Category: NSW News

The iconic Snowy 2.0 project isn’t just powering homes, it’s powering futures.

As the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia, Snowy 2.0 is securing the Snowy region’s place at the centre of the clean energy transition and delivering lasting economic benefits and jobs while continuing a proud legacy of nation-building infrastructure.

Today, that legacy is continuing, as eight Year 12 students from Monaro High School become the first to graduate with a Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations through a school-based traineeship, delivered on-site at Snowy 2.0 in Cooma.

This qualification has been delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Education’s School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program, TAFE NSW and Monaro High School. Students have learnt skills in logistics, safety and how supply chains work in the real world, being paid while completing their school studies.

This is more than just a qualification. It’s the start of a career in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, supported by the Minns Labor Government.

Around 30 local high school students have participated in Snowy 2.0 SBAT program completing various qualifications and 12 have then gone into full-time jobs on Australia’s largest renewable energy project.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“We know the Snowy 2.0 project is a game-changer for the region, and this program is making sure local young people are ready to be part of it.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to support more initiatives like this especially in regional communities to make sure students can train, work and build great careers.

“The skills and credentials these students have earned will form the basis of great careers, there is the prospect of working near home but also a skill that is in high demand across the economy.”

Principal of Monaro High School, James Armitage said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our students and this program has given them a unique opportunity to step into the workforce while still at school, and they’ve embraced it with enthusiasm.

“This SBAT partnership has shown how powerful it is when education and industry come together with a shared goal of supporting young people into meaningful careers.”

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said:

“Snowy 2.0 is not just about building Australia’s largest renewable energy project – we’re creating a lasting skills legacy in the Snowy Mountains while securing our clean energy future.

“We are incredibly proud to empower local students by offering career-defining opportunities close to home on this once-in-a-generation project.”

Two mega tunnel boring machines have smashed through solid rock to arrive within hours of each other in the Pyrmont metro station cavern, with just over one kilometre to their final stop in the Sydney CBD at the future Hunter Street station.

TBMs Jessie and Ruby started their journey from The Bays precinct in May 2024, completing one of the most complex digs on the Metro West project.

The tunnel between The Bays and Pyrmont comes within 25 metres of the Anzac Bridge, goes under Johnstons Bay and through the complex geographical ground of the Luna Park Fault Zone.

The machines broke through within five hours of each other, making it only the second double TBM breakthrough for the Sydney Metro West project.

Following a five-week pit stop 24 metres underground, Jessie and Ruby will start their final stretch of tunnelling under Darling Harbour to connect the city-shaping project to Hunter Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Work to unlock the transformation of the western harbour foreshore has also leapt forward, with planning approval for a vibrant mixed-use precinct at Pyrmont given the green light.

A 31-storey over station development will rise above the future metro station, with room for 160 residential apartments and five levels of commercial and retail opportunities.

On the doorstep of Darling Harbour and the new Sydney Fish Market, the new Pyrmont metro precinct will connect more passengers than ever before to the harbourside suburb, creating new jobs and housing supply in the process.

When it opens in 2032, Sydney Metro West will connect Pyrmont to Hunter Street in just two minutes.

For further information, including a 3D interactive model of the proposed development at Pyrmont, visit the Sydney Metro West interactive portal.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“TBMs Ruby and Jessie are doing a smashing job delivering this complex section of tunnels into Pyrmont.

“These tunnels will form what will be a critical public transport connection between the Sydney CBD and the Parramatta CBD.

“Pyrmont’s new metro station precinct will be a dynamic hub and play a key role in supporting the transformation of Sydney’s western harbourside into a growing entertainment destination.

“Sydney Metro West is more than just a transport project – along with moving hundreds of thousands of passengers each day, it will deliver up to 1,600 well-located homes within its station precincts.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $13.9 million in critical Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station upgrades in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands, strengthening the state’s frontline emergency service response.

Moss Vale, Parramatta and Wentworthville station upgrades and rebuild form part of a $98.7 million capital investment by the NSW Government, in addition to the $42.2 million being invested to operate a new 24-hour fire station at Badgerys Creek.

This investment is part of crucial work to rebuild essential services people rely on after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal-National government.

The Parramatta precinct project includes the expansion of Parramatta Fire Station, supporting future growth and meeting the increasing operational demands of the area, while Wentworthville receives a new fit-for-purpose station.

Work is underway to upgrade Parramatta Station, with completion expected in early 2026.

Once work at Parramatta is complete, Wentworthville Station will be demolished and rebuilt, delivering a new purpose-built facility for Western Sydney by the end of 2027.

During construction of the new station, Wentworthville firefighters will be temporarily relocated to the upgraded Parramatta Fire Station.

As well as support from Parramatta, Wentworthville and surrounds will continue to be serviced by staff at Merrylands, Rydalmere and Seven Hills, as well as benefitting from resources across Sydney as required.

Work has also begun to upgrade Moss Vale Fire Station. The station is receiving a major refurbishment transforming the current facility into a modern, fit for purpose fire station, delivering on this Government’s election commitment to improve fire services in Moss Vale.

The investment forms part of the Minns Labor Government and FRNSWs station renewal program, part of our work to keep people safe and better serve communities by supporting frontline emergency services.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’re investing in our emergency services in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands to deliver the equipment and infrastructure required to keep people and property safe.

“This investment future proofs our response capabilities in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands while delivering safer, more modern workplaces for our firefighters.

“This year’s multi-million-dollar commitment to modern firefighting stations will protect communities across Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands for years to come.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Fire stations are an integral part of every community, providing an essential service to keep our community safe.

“The Parramatta station upgrade will deliver a modern facility, allowing the team to better support our fast-growing Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott said:

“The rebuild of Wentworthville Fire Station is an important investment in the safety of our community.

“This new fire station will play an important role in strengthening our emergency response for years to come.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said:

“These station upgrades will provide our crews with facilities to train, respond and operate at their best.

“We’ll continue to work with the NSW Government to modernise our facilities and best serve communities.”

A further 30 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 29 are in metropolitan Sydney and one in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 10,800 homes, including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, 187 proposals amounting to more than 70,100 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA in January this year, 60 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and two Development Applications have been lodged.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

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

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering critical infrastructure to boost freight efficiency and strengthen regional supply chains, with a $13 million contract awarded for the construction of a new rail siding at Wumbulgal in the Riverina.

The project will deliver a 1,500-metre, multi-user rail siding between Griffith and Leeton – a major step forward in improving reliability for both freight and passenger services across the region.

Designed to be accessible to any rail operator, the new siding will address a major rail bottleneck where grain trains can currently take up to eight hours to load, blocking the main line and preventing other trains from passing.

The siding will allow trains up to 1.5 kilometres long to load, park or pass others without disrupting the main line – boosting capacity and improving efficiency on the track section between Coolamon and Griffith.

The upgrade also sets the groundwork for future connection into the proposed Western Riverina Connect (WR Connect) intermodal freight terminal, a project being developed by Griffith and Leeton councils.

Laing O’Rourke has been engaged to construct the new siding, with work set to begin this month.

This latest investment builds on the NSW Government’s recent $60 million, 25-tonne axle-load upgrade across 174 kilometres of track between Junee and Griffith, and an $8 million 1,500-metre siding extension at Coolamon.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Modern, efficient rail infrastructure like this siding at Wumbulgal means better outcomes for farmers, businesses and communities, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening regional freight networks now and into the future.

“This investment is part of our wider commitment to regional transport infrastructure – reducing bottlenecks, unlocking economic potential, and supporting jobs and industry across the Riverina.

“Through our RNEW Program, we’re planning for the future – with smarter, more strategic investment to ensure regional rail keeps pace with the needs of modern freight, agriculture and passenger services.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“It’s great to see the government investing in an open access rail and road freight facility. The siding and internodal will not only improve safety, but productivity and efficiencies in partnership with the world’s largest freight company.

“The government and MEDLOG are committing to affordable, open access to all train truck companies which is a significant improvement for business and industry in the Riverina.

“The Wumbulgal rail siding addresses a key freight bottleneck, cutting grain loading times and stimulating investment in faster loading infrastructure. It’s a major win for Riverina producers and the wider regional economy.

“By improving freight capacity and reducing delays, we’re helping our local agricultural sector thrive – while taking pressure off local roads and improving safety for all motorists.”

State Government spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering real investment in regional NSW, backing the Riverina with the infrastructure needed to grow jobs and move goods faster and more reliably.

“Local businesses cannot grow without access to high-quality infrastructure such as roads and rail connections.

“That’s why projects like this are essential to delivering sustainable economic growth for regional NSW.”

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New metro platforms lined by 36 safety screen doors have been installed at Bankstown as the first major Sydney Metro-Sydney Trains transport interchange in south west Sydney enters the final straight to completion.

Due to commence services in 2026, passengers at Bankstown and along the former T3 line will have a new air-conditioned metro train every four minutes in the peak – 15 trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour in the morning peak previously.

Metro conversion work at Bankstown Station has reached 80 per cent completion, with new platforms lined by safety screen doors now finished and train testing up and down the former T3 line progressing.

The former railway platform at Bankstown has been rebuilt to create a central plaza between the Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains stations.

Work nearing completion includes at Bankstown:

• The Sydney Metro station building, with paving of the concourse underway and installation of 19 new Opal gates;
• Tiling and installation of glazed balustrades on the 170-metre long metro platforms
• New platforms and entrance to Bankstown train station directly opposite the new metro entrance

Major work will soon commence on the 90-metre plaza featuring dining and retail options which will provide a pedestrian connection between north and south sides of Bankstown.

More than 100 workers are on-site daily at Bankstown delivering what will be an historic transformation to the station that first opened to trains in 1909.

The conversion will mean the metro network is separate from the existing Sydney Trains network between Sydenham and Bankstown, improving the reliability of services on the line which had been a bottleneck for the train system.

The program of works to transform the 130-year-old line, between Sydenham and Bankstown, for modern metro trains has been a complex and difficult task.

But across all ten south west stations, site works are progressing, with testing and commissioning of key communication systems underway.

Train testing is also continuing, with the critical ‘kinematic envelope test’ underway. This test confirms the train has sufficient clearance from surrounding infrastructure, including station platforms.

More than 700 kilometres of testing has taken place across different parts of the Southwest line, at speeds between 5km/h and 25km/h.

Next year when the final section of the M1 Line opens, Sydney will have a 66-kilometre fast and reliable metro network and Sydney’s south west will have fast metro journey times, including:

• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
• Bankstown to Gadigal: 30 minutes – saving 15 minutes
• Bankstown to Chatswood: 43 minutes saving 25 minutes
• Bankstown to Macquarie University: 54 minutes – saving of 25 minutes

The Southwest metro conversion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plans to deliver more housing where people want to live, near public transport, and closer to jobs.

The Minns Labor Government is turbocharging the delivery of new housing along the Southwest Metro line by supporting transport-oriented development at a majority of stations on the line including an accelerated precinct at Bankstown Station.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“First off, I absolutely acknowledge this has been a very disruptive time for the people of Canterbury Bankstown, and I want to thank them for their patience as we complete this upgrade.”

“Once this is up and running, it will be a game changer as to how people move around Sydney.”

“Every element of this project is about delivering faster, safer and more reliable public transport, while creating vibrant new public spaces like the pedestrian plaza and upgraded station entrances.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Just as this conversion work is transformational for Bankstown Station, the metro when it opens is going to be transformational for the entire south west Sydney region.

“The speed and efficiency of Sydney Metro means more employment and education opportunities within reach for the community here.

“Today is an exciting day for people in south west Sydney who have accepted major disruption to their trains services as we deliver this conversion work.

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“Bankstown has an exciting future ahead as the NSW Government continues to deliver Sydney’s biggest ever transport project.

“A trip from Bankstown to Sydney’s CBD will only take 30 minutes, saving a full 15 minutes off the previous rail journey.

“I know it’s been hard on the community, and they’ve shown great understating and patience but, in the end, we will have a world class metro, and it will be well worth it.”

Today marks 200 days into the year, and already more than 200 lives have been lost on NSW roads. That’s more than one death a day and as your Roads Minister, that statistic haunts me.

Every one of those people was someone’s child, parent, sibling or friend. They left for work, school, or to see loved ones, and never made it home. Their families are now living a nightmare no one should face.

As Minister, road safety is my top priority, but saving lives will take all of us working together.

In 2024, 34 people who died on our roads were not wearing a seatbelt. So far this year, another 11 people have died for the same reason. Over five years, 163 people have lost their life, with 85 per cent of those deaths in regional NSW.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government expanded mobile phone detection cameras to include seatbelt offences.

Since then, over 140 million vehicles have been checked, and seatbelt compliance has improved by 60 per cent. In July 2024, one in every 735 drivers was fined. By June this year, it was down to one in every 1,712.

Most importantly, we are seeing fewer seatbelt related deaths in 2025. That’s progress. Compliance is working.

But there’s more work to do. Of the 125,000 infringements issued, 88 per cent were for incorrectly worn seatbelts.

Let me be clear: wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can be nearly as dangerous as not wearing one at all. It puts your life at risk and can cause significant and lifelong injuries. It puts other lives at risk. It’s a foolish gamble.

A seatbelt must sit low and flat across your hips, and the sash must cross the middle of your chest and shoulder, not under your arm, not twisted, not behind your back. These aren’t just bureaucratic guidelines, they can mean the difference between walking away from a crash, dying or experiencing lifelong trauma.

Our Centre for Road Safety’s CrashLab testing shows an incorrectly worn seatbelt in a crash at just 60km/h can cause fatal injuries to the liver, spleen or abdomen.

The Minns Government will always invest in road safety and this year’s Budget saw $2.8 billion put toward road safety over the next four years. But no amount of infrastructure can replace personal responsibility.

We’ve come a long way since 1971 when NSW became one of the first jurisdictions to mandate seatbelts. But too many people still aren’t wearing them properly and too many families are paying the price.

Seatbelts save lives, but only if they’re worn correctly and I make no apologies for doing everything we can to keep NSW road users alive. Road trauma is absolutely preventable and not inevitable.

Buckle up properly, and let’s work together so no more families have to lose a loved one on our roads.

As students return to school for Term 3, the Minns Labor Government is unveiling a newly delivered $20 million upgrade to Punchbowl Public School while powering ahead delivering better schools for our children including 21 new and upgraded schools that will begin construction this term.

The state-of-the-art upgrade at Punchbowl Public School that was promised by the Liberals in 2018 but never delivered, features a new two-storey building with eight permanent classrooms, creating space for an additional 100 students.

This boost to the schools capacity will help it to meet local population growth, while also delivering new staff and administration facilities, a new secure entryway and additional support classrooms.

Students and teachers at 21 additional schools can also look forward to seeing work commence this term on brand new facilities for them to learn in.

This is part of the Minns Labor government’s record pipeline of new and upgraded schools, with 21 major capital works projects representing a $1.4 billion investment set to get underway across NSW this school term.

It follows more than a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals that promised new schools and upgrades to communities that were never delivered.

Projects set to commence construction before the end of Term 3 include six brand new high schools – four in Western Sydney and two in regional NSW.

Additionally, major upgrades will begin at five high schools and 10 primary schools across both Sydney and the regions.

Together these projects will deliver more than 400 new classrooms to booming suburbs, plus new halls, libraries, performance spaces, science labs, VET facilities, wood and metal workshops, and sports facilities.

Four of the 10 primary school upgrades will also include a new public preschool as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering these projects as part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure over four years in the 2025-26 Budget.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers for our children by reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the government took office.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better schools and more teachers across NSW by investing in the essential infrastructure that the Liberals and Nationals failed to provide – like state-of-the-art public schools and public preschools which ensure families can access a world class local public education regardless of their postcode.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Right across NSW we are delivering a record number of new and upgraded schools for growing suburbs that haven’t had access to world class schools for far too long.

“We aren’t just investing in new and upgraded schools, we’re also delivering more teachers through a 40% drop in teacher vacancies that has nearly halved the number of cancelled classes recorded each week in NSW since we were elected.”

“From this state-of-the-art upgrade to the 21 new and upgraded schools we’re beginning construction on this term, we’re not slowing down delivering the largest investment in public schools in NSW history.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“I am incredibly excited for us to be commencing construction on more than 20 major school projects, including six brand new, much needed high schools, during this school term.

“As a Labor government, we believe in the transformative power of a high quality public education and that is why we are committed to providing world class schools for every NSW family.

“Deputy Premier Prue Car has driven the Minns Labor Government’s work on this record pipeline of new and upgraded schools in booming suburbs that were neglected by the Liberals and Nationals, and these upcoming milestones are a testament to her commitment to delivering the world class schools families deserve as quickly as possible.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“This $20 million investment in Punchbowl Public School demonstrates this government’s commitment to providing high-quality education and modern facilities for students in south west Sydney.

“As a former local Principal, I know how important the school experience is in helping our children reach their full potential.

“We’re building a brighter future for current students and those in our community who will attend Punchbowl Public School in years to come.”

Punchbowl Public School Principal Donna McGeary said:

“This significant investment in our school will enhance the learning environment for all students, now and in the future.

“Our students have a new sense of pride in our school. It’s been transformational for them and there’s a great vibe.

“The upgrade provides our students with the best possible setting to explore, learn, and grow and strengthens our partnerships with parents and the school community.”

Athletes of all ages and sporting codes have scored a win as outdated amenities at CV Kelly Park in Girraween are set to be replaced with the help of $2.5 million from the Minns Labor government.

CV Kelly Park, home to Girraween Athletics Club, Girraween Little Athletics Club and the All Saints Toongabbie Tigers Rugby League Club, will receive a much-needed upgrade.

The new building will break down barriers to female participation by providing gender-inclusive and accessible facilities and further add to the park’s role as a sporting hub for the community with the addition of a multi-purpose meeting space.

The Minns Labor Government’s is focused on building better communities. Our investment in new, gender-inclusive changerooms and accessible toilets and showers will ensure that all members of the local grassroots sporting community will be able to play and train in an inclusive environment.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“By providing more accessible and inclusive facilities, the Minns Labor Government is breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many underrepresented groups from participating in sport.

“CV Kelly Park already serves many members of the community of all ages.

“Upgrading the facilities, will ensure that CV Kelly Park reaches its full potential, supporting the growth of community sport, and providing long-term benefit to the many sporting groups that use the ground.”

Member for Prospect, Dr Hugh McDermont said:

“It’s great that we are delivering vital upgrades to CV Kelly Park to support our local school and sporting clubs.

“These inclusive and accessible facilities will be a game-changer for our amazing local athletes, across multiple sports and year-round.

“Funding for CV Kelly Park is another great example of how the Minns Labor Government is building a better Western Sydney community for all of us.”

Tim Moggridge, Secretary, All Saints Toongabbie Tigers JRLFC;

“All Saints Toongabbie Tigers is thrilled with the $2.5 million investment from Dr Hugh McDermott, on behalf of the NSW Labor Government, Cumberland Council and with support from the Parramatta Eels.

“This upgrade to CV Kelly Park is a game-changer for our club and the wider community – thank you to all involved.”

Karen Farrugia, President, Girraween Little Athletics

“Girraween Little Athletics is deeply grateful for the NSW Government’s support to upgrade CV Kelly Park, helping us provide a safer, more inclusive space for young athletes, families, and volunteers.

“This funding will transform CV Kelly Park into a more accessible and functional venue, strengthening our ability to deliver grassroots sport and foster community pride.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris will today outline the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms to revitalise the hospitality sector and hear from licensed businesses at an industry forum on the Central Coast.

The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford Race Club is hosting the Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow that is expected to attract more than 100 industry participants with the aim to build closer ties between businesses across the region and government organisations. 

Attendees will hear from senior officials on a range of topics, including licensing, policy and compliance requirements, as well as the NSW’s Government’s continuing measures to stimulate the state’s night-time economy and programs to assist businesses. 

Some of the vibrancy reforms that will be outlined include:

• An 80 per cent reduction on annual liquor licence fees for venues that host live music, as well as two hours of extended trading
• Reduced costs and a faster, streamlined consultation process for liquor licence applications and community feedback
• Simpler process for noise complaints and the number of people required to make a statutory disturbance complaint against a licensed premises increased from three to five
• Making permanent a limited takeaway authorisation for restaurants and small bars
• Easier training requirements for former licensees re-entering the industry
• Recognition of interstate digital driver’s licences as evidence of age in NSW licensed premises.

Minister Harris launched the first Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow program in Newcastle in 2023 and since then, more than 800 participants have attended roadshows across 12 regions in NSW, including at Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.

There will be two further roadshows this year, in the Ballina Byron region in September and Bega in November.

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“This roadshow is an opportunity for us to hear from industry stakeholders about their experiences working in the hospitality sector on the Central Coast and how the NSW Government can make it easier for them to do business.

“The Central Coast has a population of nearly 350,000 and is a rapidly growing region that is a desirable place to live, work and play and hospitality venues make a valuable contribution to the local community and the state’s economy.

“The roadshows offer an important opportunity to learn about support services the NSW Government is offering to help businesses grow and thrive, as well as to bring people together to discuss issues, make connections and learn from each other.”

To find out more about Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/events/regulatory-roadshows

To learn more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/resources/vibrancy-reforms-whats-changing