Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has sought a technical review of feral pig and deer management to build on the historic levels of success that have seen almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across NSW in the past three years.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty has announced following the Government’s record $40 million investment in the program, the appointment of a feral pig coordinator and implementation of the Biosecurity Action Plan, the Government is doing even more to support farmers across NSW.

The success of the program, which has seen some 240,000 feral pigs controlled over the past three years, has been built on increased aerial culling, a huge free bait program, and the promotion of landholders working together to address the common problem.

Responding to feral pigs and pests is a key part of the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity program designed to protect the State’s $25 billion primary industries sectors.

The Government will continue to work with landholders who have responsibility to manage feral pests on their properties.

To ensure the Government can continue to build on the success of its pest control program, Minister Moriarty has tasked the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift, to investigate ways to further improve feral pig and deer management in NSW.

Minister Moriarty will be requesting the Independent Commissioner to consider and recommend actions that will:

• Examine the best available tools and techniques for controlling feral pigs and deer at a regional scale, including new and emerging technologies.
• Work through the challenges of delivering feral pest programs across different landscapes and land tenures
• Increase landholder participation in regional programs, to ensure landholders deliver on their biosecurity duty and improve the success of on-ground management efforts including trapping and baiting.

Preliminary advice will be delivered to the NSW Government in June 2026 and a final report will be delivered in October 2026.

The review comes in the wake of another highly successful aerial shooting operation which removed 2,276 feral pigs over five days in the Mungery and Dandaloo area, near the Bogan River, an hour west of Dubbo.

The Government’s Local Land Services carried out the shoot across more than 149,000 hectares of land, including private farmland and publicly managed travelling stock reserves and State Forest.

Since 2023, coordinated aerial shooting, trapping and baiting programs in this area has seen more than two tonnes of baited grain provided to landholders and undertaken three aerial shooting programs.

Over the next two months, Local Land Services is planning to undertake another 17 aerial shooting operations in different locations across NSW, targeting feral pigs and other pest animals.

Aerial shooting is a key component of coordinated control programs, that follows months of work being undertaken with primary control measures such as baiting and trapping.

These primary control methods are currently the most effective at reducing large feral pig numbers, with aerial shooting used in combination to address any remaining pigs.

Local Land Services helps facilitate broadscale, cross-tenure pest animal control programs across NSW in line with Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans, working closely with landholders to coordinate control efforts.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The NSW Government’s feral pig and pest program is culling more pigs than ever before but there is still more work to be done.

“The recent arial shoot west of Dubbo demonstrates that feral pigs will continue to be a problem particularly when conditions are favorable and numbers are increasing.

“We are supporting landowners to carry out coordinated ground control before and after the aerial shoot, to deliver best practice pest animal management.

“Dr Katherine Clift’s review into our feral pig program is an important next step in making sure we are getting the most out of the program.

“The findings will help refine how public and private land managers work together, ensuring control programs are consistent, practical and responsive to local needs.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering $36 million in road safety improvements on the Snowy Mountains Highway, with the next stage of works commencing this week.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments under the Road Safety Program, the suite of safety upgrades stretches for almost the full 330-kilometre length of the Snowy Mountains Highway.

The latest work includes the installation of new safety barriers, a widened centreline and audio tactile line marking, also known as rumble strips, on various sections of the highway between Adaminaby and the intersection with the Princes Highway near Bega.

Work will be carried out on weekdays, between 6am and 6pm, for up to three months, weather permitting.

Upgrades currently underway at the intersection with Black Creek Road near Adelong, as well as safety barrier installation between Yarrongobilly and the Hume Highway, are progressing well, with work expected to be completed by May 2026.

Transport for NSW is also preparing to install 150 kilometres of rumble strips at various sections on the highway and this work will be carried out in stages until the end of the project.  

Single lane closures, traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.  

Some night work may be required during the delivery of this work. The community will be notified in advance.  

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, allow five minutes of additional travel time and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.  

The delivery of the entire $36 million in road safety upgrades is expected to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain MP:

“The Snowy Mountains Highway is an important freight and tourism link, connecting regional NSW with the South Coast, and the local timber industry with the Hume Highway and ports of Sydney and Melbourne.  

“This $36 million investment shows our commitment reducing road trauma because we want everyone to reach their destination safely and without incident.

“I know these improvements will be welcomed by everyone in the community.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“Safety is our number one priority.  

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to roll out practical, lifesaving upgrades right along the Snowy Mountains Highway.

“Since announcing this package in April last year, we have already delivered 40 kilometres of new safety barrier and 144 kilometres of widened centreline marking, with more on the way.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan MP:

“As an arterial route for freight, tourism, and health, locals know how important the Snowy Mountains Highway is, and these upgrades will make a real difference to safety for everyone who relies on it

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in practical improvements and tangible support for our regional communities, and I welcome this announcement.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering another major school upgrade for regional NSW, with work underway to relocate Lennox Head Public School to a new, expanded site.

The project will triple the number of permanent classrooms, increasing the count from eight to 24 permanent classrooms. The new, modern campus will also feature a new library, canteen, school hall, and a games court with a covered outdoor learning area.

Construction at the new site – located at the corner of Montwood and Snapper Drive – is expected to be complete in 2027. Once finished, the school will have capacity for more than 550 students, future-proofing the area for one of the state’s fastest growing communities.

For more than a decade, the previous Coalition Government neglected public schools in regional NSW. Despite record  enrolment growth, a lack of investment forced students into demountables and eroded valuable playspace.

The Liberals and Nationals promised to relocate and upgrade Lennox Head Public School but failed to deliver.

In a major win for local families, the  the new site will host a co-located public preschool capable of accommodating up to 120 children per week. This is a central pillar of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, the largest expansion of early learning in the state’s history.

The Lennox Head redevelopment is part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure by the Minns Labor Government, including $2.1 billion for regional NSW.

This is the largest investment in school infrastructure in the state’s history, representing $400 million more than the funding levels under the previous government, and ensuring children have access to world-class education where they live.

This investment is backed by a rebuilt teaching workforce, with vacancies dropping to a 12-year low following Labor’s historic wage rise and additional policies to reduce teacher workload.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional school communities have access to high-quality classrooms and facilities.

“Relocating Lennox Head Public School and tripling its capacity represents a major investment in the North Coast’s future.

“This is a long-awaited milestone for local families, ensuring students from preschool to Year 6 have access to the very best learning environment close to home.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome the start of construction on the new Lennox Head Public School and public preschool.”

“We aren’t just building classrooms; we are building the infrastructure a growing North Coast community actually needs. This project ensures our kids aren’t left behind in demountables, but instead have world-class facilities to learn and grow in.

“This is what happens when you have a government that prioritises regional education and follows through on its commitments to the people of Lennox Head.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP said:

“The school will provide a modern environment for our children to learn in for many years to come.

“I want to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we bring this important project to life.”

Lennox Head Public School Principal Deborah Langfield said:

“We’re incredibly excited to see construction begin on our new school. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students, staff, and community.

“We are grateful for the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved and can’t wait to watch our new school take shape.”

Four exceptional women and an organisation founded by women have been named as recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026.

The awards recognise extraordinary women for their leadership, compassion and contributions to communities across New South Wales.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026 recipients are:

• Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM (Lane Cove LGA) – NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence

Tracey is a leading Australian cancer clinician, researcher and advocate whose career has centred on one mission: improving the lives of people with cancer. Now NSW Chief Cancer Officer, Tracey works across communities, government and science to ensure equitable, culturally safe cancer care for all.

• Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner (Port Stephens LGA) – NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year

Nicole is a proud Kamilaroi woman with over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal health. She is CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council, working closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations across New South Wales.

• The Founders of Gidget Foundation Australia (Metro Sydney regions) – NSW Community Hero

For 24 years, these seven incredible women have worked to improve mental health support for parents in New South Wales. Today, Gidget Foundation Australia provides parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety with accessible, timely and specialist care. The foundation has established 39 Gidget Houses and delivered a total of 108,704 appointments to support 12,705 families.

• Jo Marshall (Upper Lachlan Shire LGA) – NSW Regional Woman of the Year

Jo is a visionary leader and advocate for rural communities. As the driving force behind the Australian Agricultural Centre, including their Women in AG program, Jo inspires and equips the next generation of agricultural leaders through immersive education, hands-on training and innovative programs.

• Milli Weaver (Randwick LGA) – NSW Young Woman of the Year

Milli is the founder and Chief Executive of the Australian Endometriosis Foundation, a volunteer-run charity she established at the age of 24 in 2023 to address the gap in peer-led support and advocacy for young people with endometriosis.

The Awards also showcased 10 inspirational girls aged 7 to 15 who were awarded in the Ones to Watch category for their acts of courage, strength and kindness to help and support those around them.

The Ones to Watch recipients (7–15 years) for 2026 are:

• Imali Bamji (Hunters Hill LGA)
• Piper Clarke (Shoalhaven LGA)
• Hafsa Faizan (Liverpool LGA)
• Emma Hoskins (Blacktown LGA)
• Amalia Carolyn Howard (Dubbo LGA)
• Elly Ings (Northern Beaches LGA)
• Hannah Orr (Goulburn Mulwaree LGA)
• Ruvi Pooliyadde (Blacktown LGA)
• Shanvi Govinda Raju (Penrith LGA)
• Ivy Walker (Hornsby LGA)

At the same time, Local Members of Parliament were able to recognise their Local Woman of the Year for their contribution to their local community. The Local Women of the Year 2026 honour roll is available at Local Women of the Year Award 2026 | NSW Government

The Women of the Year Awards ceremony was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning. It is the flagship event of NSW Women’s Week 2026 which runs from Monday 2 March to International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March.

Since 2012, the NSW Women of the Year Awards have celebrated women and girls whose determination, leadership and advocacy are shaping a stronger, more inclusive New South Wales.

More information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards program, including the full recipient and finalist biographies, is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.

Deputy Premier New South Wales Prue Car said:

“These award recipients represent outstanding women and girls across New South Wales who lead with courage and purpose.

“Each of these remarkable women represent the very best of our state, and I commend them for their extraordinary contributions.

“To every award winner recognised today, thank you for the powerful impact you have made in your fields and communities.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Each year, the NSW Women of the Year Awards shines the light on women and girls who are driving meaningful change across our state.

“This year’s recipients and finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities, but they share a common commitment to lifting others up and creating a fairer future. Their stories remind us of the power of leadership grounded in service and empathy.

“Congratulations to the NSW Women of the Year, the Ones to Watch and our Local Women of the Year. Thank you for your contributions to our communities, and being the leaders that others can aspire to.”

NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence 2026 recipient, Professor Tracey O’Brien, AM said:

“I’m humbled and deeply grateful to be recognised alongside women making a difference across NSW. After more than 25 years in the public health system in frontline cancer care, I have seen tremendous progress, but the impact of cancer on individuals, families, communities and our economy remains profound and is increasing. Healthcare is always a team effort and I am grateful to the clinical teams, researchers and communities that I have had the privilege to serve with.

“When we celebrate women who challenge inequality and create impact, we expand the horizon for the next generation and signal leadership comes in many forms, across every community in NSW.”

NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Adjunct Professor Nicole Turner said:

“I feel deeply honoured to be the 2026 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year. I see this recognition not as a personal achievement, but as a tribute to the Elders, mentors and communities who paved the way for myself and for Aboriginal leadership.”

“For women and girls, particularly Aboriginal women and girls, seeing diverse role models celebrated helps build confidence and a sense of possibility.”

NSW Community Hero 2026 recipient, Jacqueline Cotton on behalf of the founders, Gidget Foundation Australia said:

“We started the foundation to make a change after losing my sister, so every parent could find access to the right support and care they needed.  Never in a million years did I expect this to be recognised in such a way for doing what we do.”

“As a founding committee, we have been fortunate to receive unwavering support over the years – from talented health professionals to event attendees, corporate and government partners, and the broader community. Their commitment has helped transform our early dreams into a powerful reality.”

NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Jo Marshall said:

“I feel proud – not just personally, but on behalf of the regional communities, women and young people I work alongside every day. It’s a reminder that the work we do in regional Australia matters, that investing in education, skills and community resilience has real impact, and that regional voices are being seen and heard.”

“I also feel grateful. This recognition reflects the collective effort of so many people who believe in the future of agriculture, in opportunity for regional youth, and in supporting women to lead, innovate and create change where they live.”

NSW Young Woman of the Year 2026 recipient, Milli Weaver said:

“Being named Young Woman of the Year feels incredibly humbling.  I started the Australian Endometriosis Foundation (then, an Instagram page called Endo Articles) from a hospital bed at the age of 21.  I never imagined that sharing my story would grow into a national community supporting thousands of young Australians.”

“I hope this platform helps continue the conversation around menstrual health, chronic illness and fertility so that the next generation doesn’t have to fight so hard to be heard.”

The first flood buyback auction of the year saw a packed house in Lismore overnight, as 60 attendees watched 10 homes go under the hammer for prices ranging from $5000 to $42,000.

Since December 2024, 140 buyback properties have been offered for sale across the Northern Rivers, sparking interest from across the country.

Last night’s event at the Lismore Workers Sports Cub, conducted by Wal Murray Lismore, attracted 34 registered bidders – including four joining by phone – resulting in 100% clearance rate and a total value of $266,100.

Auction highlights:

• 141 Dawson Street, Lismore: $27,000
• 157 Dawson Street, Lismore: $29,500
• 35 Ewing Street, Lismore: $42,000
• 25 Junction Street, East Lismore: $32,000
• 25 Charles Street, South Lismore: $40,000
• 3 Webster Street, South Lismore: $17,000
• 4 Crown Lane, South Lismore: $5000
• 38 Ostrom Street, South Lismore: $23,000
• 15 Second Avenue, East Lismore: $18,500
• 9 Barnes Avenue, South Lismore: $32,100.

The auction drew a diverse crowd of builders and young families, along with a new wave of buyers seeking to transplant these homes into ‘nature-filled’ rural setting.

With previous sales ranging from a nominal $1 to $200,000 the program has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing opportunities, drawing a national spotlight to the region’s recovery efforts.

All homes under auction have been purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

To participate, buyers must prove they have secured flood-free land for relocation before the end of 2026.

All NSW proceeds from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.

First National Real Estate will conduct the next flood auction at the Murwillumbah Services Club on March 17.

For more details on the upcoming auction visit:  https://www.fnmurwillumbah.com.au/pages/real-estate/relocatable-homes

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“It brings me great joy to see these homes from our community repurposed for young families and first-home buyers, giving them the keys to a safer future on higher ground.

“These homes are part of mine and the wider community’s shared history, and this program has always been about people. Those who received a buyback, those giving those homes a second life.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“This year is about delivery: rebuilding, relocating and renewing communities so the Northern Rivers is safer, stronger and more resilient for the future.

“Around a thousand homes will be bought back by the end of 2026, and we’re making a final push for 600 more households to strengthen their homes through Resilient Measures grants by mid-2027. 

“As a result of these goals, we’re calling on builders and construction experts to join one of the biggest home resilience and relocation efforts ever undertaken in Australia on the back of these successful auctions.” 

Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay are four of the ten regional towns across NSW that will share in $2 million of funding to support the growth of their night-time economies.

Under the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot, ten regional business collectives across the state looking to uplift their local 24-hour economy will receive support to help them develop thriving, vibrant local economies day and night.

The pilot, developed in response to feedback from regional businesses, councils and industry groups, will offer tailored capacity-building bootcamps locally for each collective. Funding and ongoing support will help local business collectives to harness opportunities in their area and deliver initiatives that will create more vibrancy from day to night.

These capacity-building grants are designed to support organised teams of local businesses to collaborate and further develop vibrant economies and leverage opportunities in their communities.

The funding will support business collectives in Bathurst, Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Lennox Head, Milton, Murrumbateman, Murwillumbah, Sawtell, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga to develop strategies, plans and ideas about how they can support their region’s unique 24-hour economy through collective initiatives such as marketing campaigns, activations and events.

More information on the Regional Night Time Economy Program is available here.

Minister for the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said:

“Our 24-hour economy strategy highlights the importance of supporting unique offerings across the state and showcasing the stories of night-time precincts across regional NSW.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Across the state, groups provided feedback that an integrated capacity-building and funding approach designed to suit the unique local contexts and settings across the state would be ideal.

“The program will support these regions to harness local opportunities that make them unique and work toward developing vibrant local economies from day to night in regional town centres.”

Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“We know that people are seeking out nightlife experiences closer to home, and this program will enable regional business groups to collaborate and highlight what their region has to offer – not just during major or community events but all year round, day or night.

“This round of the program is a pilot, providing an opportunity to test the approach, learn from the outcomes and inform future program expansion.”

Regional Night-Time Economy Program Pilot recipients

• Bathurst
• Byron Bay
• Hunter Valley
• Lennox Head
• Milton
• Murrumbateman
• Murwillumbah
• Sawtell
• Tamworth
• Wagga Wagga

The Minns Labor Government has today delivered a key election commitment, launching a strategic vision for transport in the South East and Tablelands.

The South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan provides a 20-year vision of the key transport priorities for the region, which surrounds the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and borders Victoria and other parts of NSW. 

The plan, comprising 60 key actions and initiatives, was shaped following extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community. Some of these actions and initiatives include:

• Enhance services within and between strategic centres (Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Bega, Moruya) and to Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and Canberra.
• Introduce new or improved bus and on-demand services, including cross-border links with the ACT.
• Enable High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) access on key freight routes (Hume Hwy, Princes Hwy, Kings Hwy, Snowy Mountains Hwy).
• Improve heavy vehicle rest stops and plan for OSOM movements to support freight and renewable energy projects.  
• Upgrade major corridors like Princes Highway, Barton Highway, and alpine routes (Clyde Mountain, Brown Mountain).
• Implement town entry gateway treatments and intersection upgrades to improve safety and resilience. 

Over the public consultation period in late 2024 and early 2025, Transport for NSW received more than 1000 pieces of feedback from residents, businesses and transport users via online survey and map pins.  

More than 50 submissions were received from individuals and key stakeholders including local councils, peak bodies, community organisations and transport interest groups.   

A copy of the final plan and initiatives, consultation summary and engagement report is available on the project webpage at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/south-east-and-tablelands-sritp.   

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long, regional communities were silent in transport planning. This plan reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to put people in regional NSW first.

“We know roads and transport are key to better connected cities and towns. It helps people get to work, school, medical appointments and the things that matter in their daily lives.

“This is a long-term vision that gives certainty to communities across the South East and Tablelands. It sets out the priorities that will guide investment, improve safety and strengthen the vital links that support local economies and regional lifestyles.

“What we have heard from communities is clear. They want more choice, they want safer and more reliable journeys, and they want planning that recognises the unique needs of regional NSW. This final plan is about delivering exactly that, and ensuring the region thrives well into the future.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing communities across Monaro with a long term transport plan that puts safety, access and reliability at the centre of future investment.

“This plan recognises how important good transport is for tourism, freight, local jobs and everyday life right across Monaro.

“It gives our region the certainty it deserves and lays out a clear path forward for better roads, improved public transport and stronger links with Canberra and the coast.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said:

“This plan is about delivering real, practical improvements for people right across the Bega electorate and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job.

“From safer highway upgrades to better local bus connections and stronger freight access, this plan reflects what our community has been asking for and what the region needs to keep growing.

“Transport is not just about moving from A to B. It is about access to jobs, education, health care and supporting local businesses across our region.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is showing what strong leadership looks like with a clear long term plan for transport in the Goulburn region.

“Communities have been calling for better connections, safer roads and more reliable transport options and this plan responds directly to that feedback.

“This is the type of planning regional NSW has been missing for far too long and it is welcome to see the Minns Labor Government getting on with the job.”

Labor Spokesperson for Wollondilly, Mark Buttigieg, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the certainty that communities across Wollondilly have been asking for when it comes to future transport investment.

“This plan recognises the rapid growth right across our region and the need for smarter planning, safer roads and better public transport options.

“It is a strong step forward that puts local communities and their future movement needs front and centre.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing regional communities like Cootamundra with a long-term vision for safer, more connected transport networks.

“This plan reflects what locals have been saying. They want better access, safer journeys and infrastructure that keeps up with the needs of growing regional communities.

“Strong planning like this is essential to delivering better outcomes for families, farmers, businesses and freight operators right across the region.” 

Another significant milestone has been reached for the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment as the striking new façade is revealed, providing the first look at the hospital’s future main entry.

Due for completion later this year, the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is one of the largest hospital projects to be delivered in Greater Western Sydney.

The Stage 2 redevelopment includes a major expansion and upgrade of health services providing Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with access to modern, purpose-built health facilities for generations to come.

The centrepiece is a new 7 storey building, with construction scaffolding now removed to reveal the hospital’s new main entry and façade.

Designed to provide a welcoming and easy-to-navigate entrance to the Hospital, the new tower will enhance access to health services for patients, visitors, and staff. The building will also seamlessly connect to the existing hospital tower delivered as part of Stage 1 of the project.

The building façade is inspired by the local natural landscape, including the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River, with the colours designed to complement the existing hospital tower to give the campus a distinctive identify.

The Stage 2 building will feature:

• a new Intensive Care Unit
• Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine services
• Interventional Radiology
• in-centre Renal Dialysis
• additional inpatient beds including paediatrics
• staff education and training facilities and a welcoming main hospital entry and reception area. 

Improved wayfinding, pedestrian and vehicle connections, and easier access to parking will also be delivered as part of the project.

Construction for the redevelopment is progressing with the internal fit-out of the building under way, along with landscaping and integration works to link the new building and facilities with the existing hospital.

Construction is due for completion later this year. This will be followed by an operational commissioning period to prepare the new building to welcome staff and patients. 

The Nepean Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment is just one part of the Government’s health infrastructure pipeline across Western Sydney, which includes:

• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital;
• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment plus $80 million from the Federal Government;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment; and
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

For more information about the project, visit: nsw.gov.au/nepean-redevelopment

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney said:

“This major development is crucial for the local community and will ensure residents can access world-class facilities close to home.

“The Minns Labor Government is making significant investments in hospitals right across Western Sydney, delivering the state-of-the-art facilities our growing communities deserve.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are committed to delivering world-class health care closer to home for the people of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains regions.

“The more than $1 billion investment in Nepean Hospital ensures families have access to modern facilities and the highest standards of healthcare for decades to come.

“We’re building more hospitals and delivering more beds, helping to lower wait times and improve patient outcomes.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“This project is not only transforming health services for our community but also creating more local jobs. From construction through to health service delivery, the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is driving opportunities for Penrith residents and supporting our local economy.

“In less than 12 months, our local community will be walking through these doors to access the very best care possible.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver safer, more accessible public transport, with community members invited to have their say on the designs for accessibility upgrades planned for Canberra and Yass Junction train stations.

The upgrades will be delivered by the Minns Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility challenges.

The planned upgrades, designed with input from People with Disability Australia, the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee and Guide Dogs Australia, include ramps, increased disability parking spaces and bus shelters.

Both SAT projects will upgrade the stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliance, improving amenity, access and safety, and acknowledging the important role these locations have in the communities they serve.

The Minns Government has funded $900,000 each for investigations, design development and to obtain planning approvals for the Canberra and Yass Junction station upgrades.

Consultation is now open to community feedback on the designs until 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March.  

The feedback will be considered and will inform the detailed design development.

For more information call 1800 684 490, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/design-accessible-stations.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering safer, more accessible public transport so people can get where they need to go, regardless of age, ability or mobility needs.”

“Canberra and Yass Junction stations are important transport hubs for their communities, and it is critical that they are inclusive, safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and people carrying luggage.

“These proposed upgrades, funded through the Minns Labor Government’s Safe Accessible Transport Program, are about removing barriers to travel and improving the overall station experience, both on platforms and in surrounding precincts.

“We are investing in detailed investigations and design work to ensure these upgrades are done properly, and we want to hear directly from the community before moving to the next stage.

“I encourage anyone who uses these stations, or who currently avoids them due to accessibility or safety concerns, to review the designs and provide feedback so we can deliver outcomes that reflect local needs and expectations.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from fully participating in their communities with dignity and safety – accessible public transport is a critical part of that.

“I urge locals to have their say, especially people with disability, because we know we get better outcomes when lived experience helps shape our communities.”

ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement today regarding accessibility upgrades to the Kingston train station in Canberra. The additional investment in accessibility infrastructure in Yass is also welcome news for our region.

“The improvements also represent an encouraging first step in the broader work that has been underway with the NSW Government to improve the Canberra–Sydney rail experience.

“The upgrades will help ensure the stations better meets the needs of all passengers, including people with disability and older Canberrans or people with mobility issues. I encourage everyone to have their say on the upgrades.

Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Jasmin Jones said:

“These proposed upgrades are a welcome step forward for the Yass community and will make it easier and safer for more people to use Yass Junction station.”

“Improving accessibility helps ensure our transport network works for everyone, including older residents, people with disability, families with prams and visitors to the region.”

“I encourage local residents to take part in the consultation and share their feedback so the final design reflects the needs of our growing community.” 

Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton has called for ASIO to investigate Liverpool City Council after a council-owned facility was reportedly used to host a memorial for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei the architect of a regime responsible for mass murder at home and sponsoring terrorism abroad through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
 
Mr Shelton said the use of a council venue to mourn the head of the terrorist-designated IRGC raised serious national security and social cohesion concerns.
 
“Liverpool City Council should be investigated by ASIO to determine how a public facility came to be used for an event mourning the head of one of the world’s most violent regimes. The people who attended the vigil at the council facility should be placed on the ASIO watch list,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The Iranian regime under Khamenei hanged gays, treated women with brutality and machine-gunned tens of thousands of protestors in the streets. Allowing council venues to be used to venerate such a figure is an affront to the victims of that regime and to the many Iranian Australians who fled it.”
 
Mr Shelton said the response of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, who defended the memorial being held in a council-owned building, was deeply troubling.
 
“It is alarming that Liverpool Mayor, a member of the Liberal Party of Australia, has defended the use of council facilities for a memorial to Khamenei,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The Liberal Party should immediately distance itself from these remarks and consider whether Mr Mannoun should remain a member if he is prepared to defend the eulogising of a tyrant responsible for terrorism and mass murder.”
 
Mr Shelton said Australia must be clear that glorifying such figures has no place in a peaceful democracy.
 
“Too many Muslim leaders in Australia appear willing to openly support or glorify figures linked to terrorist movements and violent regimes,” he said.
 
“Australia is a peaceful nation and we do not want the hatreds of the Middle East imported into our suburbs or fanned in our communities.”
 
Mr Shelton praised NSW Premier Chris Minns for condemning the memorial events despite the political risk of offending segments of the Muslim community.
 
“Chris Minns deserves credit for being willing to call this out even though it risks offending sections of the Muslim community who support these figures,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“That kind of leadership is necessary if Australia is to maintain social cohesion and stand firmly against the threat of Islamic terrorism, which is only too real after the Bondi massacre.”
 
Mr Shelton said Liverpool Council should now show the same courage.
 
“Liverpool Council should follow the Premier’s lead and make it clear that council facilities will never be used to glorify tyrants or terrorist leaders,” he said.
 
“Social cohesion in Australia depends on communities being united against Islamic terrorism. That is in the national interest.”