Category: NSW News

Visitors to national parks are in for a much smoother ride thanks to a joint investment by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

The $16.2 million grant to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund under joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

A total of 12 tourism roads will be upgraded in flood-impacted national parks in the Central Coast and MidCoast Local Government Areas to build resilience so they can better withstand future significant rainfall events and natural disasters.

Funding for the Central Coast national parks includes Brisbane Water National Park, Bouddi National Park and Watagans National Park.

Funding for the MidCoast areas will upgrade visitor roads in Myall Lakes National Park, Khappinghat National Park, and in collaboration with MidCoast Council, a key tourism road route linking Bulahdelah and Bombah Point.

Works will include raising and sealing sections of gravel road to improve flood resilience, road surface upgrades for driver comfort and safety, and additional culverts and drainage structures to improve under-road drainage.

Additionally, projects will include upgrades to priority fire trails with the installation of turning and passing bays as required under Rural Fire Service certifications.

Works across the 12 road locations within Hunter Central Coast Branch of National Parks have started and there will be temporary traffic flow disruptions outside peak school time.

Visitors to these reserves are reminded to check the closure and alerts page at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts

Infrastructure Betterment Fund grants assist in the rebuilding of disaster-affected roads, bridges and infrastructure, making them better able to withstand future natural disasters. This $16.2 million upgrade will repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by consecutive natural disasters.

Infrastructure Betterment funding ensures connection and continuity of access for communities and lowers the risk of economic and environment impact following natural disasters.Find out more online at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/infrastructure-betterment-fund

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is committed to building disaster-resilient infrastructure, particularly in areas that are more vulnerable.

“With this significant funding, locals and visitors of the Brisbane Water, Bouddi and Watagans National Parks can feel safer when using roads that will be upgraded to be more flood resilient.

“We will continue working with the Minns Government to ensure that our roads and infrastructure are capable of withstanding disaster conditions.”

NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Penny Sharpe:

“These welcome upgrades are about protecting our National Parks and will help bring back tourists to the Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions.

Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“Communities across the Central Coast and Mid North Coast know all too well the disruption caused by floods and severe weather, and this funding is about making sure vital access roads in our national parks are rebuilt stronger so people can get back to enjoying these places sooner.

“Through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, we are learning from past disasters and investing in practical improvements that reduce the impact of future events, protect local jobs and tourism, and provide more certainty for communities when extreme weather hits.

“By upgrading roads, drainage and fire trails, we are improving safety for visitors, park staff and emergency services, while helping local communities stay connected to their national parks, which are so important to regional wellbeing and recovery.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:

“The Central Coast region has some of the best National Parks in NSW, and both the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are making them more resilient, accessible, and safe.

“As an avid bushwalker, I know that there will be many residents on the Central Coast, and across NSW, that will be pleased to see these investments in our National Parks infrastructure.”

The Cancer Institute NSW has launched a new anti-tobacco campaign, encouraging people to quit smoking by educating them about the hidden damage caused by cigarettes.

Based on a successful UK campaign, Mutations, uses graphic computer-generated images to highlight how smoking causes cell mutations that can lead to cancer.

The imagery, which shows a tumour growing on a cigarette, will be posted in high-traffic areas at Central and Parramatta train stations and will also feature in TV commercials and across media channels and advertisements.

Mutations showcases the invisible health harms of smoking to a new generation of young people, many of whom have not seen this type of realistic and confronting messaging.

The campaign responds to the fact that despite declining smoking rates over recent years, 11 per cent of adults in NSW or 775,000 people still smoke.

In NSW, smoking remains the leading cause of cancer-related preventable disease and death. It is estimated to account for around 6,600 deaths and more than 56,000 hospitalisations each year.

The Mutations campaign will target smokers aged 18 to 45 years, including those who live in regional and rural areas or culturally and linguistically diverse audiences, who have been identified as having high smoking rates.

If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, talk to your GP or call the NSW Quitline on 13 7848. Quitline is a free, confidential and professional telephone counselling service that provides customised assistance to help you quit. Aboriginal counsellors are available, providing culturally sensitive and customised support. 

The iCanQuit website also provides information about smoking and vaping and resources and support to quit.

This builds on the work the Minns Labor Government is already doing to drive down tobacco use by cracking down on illegal tobacco, including by introducing some of the toughest penalties in the country such as:

• ramped up penalties – prison sentences of up to 7 years
• fines of over $1.5 million,
• implemented a tobacco licensing scheme to improve oversight of tobacco retailers
• and issuing short term closure orders to businesses that break the law and deter others thinking about it

Health Minister Ryan Park

“Tobacco use continues to place a significant health burden on our community and we are committed to doing everything possible to support people to quit.

“Health campaigns like Mutations are designed to evoke a strong emotional response and this is backed by research which demonstrates this is a highly effective way to encourage people to quit smoking.

“The recent closures should serve as a reminder for those people in the community who are doing the wrong thing that we are serious and they will be prosecuted.”

Chief Cancer Officer NSW and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM.

“While we’ve made encouraging progress in reducing smoking rates, we cannot become complacent. Powerful campaigns like Mutations play a key role in motivating people, particularly younger people who smoke to better understand what smoking is doing to their health and how they can take steps to quit.

“Smoking is a leading cause of disease and premature death in NSW and among the worst things you can do for your health. It’s important that people don’t start smoking and those who do smoke try to quit with support from their doctor or services like Quitline and iCanQuit.com.au.”

The Minns Labor Government is providing a funding boost to an Australian-first alliance that’s fast-tracking cancer patients across NSW onto potentially life-saving early-stage clinical trials.

Coordinated by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research with funding support from the NSW Government’s Cancer Institute NSW, the NSW Early Phase Clinical Trials Alliance (NECTA) is a state-wide network of doctors, researchers, clinical trial specialists, and hospitals who are collaborating to boost access to early-stage clinical trials that are critical to successful treatment.

The NSW Government invested $450,000 into the Cancer Institute this year to fund NECTA for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, taking total investment in the program to $975,000. The investment has helped bolster the annual number of trials available from 150 to more than 180 over the past three years

Since its establishment in 2017, NECTA has seen a steady increase in the number of people accessing early-stage clinical trials across an increasing number of cancer types. More than 800 patients have been able to access early-stage clinical trials through NECTA.

The trials are the first step in testing new therapies in humans, following extensive laboratory and pre-clinical testing to both accelerate research and offer hope and a treatment pathway to those with limited options.

NECTA accelerates patient access to world class trials through a streamlined screening and referral system, requiring only a blood test instead of the more invasive tumour DNA testing.

One grateful recipient is Julian from Soldiers Point, north of Newcastle, who was diagnosed with stage four metastatic oesophageal cancer in 2019.

Julian’s prospects were not good until he secured a place on the NECTA program in 2022 giving him access to a ground-breaking trial and treatment not otherwise available in Australia.

Four years later he is enjoying a full and active life.

As well as opening doors to world-class clinical trials, the network provides access to trials at a wider array of hospitals, in regional and rural NSW, with around one in four patients who access these trials living outside of metropolitan areas.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“NECTA is a great example of our leading health agencies working together to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future.

“We are proud to support this approach that puts the patient at the centre of coordinated care to ensure more people benefit from advances in state-of-the-art cancer treatment, no matter whether they live in cities, regional towns or rural communities in our state.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:

“Access to early-phase clinical trials is not just about hope, it’s about progress. For individuals, these trials can open doors to innovative treatments when options are limited.

“By working together through a network of public and private hospitals in metro and regional NSW, we’re increasing access for all people in NSW and as a cancer system building on our commitment to equity, excellence, and leadership in cancer care.

“Every breakthrough that saves lives tomorrow begins with a trial today. Early-phase clinical trials are the critical first step in turning discoveries into treatments, generating the evidence that drives drug development and deepens our understanding of cancer. Through NECTA, we’re accelerating this process and expanding access for people across NSW.”

Lab Head at the Garvan Institute and Head of Medical Oncology at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. Professor Anthony Joshua said:

“Early phase trials can offer another chance for patients who have few options left. But these trials are complex, and access can depend on where a patient lives or whether their doctor is aware of suitable studies. NECTA helps remove those barriers.

“Clinical trial networks such as NECTA are an incredibly powerful resource, with transformative benefits to advance our research. The alliance has made it possible to translate our laboratory findings into clinical trials much more efficiently.”

Cancer survivor Julian said:

“Through the NECTA network, I found hope when the outlook wasn’t good. The trial gave me access to cutting-edge science that wouldn’t otherwise be available in Australia for years. My tumours shrank to less than a centimetre, so then I was a candidate for surgery.

“These trials have let me live life to the full, enjoying each extra day that I’m blessed with. I play pickleball three times a week, go paddling, travel and do things on my bucket list.”

Thirty-three new life-saving projects will make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers across regional New South Wales, targeting high-risk locations and delivering practical upgrades where they are needed most.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are partnering to deliver these projects with a joint 50/50 investment of over $19.7 million through the Road Safety Program, one of the most significant targeted safety investments currently rolling out across regional NSW.

Spanning 20 Local Government Areas, the works focus on notorious crossings, intersections and key thoroughfares to reduce the frequency and severity of serious and fatal crashes, helping protect local families and road users. The projects will deliver critical safety upgrades including wombat crossings, refuges, kerb ramps and shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

They will also included improved roundabouts, lighting, fencing, safety barriers and bus bays to ensure better access to public transport.

Councils receiving funding include Cabonne, Central Darling Shire, Coffs Harbour City, Dubbo Regional, Inverell Shire, Kempsey Shire, Leeton Shire, Lismore City, Mid Coast, Narrandera Shire, Orange City, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, Richmond Valley, Snowy Valleys , Tamworth Regional, Upper Lachlan Shire, Wentworth Shire,  Wingecarribee Shire, Wollongong City and Yass Valley Council.

Key works will include:

• Road safety improvements including installation of a safety barrier, road widening and additional lanes on Tooma Road at Tumbarumba ($2,736,000)
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements including installation of a shared path on Cleaton Street, Hood Street and Field Street at Wilcannia ($819,000)
• Pedestrian safety improvements including installation of a footpath and refuges on Park Road, Purcell Street and Derby Street at Bowral ($1,068,000)
• Road safety improvements including shoulder/road widening and installation of a safety barrier on Wombeyan Caves Road at Wombeyan Caves ($1,640,000)
• Pedestrian safety improvements including installation of footpath adjacent to Korora Public School on James Small Drive at Korora ($176,000)
• Road safety intersection improvements including installation of a roundabout and pedestrian fencing at the intersection of Forbes Street and Obley Street at Yeoval ($1,792,000)
• Road safety improvements including the installation of safety barriers and motorcycle protection on Oallen Road ($1,184,000)
• Road safety improvements including installation of shared path, footpath, bus bay, sealed shoulder and parking installation adjacent to Binalong Public School on Dickinson Street at Binalong ($283,000)

The Road Safety Program plays a vital role in implementing treatments designed to reduce deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads, with particular emphasis on helping protect vulnerable pedestrians and motorists.

Since its launch in early 2024, the Road Safety Program has allocated $125 million to councils across NSW, supporting projects to improve road safety for all communities.

For more information, visit: 

File

Road Safety Program Additional local council projects March 2026 (PDF 129.71KB)

Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“As someone who represents an electorate that covers more than 30,000 square kilometres, I know how important it is that people who travel on NSW’s regional road network get home safely each time they travel.

“The Albanese Government is committed to reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and I thank the Minns Government for its collaboration on this.

“These projects will make a significant difference to the road safety in regional NSW.”

NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing the trauma on our roads by making them safer, more reliable and more resilient for every community across NSW.

“This funding will help councils deliver critical infrastructure upgrades in towns and regional centres where they will have the greatest impact.

“It’s part of our ongoing commitment to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries, particularly in regional communities across NSW.

“These upgrades and other initiatives are saving lives, however they cannot override a decision made when we sit in the driver’s seat. We should all make safety our number one priority and drive responsibly whenever we drive. We owe it to ourselves, to the people we love, and to those we share the road with.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced successful grant recipients in two research commercialisation programs and launched a new $20 million funding program to support companies developing high-tech innovations in NSW.

At an event at Greenhouse, Sydney’s climate tech hub, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong congratulated companies being supported through both the Biosciences Fund and RNA Pipeline Grants program and announced the launch of the new Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund.

Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund

The Minns Labor Government is serious about science and innovation and recognises the real economic returns it brings for the people of NSW. That’s why the Government has launched the new Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund: a $20 million, multi-year initiative to support innovative young companies developing systems, devices and therapeutics across all branches of science.

The Fund incorporates elements of the Biosciences Fund and Physical Sciences Fund as well as broadening support by placing an enhanced focus on innovations to boost local manufacturing capabilities.

The Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund is designed to help NSW startups turn world-class research into market-ready products, services and systems, creating high-value jobs and ensuring NSW remains the best place in Australia to start and grow an innovative business.

The first round has a funding pool of $7 million and opens at 10:00am on Friday 6 March. Guidelines and an application form can be found at this webpage:

https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/etcf

Biosciences Fund recipients

The Biosciences Fund is a $4.75 million, competitive commercialisation program which supports NSW startups in biotechnology and life sciences to develop and bring their technologies to market. In this round four companies were awarded grants, spanning sectors from renewable energy through to infant nutrition.       

• All G is addressing the nutrition gap between infant formula – derived from cow milk – and human milk by replicating the composition and function of breast milk more closely.
• HydGene Renewables has developed a breakthrough biocacatalyst technology that converts waste biomass into green hydrogen for producing key primary molecules at low cost – such as ammonia and methanol – without fossil fuels.
• Number 8 Bio is tackling the approximately 6% of total carbon emissions created by the world’s 2.6 billion cattle and 1.2 billion sheep. The company has identified a methane inhibitor molecule that is highly effective, safe and can be produced at scale and low cost. This active ingredient is incorporated into a small cylinder, which is delivered orally and dissolves in the stomach over 4-6 months.
• Swan Genomics has developed a world-first DNA sequencing technology that is simpler and cheaper than conventional platforms that rely on bulk optics and highly complex chemistries. Their technology is designed with scalability and accessibility at its core and can be deployed in regional hospitals, diagnostic labs, and field sites.

RNA Pipeline Grants program recipients

The RNA Pipeline Grants program is a $6 million, single-round, competitive technology development and commercialisation program which supports startups developing innovative RNA-based therapies, vaccines and technologies. The program is helping to build a robust pipeline of RNA-based products in NSW that could be manufactured at the soon-to-be-opened RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility.  RNA Pipeline Grants program is part of the NSW Government’s $119 million RNA R&D Initiatives.  Two companies were successful:

• Platypus Bio is developing ‘TRICK’ – Trigger RNA-Induced Cell Killing. This highly targeted RNA therapeutic only activates inside cancer cells that carry specific harmful RNA mutation signals, destroying the diseased cell while sparing healthy tissue.
• Vaxosome is developing a multiplexed mRNA TB vaccine to address the key limitations in the current treatment of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is still the world’s leading cause of death from an infection disease, and the current vaccination doesn’t reliably protect adolescents and adults from the most common lung form of the disease.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This is an important night for NSW. We gather to celebrate globally significant innovations being developed by NSW companies, which will have tangible impacts on people around the world. Tonight’s Biosciences Fund recipients are developing unique solutions for infant formula, green hydrogen for chemical applications, livestock emissions reduction and low-cost genomic sequencing.

“Meanwhile, the RNA Pipeline Grants recipients are developing world-leading therapeutics that could save lives – a highly targeted treatment for cancer, including acute myeloid leukaemia, and an mRNA tuberculosis vaccine offering improved immune protection over current treatments.

“The RNA Pipeline Grants also serve an important role in developing RNA capabilities that will make the most of our new RNA Manufacturing Facility, which will open soon.

“I’m also excited to announce the launch of our newest program supporting innovation in NSW, the Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund.

“Stemming from our Innovation Blueprint, the Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund targets the well‑known ‘gap’ in the innovation pipeline: the stage where promising technologies have early evidence but still need funding and support to mature into investable, scalable solutions. The new Fund does this through repayable grants that help de‑risk development and accelerate commercialisation outcomes.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing ongoing support to innovative companies to solve real-world challenges, such as tonight’s recipients who are achieving landmark health, environmental and economic outcomes right on our doorstep.”

Two incredible women leaders in the construction industry have each been awarded a National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) scholarship to further their careers.

This NSW Women’s Week, the Minns Labor Government is boosting women’s advancement, with the sponsorship of two National Association of Women in Construction NSW (NAWIC NSW) scholarships.

The scholarships were awarded at NAWIC NSW International Women’s Day lunch on Friday 6 March to:

• Isabel Duffy, Principal Structural Engineer at Northrop who received the inaugural $15,000 Emerging Women’s Leader Scholarship.
• Nishmin Hallam, Director at Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW) Engineers who received the $30,000 Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship

Created to recognise women who have made a significant impact on the construction industry and demonstrate potential as future leaders, the scholarships were funded by the NSW Government’s $20.2 million Women in Construction program.

These game-changing scholarships have the potential to change the career trajectory of the recipient and reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to attracting and retaining women in building industry.

The program provides funding for executive-level further education to equip senior women in the construction sector with the leadership skills to drive industry change.

Isabel is already an outstanding leader in Northrop, growing the organisation’s largest business units, as well as leading the charge for 30 per cent representation of women across all management levels by 2030. She also co-founded Tomorrow’s Women in Construction to build a sustainable pipeline of women entering the industry. She will use the scholarship to undertake the Graduate Certificate of Social Impact and the Accelerated Leadership Program at UNSW’s Australian Graduate School of Management.

Nishmin has had a 20-year career with TTW and is the firm’s first and only female director in a technical role. She’s committed to mentoring talent, particularly women, advocacy and advancing gender diversity within the profession. She will use the scholarship to undertake the Advanced Management Program at Melbourne Business School to elevate her leadership capability and strategic influence.

Previous Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship recipients include 2025 winner Nicole Waterman, Project Leader at Laing O’Rourke, 2024 winner Jua Cilliers, Head of the School of Built Environment at UTS, and 2023 winner Talia Keyes, General Manager for Design with Scentre Group.

To find out more about the Women in Construction program visit:  Women in Construction | NSW Government and NAWIC NSW Scholarships.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is proud to sponsor the NAWIC scholarships as part of our ongoing work to empower and create opportunities for women in the building and construction industry.

“Through our Women in Construction program, we are working towards creating a more diverse and robust sector. Part of that is attracting and retaining women in the industry, as well as making sure they have pathways to leadership, which is what these scholarships are all about.

“Congratulations to Nishmin and Isabel. You’re both an inspiration to up-and-coming women in the industry – and I look forward to seeing where these scholarships can take you in your career.”

Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive, Tom Gellibrand said:

“Congratulations to Nishmin Hallam, recipient of the 2026 NAWIC NSW Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship and Isabel Duffy, recipient of the Emerging Leader Scholarship. Both accomplished women exemplify the leadership, capability and commitment these scholarships are designed to support, at different but equally important stages of their careers.

“Nishmin’s progression from cadet to Director at Taylor Thomson Whitting, alongside her long‑standing commitment to mentoring and industry leadership, and Isabel’s work as a Principal Structural Engineer at Northrop and co‑founder of Tomorrow’s Women in Construction, demonstrate the impact women are having across the sector.

Through the NSW Women in Construction program, we are proud to partner with NAWIC to support initiatives that strengthen leadership pathways and build a more diverse, inclusive and future ready construction industry.”

NAWIC NSW Co-President, Taleah Stofka said:

“NAWIC NSW is committed to collaboratively driving gender equity through culture change and we are proud to offer two scholarships this year to support women in leadership roles to strengthen their capability, influence, and industry impact.

“The Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship and the inaugural Emerging Executive Women’s Leadership Scholarship enable further study for two amazing leaders who are already making a significant difference in the construction sector with strong ongoing support from their employers.

“Congratulations to our 2026 recipients Nishmin Hallam and Isabel Duffy, we look forward to seeing your careers develop further through your studies funded with these scholarships. Having women represented at decision-making levels helps to create inclusive, productive, and high-performing workplaces and we thank the NSW Government for their support.”

The first steps to prepare the site for the $630 million Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment have commenced, bringing the much-anticipated hospital upgrade another step closer.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $550 million to deliver the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, with a further $80 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government to expand the hospital’s Emergency Department.

This first stage of works includes the expansion of existing car parking areas, which is due to be completed in mid-2026. Mettle Constructions has been appointed to deliver the first stage of early works, following a competitive tender process.

Plans for a new 460-space multi-storey car park were also released this week. The multi storey car park along with an expansion of existing spaces will increase campus car parking capacity by approximately 500 spaces on completion of the redevelopment.

The Fairfield community and hospital staff are encouraged to attend a series of drop-in information sessions to learn more about the planning application for the multi-storey car park:

• Tuesday, 10 March 10:00am to midday, Fairfield Hospital foyer
• Saturday, 14 March 11:00am to 2:00pm, Fairfield City Central shopping centre, 1/29 Court Road, Fairfield

The Review of Environmental Factors and technical documents is currently on exhibition until  11:59pm on Thursday, 2 April 2026 and feedback can be provided online: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/fairfield-hospital-redevelopment                                             

Delivering both the current parking works and the proposed multi-storey car park upfront will help minimise parking impacts throughout the redevelopment project. Planning and design are continuing to progress for a new clinical services building, which is proposed to include:

• A new and expanded Emergency Department
• Intensive Care Unit
• Medical Imaging
• Operating theatres
• Inpatient wards.

Some existing departments will also be relocated or refurbished as part of the project. The final design for the redevelopment will be confirmed as planning for the project progresses. 

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential health services in western Sydney, with the most recent 2025-26 NSW Budget delivering $1.3 billion of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities and services across the region.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Today we are one step closer to delivering the redeveloped Fairfield Hospital, with works now underway to prepare the hospital campus for the biggest upgrade in almost 40 years.

“This is an essential first step in delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose hospital campus that will provide contemporary health facilities to better support our staff, and strengthen health care for Sydney’s south-west, now and into the future.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba

“These early works will ensure our growing community has access to modern, high-quality healthcare close to home.”

“These additional spaces will make a real difference for people visiting the hospital and working on the site every day. It means patients, visitors and staff will continue to have access to parking while the hospital upgrade moves ahead.”

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott:

“There has been significant staff and community input into this much-anticipated project, with more than 900 people engaged throughout the planning and early design process during 2025, helping to shape the project to date.

“I encourage our community to learn more about this next stage of works, including the planned multi-storey car park, by visiting the website or attending one of the information sessions where they can meet the project team and ask questions.”

Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo:

“The commencement of early works at Fairfield Hospital is a major step forward for local health care, setting the foundation for a modern contemporary hospital that will better meet the needs of our growing community.”

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Sonia Marshall:

“We’ve reached the exciting first phase of the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment where we see careful clinical planning and building designs start to transform into reality.

“The start of early works construction means we are a step closer to realising our detailed designs for a new clinical services building and upgraded health facilities and services. This plan is the result of commitment from staff, patients and the public to ensure the redevelopment reflects the health related needs of the growing Fairfield community in coming years and beyond.”

Construction has begun on a new housing development in Woy Woy that will deliver 21 much-needed social and affordable homes for the Central Coast.

It’s all part of the Minns Labor Government’s record-breaking $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver 8,400 new social homes and upgrades to 30,000 existing ones.  

The project will revitalise vacant and underused land to deliver high-quality a high-quality, modern mix of 12 social and nine affordable units and villas, featuring communal areas and shared gardens for approximately 21 residents.  

The NSW Government has invested $4.8 million into the project, partnering with Housing Australia and Pacific Link Housing, as part of a coordinated effort with the Commonwealth to increase housing supply.

Designed to meet the needs of its future community, the new homes will be just two kilometres from the CBD and within walking distance of parks, schools, childcare, and public transport, providing convenient access to everyday essentials and services.  

Construction is expected to be complete by August-2027.

The Minns Labor Government has delivered 82 public homes on the Central Coast since April 2023, with a further 19 set for completion in the next six months.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:  

“Addressing the housing crisis requires all levels of government to work together, and this Woy Woy project shows exactly what can be achieved when we partner to deliver more homes where they are needed most.

“These 21 new social and affordable homes will provide safe, modern and secure housing for Central Coast residents while ensuring the area remains a vibrant and inclusive community where locals, key workers and seniors can find a home that suits their needs.

“We cannot solve homelessness without more homes and that’s why we are on a mission to transform underutilised land into places people in need can call home and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in Woy Woy.”

Minister for Central Coast David Harris said:

“This another win for Woy Woy, transforming under-utilised land into high-quality, modern homes for our growing community.

“I know the Central Coast needs more social homes for people in our community doing it tough and our government is delivering. These new homes are just the latest example of how we are investing in putting a roof over the heads of people who really need it, but they won’t be the last.”

Member Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Under the former Liberal National Government, social housing was neglected and sold off. I am proud the NSW Labor Government is investing a record-breaking amount in social and affordable housing here on the Central Coast.

“This boost to the social and affordable housing stock is a welcome addition, with well-built, well-located social and affordable homes being delivered in the heart of Woy Woy.”

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said:

“Delivering more homes for Australians requires strong and sustained collaboration across government, community housing and the private sector. This project at Woy Woy demonstrates the impact that coordinated investment can have in accelerating new supply where it’s needed most.” 

A major safety transformation on one of the most important highways in regional NSW is now complete, thanks to a $15.7 million upgrade funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

Motorists are set to benefit from safer, smoother and more reliable journeys through Sidling Hill on the New England Highway at Kentucky, after a critical 4km stretch of the highway was upgraded south of Uralla.

The project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments under the Road Safety Program.

The works mark the completion of the second stage of the Sidling Hill upgrades, building on earlier improvements delivered to the north and south and creating a consistent, higher safety standard through this challenging section of highway.

The first stage of works strengthened the corridor with improved road alignment, upgraded barriers and enhanced line marking to reduce the risk of serious crashes through the steep and winding terrain. Stage 2 has delivered:

• Wider road shoulders to improve recovery space
• New rumble strips to prevent run-off-road crashes
• Extended southbound overtaking lanes to reduce driver frustration and unsafe manoeuvres
• Additional safety barriers to better protect motorists.

Around 4,000 vehicles travel this stretch of highway every day, including approximately 650 heavy vehicles, making this a vital freight and commuter link connecting communities across regional NSW.

Transport crews will carry out minor finishing work including line marking in coming weeks, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“Investing in safer roads in regional Australia means fewer serious crashes and more Australians getting home safely to their loved ones.

“This is one of the largest and most complex safety upgrades delivered in this part of the state, and it will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists and hundreds of heavy vehicles that use this route every day.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Minns Labor Government to deliver major safety upgrades on key regional highways like the New England Highway.”

Federal Senator for NSW, Tim Ayres:

“This upgrade is about delivering the critical infrastructure regional communities rely on every day for easier journeys, safer roads and more reliable freight routes.

“This is one of the most important highways in regional NSW – and the Albanese Labor Government’s investment delivers important safety upgrades for the 4,000 motorists who use this stretch of the New England Highway every day.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are delivering real safety upgrades on regional highways because people in the bush deserve the same high safety standards as motorists anywhere else in NSW.

“Sidling Hill is a challenging section of road. By widening shoulders, extending overtaking lanes and installing additional safety barriers, we’re reducing the risk of serious crashes and helping more people get home safely.

“This project is part of a broader program of improvements along the New England Highway – strengthening this critical corridor for local families, freight operators and visitors alike.”

NSW Duty MLC for the Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose:  

“As the Duty MLC for this region, I know how important the New England Highway is for local communities, freight operators and the many people who travel through the Northern Tablelands every day.

“These upgrades at Sidling Hill will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists who rely on this road, delivering a safer and more reliable journey through what has long been a challenging section of highway.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in safer regional roads so communities like Kentucky, Uralla and the wider New England area stay well connected and people can travel with greater confidence.”