Category: NSW News

Architects from across the world and Australia are fighting it out to have their designs shape the face of our suburbs with entries to the Pattern Book design competition exceeding expectations.

The competition has attracted 212 entries, with 176 from Australia and 36 coming in from Europe, the UK, Asia, Africa, the US and South America.

The Opera House international design competition attracted 230 entries and the new housing Pattern Book is not far behind, setting the bar for good designs to shape the housing future of Sydney and NSW.

In addition to good designs, anyone who uses a pre-approved design from the new Pattern Book will get access to a fast-track through the planning system so construction can get underway more quickly.

That means keys in doors faster while maintaining high standards, with the NSW Government Architect’s stamp of approval.

The Pattern Book competition complements the biggest planning reforms NSW has seen in a generation as part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to confront the housing crisis.

With housing the largest cost of living issue facing the people of NSW, the Pattern Book will help add more diversity of housing types in our towns and suburbs.

This way young families can choose a home for their growing families, while downsizers have more choice to stay in the communities they love and have helped build.

These new designs will not only help to build houses, they will build communities as more people get into homes that will suit them through the different stages of life.

These are homes for people who open businesses, have families, build our communities, volunteer and contribute to local economy.

The next phase of the competition will be to select 15 professional and six student competitors to move through to Stage 2 with the next milestone to be announced early September.

Design submissions will be due by Friday 11 October 2024.

Learn more about the Pattern Book Design Competition.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“In some great news for those trying to get into a home, architects and students of NSW and the world have embraced this home design competition.

“We have had a record turn-out from our Australian architects but I am also pleased to see entries from Spain, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, UK, US, Canada, Colombia, South Africa, India and Iran.

“With 171 expressions of interest submitted by professional architects and 41 from architecture students, this is an opportunity for all designers to create homes for the future.

“Sydney and NSW need affordable, quality and sustainable homes.

“I hope these designs respond to our climate and our lifestyle, are sustainable and improve energy, thermal and water efficiency.

“The Pattern Book will be a useful resource for industry, architects, planners, councils and the community for years to come.”

The Minns Government has delivered on another election commitment by providing $1,050,000 towards the establishment of a peak body for the commercial fishing industry to deliver an effective advocate to work with Government in promoting a viable commercial fishing sector.

The commercial fishing industry is a powerhouse in NSW’s economy contributing $170 million annually and directly employing more than 1,600 people.

It is a vital industry on NSW’s coast and one that the NSW Government is committed to supporting.

The NSW Government made an election commitment to establish a single united commercial fishing peak body and over the last 10 months worked with the fishers and their businesses to foster the setting up of the new peak body which has been named the NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association Incorporated (WHFA).

The WHFA will receive $350,000 per year for three years to assist the association to actively engage with the state’s commercial fishers and allow the industry to speak with one voice.

The seed funding will assist the WHFA to become a self-sustaining peak body for the industry that can effectively represent and advocate for the sector.

The WHFA has been developed through an industry-facilitated process, involving consultation between two standing industry organisations to establish a single united peak industry body.

The WHFA appointed Mr John Wilson as the inaugural independent Chair in April 2024.

The peak body is now operational, with a constitution and is in the process of engaging a Chief Executive Officer.

Discussions and stakeholder meetings at the industry level have been ongoing throughout the year to bring commercial fishers from the two separate industry bodies together, adopt a constitution, and determine how the body can assist industry.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government wants to ensure we have a viable, productive and sustainable commercial fisheries sector now and for future generations.

“We recognise the challenges facing the industry and that’s why it’s important to have a united peak body, to advocate and work with Government to sustainably grow the sector which plays a major role in many of our coastal communities.

“The NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association will be engaging with commercial fishers across NSW to build its membership and will also undertake elections to replace the interim board.

Chair of NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association, John Wilson said:

“I welcome the NSW Government’s funding towards the newly established peak fishing industry body for three years, it is crucial for the new peak body.

“The board is very grateful to the Minister for honouring the government’s election commitment to contribute funding for the peak industry body.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the Minister and her Department to make a positive difference for NSW wild harvest fishers and the NSW economy.

A new three-kilometre shared path built as part of the Sydney Gateway project will open on Friday 16 August.

The new paths complete a network of walking and cycling links around the airport, providing critical and direct connections for the 30,000 workers in the airport precinct, and commuters walking, running and riding through to nearby suburbs.

The first kilometre of new paths on the north side of Alexandra Canal opened in early 2023, replacing a shared path alongside Airport Drive that cantilevered out over the Alexandra Canal.

The new section opening at the end of the week extends the shared pathway along Qantas Drive, completing to the Domestic terminal and the eastern edge of the airport precinct.

New shelters, complete with seating lights, bubblers and a bike pump light sit alongside the Alexandra Canal and the new paths, providing a front row seat for plane spotters.

The active transport links are part of a major inter-regional route for people walking and riding which will link the CBD in the north to Sans Souci’s Captain Cook Bridge in the south, once the future M6-Stage 1 is completed.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“These new links will give people a safe way to walk and cycle around the airport precinct.

“While I doubt we’ll see a cavalcade of travellers lugging their suitcases on foot or on bikes to the airport anytime soon, these new paths will provide a valuable active transport option for the thousands of people who work at the airport every day.

“These beautiful new paths also include plenty of new places for people to pause and watch the planes fly in and out. It’s a great new link and a true plane-spotter’s boulevard.”

More than 8,700 feral pigs have been culled in the Murray and Riverina regions since the $13 million 2023/24 Feral Pig Program began in October 2023.

The NSW Government is continuing to build on the success of the program, with an additional $13.1 million committed to tackling feral pig and pest numbers across the state over the next 12 months.

Since the start of the program, the Murray region has controlled almost 2,500 feral pigs, which has a focus on upskilling local landholders to use automated trapping technology.

Using cameras and motion sensors, the automated trap technology is a time-efficient and easy method for farmers to control feral pigs, allowing them to remotely activate traps using their phones from anywhere at any time.

From Wagga Wagga, to Griffith, Riverina landholders have also played a large role in the program, controlling more than 6,000 feral pigs across the region.

The program has resulted in a knockdown of pig numbers across the Murray and the Riverina and Local Land Services will continue to support and encourage farmers to participate in coordinated control programs with their neighbours to keep tackling feral pigs.

Since October 2023, across the Murray and Riverina regions:

• 2,464 pigs culled in the Murray region
• 6,280 pigs culled across Riverina
• 723 properties involved
• 8 information and training sessions held
• 881 one-on-one consultations, and
• 1,834kg of free bait issued to landholders.

A key part of the program has been providing farmers and landholders with the tools, education and support to get on top of the problem.

More than 112,888 feral pigs have been culled across the state since October 2023, with almost 8 per cent of these having been culled in the Riverina and Murray regions.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to continuing the success of this program to ensure feral pig numbers continue to come down here in the Murray and Riverina.

“I want to thank farmers across the Riverina and Murray, who have worked with LLS biosecurity officers to reduce the impacts of these pest animals.

“It’s been a huge, shared effort, but we still have work to do. That’s why we’ve committed a further $13.1 million to build on the successes so far.

“I encourage landholders to continue to participate in these control programs. Landholder participation is essential to maximising the effectiveness of a program. 

Colin McCrabb, Wanganella farmer, 45km north of Deniliquin, said:

“Since having the opportunity to participate in the Feral Pig Program and learn the best methods to monitor and trap feral pigs, I now have the skills to protect my property from these pest animals.

“In the drought feral pigs were taking lambs and ewes, and there’s destruction of pasture and irrigation, but the biggest fear is biosecurity, with the transmission of disease including brucellosis.

“The last time I grew rice, as it matured, the pigs set nests up in the middle of the crop, just destroying it.

“Through the program, Local Land Services assisted us with technology, advice and information about trapping, baiting and providing 1080. They also let us know when other people were baiting so we could co-ordinate with neighbours who were also trapping.

“Every feral pig that is not here is a good feral pig. We should all do what we can. I couldn’t believe how many were there.”

A new three-kilometre shared path built as part of the Sydney Gateway project will open on Friday 16 August.

The new paths complete a network of walking and cycling links around the airport, providing critical and direct connections for the 30,000 workers in the airport precinct, and commuters walking, running and riding through to nearby suburbs.

The first kilometre of new paths on the north side of Alexandra Canal opened in early 2023, replacing a shared path alongside Airport Drive that cantilevered out over the Alexandra Canal.

The new section opening at the end of the week extends the shared pathway along Qantas Drive, completing to the Domestic terminal and the eastern edge of the airport precinct.

New shelters, complete with seating lights, bubblers and a bike pump light sit alongside the Alexandra Canal and the new paths, providing a front row seat for plane spotters.

The active transport links are part of a major inter-regional route for people walking and riding which will link the CBD in the north to Sans Souci’s Captain Cook Bridge in the south, once the future M6-Stage 1 is completed.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“These new links will give people a safe way to walk and cycle around the airport precinct.

“While I doubt we’ll see a cavalcade of travellers lugging their suitcases on foot or on bikes to the airport anytime soon, these new paths will provide a valuable active transport option for the thousands of people who work at the airport every day.

“These beautiful new paths also include plenty of new places for people to pause and watch the planes fly in and out. It’s a great new link and a true plane-spotter’s boulevard.”

The 2024 NAPLAN National Report has been released today, with the NSW Government noting there are some positive signs, but more work to be done to raise education outcomes across New South Wales. 

Almost 400,000 primary and high school students, across more than 3,000 public, independent and Catholic schools sat their NAPLAN tests in March of this year.

Results for New South Wales have remained stable, with some promising results, including:

• 81% of Year 3 students in NSW recorded Strong or Exceeding results in writing.
• 70% of Year 5 and 7 students in NSW achieved Strong or Exceeding in numeracy.
• 57% of year 9 students in NSW achieved Strong or Exceeding in grammar and punctuation.

While nationally, NSW has ranked first or equal first in most test subjects and year levels, the need for continued work is highlighted by the fact that NSW is ranked third for Year 3 and Year 5 in reading.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to rebuild the public education system and improve education outcomes across the state.

The most important tool in achieving this is ensuring there is a teacher at the front of every classroom in New South Wales. The Government’s work to address the chronic teacher shortage created by the former Government has seen a 20 percent drop in the number of public school teacher vacancies this year.

This work has included:

• Scrapping the former Liberal National Government’s public sector wage cap and delivering NSW public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.
• Improving job security by exceeding the government’s commitment to transition 16,000 teachers and support staff on temporary contracts into permanent roles.
• Improving the classroom environment by banning mobile phones and restoring authority to teachers and principals to manage student behaviour.

The NSW Government and Department of Education will analyse the NAPLAN results from both 2023 and 2024 to determine system-wide targets for improvement in literacy and numeracy which will be released later this year, for implementation in 2025.

The full 2024 NAPLAN national results are published on ACARA’s website.

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

“Congratulations to the students across New South Wales who sat their NAPLAN exams this year.

“These results show that NSW students overall are doing well, but there are gaps that need our attention.

“The Minns Labor Government has already begun rebuilding public education but we recognise that there is still much more to do.

“While there are some positive signs in these results, we cannot afford to take our eye off the ball.

“The impact of the chronic teacher shortage created by the former Liberal National Government cannot be undone overnight, but we will continue to build on the early successes we have had in boosting the number of teachers in our classrooms, which will ultimately drive better learning outcomes.”

More than 300 residents from across the Central West region have participated in community engagement sessions that wrapped up in Eugowra, Molong and Cudal last week as part of the proposed Central West Resilient Homes Program.

The community engagement sessions, facilitated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, were held across the Parkes, Forbes, Lachlan and Cabonne Shires over three weeks, giving residents the opportunity to view flood risk information, hear about proposed measures to make their homes more flood resilient and talk directly with flood experts about how new flood maps were developed.

The proposed Central West Resilient Homes Program is part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package that is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Residents were encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed approach for the Program, with many supporting measures that will help them minimise future flood damage to their property.

Support services, including Legal Aid, Red Cross, Lifeline and Catholic Care, were also on hand to help residents some of the more complex challenges many still face.

The Central West’s Resilient Homes Program aims to build stronger, safer communities with measures that help households most at risk from future floods by increasing the resilience of their home or removing residents from harm’s way.

Proposed measures include grants for a range of resilience measures, such as raising and retrofitting, home rebuilds and home relocations and a voluntary scheme to buy back properties in the highest flood risk zones.

Feedback from the community information sessions will be used to finalise the guidelines for the Program.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Jenny McAllister said:

“The feedback from residents of the Central West is critical to ensuring we develop a program that moves families out of areas at high risk of increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events or enables residents to make their homes stronger.

“Community engagement is at the heart of our flood recovery efforts in the Central West, so I want to thank all those who went along and shared their stories.

“The Albanese and Minns Government will continue to listen to residents and work hand-in-hand with the community to achieve positive outcomes through the Resilient Homes Program, helping build community resilience while supporting people on their recovery journey.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering a program that meets the needs of the community, that’s why it’s important that we’ve heard from the community about the measures that are being proposed.

“Their feedback will help us deliver a program that is tailored to the needs of the Central West.

“I’ve said this before – this program is not about simple fixes – it’s about making a concerted effort to help communities in the Central West become more resilient and an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing with them for the long-term.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’ve always said that community is at the centre of flood recovery in the Central West.

“The feedback we’ve received over the last three weeks has been invaluable and it will help confirm a program that will ultimately help people get back on with their lives faster after a flood. I know the Reconstruction Authority has been reaching out to residents who are still living with flood impacts to make sure they shape community support and help us to deliver a program that’s tailored to the needs of the Central West.

“I’d like to thank residents for participating in these sessions and for sharing their stories and experience which can be harrowing to relive.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“Nothing will ever undo the damage caused by the 2022 floods, but we can make sure that we’re better prepared for future disasters.

“Community information sessions are one way we can empower residents to have a say about a program that will have a profound effect on their future.

‘I’m not surprised to hear that where they can, people have a strong desire to stay in their homes using measures that will help them make their properties more resilient to floods.

“Make no mistake, this is a challenging process and the toll on our communities has been severe, but we’ve made sure that we’re listening to our people every step of the way.”

Construction on the $526.8 million major redevelopment of Ryde Hospital will officially get underway today.

Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Health Ryan Park will today join local health workers for a traditional sod turn event to mark the start of major works.

The redeveloped Ryde Hospital will include new and expanded facilities, including the emergency department, intensive care unit and operating theatres.

This will meet the future health needs of this growing community, with more than 180,000 people expected to call the Ryde area home by 2041.

The Minns Labor Government invested a further $47.8 million into the Ryde Hospital upgrade in the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

This redeveloped Ryde Hospital will feature:

• A new and expanded emergency department
• A new and expanded medical imaging department
• A new expanded and enhanced intensive care unit
• New expanded and enhanced operating theatres and procedure rooms
• More adult overnight inpatient beds
• A new purpose-built ambulatory care centre
• A new paediatric short stay unit
• Expanded and enhanced surgical/endoscopy day only spaces
• Clinical and non-clinical support services including pharmacy, pathology, food, linen and supply services
• Contemporary education, training and research to strengthen tertiary partnerships

The Minns Labor Government invested $3.4 billion to upgrade hospitals and health facilities across the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care in their local community.

These investments form part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to deliver the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

After 12 years of neglect and a lack of investment in our health system, the Minns Labor Government is rebuilding this essential service we all rely on.

Construction works are being carried out by AW Edwards following the award of the building contract earlier this year. Construction activities will be managed to ensure the continued operation of the existing hospital while works are underway.

Works will include the demolition of old buildings, construction of new hospital buildings and refurbishment of existing hospital spaces.

The new hospital building is scheduled for completion in 2027, with the new main entry, demolition of former buildings and landscaping to take place in 2028.

To learn more about the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment visit: https://www.rydehospitalredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/

Premier Chris Minns:

“Today marks a milestone as we build a world-class hospital for the Ryde community.

“This project will boost capacity at the hospital and give people in the Ryde area the best possible care.

“This project will deliver a brand-new emergency department, intensive care unit and operating theatres.

“We are expanding this essential service to meet the needs of the Ryde community for years to come.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This more than half a billion-dollar investment will deliver the healthcare that the growing community of Ryde needs now, and into the future.”

“The hospital redevelopment will transform the health facilities for Ryde and surrounding suburbs, ensuring people can get the care they need close to home and providing staff with a modern place to work.”

The search for the most inspiring and extraordinary women and girls in NSW has begun, with the opening of nominations for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

The search for the most inspiring and extraordinary women and girls in NSW has begun, with the opening of nominations for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

The annual awards program recognises and celebrates women and girls who inspire us with their actions, whether they are ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers or innovative role models.

The 5 award categories include:

• Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year
• NSW Community Her
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year
• NSW Young Woman of the Year

Nominations have also opened for the Ones to Watch category, recognising 10 rising stars between the ages of 7 and 15. These exemplary girls will be highlighted for their courage, strength, determination and kindness to help and support those around them.

Successful 2024 Award recipients showcased the achievement of diverse and talented women and girls across NSW. They included Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence Walkley Award winning journalist, advocate and public speaker Jess Hill, Aboriginal Woman of the Year Dr Casey Sullivan and Regional Woman of the Year Theresa Mitchell. 

For more information about all the 2024 recipients.

The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 6 March 2025 as part of NSW Women’s Week 2025 which will run from Sunday 2 March to Saturday 8 March.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“New South Wales has some of the state’s most exemplary women and girls, dedicating their hard work, skills and passion to advancing our community, industry and society.

“I am thrilled to launch nominations for 2025 NSW Women of the Year Awards today. This successful program is one of the most prestigious awards to recognise women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion should be commended. It recognises and honours them with the appreciation they genuinely deserve.

“I encourage everyone to nominate a woman or girl in your life who is excelling in their fields and achieving incredible goals.”

Nominate now.

Goulburn and surrounding communities are now able to access non-emergency healthcare in a more timely way, and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, with the opening of a new Urgent Care Service opening today.​

The Goulburn Urgent Care Service is now open 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday. It will be staffed by staffed by General Practitioners and nurses with important diagnostic services close by including radiology and pathology.

The service is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor wounds needing stitches, suspected broken bones and skin infections.

Patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to access the service. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and then discuss with the patient the best place for their care needs. This may include an appointment at the Goulburn Urgent Care Service, a telehealth appointment with the virtualKIDS or virtualGP services or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

The Goulburn Urgent Care Service is being delivered in partnership with the Coordinare – South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network.

The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through our emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further two years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Goulburn Urgent Care Service will provide the community with access to timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the ED.”​

“Urgent care services just like this one, bridge the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the care they need.”

“The best way to get access to our urgent care services if you’re feeling unwell or worried about symptoms is to call healthdirect anytime on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess your condition and connect you with the care you need, whether an appointment at Goulburn urgent care service or virtual care. It means healthcare, anywhere, in the time it takes to make a phone call.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva:

“I welcome this new service which will make a difference to people who live in Goulburn and surrounds.”

“It will improve access to care, reduce wait times and take pressure off our local hospitals.”

Coordinaire Chief Executive Officer Prudence Buist:

“We know this new service is needed in the Goulburn region and are committed to support more options for the community to see a healthcare professional when there is an urgent, but not life-threatening, need for care.”

“People should use Goulburn Urgent Care Service if they are unable to get an appointment with a local doctor for a health issue which should not be left untreated, including injuries and illnesses such as wounds, minor burns, and cuts requiring stitches, non-venomous bites, fractures and dislocations.”