Category: NSW News

North west Sydney is a step closer to a state of the art healthcare facility, with the designs for the $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital officially locked in and early works underway.

The Minns Labor Government, in partnership with the Albanese Government, is delivering the new public hospital which will provide world class, comprehensive, integrated health care to the growing region of north west Sydney now and into the future.

The delivery of this hospital is a major milestone for the community which was promised three times by the former Liberal National Government but never delivered.

The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around NSW leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure.

The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities, including in Rouse Hill.

Early works have started to prepare the site and with the project now approved, the construction contract is expected to be awarded later this year.

Key features of the new hospital include:

• an Emergency Department
• comprehensive birthing services including birthing rooms and a maternity inpatient unit
• inpatient beds and day surgery services
• short stay medical assessment services
• pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics and renal dialysis
• virtual care and hospital in the home services
• prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine
• The project is expected to create 1,550 construction jobs.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the vital infrastructure needed to support housing growth and create better communities.

The Minns Labor Government has a massive $30 billion per year infrastructure program – that’s $81 million a day – building the roads, schools, hospitals, water and transport for communities.

After the Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects in Western Sydney, the Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and better services.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $12.4 billion to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including:

• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital, which includes a $120 million contribution from the
• Commonwealth Government – which the Liberals promised at three elections and failed to deliver;
• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital – which the Liberals promised in 2019 and failed to deliver;
• $630 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, which includes a $80 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment;
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information visit: http://nsw.gov.au/rouse-hill-hospital.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering Rouse Hill Hospital for families in Sydney’s North West who waited too long after years of Liberal broken promises.

“This hospital will deliver the essential health infrastructure local residents deserve, including a full emergency department and comprehensive birthing services, which were missing under the former government’s inadequate plans, which they never delivered.

“This vital project is part of Labor’s record investment to deliver more hospitals, more beds and better services for families in Sydney’s growing west.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This is a significant milestone and another step forward for the new Rouse Hill hospital, something the community has been waiting too long for.

“The Coalition’s failure to deliver on major hospital projects left parts of the state without whole hospitals, health systems under pressure, and jeopardised health services for local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of more patients in our growing communities.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital will provide north west Sydney with much needed health services that were promised by the former Liberal National Government but never delivered.

“It’s taken the Minns Labor Government to move it from a promise to delivery.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“Sydney’s north west were left out to dry by the former Government but where they failed the Minns Labor Government are getting on with the job.

“This approval is another exciting step forward for the project which will provide vital health services to the growing community for decades to come.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“I’m thrilled that families in my community are one step closer to having the high-quality hospital they deserve, close to home.

“This important milestone is a testament to how federal and state Labor are continuing to deliver for the North West, particularly after a decade of Liberal neglect.”

Communities in the Central Coast are benefitting from more timely access to urgent care, with more than 25,000 visits made to the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service since it opened in December 2023.

Since opening, the service has supported the community with timely care for a wide range of conditions that can be safely and appropriately treated outside of busy public hospital emergency departments (EDs). These include musculoskeletal conditions (sprains, pains, minor fractures, and plaster care), respiratory conditions, infections, minor injuries, rashes, bites and stings.

This Urgent Care Service is just one example of the services the Minns Government is delivering and expanding, making it easier for patients and families to access the care they need.

Open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm, including public holidays, the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service is staffed by general practitioners, nurses and allied health clinicians. The service also offers access to onsite pathology and works with local radiology providers during business hours when imaging is required.

The multidisciplinary team is able to provide patients with high quality and safe healthcare, including referring them to Central Coast Local Health District’s Hospital in the Home service or other community services if additional care and support are needed.

Patients who have a non life-threatening condition should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free advice, anytime of the day or night. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and connect them to the right care, which can include referral to an Urgent Care Service.

Patients needing language support can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in a suite of ED alternative pathways in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW receive the most appropriate care.

This includes:

• ​$171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED.
• $100 million to continue urgent care services for a further two years to 30 June 2027 to provide a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times​
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

Minister for Health Ryan Park

“Urgent Care Services like the one at Long Jetty are a key strategy in reducing pressure on our EDs and ensuring patients receive timely care.

“Every day we see how valuable this service is for the Central Coast community. Patients appreciate being able to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“This is why the Minns Government is continuing to invest in and expand access to ED alternatives.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris:

“The numbers speak for themselves, 25,000 visits to the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service since it opened less than two and a half years ago represents a lot of people receiving timely care and treatment and a large relief for our region’s busy EDs.

“It is wonderful that people in the growing north of the Coast have this care option and that they are making such good use of it.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan:

“I want to thank the wonderful staff at the Long Jetty Urgent Care Service. Thanks to their dedication many people on the Central Coast have been able to receive timely advice and treatment without needing to attend a busy ED.

“I encourage anyone unsure about the type of care they need to contact Healthdirect, who can guide them to the most appropriate service.”

Central Coast Local Health District Acting Chief Executive Jude Constable:

“We are really pleased to be able to offer the community this service and to help make it easier for them to receive the care they need for urgent health conditions, particularly at times when they might find it difficult to make an appointment with their usual GP.

“Long Jetty Urgent Care Service is providing an important alternative option for the community while helping to keep our EDS for people with more serious conditions.”

Shadow Minister for Corrections Anthony Roberts has called on the Minns Labor Government to abandon any plan to scale back Goulburn Correctional Centre and instead commit to protecting local jobs, and expanding the site as a major corrections, rehabilitation and law-and-order training hub for New South Wales.
 
Mr Roberts said Goulburn had been a cornerstone of the State’s correctional system since 1884 and should be strengthened for the future, not quietly diminished.
 
“Goulburn is one of the most historic and important correctional sites in New South Wales – and historic does not mean obsolete,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“As Shadow Minister for Corrections and having held the Counter-Terrorism portfolio in Government, I know how serious decisions about this site need to be. The answer is not to run Goulburn down. The answer is to build it up.”
 
Mr Roberts said the Government’s first obligation must be to the workforce.
 
“These correctional officers and their families cannot simply pack up and move. They have mortgages, children in local schools and deep ties to the Goulburn community, and their jobs must be protected and grown, not used as line items in a budget exercise,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Mr Roberts reaffirmed the Liberal and Nationals’ position that the Supermax must remain at Goulburn while the broader site should be expanded across minimum and maximum security, Corrective Services Industries, education and training.
 
“The Supermax stays. That is non-negotiable,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“At the same time, this site should expand its minimum-security capacity, refurbish education and vocational facilities, grow Corrective Services Industries, and better prepare suitable inmates for life after custody through real work, real skills and real discipline.”
 
“Transferring suitable inmates from Long Bay to Goulburn would both revitalise the Goulburn Correctional Centre and assist the Long Bay transition.”
 
“A NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest in Goulburn Corrections, utilising the proceeds of our proposal to transition Long Bay into a future housing development.”
 
Mr Roberts acknowledged the strong advocacy of the Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman MP, and called on the Minister for Corrections to release the Government’s full plan for the site.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said the facility should be operating at full capacity and supported by long-term investment.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has failed to plan and failed to recognise the importance of continued investment in this critical facility. That lack of foresight is putting local jobs and public safety at risk,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman challenged the Minister for Corrections to guarantee investment and job security for local officers.
 
“The people of Goulburn deserve answers. The workforce deserves certainty. What is the future bed capacity? What guarantees apply to local jobs? Has Long Bay transition capacity been properly assessed? Has an economic impact assessment for Goulburn been completed?” she said.
 
“Labor is looking at what it can shut down. The Liberals and Nationals are focused on what we can build.”

There are serious concerns about further delays on the stalled M6 motorway project on the eve of the 1 May deadline imposed by the Minns Labor Government, with no confirmation the contractor will resume work.
 
In March, Transport for NSW issued a formal default notice to the M6 contractor, directing it to resume substantive work, including tunnelling, on, or before 1 May 2026 or face potential legal action.
 
Shadow Minister for Roads, Mark Coure, said the Government’s silence as the deadline approaches is unacceptable.
 
“The Minns Labor Government set this deadline. They own it. But now, as 1 May approaches, they’re silent,” Mr Coure said.
 
“If the contractor fails to meet the deadline, what action is the Government taking? If they’re meeting it, why hasn’t the Government said so?”
 
“This is a critical moment for a $3.1 billion project, yet motorists are being kept in the dark.”
 
The M6 project has been effectively stalled since 2024 following major construction issues, with tunnelling yet to resume and completion now pushed out to at least 2028.
 
“Southern Sydney commuters have been waiting years for this road, only to be met with delays and disputes,” Mr Coure said.  
 
“This project has already been stuck in limbo for more than two years, while millions have reportedly been spent on legal disputes instead of getting the job done.”
 
“The Minister made a lot of noise only to go missing when it counts. The Minns Labor Government needs to front up today.”
 
Mr Coure is calling on the Minister to immediately disclose:
·        Whether the contractor has complied with the default notice;
·        What action will be taken if the deadline has not been met; and
·        A clear, updated timeline for completion of the M6.

I welcome today’s Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.  
 
The antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi was the worst terrorist attack our country has ever experienced. 15 people were killed and 40 more injured.  
 
Today, my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those no longer with us, our Jewish community and the many people in my local community who still live with the pain of that day.  
 
Everyone has a moral obligation to stand with the Australian Jewish community to confront and eliminate antisemitism, and the work of the Royal Commission is an important part of that.  
 
The recommendation that police procedures in respect to Operation Jewish High Holy Day be applied to other high-risk Jewish festivals and events should be adopted by the NSW Government immediately. 
 
Jewish community members must feel protected as they celebrate their faith as is their right.  
 
I’ll continue to work with our Jewish community in the coming weeks and will have more to say as the Royal Commission process moves forward. 

A new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card will be delivered under the biggest overhaul of the NSW public transport ticketing system since its rollout 13 years ago. 

The $820 million investment will deliver much better real-time information on public transport services, including the installation of digital information screens on 5,000 buses for the first time.

This will provide passengers with information on upcoming stops and destination timings – as well as onboard audio announcements.

Passengers waiting at bus stops will now get much better information on the next service, ending the longtime commuter frustration of ‘ghost buses’ that show up on apps and maps but not in real life.

As announced earlier this month, almost a million public transport passengers will shortly be able to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and the lower weekly fare cap – through contactless technology on their device under the digital upgrade to the Opal network. 

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and a $2.50 daily cap is in place for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free. On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.

The project, Opal 2.0, has passed a significant milestone, with contracts now signed with two leading industry suppliers to deliver the ticketing overhaul.

Contractors will install 25,000 new Opal readers across rail, metro, bus, light rail and ferries, replacing the familiar machines passengers have “tapped on” to for more than a decade and have now reached their end of life.

Development of the new system will progress throughout 2026 before the first hardware installations starting in 2027 and completion expected in 2028.

This investment is part of a broader shift to focus on the parts of the public transport network people use every day like buses and heavy rail, alongside new metro lines.

For too long, investment has been concentrated in major metro projects, while reliability and customer experience on existing services has lagged. That is changing.

This upgrade will improve the day-to-day experience for millions of passengers, making services more predictable, easier to use and better connected.

Passenger benefits of Opal 2.0 include:

• Automatic fare adjustment if an incorrect fare is charged, without needing to contact customer service
• Digital Opal cards that can be added to your device of choice
• World-leading and Australian-first Contactless Concessions
• New and improved Opal travel app
• Personalised notifications sent after a passenger taps with advice on trip and fare
• Faster and more accurate patronage data to warn how busy onboard an upcoming service will be
• Information screens on 5000 buses
• Ability for event-goers to scan the QR code on their ticket at an Opal reader to access free transport
• Passenger information screens that display upcoming stops on all Greater Sydney and outer metropolitan buses
• Better real-time bus tracking and patronage accuracy

Following a competitive international procurement process, Transport for NSW has awarded contracts for the Opal 2.0 upgrade.

INIT Pty Ltd will deliver the Account Based Ticketing system. Headquartered in Germany with a Sydney office, INIT has delivered ticketing systems in more than 140 cities worldwide.

Trapeze Group will deliver the Bus Solution. With a workshop in Western Sydney, Trapeze operates in more than 70 locations globally and delivers transport technology across Australia, including for Yarra Trams and NSW Ambulance.

The NSW Government has allocated $77.8 billion over four years in the 2025-26 Budget to support public transport services and infrastructure, and the functions that keep them running.

Opal 2.0 budget remains within budget at $738 million, as previously announced, with new funding for the bus upgrades taking the overall investment to $820 million.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“At a time when families are under pressure, we are focused on making public transport a more reliable and affordable option for millions of people across NSW.”

“This upgrade is about improving the everyday experience, making it easier to get around, to save money and easier to rely on public transport.

“We are investing not just in new lines, but in the services people use every day like buses, trains and the systems that keep them running.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Opal was introduced more than six years before the first metro service even ran in Sydney. It’s time for this tech-led transformation.”

“So-called ‘ghost buses’ have been a bugbear for Sydney commuters, and this solution is going to end that era once and for all.

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said: 

“This is the next frontier of Opal – helping us to achieve a safe, equitable, accessible and integrated transport network.

“The original Opal relied on technology from London’s Oyster system, which was first introduced in 2000. Like corresponding technology from the start of the century such as the Blu-Ray Player and the first Blackberry – it’s time for an overhaul.”

INIT Executive Vice President MENA-ANZ Eyad Tayeb said:

“We are delighted to bring the very latest account-based ticketing technology to NSW.

“Our technology is used in dozens of world class public transport systems across the globe, including playing a critical role in Atlanta and Houston’s hosting of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Munich.

Trapeze Group ANZ Head of Intelligent Transport Systems David Eason said:

“The NSW Government has set a bold and progressive vision for the future of bus operations. Passengers across Greater Sydney and outer-metropolitan areas deserve a predictable, reliable, and easy to use bus network that connects communities.” 

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of more than 68,000 new homes across regional communities, with a $3.8 million investment to help councils unlock housing supply sooner.

Twenty regional councils across NSW will share in the latest funding from the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (RHSPF), which will support critical planning work needed to enable thousands of more homes.

This funding will fast-track work which is critical to support sustainable growth that aligns with both demand and infrastructure needs.

This investment is supporting councils right across NSW from Newcastle to the Central West, Riverina, Murray, Northern Rivers and more so they will be better equipped to deliver more diverse, well-located and affordable homes.

The funding will be used to deliver technical studies and policy frameworks needed to guide future growth, such as local housing strategies, infrastructure servicing plans, contributions plans, and development control plans.

Councils have co-contributed $1.1 million, bringing total investment in this round to $4.9 million.

Since its launch, the RHSPF program has funded 80 strategic planning projects worth $20.3 million. Councils have completed 36 projects under rounds 1 to 3, helping to advance an estimated 62,000 dwellings along the housing supply pipeline.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information about the RHSPF, visit: Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re backing regional communities with the planning they need to deliver more homes, sooner.

“This investment is about making sure councils have the tools to unlock land, coordinate infrastructure and support growing communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the achievements and lives of regional and rural women in New South Wales with the launch of a new podcast today.

Called ‘Wise, Wild and Woven’, the podcast tells the stories of 13 women, over 40, from across the state from as far south as Deniliquin right up to Tweed Heads in the north.

The 13-espisode series offers an impressive lineup of women including Regional Woman of the Year recipients, AgriFutures Rural Women’s award finalists and winners, Hidden Treasures Honour Roll nominees, business founders and volunteers.

Developed by the NSW Rural Women’s Network and hosted by Dimity Brassil, Program Producer of A Lasting Tale and the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award NSW/ACT State Finalist, the podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations that explore living and working in regional and remote New South Wales.

It also aims to challenge negative stereotypes about gender and ageing, and illustrate the breadth of achievement, leadership and resilience across the state.

Four episodes are available to stream now on all major podcast platforms:

• Mary Hollingworth, based in Glen Innes, is a long‑time community contributor and Country Women’s Association member, recognised as both a Hidden Treasures and Women of the Year nominee. Her story reflects the quiet, consistent leadership that keeps regional communities strong
• Dr Saba Nabi, based in Wagga Wagga, is a health professional, advocate and board member of Multicultural NSW. Her reflections speak to identity, wellbeing and the importance of inclusive voices in regional leadership
• Kirsty Evans, from Orange, is the 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year. A lawyer and community advocate, she’s known for her calm leadership and commitment to supporting regional communities through challenges and change
• Jane Harris, from the Southern Riverina, is a community builder and leader whose work spans education, collaboration and local wellbeing. Her story is one of connection, service and creating spaces where communities can thrive.

Remaining episodes will be released monthly throughout 2026.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing. Funding for this podcast aligns with our priorities to support and uplift women across the state, providing regional women with a platform to connect and share their stories.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/wise-wild-woven.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“This new podcast shines a light on women across regional and rural New South Wales whose voices are often underrepresented.

“These remarkable women come from all walks of life and represent the diverse breadth of achievement and experience in New South Wales – from high-profile achievements to quietly powerful contributions in their local communities.

“The podcast provides a platform for their authentic stories that I know will resonate with so many women across the state, fostering empowerment and connection within communities.”

Host and Program Producer of A Lasting Tale Dimity Brassil said:

“It’s been a privilege to interview these incredible women, all of whom are powerful and passionate community builders. I’ve loved hearing their stories and discovering what makes them tick.

“They’re doing great things and creating change where needed: raising mental health awareness in shearing sheds, fighting to get insurance for flood victims, running regional theatre awards that rival the Oscars, keeping agricultural shows alive, and putting the twinkle back in farmers’ toes for charity. And that’s just the start!” 

A new Urgent Care Centre is opening its doors to patients in Wentworth today, improving access to timely non-emergency healthcare and helping local communities avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

The Minns Labor Government has been focused on delivering improved access to healthcare in regional NSW by delivering more services.

The Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth Hospital and is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The Urgent Care Centre is staffed by nurses and supported by medical officers with important diagnostic services on-site including some pathology.

The Urgent Care Centre is equipped to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor cuts, sprains or suspected fractures, minor infections, minor burns, rashes, insect or animal bites, cough, cold or flu, mild asthma attacks, earaches, fevers or chills.

To access the service, patients should call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This may include an appointment at the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre, a specialist virtual care service or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

Walk-in patients presenting to the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre will also be triaged, treated or transferred to the most appropriate facility to receive the right care, at the right time.

Healthcare provided at Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is bulk-billed.

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

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Families in Wentworth and surrounding areas now have more pathways to access timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the emergency department.

“This new service is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth hospital and will improve access to care and reduce wait times.

“The Minns Government is increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring patients have fast access to the care they need.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“I welcome access to an urgent care service for the residents of Wentworth.

“The new Urgent Care Centre is a win for the community and is the perfect complement for the brand new $30 million Wentworth Hospital.”

Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva:

“Importantly, the Urgent Care Centre at Wentworth Hospital will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

“This is good news for local families, because illnesses and injuries can happen at any time, any day.”

The Northern Rivers has a new star in its tourism crown with the official opening of the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout. 

Situated on the crest of the Richmond Range, the observatory is set to transform the region into a premier destination for ‘dark sky’ tourism.

Positioned on the precise latitude where the centre of the Milky Way crosses directly overhead daily, the site offers a celestial experience unlike any other on Earth.

Designed by award-winning firm Terrior, the facility features a striking armillary-like sphere of galvanised steel and pre-cast concrete. The design’s global significance was recently recognised when it was shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival.

The $3.33 million project was made possible through a $2.067 million investment from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, with Kyogle Council contributing $1.267 million.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Northern Rivers has a new star in its tourism crown with the official opening of the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout. By investing in unique landmarks like this, the NSW Government is ensuring our regional communities have the world-class infrastructure they need to thrive.

“This project is a prime example of how we are delivering high-impact results for Western and Regional NSW.

“By leveraging Mallanganee’s unique celestial position, we are diversifying the local economy, and giving people a compelling reason to visit and stay in our vibrant regions.

“Whether you are a local or a visitor, standing beneath the centre of the Milky Way at this award-winning facility is a powerful reminder of the innovation and beauty found in our regional backyard.”

Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore said:

‘I backed this exciting project from the start, appreciating its destination tourism potential for the Kyogle community and the broader region.

“No other outlook in the world can claim this unique positioning, underneath the centre of the Milky Way – this truly puts Mallanganee on the global tourism map.

“The economic ripple effect will be felt by every small business from Mallanganee to Tenterfield.

“We are transforming this unique natural asset into a reliable economic engine – one that drives year-round foot traffic and sustains permanent local employment for years to come.”

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland OAM said:  

“From the seed of an idea, came a project that will deliver benefits to not only Mallanganee but the surrounding villages.

“There are some avid astronomers across Australia and the Mallanganee Observatory is expertly designed to take advantage of the numerous constellations in the night sky.

“As Council starts to digitise attractions across the Council area, highlighting places of interest and taking advantage of the visitor economy, we expect to see an increase in tourism.

“This is a great investment by the State Government and Kyogle Council into the village of Mallanganee and its future.”