The NSW Liberals and Nationals are demanding an independent review as horrific details emerge about a child’s death at Wyong on the Central Coast.
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Minister must be transparent given confirmation from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) that it previously had contact with the family.
“My thoughts are with the child’s family, loved ones and everyone in the community affected by this unimaginable loss. This is a heartbreaking tragedy.” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“This unthinkable tragedy is unfortunately not the first case where this government has failed to protect our most vulnerable children, in the last year alone.”
“The Minister must explain what interventions were made, if any, and why they were not enough to prevent this devastating outcome.”
Natasha Maclaren-Jones said tens of thousands of children assessed as ‘at risk‑of‑significant‑harm’ (ROSH) are not receiving timely intervention, or intervention at all.
“The government knows there are workforce shortages, overwhelming caseloads, and gaps in early intervention, this case raises serious concerns, and an independent investigation must be conducted.” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“The people of New South Wales deserve transparency, an independent review into this case, and a clear plan to strengthen frontline child protection services before another tragedy occurs.”
A civilian employee has been charged following an investigation into alleged domestic violence offences.
On Friday 3 July 2026, police were notified that a woman had allegedly accessed the emails of a woman known to her, without permission.
Following inquiries, police executed a search warrant at a home in Buttaba later that day (Friday 3 July 2026), where a laptop was seized.
A 44-year-old woman, who is a civilian employed by the NSW Police Force at a Northern Region command, was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station, where she was charged with three offences,
Access/modify restricted data held in computer
Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic), and
Knowingly contravene prohibition/etc in AVO (Domestic).
She was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Saturday 4 July 2026, where she was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 14 July 2026.
The world’s best and brightest in housing are invited to help build more high-quality homes, faster for the people of NSW using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is now open for businesses to establish or expand a manufacturing facility in NSW to produce prefabricated building components or large-scale modular housing, specifically for higher density housing types, including developing designs from the mid-rise pattern book.
The Minns Labor Government is set to turbocharge the way homes are built in NSW, unlocking the potential of MMC and lifting productivity in the building sector.
Through the Modern Methods of Construction Industry Expansion Program (MMCIEP), the Minns Labor Government is inviting businesses with expertise in advanced manufacturing, prefabrication and modular construction to invest in NSW and help transform the way homes are built.
The program aims to grow local manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, create skilled jobs and accelerate the delivery of more homes across the state.
The Minns Labor Government will consider supporting the development of the facility through financial support, through the provision of suitable land, by agreement to purchase output from the facility, including housing and other public facilities, as well as considering alternative proposals where these represent value for money for taxpayers and will support the development of a sustainable industry in NSW.
The EOI is the first stage of a two-stage procurement process, and proposals will be assessed on commercial readiness, demonstrated capability and capacity to deliver at scale.
Today’s launch follows the opening of the Housing Innovation in Construction Fund and Housing Innovation Network Grants Program, representing almost $4 million in investment to help grow the local MMC sector, commercialise new technologies and bring more innovative manufacturers into the NSW housing market.
The Government is also investing $1.6 million to establish a new regulatory framework and introduce a certification system for MMC, formally recognising prefabricated buildings in NSW law and integrating MMC into the planning approvals system, as well as reforming procurement to open up more opportunities for MMC projects in NSW, using the Government’s purchasing power to help grow a strong and sustainable MMC industry.
Together, these reforms are designed to give industry the confidence to invest in NSW, expand manufacturing capability and build a sustainable pipeline of modern construction projects for years to come.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more high-quality homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.
The EOI closes at 9:00am AEST on Monday, 3 August 2026. Businesses can access the EOI documentation and apply through the NSW Government’s tendering portal.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:
“This is a call to action for the world’s best manufacturers. If you have the expertise to build faster, smarter and at scale, we want you to help us build homes in NSW.
“Modern methods of construction will help us deliver more high-quality homes while reducing waste, lifting productivity and growing local manufacturing.”
Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson said:
“Modern methods of construction are no longer a faraway concept, it’s how this government is transforming housing across the state.
“Every family deserves a safe and secure home, and this will help us build more homes, sooner, while supporting innovation across the housing sector.”
Minister for Building, Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“This isn’t just about building more homes; it’s about building them better, faster and cheaper.
“We’re backing innovation and scaling up modern methods of construction with the reforms and certainty industry has called for.”
Executive Chair of prefabAUS, Damien Crough said:
“prefabAUS, the peak body for MMC in Australia since 2013 welcomes this initiative and congratulates the Minns Labor Government on its commitment to growing the MMC industry.
“By supporting manufacturers to invest, innovate and scale production, NSW is creating the conditions to deliver more homes, faster, while building sovereign capability, creating skilled jobs and positioning the state as Australia’s leader in industrialised construction.”
The Minns Labor Government is cracking down on the harmful use of nitrous oxide with the new restrictions for retailers and suppliers, as well as prohibiting sales to people under the age of 18.
Nitrous oxide misuse can cause significant harm. The increasing availability of large nitrous oxide cylinders has enabled heavier use, contributing to serious neurological injuries including spinal cord damage.
Acute and chronic use can also result in severe frostbite, lung injuries, cardiac abnormalities, asphyxiation, and injuries associated with falls.
The government’s crackdown on nitrous oxide abuse beginning in November will restrict volumes; prohibit sales to people under 18 years of age; and restrict the availability of when and how products can be sold. Maximum penalties for breaching the requirements are $2,200 for individuals, or $11,000 for a corporation, per offence.
Restricting volumes
In retail settings, bulbs (containing between 8-10g of the gas and known as ‘nangs’ or ‘whippets’) will be limited to a total of 250g per day per customer.
Canisters or cylinders containing more than 10g of nitrous oxide will be banned from retail sale.
Age restrictions
Retailers are no longer able to supply nitrous oxide to a person under 18 under any circumstances.
Restricting availability
The crackdown will restrict the availability of when and how nitrous oxide products can be sold, including:
Prohibiting same day delivery and supply
Restricting sales before 5am and after 10pm
Preventing these products from being visibly displayed to customers in retail settings
Exemptions & consultation
Exemptions will be in place for legitimate use such as food and beverage businesses, some industrial and commercial applications, and nitrous oxide that is used therapeutically.
The new regulations, part of the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2026, were developed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders including health practitioner groups, industry and government agencies.
Individuals and organisations involved in wholesale supply, non-wholesale supply, prescribing, dispensing, administration, labelling, packaging, storage and disposal of medicines and poisons will have to comply.
NSW Health is communicating directly with affected stakeholders to ensure practitioners, services and businesses understand the new requirements and to support implementation of the reforms.
For information, support and advice on nitrous oxide misuse contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (1800 250 015) which is available 24/7 or visit the Your Room website for a fact sheet on nitrous oxide. In an emergency, call 000 (triple zero).
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“The prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse – or nangs – is escalating in our community, and it is having a profound impact on the health of our young people.
“That’s why we are cracking down on the supply of these products in our community.
“Our response is simple: restrict the retail and supply volume; restrict the age of consumers; and restrict the availability of when and how it can be sold.
“No doubt, there are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide including in food; medicine; and industry – and we’ve struck the right balance between those purposes and health and safety, following comprehensive consultation.
Sam Bramman, advocate:
“I never thought nangs would take control of my life and leave me hospitalised. This drug was cheap, easy to get, and because they were legal, I thought they were safe.
“If these laws help even one young person avoid the road that I went down, it will be worth it. Nangs are causing serious harm across Australia, and these reforms are a major step toward addressing it.”
New South Wales is responding to a suspect positive case of H5 bird flu.
Samples from a Giant Petrel near Hawks Nest has tested positive for H5 influenza in preliminary testing at DPIRD’s laboratory at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI).
Samples have been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) to confirm if it is the H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) strain.
This marks the first wild migratory seabird in NSW to return a suspect positive result for H5 bird flu.
At this stage, there have only been confirmed detections in vagrant migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.
Importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in NSW, nor has it become established in any part of Australia.
The risk to human health remains low.
If unusual deaths or illness in wild birds are observed please AVOID contact, RECORD by taking photos or video and REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The State Coordination Centre is operating at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s Orange Agricultural Institute since 19 June 2026 to provide coordination of surveillance operations and NSW’s response.
Surveillance operations had ramped up in NSW in preparation for a potential detection across the state, including establishing a H5 bird flu call centre, and training over 500 additional staff, including Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers to undertake surveillance for H5 bird flu.
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“This latest development is incredibly concerning for both agriculture and for wildlife.
“The impact of H5 worldwide on wild birds and poultry has been devastating.
“But NSW and the rest of the country have been preparing for this moment for many years.
“We are working with Federal, State and Territory governments as we roll out plans that have been developed with all stakeholders including industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations.
“The community can help by avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment, recording what you see and reporting any unusual sickness or mass mortality to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
“We will be relying on our partners in industry to help with this and that’s why we have delivered more than 50 briefings and workshops to key agricultural and wildlife stakeholders, ensuring the community have the vital information to manage an outbreak.
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said:
“Our focus now is to increase surveillance and to detect any further infections early.
“We have now ramped up surveillance operations having trained more than 500 additional staff, including Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers to undertake surveillance for H5 bird flu.
“The State Coordination Centre has been stood up in Orange, we have established the H5 bird flu call centre and we are briefing all key stakeholders on the current situation.
“We have innovative spatial mapping tools, decision-support systems and response databases to enable rapid, evidence-based action during a wildlife outbreak.
“We are using the best available data now to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places.”
To report a sick bird call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The Minns Labor Government is driving growth across regional NSW with the launch of a new tourism marketing strategy designed to attract even more visitors, boost local businesses and create jobs across Regional NSW.
The first phase of the campaign will showcase Byron Bay, the Barrington Coast, Shoalhaven, Sapphire Coast and Port Stephens.
Delivered by Destination NSW, the 12-month campaign uses data-driven insights and authentic storytelling to connect visitors with the experiences that make regional NSW unique, from stunning coastal escapes and nature-based adventures to world-class food, wine and cultural experiences.
Developed in partnership with Destination Networks, local councils and industry, the strategy is informed by workshops held across 27 regions, helping identify the experiences and opportunities with the greatest potential to drive visitation, visitor spending and economic growth.
The campaign is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to grow the visitor economy and ensure regional communities share in the benefits of record tourism growth.
Regional NSW continues to be Australia’s leading regional destination, welcoming 64.4 million domestic and international visitors who spent $27.2 billion in the year to March 2026.
Regional NSW will play a critical role in achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, with almost half of the State’s projected $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure expected to be generated outside Greater Sydney.
Following the initial television rollout, region-specific activity will extend across digital, social media, search, PR, influencer engagement, events and Destination NSW-owned channels, ensuring sustained, year-round visibility for regional destinations.
The strategy is backed by the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing investment in major events, aviation connectivity and visitor experiences, helping grow the visitor economy, support local businesses and strengthen regional economies across NSW.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:
“Regional NSW is home to some of the nations best kept secrets, and we’re making sure more people discover them.
“From pristine coastlines and spectacular mountain ranges to world-class food, wine and cultural experiences, NSW has something for everyone.
“NSW is already leading the nation on tourism, with a record 129.3 million visitors spending $61.9 billion across our state last year.
“We want people to stay longer and spend more in NSW, and the best way to do that is to get visitors travelling to our regions. We are backing regional tourism because we know it delivers real economic benefits for communities right across the state.”
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said
“Every visitor who heads to regional NSW helps support local businesses, create jobs and strengthen regional communities.”
“We’re backing regional tourism because when our regions thrive, local businesses grow, more jobs are created and the whole NSW economy benefits.”
“Regional NSW has everything visitors are looking for, and this campaign will help put more people on the road, more customers through local businesses and more dollars into regional communities.”
Councils across NSW are delivering projects to strengthen community connection and overcome hate, racism and discrimination at a local level, thanks to the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.
Under the $800,000 program, seven metropolitan and six regional councils will consult with their communities to elevate local voices, help to build understanding of community experiences, and shape each council’s response to hate, racism and discrimination.
When social cohesion is undermined, communities are less resilient and division grows. This program responds directly to those concerns, supporting councils to deliver practical solutions and reinforce that hate, racism and discrimination have no place in NSW.
Each project is locally designed and led to reflect the needs of specific communities, with many supporting the development of local anti-racism strategies and other long-term initiatives to build more inclusive communities.
In Willoughby, council will facilitate a youth-led project across council areas along the Metro Line to build shared connection and address racism, misinformation and social division through guided engagements, while in Lake Macquarie, accessible training will build the skills and confidence of community members to prevent, respond to and report racial discrimination.
Since launching in 2021, the NSW Social Cohesion Grants program the NSW Government has delivered more than $2.7 million to 21 local governments.
“Our communities are made stronger by our diverse faiths, backgrounds, and cultures. It’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure our differences are respected and seen as the strengths that they are.”
“No one should be made to feel like they do not belong in our state.”
“Creating a safe and inclusive environment for every person, and every family, is a duty that we all share.”
“Through theses council-led programs community members will feel supported to raise their voice and help shape more connected, cohesive neighbourhoods.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“Strong communities are built through respect, inclusion and participation. Councils play an important role in bringing people together and helping create places where everyone feels they belong.”
“Councils across New South Wales have told us they want practical support to strengthen community connections and respond to hate, racism and discrimination. These grants will help them deliver projects that reflect the needs and priorities of their own communities.”
“The strength of this program is that local communities will help shape local solutions. By listening to residents and working alongside community organisations, councils can develop practical initiatives that build understanding, strengthen trust and help prevent division before it takes hold.”
“Local government is closest to the communities it serves. Councils understand their neighbourhoods, know the local challenges and are well placed to lead initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more cohesive communities.”
Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Adam Shultz said:
“Lake Macquarie is a welcoming and inclusive city and we’re committed to continuing to build on that.”
“Our ‘Everyone belongs in Lake Macquarie’ program will deliver training across schools, the community sector and Council to build skills and confidence to respond to racial discrimination.”
“By listening to our community and building understanding, we can strengthen connection and create a more inclusive Lake Macquarie.”
Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor said:
“Willoughby is proud to support Metro Connect, a youth-led project that uses our city’s transport connections to bring communities closer together.
“By creating opportunities for young people from Canterbury-Bankstown and Willoughby to meet, learn from one another, share experiences and develop new friendships, the project will help build connections across our region.
“When young people have the opportunity to meet, listen and connect, it helps challenge misconceptions and break down prejudice through genuine understanding and shared experiences, while fostering a stronger sense of belonging.
“We look forward to welcoming young people to Willoughby and seeing the positive connections that grow from this initiative, helping to build more respectful, inclusive and connected communities for the future.”
The Minns Labor Government’s is inviting rugby clubs, associations and councils across NSW to apply for a share of $2.15 million in new funding, as part of the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program now open.
The Program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $10 million investment in rugby, secured as a direct result of NSW hosting games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
The Legacy Program is designed to make sure the benefits of hosting a major international tournament flow well beyond the matches themselves, into local clubs, facilities and the next generation of players.
Grants of between $5,000 and $150,000 are available to rugby associations, clubs and councils throughout NSW for projects that:
upgrade rugby facilities and infrastructure, including grounds, lighting, amenities and equipment
strengthen player pathways from grassroots through to elite levels
grow participation, with a particular focus on under-represented groups including women and girls, First Nations communities, multicultural communities and people with disability
Round 2 builds on a strong first round, which saw 38 clubs, associations and councils share in $2.15 million to deliver projects ranging from facility upgrades to new participation programs.
The Program is being delivered by the Minns Labor Government in partnership with NSW Rugby Union, ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, reflecting a coordinated approach to growing the game across the state ahead of 2027.
Applications for Round 2 close Friday, 14 August 2026. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply early, with grants assessed on community benefit, project readiness and alignment with the Program’s participation and inclusion goals.
“NSW is the nation’s major sporting event capital, and we’re making sure events like the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 leave a lasting legacy at every level of the game.
“This funding means rugby clubs and communities right across the state get a direct benefit from NSW hosting World Cup games.
“38 clubs, associations and councils have already shared in $2.15 million through Round 1, and Round 2 will keep that momentum going backing infrastructure, equipment and participation programs from grassroots to elite.”
Rugby NSW CEO Peter Murphy said:
“The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program is creating lasting benefits for clubs and communities right across the state.
“This funding gives clubs the opportunity to invest in facilities, grow participation and strengthen the foundations of our game, ensuring rugby continues to thrive well beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
“With over 35 successful applicants in Round 1, we encourage all eligible clubs and councils to explore the program and consider how this funding can help bring their projects to life.”
The Minns Labor Government is investing in the future of the NSW economy by backing a new wave of innovation activity that will drive jobs, attract investment and strengthen the state’s global competitiveness.
A total of 19 organisations will be supported through the latest round of the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program; part of the Government’s push to drive innovation in NSW.
A total of $400,000 will support events and initiatives that bring together startups, researchers, investors and industry, helping turn ideas into commercial opportunities.
From innovation festivals and climate tech awards to health innovation exchanges and AI-focused programs, the funded initiatives align directly with the Government’s priorities to modernise the economy and support industries critical to the state’s future.
The sponsored events, taking place across metropolitan and regional NSW, help connect founders with the networks, capital and expertise they need to grow, with a strong focus on regional participation, inclusion and high-growth sectors.
This latest round supports initiatives aligned with the NSW Government’s Innovation Blueprint and Industry Policy, including priorities across housing, net zero and the energy transformation, and local manufacturing.
By strengthening the innovation ecosystem, the Minns Labor Government is helping to diversify the economy, drive productivity and ensure NSW remains the best place in Australia to start, grow and scale a business.
“The Hunter is an innovation powerhouse and this investment puts our money where our mouth is to support the people, ideas and businesses driving our region’s future.
“This is the Minns Government backing local ideas, jobs and industry to ensure our region – and the people who power it – continues to thrive.
“By investing in the next big idea today, we’re ensuring the Hunter remains at the forefront of innovation, industry and growth for years to come.”
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The Minns Labor Government understands that investing in innovation is investing in jobs, productivity and the long-term strength of our economy.
“Our Innovation Blueprint and Industry Policy are driving that work, backing the industries and technologies that will power growth in NSW.
“This isn’t about an announcement, it’s about delivery. Through practical initiatives, we’re supporting the people turning ideas into real businesses and connecting them with the capital and expertise they need to scale.
“And we’re making sure those opportunities are shared right across NSW, so more communities can benefit from growth.
“By aligning this investment with our priorities in clean energy, housing and local manufacturing, we’re building a stronger, more resilient economy and positioning NSW for the future under the Minns Labor Government.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“Women bring different perspectives and approaches to the table. So it’s fantastic to see initiatives that back women’s innovation receiving funding under this program.
“This investment is part of the wider work we’re doing to boost women’s participation and advancement. By supporting a more inclusive and diverse innovation sector, we’re creating a stronger economy with advancements that benefit everyone.”
Western Sydney Women Founding Director Amanda Rose said:
“Western Sydney is one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions in the country, but too often women are underrepresented in the industries shaping our future.
“ Women Leading AI, is about changing that – connecting women with the skills, networks and confidence to lead in AI and emerging technologies. Our event will bring together around 120 female founders, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and students, with a strong focus on culturally and linguistically diverse and underrepresented communities.
“We are grateful for the support of the NSW Government in growing a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that reflects the talent and potential of our communities.”
Hunter iF CEO Zara Crichton said:
“We’re shifting the conversation in the Hunter from ‘what if’ to ‘yes, and’ – building on the region’s industrial strengths to unlock new opportunities in emerging technologies.
“Through our festival and regional roadshow, we’ll connect people, ideas and capital to turn ambition into real outcomes. The NSW Government’s continued support is helping us scale that momentum across the region.”
EnergyLab Director and CEO Megan Fisher said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the support through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, which allows us to launch the Climate Investment and Growth Series in Sydney at a defining moment for our ecosystem.
“As EnergyLab enters its tenth year, this series will bring vital attention to breakthrough startups while actively addressing the gender funding gap by empowering more women investors.
“By connecting our brightest founders with critical capital, industry and expertise, we are ensuring that Australia’s best ideas have the backing they need to scale and accelerate global decarbonisation.”
Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program – Round 4 Recipients
Organisation
Activity title
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
NSW Regional Roadshow
Barayamal
First Nations Economic Forum
Business Western Sydney
Westmead Health & Innovation District Conference 2026
Cicada Innovations
Cicada x Tech23
Climate Salad
2026 Climate Tech Awards
EnergyLab
EnergyLab Climate Investment Growth Series
Go Remote
Invest Rural
Greenhouse
Climate Innovation and Investment Summit
Hunter iF
2026 Hunter Innovation Festival & Regional Roadshow
iAccelerate – University of Wollongong
Illawarra Pitch Showcase
Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
Health Beyond Research and Innovation Showcase 2026
Proto Axiom
NSW Women’s Health Innovation Exchange 2026
Scale Investors
Equity Clear – Capital Pathways
The University of Sydney
Sydney Biomedical Community of Practice
Western Sydney Women
Women Leading AI: Connecting, Scaling & Growing in Western Sydney
University of Newcastle
Regional Health Innovation Series
UNSW Founders
Pitch Night South West and Digital Makers – South West Sydney
The Minns Labor Government is committing a record $37.3 million to strengthen and expand its response to legacy lead contamination in Broken Hill to protect children and families from the long-term impacts of lead exposure.
The four-year funding in the 2026-27 NSW Budget will double the number of homes remediated each year and support ongoing blood lead level testing for children, particularly Aboriginal children.
Education programs will be expanded, and lead considerations will be embedded into paediatric development and broader health programs, with a strong focus on early intervention for any at-risk children and families.
Broken Hill continues to face one of the most significant legacy lead contamination challenges in Australia. Data from 2025 shows 35 per cent of children aged one to five, and 56 per cent of Aboriginal children of the same age, have blood lead levels above national health investigative guidelines.
The funding includes:
$12.7 million for the development and implementation of a zonal remediation program, targeting homes in known high-risk zones and homes of high-risk families, to reduce lead contamination before exposure can occur.
$11.5 million for ongoing targeted remediation of homes of children who have recorded high blood lead levels.
$8.1 million for enhanced monitoring of emissions from existing mines and other local dust sources, and for the purchase of new soil and air monitoring equipment, to help reduce lead and dust emissions at their source.
$2.5 million for ongoing community outreach, education and awareness campaigns, including expansion of the LeadSmart program and hands-on education sessions at local schools and events.
The commitment delivers on the recommendations of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s report on Reducing the health and environmental impacts of lead contamination in Broken Hill.
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
“No child should be put at risk from the environment they grow up in. This funding boost allows us to more than double the number of homes remediated to protect more families.
“We are pivoting to a proactive, targeted and preventative program, designed to reduce lead exposure in children before harm occurs and break the cycle of lead-related disadvantage in Broken Hill.”
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:
“A long history of lead mining in Broken Hill has left a legacy of contamination that we need to manage better.
“Community blood lead levels, particularly in young Aboriginal children, have not improved as quickly as we need them to.
“That’s why we are reshaping how we address this problem, adding more rigour, more funding, more coordination and more on-the-ground resourcing.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“To see blood lead levels declining in young children screened in Broken Hill is very pleasing but we know more needs to be done.
“This investment will help reduce the risk of harm, particularly for young children and infants.”
