Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is investing $10 million to make it safer and easier to walk and ride to 11 Illawarra stations.

The planned initiatives will include things like footpath upgrades, better lighting, new bicycle storage around stations for people who choose to walk or cycle to and from their homes and to other modes of transport.

More than $3 million of the investment will be used to build a two-way shared cycleway at Corrimal, which would stretch nearly one kilometre along Murray Road between Corrimal Station and Cawley Street. Corrimal will also see a new pedestrian refuge installed and additional bicycle racks outside the station.

Other stations to benefit from proposed upgrades include:

• Helensburgh will see existing bicycle storage upgraded and bicycle racks replaced, a footpath upgrade and new lighting. Footpaths will also be improved between the station and nearby bus stop, with a new refuge crossing installed across Lawrence Hargrave Drive between school and railway station.
• Stanwell Park will see new lighting and CCTV installed and footpaths upgraded.
• Scarborough will see including a new pedestrian refuge across Lawrence Hargrave Drive between the station and nearby school, improved footpath access between the station and bus stop and improvements to station stairs.
• Coledale will see stairs replaced with a ramp.
• Austinmer will see two pedestrian refuge crossings installed across nearby streets and a new sheltered bicycle storage space at both station entrances.
• Thirroul will see existing bicycle storage upgraded and bicycle racks replaced, a footpath upgrade and new lighting. The nearby bus stop will be improved so vehicles can overtake waiting buses.
• Bulli will see new sheltered bicycle storage installed, existing bicycle racks upgraded and more lighting.
• North Wollongong will see a new secure bicycle shed with CCTV installed.
• Coniston will see sheltered bicycle storage installed, new lighting and upgraded footpaths. Design work is also underway to make Coniston fully accessible.
• Dapto will see new sheltered bicycle stalling installed.

Twenty-eight projects have been identified and prioritised following extensive consultation with the community and other stakeholders.

Further consultation will take place with the community as the projects progress, with all of them expected to be completed between early next year and the first half of 2026.

The Transport Integration and Placemaking projects are being delivered through Transport for NSW’s Rail Service Improvement Program, in partnership with Wollongong City Council and Sydney Trains.

This announcement comes as Transport for NSW has approved an extension of Wollongong City Council’s shared e-scooter trial until 30 June 2025.

In the first 12 months of the trial with operator Neuron Mobility, 165,000 e-scooter trips were taken in the Wollongong local government area – with riders collectively clocking up over 316,000 kilometres, enough to ride around Australia over 20 times.

In addition to extending its trial, the council is also exploring options to expand the trial footprint, to support more people riding shared e-scooters to reach their destinations.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

“This is an exciting and incredibly important investment for the people of Wollongong.

“Given there are 25 train stations in the Wollongong Local Government area, there is a growing need to ensure pedestrians and cyclists can connect to these public transport hubs as safely and easily as possible.

“Sheltered bicycle storage, new refuge crossings and street lighting with CCTV are just some of the many projects we will be rolling out to support the community.

“We know people in the Illawarra love active transport, so making it easier for people to make the most of these last mile connections is essential.

“Extending the Wollongong e-scooter trial until June next year is a big added bonus too.

“All of these small but meaningful investments dotted along the coast will make neighborhoods across the Illawarra better connected.”

the Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park MP:

“It’s not every day that 11 trains stations receive much needed upgrades, but that’s exactly what is happening here in the Illawarra.

“These small and important investments will make it so much easier for families to access their station, and safely lock their bike up there for the day.

“Upgrades to lighting, footpaths and crossings will also go a long way to improving the overall safety and access for commuters and tourists alike.”

the Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP:

“I’ve said before Wollongong is the best city in the world to ride a bike, now it’s the best place to ride an e-scooter.

I am pleased that council is also exploring expanding the eScooter trial zone to potentially include Port Kembla and that’s really exciting.

“The upgrades to stations and improved connections to Corrimal Station will make for a better public transport experience for current and future residents.”

the Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP:

“After its recent accessibility upgrade, it’s exciting to see Dapto Station is once again receiving welcome investment from the Minns Labor Government. The new sheltered bike racks are a big win for our community and will make it easier to ride to the station, for those who want to.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP:

“Lawrence Hargrave Drive is the main artery connecting the villages along the coast. As a result, it’s incredibly busy and a challenge for pedestrians to cross. I really welcome the new pedestrian refuges that will make it safer for people to cross the road, as well as the other investments being made for our local stations.

“Works being undertaken at our train stations and roadways are crucial after they were neglected by the former Liberal National State government. The upgrades at Austinmer in particular, are changes I have campaigned on, I am thrilled the Minns Labor Government will be delivering these upgrades!”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Tania Brown:

“Projects like these upgrades to Murray Road, and other locations around Wollongong, will assist people to comfortably and safely walk, roll, cycle or scoot to and from train stations that link our city.

“We welcome the grant funding from the NSW Government and will continue to look for ways to collaborate with Transport for NSW to improve the public and active transport system across Wollongong.

“We’re pleased to see an extension of the trial to 30 June 2025 to allow Council to work with Transport for NSW to continue to learn about e-scooter use and the further opportunities the shared scheme offers to support e-micromobility across Wollongong.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to create a safer New South Wales and increase protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with the commencement of electronic monitoring for alleged serious domestic violence offenders released on bail.

Earlier this year, the Government significantly tightened bail laws for people charged with serious domestic violence offences, forcing them to ‘show cause’ why they shouldn’t be detained. This change has made it harder than ever for alleged serious domestic violence offenders to get bail.

From today, any alleged serious domestic violence offender who is granted bail will be electronically monitored around the clock using GPS technology.

The new program allows Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) to track alleged offenders against geographic bail conditions.

These exclusion zones may include residential addresses, school and work locations, or suburbs or areas within a city for people in need of protection.

If an alleged offender enters a restricted zone, CSNSW’s electronic monitoring officers are immediately notified.

Corrections officers will contact NSW Police to advise that a potential breach of bail conditions has occurred and NSW Police can then respond.

This builds on the around-the-clock monitoring of certain offenders already conducted by Corrective Services NSW, including the monitoring of high-risk domestic violence perpetrators on parole orders or Intensive Correction Orders.

These tough new laws are one part of the NSW Government’s work to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence.

The Government has also introduced legislation to create Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders. These new orders will allow the court to impose any conditions considered appropriate to prevent a person’s involvement in domestic abuse.

In addition, this legislation would create new offences covering repeated and intentional breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

Under earlier Minns Labor Government justice system reforms:

• The categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’ were expanded, with the accused remaining in custody while prosecutors challenge the decision to grant bail.
• For all domestic violence bail decisions, judges and magistrates must now consider, where relevant, domestic abuse risk factors and the views of victims and their family members.
• All bail decisions will be made by judges and magistrates.

The NSW Government delivered a $246 million package in the NSW Budget to address domestic, family and sexual violence through crisis response measures, early intervention, primary prevention, and justice system responses.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, please call the toll-free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au

Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“The NSW Government is committed to curbing the unacceptable rate of domestic, family and sexual violence within our community, and monitoring alleged offenders is key to that.

“It’s harder now for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail, but if they do, these new monitoring devices ensure Corrective Services will be able to keep an eye on their movements.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Earlier this year the NSW Government toughened bail laws that raised the threshold and added additional factors to be considered before bail could be granted for alleged serious domestic violence offenders, placing the onus on them to show the court why their detention isn’t justified.

“We’ve seen an increasing number of alleged serious domestic violence offenders on remand, signalling these bail reforms are indeed working.

“Domestic violence is an abhorrent crime and one that the NSW Government will not tolerate.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Women, children, and others in danger deserve to live their lives in safety, free from the threat of domestic violence.

“Corrective Services NSW has the specialist knowledge and robust systems in place to help successfully expand existing electronic monitoring of offenders on parole or subject to community corrections orders to those on bail.

“This intense monitoring shows alleged domestic violence offenders how serious the government is about preventing domestic violence on all fronts.”

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

“Electronic monitoring of people accused of serious domestic violence while they are out on bail prioritises victim-survivors’ safety and ensures alleged perpetrators abide by their bail conditions.

“This is one part of a coordinated, multi-pronged response to addressing domestic and family violence in our state that includes earlier intervention and primary prevention.

“The NSW Government is also working with the sector and victim-survivors as we continue to provide holistic, trauma-informed, wraparound support for victim-survivors who are escaping violence.”

Acting Commissioner Corrective Services NSW Leon Taylor said:

“The expansion of our existing electronic monitoring system allows us to track serious alleged domestic violence offenders.

“In the case of a suspected breach our Corrective Services officers will immediately notify police so they can take action. 

“If we hold concerns for a person in need of protection, the Corrections team will be able to pick up the phone and alert them to a potential bail breach in real time, allowing them to enact their safety plan.”

Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“Domestic and family violence disproportionately affects women, so it’s vital for the NSW Government to continue implementing reforms like this to better protect at-risk women across the community.

“These changes will give victim-survivors of domestic and family violence greater peace of mind and support their safety planning while the matter is dealt with in the courts.”

A major state-of-the art cyber and digital forensics training facility will soon call South Jerrabomberra home following the Minns Labor Government’s $23 million investment in enabling infrastructure within the South Jerrabomberra Regional Jobs Precinct in southern NSW.

CBIT Digital Forensics Services (CDFS), an Australian supplier of digital forensic tools, industry training and certification, has chosen the precinct to establish its first tactical training facility.

Digital forensics focuses on identifying, acquiring, processing, analysing, and reporting on data stored electronically.

CDFS anticipates it will almost double its workforce from nine to 18 over the next few years and plans to invest $11.7 million in a new building on the site, creating additional jobs for local construction and building workers.

The construction of the NANGU Cyber Forensics Facility is expected to be completed by March 2025 and aiming to have the facility ready for training and operations for the second semester.

The company has provided hi-tech services to organisations including law enforcement and government department to help deal with digital forensic and investigative issues including electronic evidence handling.

CDFS joins a growing number of investors setting up in the South Jerrabomberra Regional Jobs Precinct. Further blocks within the precinct will become available for investors in early 2025.

The precinct is supported by a $23 million contribution by the NSW Government for essential infrastructure including roads, footpaths, upgraded electricity, natural gas, water, and access to NBN Enterprise Ethernet services.

Strategically located on Canberra’s doorstep, the precinct’s infrastructure and proximity to universities, world-class research and development facilities and a skilled workforce makes it a highly attractive opportunity for investors.

With the wider region already home to more than 90 companies specialising in technology, cybersecurity and defence, the precinct development will help nurture high-tech careers in engineering, programming and science, specialising in cyber, space, AI, and defence.

The site’s proximity to government agencies and the nation’s decision-makers, an international airport and major road networks puts new and emerging businesses in a prime position to thrive.

To activate this investment-ready precinct in regional NSW, the NSW Government is working closely with the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, the ACT Government and federal agencies.

CDFS was supported by $3 million in Australian Government funding to establish the NANGU Cyber Forensics Facility.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“It is important that we empower regional people and communities to prosper through a boost in skills, wages and opportunities. Through Regional Job Precincts like South Jerrabomberra, the NSW Government is providing this opportunity.

“This precinct gives investors access to a highly skilled and educated local workforce. It aims to build a sustainable business hub offering fast-tracked planning approvals.

“This investor-ready precinct has the advantage of proximity to key decision-makers in Canberra, and I am really proud that the NSW Government is giving businesses this opportunity to establish and grow in regional NSW.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said

“With the rapid growth of areas like Jerrabomberra, Tralee, and Googong, precincts like this are ensuring we can keep highly qualified and skilled workers in their local area, and not lose their talents to the ACT or other major cities.

“The investment in modern and specialised industries like cyber security, space, AI, and research is creating a sustainable and competitive workforce for regional NSW which will attract new people to our area.

“I look forward to touring the precinct and learning about the work being done there.”

CDFS CEO Zoran Iliev said:

“The Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Owners of the lands where the NANGU Cyber Forensics Facility will stand, have recognised that these lands have always been places of teaching and learning. We deeply respect their traditions and are grateful to have NANGU in this beautiful area with a unique position near Queanbeyan, the Canberra airport, and our nation’s capital.

Our facility, the NANGU Cyber Forensics Facility, will not only be a hub for technology and science but also a preserver of traditions. The forensic scientists trained here will not only be guardians of the truth but also guardians of the rich traditions of the Ngunnawal people.

“As an independent RTO, we are proud to bring this training facility to South Jerrabomberra and offer young Australians a unique chance to get the qualifications to help them get not just a job but a career to be proud of.

“The CDFS team and I are very proud and grateful for the opportunity to help this region by providing top-notch Cyber Forensics training and creating the much-needed new workforce in Cyber.”

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is one step closer, with a $322 million contract awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd to deliver the first part of the project – construction of the first 1.3km of new light rail alignment, including a 320m bridge over the Parramatta River.

New artist’s impression images have been released showing the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point that will carry buses, light rail and people walking and cycling over the Parramatta River.

Design and early works will begin this year, before major bridge construction starts in 2025. It marks the first major bridge crossing the Parramatta River since the Ryde Bridge was completed nearly 40 years ago. This work will also see upgrades to surrounding public spaces including Archer Park.

The new public and active transport bridge, which is yet to be named, will provide a much-needed link between the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, north and south of the river. It will form part of 9.5kms of walking and bike-riding paths once Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is complete.

Construction of the bridge is expected to generate 1000 jobs, with 80% of those based in Western Sydney.

In the 2024-25 NSW Budget, the Minns Labor Government provisioned $2.1 billion towards the delivery of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to build better, more connected communities as our west continues to grow.

This significant milestone is a crucial step forward in extending the Parramatta Light Rail network, which will help get locals where they need to go, take pressure off roads, and support housing growth across Greater Parramatta.

John Holland Pty Ltd was selected as the successful company following a competitive tender process, with interest from 19 leading organisations across Australia and around the world.

Works will be limited to weekdays where possible, limiting Saturday works to critical bridge construction activities only.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect to Stage 1 and the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, and Wentworth Point with 14 stops over 10 kilometres.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 between Westmead and Carlingford (L4) is in the final stages of testing and commissioning, with passenger services expected to start before the end of the year.

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“This is a significant step towards delivering the much-anticipated extension of the Parramatta Light Rail.

“The new bridge will ensure the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point are well-connected. It will enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth.

“This development is part of our vision for a sustainable and connected Greater Sydney, building the infrastructure needed to improve accessibility and support our growing communities.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Our community has been promised Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 for years, and it’s exciting that the Labor Government is finally delivering.

“Investigation works will begin this summer, with shovels in the ground next year. I cannot wait to see this new bridge spring to life.”

The NSW Government is today releasing its formal response to the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) Hate Crimes.

After carefully considering the almost 3,500-page report prepared by the Inquiry, the NSW Government is supporting all 19 of the Inquiry’s public recommendations.

Led by the Commissioner, the Honourable Justice John Sackar, and launched in April 2022, the Inquiry looked into the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ+ people that may have been hate crimes between 1970 and 2010 that had been the subject of previous investigation by the NSW Police Force.

The Commission’s report identified shortfalls in how NSW Government authorities responded to these deaths and found that investigations were not consistently handled with professionalism, fairness, respect, and compassion.

The Inquiry also heard of the deep hurt that continues to be felt by LGBTIQ+ communities, and the legacy of distrust of government services that continues to the present day.

The NSW Government commends the efforts of the Inquiry and those who provided assistance to this important work.

The NSW Government also extends its deepest gratitude to all LGBTIQ+ community and ally organisations who have advocated tirelessly for change over several decades.

We will honour the victims and victim-survivors whose pain has been captured by the Inquiry, through the implementation of all 19 recommendations.

Implementation of some recommendations has already been completed. Action on other recommendations is underway or will be implemented following further planning or technological advances.

The NSW Police Force has established Taskforce Atlas to oversee implementation of the NSWPF-related recommendations.

A working group has been established to develop a process for conducting the recommended systematic review or audit of all unsolved homicides from 1970 to 2010.

It will also inform work in relation to identifying exhibits to be submitted or resubmitted for forensic testing in light of possible technological advancements.

In accordance with the advice from Commissioner Sackar, a confidential volume of the Inquiry’s Report has also been provided to the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission to inform any current or future criminal investigations or prosecutions.

The response follows the important and landmark apology by the NSW Government for the historic criminalisation of homosexuality in NSW, which was delivered in Parliament in June 2024.

The Minns Labor Government has also recently announced a range of initiatives aimed at promoting equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ communities.

This includes a new advisory council designed to improve the understanding of issues affecting LGBTIQ+ people across the state and the introduction of new laws to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices.

The Government response can be accessed here: Government Response – Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes (PDF 153.44KB)

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe said:

“I want to again thank Commissioner Sackar, the Special Commission team, and everyone who contributed to this exhaustive investigation to re-examine a dark passage in the history of our state.

“This Inquiry, the events that have led to it and those that will follow, will be remembered as a crucial step in coming to terms with the role that the NSW Government played in these many tragedies.

“In previous decades, NSW Government institutions set a standard that not only stood by inequality and injustice, but fostered, and at times participated in it.

“We fundamentally failed the victims of these hate crimes and their families, and we can never let that occur again.

“The dedicated and comprehensive work of the whole Inquiry team stands on the shoulders of the efforts of many members of LGBTIQ+ communities, as well as the families and friends of victims – for that we say thank you.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The Inquiry report made for deeply difficult reading; a difficulty dwarfed by the lived experiences shared by so many.

“Today is an important milestone in a long journey for victims, victim-survivors, advocates and allies who have suffered from these crimes.

“We can’t change what has happened in the past, but we can and will do everything in our power to learn, evolve and prevent history from repeating itself.

“The Government response is another step in the pursuit of justice and the Government and NSW Police Force are actively working to implement report’s recommendations in partnership with the LGBTIQ+ community.”

Support services

The Inquiry engaged ACON Pride Counselling to offer free and confidential counselling to LGBTIQ+ people participating in the Inquiry. Find out more here: https://www.acon.org.au/support-services/pride-counselling/

The following services are available for immediate support:

• Emergency assistance: (triple zero) 000
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
• QLife (3pm to midnight): 1800 184 527
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Rainbow Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Service Help Line: 1800 385 578
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015
• TransHub  
• Pivot Point

The Minns Labor Government has strengthened the independence of integrity agencies and expanded Parliament’s role in independently overseeing their funding.

These changes, which passed in Parliament on Wednesday night, build upon last month’s Treasurer’s Direction that codifies special budget arrangements for the state’s five integrity agencies.

The amendments reinforce the independence of the NSW Audit Office, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, NSW Electoral Commission and the Ombudsman’s Office.

The changes to the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 (GSF Act) require integrity agency budgets to be reviewed by Parliamentary oversight committees.

The Parliamentary committees will examine and report on the agencies’ budgets, with the Treasurer then required to respond to the Committee reports.

The Treasurer will also be required to detail the reasons for any variations from agency budget proposals.

In addition to the above, the Government is setting aside $20 million in contingency funding for these integrity agencies for unexpected matters that require urgent attention.

The contingency funding system will also be subject to Parliamentary committee oversight.

The legislation complements a Treasurer’s Direction published on 6 August 2024 – which outlined the Charter of Independence for NSW Integrity Agencies.

This fulfils a request from the Chief Commissioner of the ICAC that the Government formalise the budget management model using a Treasurer’s Direction.

This direction, made under the GSF Act, is unprecedented and provides access for these agencies direct to the Cabinet itself during the preparation of each year’s budget.

The five agencies will be able to submit advice directly to the Cabinet’s Expenditure Review Committee (ERC).

In addition:

• The integrity bodies are quarantined from central agency financial management requirements.
• Integrity agencies will not have efficiency dividends imposed upon them.
• A specialist integrity agency unit within Treasury manages representations for budget funding and ensures that the independence of integrity agencies is preserved during the budget process.

This represents the latest milestone in the Government’s significant reform agenda aimed at helping restore public trust and improving public integrity, transparency, and accountability, which includes:

• The commitment of an additional $228.6 million in new expenditure over 10 years, commencing in the 2023-24 Budget, to ensure integrity agencies remain adequately resourced.
• Amendments to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 to make it a legislative requirement for the Government to respond to recommendations of the ICAC directed to the Government.
• The implementation of recommendations made by the ICAC in relation to Operation Witney and Keppel.
• The landmark ban on political parties accepting donations from clubs which have gaming machines.
• A significant tightening of grants regulation to ensure the highest possible standards of grant administration.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We are ensuring our integrity agencies are best placed to hold public officials and government departments to the highest standards.

“The additional checks we are introducing safeguard the funding of these independent agencies.

“We will continue to focus on strengthening our critical public institutions for the long-term benefit of New South Wales.”

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“Integrity agencies must be allowed to get on with their essential work of investigating and preventing corruption and maladministration. The NSW Government is committed to supporting this work.

“Safeguarding their funding and enhancing transparency around funding to integrity agencies, including the ICAC, delivers on this commitment.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to boost economic development and services for regional NSW with the announcement today of the first seven low interest loans to regional food and beverage manufacturers.

The loans, delivered as part of the Government’s Regional Development Roadmap will help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The loans have been made to businesses in Dubbo, Byron Bay, Wagga Wagga, Wauchope, Bathurst, the Central Coast and Southern Highlands.

Under the $5 million pilot program, low interest loans can be used for projects such as installing automated production lines, upgrading bottling lines, or buying equipment that will enable products to be exported more efficiently.

Loans are available of between $100,000 and $1 million, and interest is charged monthly at a fixed rate of 2.5 percent for the life of the loan. Loan repayments are interest only for the first two years. The maximum loan term is seven years.

Unlike a commercial loan, these loans do not require family homes to be put forward as security,

In a series of Ministerial Roundtables with regional businesses this year, food and beverage industry leaders indicated they needed assistance to adopt new technology to increase productivity and expand their market opportunities.

The NSW Government is assisting good businesses grow so they can increase demand for local produce, add value to their products, boosting revenue and creating jobs into their regions.

Businesses receiving a low interest loan include:

• Little Big Dairy Co in Dubbo will use funding to install automated technology to reduce waste and increase capacity and improve energy efficiency creating job opportunities and opening new markets.
• Byron Beef Jerky will convert existing areas into cool rooms and food preparation spaces, upgrade power supply, and improve production and storage leading to higher demand for local beef and job growth.
• East Coast Beverages on the Central Coast will upgrade its production capacity by installing automated technology including high speed conveyors, bottling equipment, and advanced line cleaning systems to increase production and reduce waste.
• Ezy Fresh in Wagga Wagga who supply processed vegetables to manufacturers will invest in diversifying their product range and enable a more efficient production process that enables upskilling of staff, doubling of their capacity, which will increase demand for local grown vegetables.
• Timber Town Pies in Wauchope can now invest in upgrading equipment to double their production capacity, create new jobs plus increase demand for local beef..
• McDowells Herbal in Bathurst will invest in specialist equipment to increase their product line and significantly increase their output which will multiply job opportunities and revenue.

For more information on each of the companies receiving low interest loans click here.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a major employer in regional NSW, which is already home to companies such as Nestle, Ferrero, Stone and Wood, Sanitarium and Simplot Foods.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector across NSW had an annual turnover of $42.5 billion in 2022-2023 and employed more than 66,000 people as of May 2024.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is changing the way it invests in regional NSW, and this investment package supports our regional food and beverage manufacturers to grow, create more jobs and benefit local producers.

“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening the farming sector and regional economies by encouraging and assisting local businesses that add value to local produce, expand their production capacity and product offerings so they can employ additional local people, compete against imported products and bring revenue into the region.

“This pilot package has demonstrated there is high interest in the low interest loans for food and beverage businesses, just as we were advised in my Roundtable listening tour through the regions. I look forward to considering the pilot review so we can evaluate this work and propose next steps.”

David Harding, Executive Director Business NSW said:

“The take up on this attractive low interest loan pilot from the NSW Regional Development Trust is encouraging but not at all surprising.

“Enabling regional businesses to invest in themselves and scale is exactly what is needed, especially with a loan focus on automation, efficiency and export potential.

“I look forward to seeing these regional backbone enterprises grow and flourish, and expect the pilot scheme to be a great success.

“I thank the Minister for Regional Development and Primary Industries, Tara Moriarty for initiating this smart and valuable initiative”

Emma Elliot, Director, Little Big Dairy Company said:

“As business owners we should all be taking up the opportunities that are put in front of us and I think it’s a really good scheme to borrow cheap money, and the interest only at the front of the loan is really attractive.

“We really love being a regionally based business and it’s really cool to see the state government looking for ways to support us to continue to be our community doing the roles we love and sharing the product that we make here into the future.

“It enables us to embark on projects sooner than we would without the scheme and I think it’s really exciting for us a family as because it works towards our sustainability in terms of being in business into the future.”

CASE STUDY

Little Big Dairy Company (Dubbo)

The Little Big Dairy Co. is one of the first businesses supported by the NSW low interest Food and Beverage Manufacturing loan program under the Regional Development Roadmap

The business was established in 2012 by the Chesworth family in Dubbo NSW and is family-owned and operated dairy business.

The Little Big Dairy Co specialises in producing high-quality, single-source milk which is traceable back to the family dairy farm located west of Dubbo

The company delivers over 100,000 litres of fresh bottled milk each week direct to customers across NSW and the ACT

Their product line also includes flavoured milk, butter and cream, which is free from permeates and additives

The farm hosts over 1,000 Holstein cows and is committed to employing sustainable and innovative practices to minimise their environmental impact

The company carries a legacy of over 100 years in the dairy industry, spanning five-generations of the family,

Dubbo Base Hospital has achieved accreditation as a regional trauma service, allowing more seriously injured patients to be treated closer to home.

The accreditation follows four years of work to demonstrate the clinical standards required to function as a service that can manage trauma injuries assessed as minor or moderate.

Previously, these patients would have been transferred to a metropolitan facility for treatment by air or road. Patients experiencing major trauma will continue to have their care initiated at Dubbo Hospital prior to transfer.

Dubbo Base Hospital was assessed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Institute of Trauma and Injury Management before being designated as a regional trauma service by NSW Health.

The trauma team at Dubbo includes nurses, doctors, surgeons, anaesthetists, pathology technicians, and radiographers.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Dubbo Base Hospital continues to build its services and reputation as a rural referral facility, and this elevation in status is a credit to the team who have worked to achieve accreditation.

“Dubbo is more than 400km from Sydney and has a huge catchment in the north-west of the state. Being able to treat more people with traumatic injuries closer to where they live is hugely important as we know staying connected to family and community is a vital factor in recovery.”

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“The fantastic trauma team in Dubbo is made up of a number of disciplines who all play a part in caring for someone who has a traumatic injury.

“Dubbo Base Hospital is the referral hospital for patients from all over the north-west of the state, where we see patients who have sustained injuries from activities such as motor vehicle accidents, sporting injuries, falls, assaults and farm accidents.”

Dr Simon Heppell, Director of Trauma, Dubbo Base Hospital

“Achieving accreditation as a regional service is really important for our local population because patients with traumatic injuries need to be assessed and treated as quickly as possible. Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in younger age groups and is an increasing burden on our older citizens due to falls.

“We are a long way from Sydney and its vital that we are able to treat patients locally whilst at the same time stabilising the very sickest trauma patients and transferring them to Sydney for ongoing care.

“Dubbo is now verified as a Level 3 trauma service which means we are able to provide high quality care locally for minor to moderate trauma patients, whilst stabilising major trauma patients prior to their transfer to a higher level service.”

Midwives who choose to relocate and start work in rural, regional and remote NSW will be eligible for a $20,000 sign-on bonus, as part of an innovative trial starting later this month.

The trial, which forms part of the NSW Government’s Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, will run for six months from 30 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, and is aimed at boosting the regional midwifery workforce to better support mothers, their babies, and families.

The one-off payment will be available for midwives relocating and starting new roles in Modified Monash Model level three to level seven facilities.

Attracting health workers to regional, rural and remote locations is a challenge for all health jurisdictions and governments.

The Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme is supported by a broad suite of initiatives introduced by the Minns Labour Government to further strengthen the state’s health workforce, including:

• Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
• Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers
• Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.
• An investment of an additional $200.1 million to deliver more health worker accommodation in regional, rural and remote communities.

For more information on eligibility for the sign-on bonus and to apply for a midwifery position, visit the NSW Health website.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This Government is committed to attracting and retaining more healthcare workers to regional, rural and remote areas to ensure people living in these communities can receive high-quality, timely care close to home.

“I’ve said this countless times, worker shortages in our regional, rural and remote communities is the biggest single challenge facing our health system.

“Midwives support the birth of almost 100,000 babies right across our state each year, regardless of where a family lives the importance of providing women, their partners and families with high quality, compassionate care cannot be underestimated.

“With this innovative trial, we are looking at new ways to fill critical vacancies in our regions so we can build a stronger and more supported regional health workforce.”

With the rise of social media fuelling increasing levels of cyberbullying, anxiety, depression and even suicide among teenagers, the NSW Opposition remains committed to supporting raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16.
 
In August, the NSW Opposition endorsed the 36 Months campaign, which spotlighted the critical dangers social media poses to children during the most vulnerable stage of their psychological development, between the ages of 13 and 16.
 
The Legislative Assembly carried the motion of the Leader of the NSW Opposition Mark Speakman to support raising the legal age of access to social media from 13 to 16 and to call on the NSW and Federal Governments to work together to implement this much-needed change by July 2025.
 
Mr Speakman said our children are facing a mental health crisis driven by the unchecked influence of social media.
 
“Parents feel powerless, watching their kids struggle under the pressure of a digital world they’re not ready for. By raising the social media age to 16, we’re giving families back control and protecting our young people when they need it most,” Mr Speakman said.
 
New data from the eSafety Commissioner revealed that 84% of children aged 8 to 12 have accessed social media platforms. Alarmingly, 1.3 million Australian children under 13 are currently using social media, exposing them to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators and harmful content that severely impacts their mental health.
 
Peter Dutton, Leader of the Federal Opposition, has also committed to raising the national minimum age for social media use to 16 within his first 100 days in office, ensuring that this critical change is implemented nationwide.
 
Parents, community groups and mental health experts have repeatedly called for stronger safeguards to protect young people.
 
We’re not just talking about numbers—these are real lives, real families, and real tragedies. It’s time to stand up to the tech giants and put our children’s futures first.
 
The NSW Opposition is committed to standing alongside parents and families across the state, ensuring that governments act now to safeguard the mental health and well-being of young Australians.