should encapsulate the community’s vision and values for the future. The more community input we receive, the better the long-term outcomes for the community will be. Please take the time to share your thoughts.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to revitalise Aboriginal Languages, with the announcement of more than $4 million in grants to fund 74 Aboriginal Language projects across the state.

This new funding builds on the $3.9 million delivered in 2023, double the Coalition Government’s spend in 2022.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris announced the funding while visiting one of the grant recipients, First Linguists, in the town of Brewarrina on Thursday.

First Linguists, supported by Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council, will receive a $15,000 grant to develop workshops to revitalise and preserve the Ngemba, Ualarai, Murrawarri and Kimilaroi Languages.

The NSW Government investment, via the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), will empower Aboriginal people and organisations across the state deliver events, initiatives and projects tailored to the needs of their communities.

Aboriginal languages are central to Aboriginal culture and vital to sustaining traditional knowledge.

The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal Languages and Culture is also a key outcome for Closing the Gap, a national commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people. 

NSW remains the only jurisdiction in Australia to enact legislation that recognises the importance of Aboriginal Languages and establishes mechanisms for a focused investment in their revitalisation. 

In 2023/24 the Aboriginal Languages Trust offered six grant programs, including a new Educational Scholarship Program, which aims to contribute to the growth of Aboriginal Languages by supporting individuals to pursue languages training and education.

Among the many projects the grants will support, include:

• Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated will record four original songs in the Wayilwan Language and deliver Community Language workshops at Warren in central-west NSW
• Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council near Tamworth will create an animation to tell the Dreamtime story of Yurrandaali, the main totem for Aboriginal people of the Liverpool Plains 
• Elders will deliver on country language workshops for Aboriginal young people on Bundjalung Land in northern NSW
• Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council will create four 360-degree interactive videos filmed on country and digitally animated to explore a world using Wiradyuri/Wiradjuri Language in 3D
• Newara Aboriginal Corporation will employ an Anaiwan Language Project Officer and Facilitator, a role vital to supporting Newara as the primary Language organisation and hub for the Anaiwan community in Armidale
• Winangakirri Aboriginal Corporation will employ two Language support workers, a contract Linguist and Archivist, to develop Language learning materials for Community use 
• Blake Cusack will be one of six recipients of the Aboriginal Languages Education Scholarship Program. Blake currently works full time as a Gumbaynggirr language teacher at Gumbaynggirr Giigana Freedom School in Coffs Harbour.

Apply for a NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024 grant

Aboriginal organisations and groups in NSW are now invited to apply for grants to hold events and activities celebrating NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024 from 20 to 27 October.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available for initiatives to celebrate Aboriginal Languages across NSW, including community events, exhibitions, language classes and language workshops.

In its second year, NSW Aboriginal Languages Week aims to celebrate and promote languages with a broad range of stakeholders and audiences through a series of events, programs and promotional activities.

NSW Aboriginal Languages week also recognises the passing of the Aboriginal Languages legislation, which came into law on 24 October 2017.

Applications are open until 6 September 2024. For more information, visit the ALT website, www.alt.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“Aboriginal communities and organisations are delivering critical work to ensure the first languages of New South Wales are strengthened today, for generations to come.

“Aboriginal languages  are a core aspect of our state’s cultural heritage that must be protected and celebrated.

“It’s pleasing to see the diverse activity happening in this space and to be able to support Aboriginal organisations and people to be change makers.” 

Executive Director, Aboriginal Languages Trust Clare McHugh said:

“Increased engagement by new and returning community organisations demonstrates that funding is leading to a proliferation of activities and programs across NSW that are strengthening Aboriginal languages.

“Each community has their own Language needs and priorities, and their own timeline.

“This year we’re really seeing the positive impact of sustained support for communities, with languages going from strength to strength in numerous regions.

“Other communities seeing that progress have been encouraged to seek funding for the first time, expanding the Trust’s impact.”

First Linguists Director Melissa Kirby said:

“We are very grateful for the NSW Government’s support to allow the Brewarrina community to finally govern their traditional language space.

“The funding enables First Linguists employees to recognise and build the talent in a traditional language speech Pod with the aim to grow more speakers of Ngemba.”

The NSW Government is accelerating the delivery of reliable renewable energy to the Upper Hunter Region following the approval of a large solar farm that will generate enough electricity to power about 191,000 homes each year.

The $880 million project, 28 kilometres south-west of Merriwa, will reduce greenhouse gases across NSW, eliminating about 733,000 tonnes per annum of carbon dioxide helping NSW move towards its net zero emission targets.

With a capacity of 450 megawatts (MW), the Goulburn River Solar Farm includes a battery energy storage system (BESS) that will store solar energy for dispatch to the grid outside of daylight hours and during peak demand, increasing grid stability and energy security to local communities.

The project is located between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, and will have direct access to the existing electricity transmission network.

The project will generate 350 construction jobs and support the local regional economy by preferencing local workers and businesses in the construction and operation of the project.

In response to community feedback the applicant amended the project to include additional road upgrade works and construction of a workers accommodation facility onsite and revised the project area to further avoid potential biodiversity impacts.

The Goulburn River Solar Farm is the ninth solar farm and twenty-fifth renewable energy project approved under the Minns Labor Government.

For more information see link here.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Under our Government, we have a planning system that is supporting the renewable energy transition, approving projects that will support our communities, energy security and emissions reductions.

“With 350 jobs generated during construction and operation, this project will benefit the local economy, local communities and provide indirect benefits to local services throughout the life of project.

“This project is one of many that is part of the state’s growing renewable energy infrastructure that plays a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.”

Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The $880 million project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter region, bringing a major boost to local jobs.

“Today’s announcement further shores up our region as a renewable energy powerhouse, that will power communities for decades to come.”