Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to support regional communities and our state’s agricultural industry with a $945.7 million investment to continue the critical role of prevention and protection against biosecurity threats.

This includes an additional $13.1 million in the 2024-25 Budget to build on the success of the Feral Pig Program, which has controlled more than 100,000 pigs since it began eight months ago.

Feral pigs cause significant damage to pastoral land and crops, and carry diseases that can impact livestock and native animals.

This new funding will ensure there is a concerted and ongoing campaign over the next year to reduce pest populations, benefit farmers and landholders, minimise biosecurity risks to livestock, and lower the risk of environmental and ecological damage.

Since October 2023, the state-wide program has:

• appointed the state’s first Feral Pig coordinator
• culled 102,141 pigs – 15,141 above the original target of 87,000
• had over 5400 properties participate in aerial and ground control programs
• held 93 information and training sessions
• completed 8465 one-on-one consultations with landholders.

In addition to this, the NSW Government’s biosecurity program includes significant investments in responses to major threats to the state’s agricultural industry, with:

• $55.3 million for the eradication of red imported fire ants
• $36.2 million to increase the resilience and capacity of beekeepers, and other industries manage Varroa mite
• $25 million to support specialist scientific skills to boost the state’s frontline surveillance and preventative capabilities to defend against biosecurity risks
• $6.2 million to target White Spot disease, supporting prawn fishers, farmers and businesses
• $5.8 million to continue implementing the Good Neighbour Program to tackle weed and pest infestations between neighbouring public and private lands.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on responsible investments which will support the long-term prosperity of NSW communities, no matter where in the state they are. 

Biosecurity vigilance is foundational to protecting the state’s environmental assets, agriculture and tourism industries, which is why the 2024-25 Budget will invest:

• $217.2 for prevention preparation of future biosecurity threats including Weeds Action Plans, the first Biosecurity Commissioner and the Bio Lab Defence – key advancements in laboratory defences for diagnostics, pathology, virology, and entomology activities
• $250.9 million to invest in major biosecurity programs covering active surveillance, rapid diagnostics, traceability investigations and responses for Varroa Mite, White Spot and Red Imported Fire Ant threats
• $62.4 million investment to contain pests, weeds, and disease outbreaks to minimise adverse impacts on primary industries and the environment. Including the Sheep and Goat eID program to enable tracking and identification during any outbreaks
• $415.1 million to address existing plant, animal and invasive biosecurity threats including $13.1m for Feral Pigs in 2024-25, the Good Neighbour program, the independent Agriculture Commissioner, plus Emergency Management Capability in response to natural disasters.

Our plan to build a better NSW

Since being elected, the NSW Government has prioritised the biosecurity of the state, with the passing of legislation to enable the establishment of the state’s first independent Biosecurity commissioner.

The Minns Labor Government know people across the state are doing it tough right now, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for families in NSW to make ends meet.

For many regional communities, biosecurity incursions can impact the viability of local agriculture which has a significant effect on the local economy. This Budget is assisting those people by strengthening our frontlines against threats and incursions as well as funding advice and action on their land and waterways.

The 2024-25 Budget stands up for the people of NSW, no matter where they live, because we understand NSW does not thrive unless our regional and rural communities thrive, and that is not possible without vital funding to protect our state’s farmers.

Minister for Agriculture NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Agriculture and our farming communities are the lifeblood of our state and this $945 million investment in biosecurity over the coming four years will ensure our primary producers continue to have the support they need to thrive.

“Strong biosecurity protections are not just about keeping pest and weeds out – it is about protecting the state’s $22 billion agriculture industries and ensuring families across the state have access to the worlds best produce at the world’s best prices.

“We have been busy implementing our comprehensive biosecurity plan, from feral pig management to tackling weeds and pests on public lands and fighting the threat of red fire ants.

“Biosecurity is an ongoing challenge, but we are a government who are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of our farmers, regional communities and environments.

“The success of the feral pig program speaks for itself, but there’s still more to do, which this essential funding will enable.”

Western Sydney communities will benefit from more buses, more often, as part of a $139.5 million boost from the Minns Labor Government to the state’s bus network that will modernise the fleet and create more reliable, accessible services for passengers.

Buses carry more than 40% of public transport passengers in NSW, representing nearly 300 million trips each year.

The 2024-25 Budget will allocate $91 million towards a Bus System Upgrade program that will deliver major improvements for commuters.

The work, set to begin later this year, will see upgrades to 4000 Opal-enabled buses in Greater Sydney and another 1000 in outer metropolitan areas.

This will involve installing modern passenger communications including on-board screens and audio announcements, so commuters know which stop they are at and where to get off. It will also eliminate so-called ‘ghost buses’ by further replacing old technology to provide passengers with live, accurate information about when the next service is coming.

The project represents the first time this number of buses has received a coordinated overhaul in the state’s history.

The 2024-25 Budget will also inject $24.7 million over 4 years for more services, new routes and more Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) in Western Sydney which will create opportunities for local manufacturers.

Key suburbs to receive critical changes include Penrith, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Marsden Park, Riverstone, Blacktown, Eastern Creek, Kemps Creek and Arndell Park – areas where the former government allowed development to occur but didn’t provide the essential transport services needed.

Investment in bus services for the North West will:

• increase the frequency and service hours for many existing routes
• provide more bus connections to train and metro stations to help reduce congestion and relive pressure on commuter car parks
• deliver new routes that will connect passengers with schools, shops and employment hubs.

The Bus Industry Taskforce found the former government’s lack of investment in buses has not kept up with population growth in our west, leaving expanding communities at risk of becoming ‘Uber only’ communities.

The Budget sets aside a further $23.8m over 2 years for a statewide “Medium Term Bus Plan”. This was a crucial recommendation of the Bus Industry Taskforce that will address the needs and growth of different bus regions, and set a much-needed strategy for bus network improvements for the next 10 years.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better, well-connected communities for NSW. To ensure people have reliable access to the essential services they rely on.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This vital investment into our bus network means Western Sydney has greater access to services than ever before.

“These are modest upgrades that will make a major difference to passengers across NSW, while continuing our transition to net zero public transport and driving local jobs and manufacturing in the emission-free bus sector.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“People living in our fast-growing suburbs really rely on affordable transport options.

“Buses are an essential service that our community should be able to count on, whether that is their sole form of public transport or a vital connection to a nearby train station.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Millions of people rely on buses – they’re the cornerstone of a thriving, interconnected and reliable public transport network.

“We’ve done a lot of positive work with buses since coming to government but there’s still more to do – and that’s what this investment will begin to deliver, especially for communities in our growing West.”

“Combined with our budget commitments to Metro West and Parramatta Light Rail, we’re covering all bases when it comes to connected, reliable public transport in Western Sydney.”

Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy has criticised reports of the NSW Labor Government’s latest budget cuts to TAFE.
 
Mr Clancy said after NSW Labor cut TAFE funding in last year’s budget, early indications TAFE is in for further pain in next week’s State Budget, can only be described as disappointing.
 
It’s been revealed that $300 million earmarked in last year’s budget for the TAFE sector, to upgrade classrooms and campus infrastructure, deliver new teaching equipment, and improve digital connectivity, has now fallen to $206 million.
 
“I have been calling for next week’s State Budget to have a strong Skills focus, as we are witnessing plummeting commencement trade training rates”.
 
“It’s a case of smoke and mirrors, as NSW Labor talks up its $16.3m in funding for fee-free courses for apprentices and trainees, but then slashes much-needed funding from other areas”.
 
“The NSW construction industry, in particular, is desperate for a strong pipeline, dedicated to training up our building workforce, as we are facing widespread housing shortages.”
 
“Sadly, it appears the NSW Labor Government has no long-term plan to support, nurture and grow our skills sector,” Mr Clancy said.

After three days of action the 2024 HART Senior State Titles have concluded at the Campbelltown District and Camden & District Netball Associations.

In an amazing weekend of netball across both venues there was highlights across all Divisions, and great scenes of sportsmanship.

The winners of Division 1 in each age group/category were crowned State Champions.

Below is an overview of the winners and runners up in each Division. For full results please visit the PlayHQ Page and use the navigation menu at the top to select Divisions.

Netball NSW would like to take this opportunity to thank all players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, commercial partners, fans and staff for making the event such a success.

Most notably, the volunteers at the Campbelltown and Camden & District Netball Associations and HART Sport – Naming Rights Partner of the SST.

Further thanks go to Campbelltown City Council who partnered with Netball NSW for the delivery of the event at Campbelltown District Netball Association.

Opens State Champions

Winners: Northern Suburbs Netball Association
Runners up: Newcastle Netball Association
Opens Division 2
Winners: Hawkesbury City Netball Association
Runners up: Blacktown City Netball Association
Opens Division 3
Winners: Temora Netball Association
Runners Up: Cessnock District Netball Association
17U State Champions
Winners: Liverpool City Netball Association
Runners up: Illawarra District Netball Association
17U Division 2
Winners: Hastings Valley Netball Association
Runners up: Orange Netball Association
17U Division 3
Winners: Coffs Harbour Netball Association
Runners up: Eurobodalla Netball Association
17U Division 4
Winners: Port Stephens Netball Association
Runners up: Temora Netball Association
15U State Champions
Winners: Sutherland Shire Netball Association
Runners up: Randwick Netball Association
15U Division 2
Winners: Maitland Netball Association
Runners up: Barellan & District Netball Association
15U Division 3
Winners: Ballina Netball Association
Runners up: Cessnock District Netball Association
15U Division 4
Winners: Quirindi Netball Association
Runners up: Sapphire Coast Netball Association
Open Male State Champions
Winners: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association
Runners up: Liverpool City Netball Association
Open Male Division 2
Winners: Wyong District Netball Association
Runners up: Baulkham Hills Netball Association
17U Male State Challenge
Winners: Ballina Netball Association
Runners Up: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association
All Abilities State Challenge
Winners: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association
Runners up: Eastwood Ryde Netball Association
Pat Weston OAM Country Champions (awarded to the best performed regional team)
Newcastle Netball Association
Suncorp Spirit Award (awarded to the team who showcased Sportmanship on and off the court)
At Campbelltown this was awarded to Westlakes Netball Association and at Camden the winning team was Eurobodalla Netball Association.

The Minns Labor Government will invest $16.3 million to continue fee-free training for apprentices and trainees across the state, which will fund more than 20,000 new apprentices and 19,000 trainees.

The investment covers student fees of up to $2000 for apprentices and up to $1000 for trainees, removing any up-front costs for those taking up apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.

This ensures that anyone who wants to access vocational training and education can afford to do so.

The program is critical to build a future workforce in areas such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical – all critical skills to the delivery of the NSW Government’s housing supply strategy.

The most popular traineeships are also in high-demand areas such as early childhood education and care, aged care, disability care and other sectors of the economy such as retail, hospitality and administration.

Importantly, the program reduces administrative red tape and business costs for employers, and addresses cost of living pressures on our emerging skilled workforce, who are predominantly young people. The places will be available to all new apprentices and trainees starting their courses during the next financial year.

Additionally, the Minns Labor Government will invest $190.2 million to undertake urgent repairs at TAFE NSW campuses across the state.

This will help to address chronic underfunding by the former government which resulted in dilapidated buildings, outdated digital devices, and unreliable Wi-Fi.

The new funding builds on a record $300 million capital investment in last year’s budget, which has gone towards building repairs and updating Wi-Fi systems at 28 of our regional campuses.

This investment sits alongside the joint Commonwealth and NSW Government Fee-Free TAFE initiative which has delivered over 156,000 enrolments in vocational education since April 2023.

This announcement is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to addressing skills shortages in critical sectors, delivering apprentices and trainees across housing, construction, manufacturing, childcare, disability, and aged care.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW.

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

“The 2024 to 2025 Budget continues to demonstrate the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to addressing skills shortages in critical sectors supported by apprentices and trainees including housing, construction, manufacturing, childcare, disability and aged care.

“We are reducing costs to employers and removing financial barriers for those wanting to move into the skills workforce in highly paid, highly skilled jobs.

“The Minns Labor Government also has an absolute focus on trying to overcome the shortage that we have in residential accommodation in NSW and developing the skills to build those houses is a key part of delivering on that commitment.

“In order to attract and retain a skilled workforce in NSW, we know we have to deliver world-class educational facilities. We have over 1700 TAFE buildings in the state and know that they were left to ruin after the neglect of the Liberal and National Government.

“We’ll invest in fixing our TAFE NSW infrastructure and expanding the access to Wi-Fi across our regional campuses in order to give our apprentices and trainees the best possible starts to their careers”. 

3,600 more children will be able to access public allied health services each year as part of the the Government’s $40 million Family Start Package to deliver the essential health services our communities deserve, as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

$20 million from the fund will boost the public paediatric allied health workforce with an additional 32 staff.

Our health system faces significant challenges, but the NSW Government is making the diligent decision to boost child health assessments and early intervention services.

This will reduce waitlists and improve access to much needed diagnosis and therapy for children across NSW, including those in rural and remote communities.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing $2.3 million funding over four years to support Royal Far West (RFS). This will enable RFS to continue to work in partnership with NSW Health to provide a specialist, multidisciplinary health and wellbeing service for children with complex developmental concerns who live outside the greater metropolitan areas of NSW and cannot access these services locally.

This boost to allied health and early intervention services delivers on the Government’s commitment to supporting families.

This budget cares for NSW, ensuring we have the essential services the people of NSW rely on, so that every family can access the quality health care they need.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Timely access to paediatric allied health services for children with developmental vulnerabilities is shown to improve their educational, social, employment and economic outcomes later in life.

“This investment is a step towards improving developmental outcomes, school participation and academic performance of children across NSW.

“We’re ensuring children and their families can access health services closer to home and when they need them, improving their health, development, and overall wellbeing.”

The NSW Government is helping communities rebuild and recover from heavy rainfall and flooding by waiving the waste levy in affected areas.

Residents in 6 LGA’s hit hardest by a downpour in early June can dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee until early September.

The exemption covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet and gardening debris.

Removing the fee will expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption applies to the following LGA’s:

• Camden
• Wollongong
• Shoalhaven
• Shellharbour
• Wingecarribee
• Kiama.

The exemption means residents will not be charged the levy until 4 September 2024. Local landfill gate fees may apply.

These communities were also hit by heavy rain and flooding in April and had been granted a waste levy exemption until 30 June 2024 for that weather event.

More broadly, the NSW Government is currently reviewing the waste levy as part of efforts to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfill and boost recycling efforts.

For more information and participate in the consultation.

Today the NSW Government and Shoalhaven City Council will together invest $10.35 million to fast-track infrastructure supporting the delivery of 2000 new homes for the West Nowra community.

As Regional NSW plans for and delivers more homes to its growing communities, the NSW Government and councils are supporting that growth by funding and upgrading critical local services and infrastructure.

The funding has been allocated through the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund, bringing the total NSW Government investment under Round 3 to $147.61 million, with co-contributions of $68.6 million from five regional councils, helping to unlock over 26,900 new homes.

This further $10.35 million investment will help deliver major upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure to support the development of the Mundamia and Cabbage Tree Lane Urban Release areas in West Nowra.

This funding is in addition to the $3.88 million already allocated to Shoalhaven City Council as part of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund Round 3 for major upgrades to the Culburra Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Accelerated Infrastructure Fund supports the delivery of critical enabling and supporting infrastructure projects across the State including roads, stormwater, sewers and open space that enable and support the construction of new homes.

Unless we support the delivery of more homes, we will continue to lock young people out of housing or lose them to other states.

For more information visit Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These areas are growing fast and this funding will mean people will have functioning and well-serviced new homes to live in.

“A new home is no good if you cannot flush the toilet or drive down the road to the park.

“Accelerated delivery of infrastructure like sewage treatment plants and adequate roads will allow more new homes to be approved sooner in these growing regional areas.

“Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of NSW, and that’s why we are focusing investment in these key infrastructure projects to clear the way for new and thriving communities to take shape.”

Member for Shoalhaven Liza Butler said:

“Today’s joint investment by the NSW Government and local council marks a significant step forward for the West Nowra community. By fast-tracking critical infrastructure projects, we are not only paving the way for new homes but also ensuring that our growing communities have access to the high-quality services they deserve.

“This $10.35 million allocation to the West Nowra Urban Release Area Water and Wastewater Infrastructure, along with the $3.88 million upgrade to the Shoalhaven Culburra Wastewater Treatment Plant, highlights our commitment to sustainable development and vibrant neighbourhoods.

“It is crucial that we continue to support the delivery of more homes to keep our young people within our state and provide opportunities for future generations.”

Duty MLC for Kiama Sarah Kaine said:

“Funding for things such as the wastewater treatment plant upgrades are absolutely vital to ensuring all appropriate infrastructure is in place to allow for sustainable growth of Nowra and its surrounding areas’.

“Through this funding we are making sure that our efforts to encourage new and affordable housing are practical and have well-serviced utilities to meet growing demand.”

The NSW Government is developing a much-needed Rail Resilience Plan for the Illawarra, delivering on an election commitment and improving the South Coast Line for rail commuters.

The 2024 to 2025 Budget will invest $10 million to begin the process of examining all rail infrastructure along the South Coast Line and develop options for upgrading sections of the line between Sydney and Wollongong.

From February 2022 to May 2024, 285 train services have been cancelled and a further 509 disrupted on the South Coast line due to weather-related impacts.

The 136-year-old line is acutely vulnerable to weather events and has a history of instability due to the geology and topography of the Illawarra escarpment, particularly between Waterfall, Thirroul, Wollongong and Port Kembla. The line contains steeper terrain, more winding track, and sees heavier rainfall than any other section of track on the Sydney Trains network.

Extreme weather events over the last 3 years have made it clear bolstering the South Coast Line is vital and urgent. Most recently, storms in April 2024 caused a week of disruption for commuters, and hundreds of rail workers were on site around the clock to fix a large landslip at Coalcliff to restore services.

Freight has also been heavily affected by the rail line closures, disrupting the state’s supply chains and forcing many businesses to resort to road transport so essential goods, including steel, coal and grain, could keep moving in and out of the region.

The Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan will:

• Assess the current performance of the existing network as well as alternative corridors to identify options on network-wide solutions.
• Compare options, such as upgrades versus new infrastructure, to determine the best value for taxpayers and meet the current and future needs of commuters.
• Build on and formalise studies and assessments and deliver a unified plan for the future of Illawarra rail.

The NSW Government has already begun some work to improve services for South Coast passengers, with a $61 million project underway over the 2023 to 2024 financial year.

This includes improving the resilience of cuttings, embankments, cleaning out drains and culverts, and ballast cleaning to fix track drainage. An upgrade to the Coalcliff/Scarborough rail tunnel commenced in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2027.

This is all part of the NSW Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“We have our work cut out for us. The South Coast Line may be picturesque, but it cuts through some of our state’s most challenging terrain.”

“It’s imperative we act urgently to find strategic solutions to this line’s problems, which the community has been copping for far too long.”

“We know work on this line will be expensive, difficult and lengthy, so the Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan will provide a path forward to ensure we make the most effective changes that deliver real results for passengers and freight operators.”

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra has a large commuter population, and it’s really tough when our line goes out of action. The Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan will look at all options available and ensure we have an improved commuter corridor.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“With one of our state’s busiest ports operating out of Port Kembla and thousands leaving each day for work, it’s vital we have a reliable and resilient rail line connecting the Illawarra to the rest of our state. We need to get more freight off Illawarra roads and onto rails, and improving the line is the best way to do that.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“There is a desperate need to look at our rail network and maximise the corridor so that we have improved travel times for commuters who spend hours every week on a train going to and from work.”

The Minns Labor Government has hosted the NSW 2030 Renewable Workforce Roundtable in the Hunter to help build the workforce the energy transition needs and address the challenges faced.

The roundtable continues the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensuring the clean energy transition creates new local, secure jobs in both metropolitan and regional NSW.

Stakeholders from dozens of organisations joined the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan and NSW Jobs Advocate Mark Apthorpe to discuss opportunities and strategies. Participants included industry bodies, unions, educators and government agencies.

Key advice from the roundtable will contribute to the NSW 2030 Renewable Workforce Plan.

The roundtable builds on the work underway by the NSW Jobs Advocate Mark Apthorpe. Dr Apthorpe has delivered his initial report, making six recommendations to assist with the successful delivery of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The NSW Government is progressing the issues raised by Dr Apthorpe, which will help deliver skills, training and jobs.

The Minns Labor Government is already taking action to create local, secure jobs and ensure people in the industry are able to transition to work in renewables. This includes:

• Launching $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, to secure NSW as the place to develop and manufacture clean technology and create new jobs in the process.
• Setting workforce requirements through the Renewable Energy Sector Board’s plan and Roadmap tenders.
• Establishing a First Nations coordination team within EnergyCo and developing First Nations Guidelines with key Aboriginal community representatives and government agencies to build pathways to employment.
• Funding employment initiatives for local communities.
• Introducing eight new TAFE NSW microskill courses related to renewables, including Hydrogen Energy Fundamentals and preparing to work in the renewable energy sector.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Delivering the energy transition is a big challenge that comes with real opportunities for thousands of good, local and secure jobs.

“The NSW 2030 Renewable Workforce Roundtable brought together the brains and experience across the Hunter and beyond to help ensure the workforce plan for the Renewable Energy Zones will deliver skills, training and jobs across the state now and into the future.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is proud to host the NSW 2030 Renewable Workforce Roundtable, which will help deliver skills, training and jobs right across NSW.

“The ideas and opportunities discussed today can be applied not only here in the Hunter, but throughout the state as the energy sector grows.”

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

“The Minns Labor Government is supporting the people of NSW to gain the skills they need for emerging industries.

“The Renewable Workforce Roundtable is an opportunity for industry, education experts and government to collaborate and create pathways to jobs in the renewable energy sector, which are popping up right across NSW.

“I’m particularly interested to build on our efforts to deliver training and apprenticeships to people in regional areas, existing tradespeople and school leavers.”