Category: NSW News

Five nurses from Western NSW will now be able to deliver a range of x-ray services in regional and remote communities where immediate access to a radiographer may not be possible.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said this is providing better care closer to home for those living in rural and regional areas.

“The nurses working in Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren and Coolah have gained their licence through the training course, after completing the NSW Limited Licence Radiography Course,” Mr Park said.

“The course gives rural and remote practitioners essential radiography skills to undertake a limited range of x-rays, improving access to care for people in our rural and regional communities.

“This is another example of the terrific opportunities available to rural nurses to add to their high-level skills and improve health access and outcomes for their local communities.”

Western NSW Local Health District Clinical Services Division Director James Harvey said the 5 new licence holders join 15 nurses across the district who currently hold this licence.

“The 5 new participants have returned to their communities where they will help increase the availability of x-ray services offered in those towns,” Mr Harvey said.

The course enables rural and remote general practitioners, registered nurses, and physiotherapists to obtain a limited radiography licence from the NSW Environment Protection Authority. Diagnostic radiographers from across the LHD, provide ongoing supported to new license holders.

Cowra based Chief Radiographer Victoria Young, is one of those supporting radiographers, who conducts twice-yearly educational road trips to remote areas to ensure licence holders are continually developing their new skills.

“This program is providing great benefits to our communities by improving access to important x-ray services,” Ms Young said.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler welcomed the expansion of services and access to the local communities.  

“This training is great because it gives the talented clinicians who live and work in the communities of Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Warren and Coolah an opportunity to expand their skills, this means less requirement for people who are unwell to travel,” Mr Butler said.

“Having these services available locally helps to make our communities better places to live.”

In collaboration with WNSWLHD, Health Education and Training is looking to regularly run the course to ensure remote communities have key clinical staff trained to support the delivery of acute x-ray services in their communities.

NSW’s dedicated allied health clinicians have been recognised at the third annual Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held in Sydney last night.

Health Minister Ryan Park congratulated the 35 finalists and winners in each of the 7 categories.

“I want to thank all our hard-working allied health professionals for the significant contribution they make in delivering patient-centred care to the people of NSW every day,” Mr Park said.

“In particular, I would like to congratulate NSW’s Allied Health Professional of the Year, Dr Bernadette Brady, who was recognised for their significant contribution to musculoskeletal and pain physiotherapy, both as a clinician and researcher, with a special interest in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations.”

“The NSW Government is committed to building the allied health workforce of the future through initiatives such as the Rural Allied Health Educator Program which will create a pipeline of workers to regional NSW.”

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said this was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and skill of allied health staff in NSW.

“Allied health professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the mental wellbeing of individuals across the state and I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication,” Ms Jackson said.

“Psychologists, social workers, exercise physiologists, and occupational therapists are just some of the allied health professionals at the forefront of promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and advocating for accessible and equitable services for our community.

“This awards night is just one small way we can acknowledge the hard work of many allied health professionals and the massive difference they make to the lives of their patients and their families every day.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce said allied health clinicians play a vital role in the health system, working across 23 unique professions including pharmacists, speech pathology, podiatrists and much more.

“I’d like to congratulate all the recipients of this year’s Excellence in Allied Health Awards, as well as all the nominees and finalists in each category. Each year, the calibre of the nominees is outstanding,” Ms Pearce said.

“One of the special aspects of allied health is that it includes disciplines that engage with a person’s life from birth, right through to aged care and across every area of the health system.”

NSW Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison said it was fantastic to see the level of professionalism, clinical excellence, and compassion on display at the Awards.

“These Awards are a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the expertise of allied health professionals and reflect on the impact they make to improve patient experience and outcomes,” Mr Davison said.

The winners in each of the 7 categories are:

• Allied Health Professional of the Year Dr Bernadette Brady, South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD)
• Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Simone Owen, Hunter New England LHD
• Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year Jodie Keller, Southern NSW LHD
• Allied Health Researcher of the Year Clinical Associate Professor Sharon Carey, Sydney LHD
• Allied Health Educator of the Year Rachelle Robinson, South Eastern Sydney LHD
• Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Isabella Shearman, Hunter New England LHD
• Allied Health Leader of the Year Deanne Harris, Hunter New England LHD.

Find out more information about the awards and finalists

The NSW Labor Government is on track to deliver enough renewable energy to power more than 1.5 million NSW homes, following multiple NSW Government approvals of wind and solar projects in 2023.

Throughout 2023, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) finalised 18 renewable energy State Significant Development (SSD) assessments including three wind farms, six solar farms and nine large-scale batteries.

Of these, 13 were approved by the Department and five were referred to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for determination, four of which the Commission has now approved, and one is still in progress.

The recent approvals include the Yanco Delta wind farm in the state’s Riverina region. At 1.5 gigawatts, it is set to be the biggest wind farm in Australia.

The approved projects will generate more than 3,000 jobs during construction and operation, providing a vital economic boost to regional communities.

The projects have the combined capacity to generate and store 7.6 gigawatts of renewable energy. This could save an estimated 8.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and play an essential role in energy security.

A further 29 renewable energy projects are in the planning process. Another 70 new projects are about to be submitted for department approval.

The NSW Government recently completed the exhibition stage on the draft Energy Policy Framework, which includes new guidelines for wind energy development, transmission infrastructure, and benefit sharing, aiming to streamline approvals and provide clarity for both host communities and developers.

The guidelines will be finalised later this year.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“These approvals represent the NSW Government’s commitment to accelerate the transition to renewables so households and businesses have reliable access to clean and affordable electricity.

“NSW is now about halfway towards our 2030 renewable generation target, and over a quarter of the way there on our long-duration storage target.

“Across government, we will continue to drive the decarbonisation of our energy grid, setting NSW up with clean, reliable energy in the future.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Government is prioritising the development of renewable energy projects.

“These projects help deliver clean and affordable energy to NSW residents while injecting millions of dollars into regional economies and creating hundreds of new jobs.

“We will continue to work closely with industry and impacted communities to strike the right balance between supporting renewable energy projects and responsible development.”

Projects:

Project name	Proponent	Technology	Capacity	REZ / Location	Determining authority
Bowmans Creek	Ark Energy	Wind	347 MW	Hunter – Central Coast REZ / Muswellbrook	IPC determined
Hills of Gold	Wind Energy Partners	Wind	282 MW	New England REZ / Nundle	IPC referred (not yet determined)
Yanco Delta	Virya Energy	Wind	1500 MW	South-West REZ / Jerilderie	DPHI
Marulan	Terrain Solar Pty Ltd	Solar	152 MW	Carrick	DPHI
Forest Glen	X-Elio Australia Pty Ltd	Solar	90 MW	Central West Orana REZ / Minore	DPHI
Blind Creek	Blind Creek Solar Farm Pty Ltd	Solar	350 MW	Bungendore	DPHI
Glenellen	Trina Solar	Solar	200 MW	Albury	IPC determined
Glanmire	Elgin Energy	Solar	60 MW	Bathurst	IPC determined
Oxley	Oxley Solar Development	Solar	215 MW	New England REZ / Metz	IPC determined
Waratah	Energy Corporation	Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)	850 MW / 1680 MWh	Munmorah	Minister
Apsley	Acenergy	BESS	120 MW/240 MWh	Central West Orana REZ / Apsley	DPHI
Muswellbrook	Firm Power	BESS	150 MW / 300 MWh	Hunter- Central Coast REZ /Muswellbrook	DPHI
Coleambally	Risen Energy	BESS	100 MW/ 400 MWh	South West REZ / Coleambally	DPHI
Great Western	Neoen	BESS	500 MW/ 1000 MWh	Wallerawang	DPHI
Beresfield	Firm Power	BESS	170 MW / 340 MWh	Beresfield	DPHI
Wellington South	Shell & Empyr Energy JV	BESS	500 MW / 1000 MWh	Central West Orana REZ / Wellington	DPHI
Awaba	Firm Power	BESS	50 MW / 100MWh	Hunter- Central Coast REZ / Toronto	DPHI
Orana	Akaysha Energy	BESS	400 MW / 1600 MWh	Central West Orana REZ / Wellington	DPHI

158 new Probationary Constables will be sworn into the NSW Police Force today and will start at their new home stations across the state next week.

Class 361 attested at the Goulburn Police Academy following eight months of training in the Constable Education Program (CEP). Four months by distance, four months at the Academy.

They will now have 12 months on-the-job-training as a Probationary Constables.

Communities across NSW will see the new boots on the ground on Monday:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 43
• Northwest Metropolitan Region – 36
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 26
• Northern Region – 20
• Southern Region – 20
• Western Region – 13

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley will welcome the new officers to the NSW Police Force and reaffirm the Government’s commitment to strengthen our frontline services across Metro and Regional NSW.

Class 361 is the first cohort to make use of three new accommodation blocks opened by Minister Catley and Commissioner Webb in December, providing modern, clean and comfortable facilities for the Student Police Officers.

Last year, the NSW Government made the historic announcement that Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Class 361 received a one-off payment, the amount of which was pro-rated to the date of the announcement.

Starting with the next cohort, Student Police Officers will receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period, including super and award-based allowances.

Apply to be part of the NSW Police Force

NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Congratulations to all 158 attesting officers for their hard work and commitment. I wish you all a rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.”

“A career in policing is like no other. These new recruits show a steadfast determination to serve and protect communities right across NSW.”

“The NSW Government backs our police 100%. We are committed to getting more boots on the ground and supporting the hardworking officers already on the beat. That’s why we’re paying recruits to study.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“All 158 recruits graduating today, are embarking on an extraordinary journey and career.”

“Policing is a job where we all have the chance to make a difference to the community we’ve been entrusted to serve and protect.”

“These probationary constables are joining a strong, honourable and committed police force and I wish them the very best.”

The NSW Government is continuing to bolster housing security for those in need with tenants moving into a newly completed social and affordable apartment complex in Southwest Sydney.

The brand new six story complex in Campbelltown is comprised 35 two-bedroom, four three-bedroom and two-one-bedroom units and will provide 94 residents, ranging from young families to people at risk of homelessness a safe and secure place to call home.

With a State Government investment of $22 million, the building was purchased off the plan and will be managed by Homes NSW.

Purchasing this property shovel ready, directly off the plan meant construction was able to be expedited, delivering quality social housing close to transport services and retail amenities.

This is one of the many ways the NSW Government is working to build the states social housing portfolio to address the increased demand for social and affordable housing.

With more than 55,000 people on the waitlist for social housing, and close to 12,000 on the list in Sydney’s Southwest alone, the NSW Government will continue explore every option to expedite the delivery of more homes to help confront the housing crisis.

The NSW Government is committed to a proactive approach to boost social housing, and support those experiencing homelessness. Action already taken has included:

• Created Homes NSW, merging the housing and homelessness functions of the Department of Communities and Justice with the Land, Housing Corporation and the Aboriginal Housing Office to streamline support for residents and delivery pathway for more homes;
• Committed to 30 per cent social and affordable housing in all developments on government surplus public land;
• Undertaking a statewide land audit to identify state owned land to deliver more housing;
  Fast tracking the delivery of more social and affordable homes through the $610 Million Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator payment and Housing Australia Future Fund;
• Implemented planning reforms to expedite the delivery of more housing across the state;
  Investigating innovative solutions to deliver more homes with $10 million allocated to Modular Housing Trial to deliver faster quality social housing;
• The 2023-24 NSW Budget included a $224 million Essential Housing Package which allocated $70 million to accelerate the delivery of social, affordable homes in regional NSW;
• Extended temporary accommodation from an initial period of two days to seven days;
  Removed the 28-day cap ensuring vulnerable people are able to access support when they need it most;
• Increased the cash assets limit from $1,000 to $5,000 when assessing eligibility for Temporary Accommodation;
• Removed the cash asset limit assessment entirely for people escaping domestic and family violence;
• Extended Specialist Homelessness Services contracts for two years, to 30 June 2026;
  Deploying more assertive outreach services to engage people sleeping rough and support them into long term, stable accommodation;
• Appointed a Rental Commissioner to work with us in designing and implementing changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern; and
• Put a 12-month freeze on the requirement for people in temporary accommodation to complete a Rental Diary, while the scheme is reviewed.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This project is a prime example of the NSW Government’s commitment to ‘thinking outside the box’ when it comes to delivering more fit for purpose housing for those people in need.

“We’ve identified the potential of purchasing new developments off the plan to support the timely delivery of more social housing. This site ticked all the boxes – including its location and being shovel ready.

“This is one of the many ways we can deliver more social housing right across the state and specifically in Sydney’s south-west, where we’re seeing an increased demand for social and affordable housing as the cost of living continues to rise.”

The new Shellharbour Hospital is on track for the next phase of construction, with early works nearing completion.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson today visited the site to meet with workers and inspect the progress on the new hospital, which is being delivered as part of the more than $700 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project.

“It’s exciting to see significant progress being made for this new hospital, with the early works nearing completion,” Mr Park said.

“This brand-new hospital will be wonderful for both the community and the staff who will work here.

“Healthcare staff at the new Shellharbour Hospital will benefit from a broad range of measures the NSW Government is rolling out designed to strengthen the state’s health workforce, including safe staffing levels for nurses and midwives and improved salary packaging.

“I’m proud to be delivering major workforce reform so frontline healthcare workers are given the support they need to continue to deliver safe, high-quality care to patients.”

Federal Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones said community consultation has been vital in helping shape the new hospital.

“I’m pleased our community in the Illawarra is one step closer to having a new purpose-built health facility to meet healthcare needs now and into the future,” Mr Jones said.

“The Albanese Government is proud to work in partnership with the NSW Government, and is providing $128 million for this much-needed state of the art hospital. I look forward to major works formally commencing soon.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said the new hospital would serve the Illawarra Shoalhaven community for generations to come.

“The new Shellharbour Hospital will ensure our growing community and region will have greater access to the healthcare services they need,” Ms Watson said.

“This is a project that the community has long advocated for and I’m looking forward to seeing construction activity ramp up even more on site.”

Labor spokesperson for Kiama Dr Sarah Kaine MLC welcomed the progress on the new Shellharbour Hospital.

“The greenfield site where we are building the state-of-the-art facilities from the ground up provides an opportunity to construct a new, sustainable and smart hospital, which will provide enhanced access to health services for the entire region,” Dr Kaine said.

“Once it opens in 2027, the new Shellharbour Hospital will be able to provide more care closer to home, reducing the need for people to travel out of the area for treatment which is a huge win for the people of the Kiama electorate.”

More than $700 million has been committed to the new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, which includes $570.6 million from the NSW Government (including $23.3 million for a new carpark), and an Australian Government contribution of $128 million.

The new Shellharbour Hospital will include: 

• an expanded emergency department
• increased surgical capacity
• rehabilitation and aged care services
• acute medical services
• expanded mental health services
• new drug and alcohol unit
• renal dialysis
• outpatients care services
• car parking and improved public transport links. 

Hutchinson Builders was awarded the early works contract in 2023 to prepare the site for the new hospital, and the State Significant Development Application for the new hospital was lodged in September 2023.

Pending planning approval, the main works contract is expected to be awarded mid-year, with work to commence soon after. Construction of the new hospital is expected to be complete in 2027.

As part of the new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, refurbishments were recently completed at Wollongong Hospital and Bulli Hospital to provide expanded rehabilitation and inpatient services in the Northern Illawarra region.

Planning is underway for a new community health centre to be delivered in Warrawong, on a section of the old Port Kembla Hospital site.

The NSW Labor Government has welcomed Racing NSW’s investment of almost $20 million in country and provincial racetracks.

The Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, has made supporting regional racing a focus since taking on the role. 

The Racing NSW Board has committed to this significant capital works program, prioritising shovel ready projects, including new stabling, track upgrades and other infrastructure improvements. 

Goulburn racecourse will receive the most significant funding, $9.5 million, to construct 80 new stables and supporting infrastructure, with these works already having the necessary development approvals. 

Wyong racecourse has secured more than $1.5 million for irrigation and drainage upgrades, as well as a new machinery shed. 

Gosford racecourse will have a new home turncamber constructed on the course proper at a cost of $2.0 million. 

This project will greatly improve the competitiveness of racing at Gosford, with works to commence immediately following The Coast race meeting in May 2024. 

Dubbo, Albury, Wagga and Grafton have received funding for new or improved training tracks, with these works ready for immediate commencement. 

Ballina will receive funding for a complete irrigation system upgrade to ensure the club is able to efficiently and reliably manage their training and racing surfaces. 

Racing Orange will receive funding for refurbishment of existing oncourse stabling that is currently vacant, adding to the volume of horses in training at the venue. 

Racing is a $3.3 billion industry in the state, with more than 90,000 people involved as employees, participants or volunteers and the flow on effects sustain more than 50,000 local jobs, either directly or indirectly. 

Critically, more than half the racing industry’s economic impact is in rural and regional NSW. 

Racing NSW has spent over $125 million in the past 10 years improving the safety and reliability of racing and training facilities in NSW. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris: 

“This funding injection is welcome. It’s about creating local jobs in our rural and regional areas which are more critical than ever before. 

“Thoroughbred racing is an economic powerhouse in regional NSW, providing around 17,700 direct jobs and contributing almost $2 billion to the state’s economy.

“Regional racecourses and clubs play a crucial role in developing our state’s world-class thoroughbreds and creating the champion racehorses of the future. 

“This funding injection is also about futureproofing the industry. 

“This significant investment in infrastructure, as well as a pipeline of trained workers from the Team Thoroughbred NSW Training Academy established by Racing NSW at Scone, creates a safe and sustainable future for the industry. 

“Local jobs in rural and regional areas have flow-on effects across the whole economy and for our communities. 

“The NSW Government understands the value that racing brings to NSW and will continue to support it being the number one state for thoroughbred racing in the country.”

Dozens of new and upgraded public school and preschool facilities will be built under an innovative new program that employs modern methods of construction to deliver high quality, sustainable schools in a shorter timeframe while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

The Manufacturing for Schools program incorporates a range of cutting-edge construction techniques including digital technologies, off-site manufacturing and on-site assembly of prefabricated elements to deliver high quality school buildings faster and at a lower cost than with traditional construction methods.

The program brings together industry professionals via a Manufacturing Partner responsible for connecting the supply chain to deliver the ‘kit of parts’ for new and upgraded schools across the state’s growth areas. A contract has been awarded to The APP Group for the manufacturing partnership.

The Manufacturing for Schools program is expected to deliver cost savings of up to 20 per cent and slash construction time by up to 30 per cent.

At Oran Park Public School, a Stage 2 upgrade that opened for students to use on Day 1, Term 1, 2024, was installed on site in eight weeks. From design to completion, the project took a total of 13 months.

The construction approach prioritises students and growing school communities, especially in high growth areas such as North-Western and South-Western Sydney.

There are plans currently under way to deliver more than 30 new and upgraded schools under the Manufacturing for Schools program, including new primary schools at Sydney Olympic Park and Box Hill/The Gables, and high schools at Jordan Springs, Gregory Hills/Gledswood Hills, Schofields/Tallawong, Leppington and Medowie.

The program is also being deployed to rebuild schools on the North Coast that were devastated by floods, and deliver the majority of 100 public preschools across NSW at locations recently announced.

In addition to faster build times and reduced costs, the new program will reduce carbon emissions, material waste and water waste on sites in comparison with traditional construction methods.

Manufacturing in a controlled factory environment, combined with the shorter build times, also ensures less noise and overall disruption to student learning for projects on existing school sites.

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

“The Manufacturing for Schools program represents the future – a major shift in our approach to designing, building, and delivering new schools and facilities for students and families in NSW.

“This is an economical, sustainable, and speedy solution that will deliver school facilities meeting the needs of our growing population, while getting better bang for taxpayers’ buck.

“In challenging times like natural disasters, the program’s speed and efficiency will ensure a swift rebuilding process, allowing us to reinstate the schooling routine for affected students and families promptly.

“I am proud we are leading the way with industry partners to deliver a new era of school building through this innovative program.

“This future-focused strategy for sustainable and modern school building will ensure we can support teachers and students to achieve outstanding learning outcomes.”

---

Related ministerial media releases

Ministerial media release27 February 2024

Wellbeing nurses to support more NSW school children

More NSW children will have access to important wellbeing support at school as a result of the NSW Government committing $60 million over 4 years to continue the successful Wellbeing and Health In-reach Nurse (WHIN) Coordinator program.Ministerial media release19 February 2024

Thousands of families to benefit as locations of 100 new public preschools revealed

Thousands of families across NSW will benefit from expanded access to early childhood education as the NSW Government unveils the locations for 100 new public preschools.Ministerial media release8 February 2024

All Sydney families to have access to co-ed public high schools from 2025

The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its election commitment to ensure every family in NSW has the option of choosing a co-ed public high school, with thousands of families across Sydney set to benefit from next year. downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

Fourteen couples will tie the knot today on a date that comes around just once every 4 years, in special Leap Year ceremonies offered by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Another couple will also take the opportunity to renew their vows on their ‘first’ wedding anniversary, after tying the knot with the Registry exactly 4 years ago.

Since 2004, more than 900 couples have chosen to get married in NSW on a leap day, with more than 450 couples celebrating their ‘first’ anniversary this year despite being married for 4 years.

To make the occasion even more memorable, the couples will be among the first to enjoy the Registry’s new Pyrmont venue, which offers water views and a convenient location close to Sydney’s CBD for those celebrating a wedding.

The new venue is bigger and more accessible than its predecessor in Chippendale, with 2 wedding rooms couples can choose from – or merge to accommodate up to 70 guests.  

Ceremonies at the Pyrmont Registry start from $477 and include a celebrant, marriage certificate and private room with up to 30 guests. 

For those who prefer simplicity, Legal-Only ceremonies are available with just 2 witnesses and a celebrant in a small room.

Get more information on getting married at the new Pyrmont Registry.

Bookings must be made at least 1 month prior to the wedding date.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“What is more memorable than getting married on February 29, the rarest date on the calendar?”

“Couples not only get to enjoy their special day with 30 of their nearest and dearest, but also the novelty of a leap year wedding – with only one anniversary every 4 years to remember and exchange gifts for!”

“A Registry wedding is also incredibly affordable, starting at just $477, making it a great option at the moment when cost of living pressures are impacting people across NSW.”

NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrar Theresa Fairman said:

“The new Pyrmont Registry is where affordability meets elegance, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate their love without compromising on quality.”

“We extend our warmest congratulations to all the couples who chose to marry on this special leap year day and hope your union is filled with joy, laughter, and countless memories as you journey through life together.”