Category: NSW News

Western Sydney’s favourite swim spot, Penrith Beach, is opening for an extra day on the new Anzac Day public holiday and operating with extended hours for the Easter long weekend so people can make the most of the season.

The beach will be the place to be on Easter Saturday, 4 April with free ice-creams and hot drinks offered to the first 300 visitors and a DJ and food trucks set to be on site as part of a community day.

It’s continued to be a popular destination welcoming 118,000 visitors so far this summer and almost 450,000 since opening in December 2023.

While it’s welcomed beachgoers from all over most visitors are local to Western Sydney, including 37 per cent from Penrith, 19 per cent from Blacktown, and 12 per cent from the Hawkesbury LGAs.

Across the Easter long weekend, Penrith Beach will continue to be open daily, with the season now to be extended to include the new Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April.

Importantly trained Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards patrol the beach daily, to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Beyond being a great spot to cool off this summer Penrith Beach has also hosted a number of great free water and sun safety programs.

The free Junior Lifesavers Program was extended due to its popularity, giving 120 local children the chance to learn essential water safety skills from Royal Life Saving experts in a fun and supportive environment.

In partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW, Surf Living Saving NSW and NSW Maritime, about 300 people have also participated in free Community Water Safety Days at Penrith Beach, aimed at increasing confidence and awareness among groups with limited water-safety experience, including newly arrived refugees.

A further 159 people received free skin cancer checks onsite over four days in summer, resulting in 12 people being referred for further health assessment.

The Minns Labor Government has already committed to opening Penrith Beach again during the 2026-27 summer.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“More than 118,000 people visited Penrith beach to cool off this summer, and I’m thrilled we’re extending the season as the warm weather continues. 

“Western Sydney communities deserve to have access to swimming facilities without driving for hours. Your postcode shouldn’t matter when it comes to a free and accessible place to enjoy the water.

“It’s wonderful to see the community continue to embrace Pondi and make it a Western Sydney favourite.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Penrith Beach has become one of Western Sydney’s most iconic summer destinations, and its success highlights how vital it is for Western Sydney to have free, accessible and enjoyable places to swim and relax by the water.

“The Minns Government has introduced a new public holiday this year on the Monday after ANZAC Day so we’re extending the season to include it so beach goers can make the most of their favourite swim spot over the upcoming long weekends.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“Penrith beach has had another amazing season offering thousands of Western Sydney locals a free place to cool off close to home this summer.

“The Minns Labor Government is ending the season with a bang, hosting a community day full of family fun on Easter Saturday and extending the season for the new public holiday on April 27 so we can make the more of our favourite swim spot.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women, investing an additional $500,000 into the Run My Way initiative to help increase women’s participation in running in public spaces.

While there has been a rise in running events and run clubs around the state, new research shows half of all women have experienced harassment while running and most women say their sense of safety influences when and where they run.

To support women’s participation in running, the NSW Government is funding a series of Track Nights events in 2026, which will provide runners with opportunities to train and improve their running in a safe, welcoming community.

Delivered in collaboration with the NSW Office of Sport by Athletics NSW and the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Nights events will guide runners through drills and activities to integrate in their training and discuss findings of a new survey into running habits and safety perceptions.

This new NSW Government survey of more than 5,000 people highlights the significant role safety plays in determining when and where women choose to run:

• 50 per cent of women have experienced harassment on a run, compared to 14 per cent of men
• 70 per cent of women said they have felt unsafe while running, compared to 29 per cent of men
• 95 per cent of women say their sense of safety influences their running habits

The additional $500,000 in funding brings the NSW Government’s total investment in Run My Way to $1.3 million over three years from 2025 to 2027. The investment will be used to expand the number of safety initiatives and on-the-ground programs that are delivered in the next phase of the Run My Way program.

The Run My Way initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Safer Cities program, which is focused on improving perceptions of safety in public spaces, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people.

The $50 million Safer Cities program includes consultation with women and girls about perceptions of safety, along with partnerships with organisations like local councils to test practical initiatives that may improve safety and confidence – such as improved lighting and upgrades to public spaces.

The first Track Nights event was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Wednesday, 18 March and three further events will be delivered in 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park and ES Marks Athletics Track in Randwick.

These sessions are open to everyone and free to participate in. Registrations here: tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club

More initiatives through Run My Way will be delivered over the next 18 months.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Running should be simple – lace up your shoes and go – but for too many women, safety shapes when and where they run.

“These new Track Nights will give runners the chance to try new training techniques, connect and build confidence in a safe and welcoming environment.

“By listening to women and trialling practical initiatives like this, we can learn and test new ways that can help make running safer and more accessible for everyone.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Everyone should feel safe to run in their community.

“This investment is about removing barriers so more women, girls and gender diverse people can get active, build confidence and enjoy sport and recreation.

“Run My Way is an initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s women’s sport strategy, Play Her Way, a four-year plan to facilitate opportunities for NSW women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“These findings highlight a reality many women know too well – safety concerns influence everyday decisions about when and where they exercise.

“Initiatives like Run My Way are helping us better understand those barriers and through our Safer Cities programs take practical steps to address them.

“The Minns Labor Government is working to build a safer New South Wales where women, girls and gender diverse people can feel safe and participate fully in the community.”

Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon:

“Becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major has given us a responsibility beyond race day, to help shape the future of running in Australia.

“Through the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Night Series is designed to bring the running community together, with dedicated sessions that create safe and supportive environments for women, girls and gender diverse runners, alongside opportunities for the broader community to connect and train.

“What we learn here doesn’t stop at the track.  It feeds directly into how we continue to evolve the event and contribute to a more inclusive marathon experience at scale.”

More information about the Run My Way program is available at sport.nsw.gov.au/play-her-way/run-my-way

Runners can register for Track Nights events at tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club

NSW community sport is the winner after the NSW Government awarded $4.49 million through the Local Sport Grant Program.

The funding was awarded to 586 projects that will increase participation in sport and active recreation across NSW.

The Local Sport Grant Program provides grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation.

Grants up to $20,000 were available, with $50,000 available in each electorate.

For further information, including the list of successful projects, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting all people, communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“The Local Sport Grant Program helps us achieve this by providing vital funds to community sporting organisations to invest in facility minor upgrades, new equipment and programs.

“With community sport budgets tight and clubs ever more reliant on volunteers, this funding will mean teams can purchase new jerseys and clubs can host events like gala days or come and try days.

“I congratulate the more than 500 sports organisations across NSW that were successful in securing funding and commend them for their commitment to our collective health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed the Commonwealth’s decision to temporarily halve the fuel excise, after they called for immediate relief for NSW families and businesses. 
 
In contrast, the Minns Labor Government refused to advocate for the reduction and has yet to outline any practical measures at the state level to support drivers facing rising costs. 
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s vague commitment to consider measures down the track and maybe forgo extra GST revenue does little to help drivers now. 
 
“We welcome the fuel excise cut which is something the NSW Liberals and Nationals have consistently called for to support NSW families and businesses as they face rising costs,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“This stands in stark contrast to the Minns Labor Government’s inaction and lack of leadership.” 
 
“After refusing to back the cut, the Minns Government must now be clear about what it will actually do to help NSW drivers.” 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward three measures to provide immediate support, including the fuel excise cut, a fuel cap to lock in prices for 24 hours and free public transport over the Easter long weekend to support families and businesses as well as ease demand on service stations. 
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said with 75 NSW service stations without fuel of any kind it appears the situation is worsening in the regions. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government has been promising to address fuel shortages with fuel companies, but service stations are still running dry and they don’t have any answers,” Mr Singh said. 
 
“Almost two weeks on and there is no clarity on what the Minns Labor Government is doing to help regional communities being hit the hardest by this fuel crisis.” 

Community leaders driving social cohesion and community harmony were celebrated last night at one of the state’s most significant multicultural gatherings.

More than 1,600 guests came together for this flagship celebration of cultural diversity, hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper.

The evening showcased the outstanding contributions of community leaders, announcing the 2026 Multicultural Community Medals winners and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.

A dedicated tribute acknowledged the 15 lives lost in December’s tragic Bondi attack. Ahmed Al Ahmed, one of the many heroes during the attack, appeared on stage and was honoured with a Community Hero Award for his selfless acts of bravery.

The Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations. Among this year’s outstanding recipients:

• The Reverend Bill Crews AM received the Community Harmony Medal for 50 years of service to the most vulnerable, marginalised and diverse communities. His foundation provides more than 200,000 free meals each year to people who need them.
• Ken Habak OAM, received the Lifetime Community Service Medal in recognition of an extraordinary 55 years of volunteer service. Arriving from Lebanon in 1970, Ken became a driving force for his community, founding an Arabic school to support young Lebanese Australians and preserve their cultural
• heritage. He was also chair of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra for 25 years, retiring last year.
• Marta Barany BEM OAM – winner of the Interpreters and Translators Medal. Marta has dedicated her life to supporting new arrivals in New South Wales. Born in Hungary in 1932, Marta migrated to Australia in 1951 and became an interpreter for refugees from the Hungarian Revolution. She helped establish one of the first Community Interpreting Services in the 1960s and later served as an Ethnic Affairs Commissioner in the 1980s, shaping the foundations of multicultural policy in NSW.
• Khushee Gupta took home the ‘Best Report in Multicultural Media’ for her boundary-pushing podcast, Don’t Talk Back. Aimed at younger South Asians, the series tackles topics in their community often considered taboo, with the latest season attracting more than 37,000 YouTube views.

Five individuals were also honoured posthumously through the Multicultural Honour Roll, recognised for their enduring legacy in building a more inclusive, resilient and harmonious NSW.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Multicultural Medals recognise the individuals and organisations who quietly make an extraordinary difference in our communities. Their dedication really does enrich the lives of people across New South Wales.

“They are also a reminder that the social capital that makes our state so strong is built every day – through conversations, connection and the coming together of people from many cultures and faiths.

“My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. You are champions for a harmonious and inclusive NSW.”

Multicultural NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer James Jegasothy said:

“The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an event that so many people look forward to each year.

“Everyone in the room is a hero in their own right. They are proud custodians of their culture and living proof that, with intention and care, we can build a NSW where every person is valued, included and able to contribute.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced 15 data centre projects will progress through the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), as it releases the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper to steer the sustainable development of the sector in New South Wales.

The IDA-endorsed projects are collectively worth $51.9 billion and demonstrate the private sector’s interest in investing and building in NSW.

There are already 90 data centres operating in NSW, with the value of data centre investments in the state growing 65% per year on average over the past three years.

Data centres now account for 12% of all non-residential building investments.

The Minns Labor Government is determined to ensure the NSW economy benefits from this fast-growing demand for cloud storage and the digital economy, while responsibly managing the challenges associated with data centre operations, especially around power and water.

It’s why the Government has today released the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper to provide a principles-based approach to managing the opportunities and challenges of data centre investment for the economic benefit of the State.

The paper’s principles present a framework to guide sustainable and equitable investment that benefits the people of NSW.

Community and industry feedback will help guide decision making, while managing energy and water security, as well as air quality concerns surrounding data centre development.

Today’s announcement follows the IDA’s endorsement of 14 energy projects, collectively worth $34 billion in potential investment, earlier this month. 

These renewable energy and energy security projects will help accelerate the NSW Electricity Roadmap and support the growth of the digital economy.

The rigorous IDA process did not endorse around $40.7 billion worth of proposals related to data centres and technology, considered either premature or overly speculative.

For more information about the Investment Delivery Authority visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/investment-delivery-authority.

Today’s announcement follows and supports the publication this week of the Albanese Government’s Expectations for Data Centres and AI Infrastructure Developers document.

To view the NSW Data Centre Strategy consultation paper visit https://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/expert-advice/nsw-data-centre-consultation-paper/

Written feedback is now being welcomed for the next six weeks.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“New South Wales is a premium destination for data centres but we are only interested in working with proponents who have a long-term commitment to both this state and their social licence.

“The scale of investment endorsed through the Investment Delivery Authority reflects strong private sector confidence in NSW as a home for this digital infrastructure.

“At the same time, we recognise this growth must be managed responsibly. That’s why we’re releasing a consultation paper to inform a Data Centre Strategy that considers energy and water use, infrastructure capacity and the long‑term interests of NSW households and businesses.

“I look forward to engaging with industry, stakeholders and the wider community through this consultation process.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“NSW is a global destination of choice for data centres. In the past year alone, NSW has approved eight data centre projects worth more than $10 billion including the biggest data centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Data centres are important for jobs, data sovereignty and start up creation but we want them to be the best of the best and this consultation paper will help achieve that. 

“By consulting with industry and stakeholders, the NSW Government can support future data centre development that is underpinned by strong planning processes which aligns the development with NSW’s broader infrastructure and environmental priorities.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Data centres are a cornerstone of the modern digital economy, enabling cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other high‑value technology industries.

“Investment in digital infrastructure like data centres is critical to delivering a strong innovation ecosystem, supporting high‑productivity industries and attracting globally competitive investment.

“By releasing the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper, the NSW Government is strengthening the foundations for innovation, skills development and technology‑led growth across the economy.”

DATA CENTRE PROJECTS ENDORSED IN ROUND ONE OF THE IDA:

Proponent	Project	Proposed location
AIMS Capital Management Ltd	Bella Vista Data Centre Campus	Hills Shire Council
Lane Cove DC Alliance	Lane Cove Data Centre Development Project (16-20 Mars Road, Lane Cove West)	Lane Cove Council
Goodman Property Services (Aust) Pty Ltd	Project Atlas Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
GreenSquare DC Pty Ltd	SYD1 (Stage 2)	Hills Shire Council
KNBDC SYD4 Pty Ltd	Mamre Road Data Centre Campus	Penrith City Council
Lehr Consultants International (Australia) Pty Ltd	Glendenning Road Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
Microsoft Datacenter (Australia) Pty Ltd	Honeman Close Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
NEXTDC Limited	S7 Data Centre Eastern Creek	Blacktown City Council
NEXTDC Limited	S4 Data Centre	Fairfield City Council
NEXTDC Limited	NEXTDC S5 Data Centre and Innovation Hub	City of Ryde
STACK Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd	78 Lockwood Road Data Centre	Penrith City Council
Stockland	2 Davis Road, Wetherill Park	Fairfield
Stockland Fife Kemps Creek	Kemps Creek	Penrith
Stockland	Project A	City of Ryde

**NB: One IDA endorsed data centre not listed due to commercial sensitivities**

The Minns Labor Government has passed crucial legislation which strengthens the ability of the ICAC and other law enforcement agencies to tackle crime and corruption.

It comes after the Liberals and Nationals backed down on their attempts to block these critical laws.

The Surveillance Devices Amendment (Public Interest Exceptions) Bill 2026 passed both houses of NSW Parliament late on Thursday, after the Government successfully moved a motion calling on the Liberals and Nationals to support the Bill’s immediate passage.

The Government first introduced this legislation in October last year, only to be blocked by the Liberals and the Nationals teaming up with the Greens to scupper the Bill.

The Government reintroduced the legislation in February, but again the Opposition moved to block it by proposing a warrant system that the ICAC made clear was unworkable and unduly unfettered its ability to investigate corruption.

The Bill will introduce a public interest exception so that individuals or organisations who come into possession of unlawfully made surveillance recordings, but were not involved in making them, can share them with law enforcement without fear of prosecution, provided they act promptly.

Currently, there is no such protection for people acting in the public interest to report crime or corruption.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption currently has a temporary exemption by way regulation under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007.

This Bill will enshrine that and extend a public interest exception to the NSW Police Force, Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the NSW Crime Commission.

Importantly, the reforms do not – and never did – greenlight recording someone without consent or committing offences such as trespass.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“For months, the Opposition has sought to hinder the ICAC from doing its job by refusing to give it the powers it requested.

“The Opposition said they’d back it if we limited the powers to law enforcement, and we did, only for them to look for another way to try and defeat this crucial legislation.

“It defies logic that the Opposition had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this point.
“Meanwhile, the Minns Labor Government has been the adult in the room to make this crime and corruption busting legislation a reality.”

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“At the end of the day this was a simple decision, it was about allowing ICAC to access evidence that could uncover corruption when it occurs. Thankfully those powers are now law, and the people of NSW will be safer from corruption as a result.

“New technology changes the nature of evidence that is collected in the community. We have to allow ICAC to keep up, by using the best evidence available.

“This was another classic example of the NSW Liberals being completely wishy-washy on a serious policy matter. If they don’t know where they stand on corruption, it’s no wonder they don’t know where they stand on so many other issues.”

The Minns Labor Government has released new detailed artist’s impressions as it forges ahead with delivering Box Hill’s first public schools, with the construction contract now awarded to build the permanent home for Box Hill High School and Box Hill Public School, and a new public preschool.

Richard Crookes Constructions will build the new permanent schools, co-located on Terry Road, Box Hill, set to open on day one, Term 1, 2028.

The new permanent Box Hill Public School will cater for 1,000 students and feature 44 classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, a sports court, play areas and covered outdoor learning areas.

Box Hill High School will open for 1,000 students with 50 modern classrooms and be the first high school built in The Hills since 2009, when Labor was last in government. It will include specialist science, arts and technology spaces, seven support classrooms, a hospitality kitchen, a multipurpose hall, library, and a sports field and courts.

The new preschool will be co-located with Box Hill Public School and accommodate up to 120 children every week, in addition to the new public preschool being delivered at The Gables.

Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School are currently operating out of purpose-built temporary facilities fast-tracked and delivered by the Minns Labor Government as an urgent measure to address enrolment demand while these permanent facilities are built, after the former Liberal and National government failed to properly plan or deliver a single public school in the area.

Families in Box Hill have long advocated for expanded public education offerings, with student enrolment growth in the area increasing by more than 1,000 per cent between 2018 and 2023, according to the NSW Enrolment Growth Audit.

The delivery of these new permanent schools is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion school infrastructure investment, which includes $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

Across The Hills, the NSW Government is delivering more than 240 new permanent classrooms for 5,500 students through new school builds and upgrades, including the new Gables Public School, upgrades to Excelsior Public School and Rouse Hill High School, and the recently completed upgrades to Matthew Pearce Public School and Castle Hill Public School.

Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney, Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering Box Hill’s first permanent public schools, having already fast-tracked the delivery of the temporary public school and high school in record time.

“Parents in Box Hill waited far too long for local public schools because the Liberals failed to listen to families or plan for their needs. The Minns Labor Government listened, and we are wasting no time to deliver the much-needed schools for this rapidly growing community.

“We are working hard to deliver these schools for local families because they deserve local access to high-quality public schools.”

Box Hill High School Principal Suada Bilali said:

“The progress on this project is exciting news for our Box Hill High School community.

“Our students and families are looking forward to the day we move into our new permanent home and continue building a strong school community together.”

Box Hill Public School Principal Melanie Mackie said:

“It’s wonderful to see another significant milestone achieved in the delivery of our new permanent school facilities.

“We’re excited to see our shared vision come to life and look forward to welcoming our school community into the completed facilities in 2028.”

NSW magistrates will be known as judges from tomorrow to better reflect the nature and volume of crucial work done in the Local Court.

The Minns Labor Government last year amended the Local Court Act 2007 to change the title of magistrates to judges.

This is more than just a name change. It’s a proper acknowledgement of the important work done in Australia’s busiest court jurisdiction which hears a growing number of and increasingly complex cases each year.

Over the past decade, the number of matters commenced in the Local Court have risen by a third with nearly half a million begun in 2024.

The title of magistrate is a historical one stemming from a time when judicial officers were appointed from the public service and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions.

Local Court judicial officers have been required to hold legal qualifications for more than 70 years.

NSW joins the Northern Territory’s Local Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia where the title of magistrate has been changed to judge.

The title change does not affect existing powers, functions or protections of Local Court judicial officers.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The role of magistrates has changed significantly in recent decades, but their title hasn’t kept pace with the volume and complex of matters they hear. They perform a judicial role, and their title should reflect that.

“Judicial officers in the Local Court do the same things as their counterparts in other courts in NSW. Not only is there no reason not to make this change; it is absolutely deserved.”

$183.2 million is being invested by the Minns Labor Government to transform key parts of the state’s road network, delivering lasting infrastructure and economic benefits for regional NSW. 

The funding will deliver critical road upgrades to support the safer movement of oversize and overmass vehicles transporting components for wind and solar projects, helping drive the renewable energy transition in regional NSW.

Regional communities are at the centre of the renewable energy transition, with areas like the Central-West Orana playing a critical role as the powerhouse of the state’s future energy system. 

The investment recognises that as these regions drive the transition, they must also be backed with the infrastructure to support their communities, industries and future growth. The funding will be shared across three of the five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ): 

• $50 million for Central – West Orana REZ for safety and capacity upgrades primarily along the Golden Highway, as well as between the Port of Newcastle and the Central West
• $65 million for South – West REZ to start work on six intersection upgrades to allow components to be moved through the western Riverina region between the Dinawan and the Buronga substations) 
• $68.2 million for New England REZ to begin upgrades at Rix’s Creek Bridge and Liddell Interchange, plan for safety and capacity upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale and develop an OSOM route around Tamworth on the northern end. 

Design work is already underway for critical upgrades on the Sturt and New England highways and started delivery of town entry safety treatments on the Golden Highway at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Jerrys Plains Denman and Sandy Hollow. 

In coming months, Transport for NSW will complete community consultation and provide more information and expected timelines as the program develops, while fast tracking project concept design so that this vital road work can move ahead quickly.   

Extensive planning is already underway to minimise impacts on local communities and road users, with oversize and overmass movements carefully coordinated – typically departing ports at night and travelling along designated Renewable Energy Zone routes under pilot or escort where required.

The previous green energy joint funding commitment of $128.5 million has crews already working to upgrade 19 areas along the Central-West Orana REZ route.  

These upgrades and road treatments are at identified pinch points and vary from road widening, relocating traffic signs, installing new turn lanes and extending drainage and culverts.  

With this new $183.2 million in funding, there is a total of $216.9 million available ($211.9 million NSW Government funding, $5 million Australian Government funding) for REZ road upgrades across regional NSW.

This includes $10 million for the development of infrastructure upgrades associated with the Central- West Orana REZ project, which is funded 50/ 50 with the NSW and Federal governments, and $23.7 million to deliver an overtaking lane west of Merriwa.

 Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe: 

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ of the state’s electricity system.   

“As part of this, we are upgrading our road network to help deliver the renewable energy zones and a once in a generation road upgrade.

“NSW has the most advanced plan for the rollout of renewable energy in Australia – today’s investment in our road network is the next stage of that. 

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison: 

“These upgrades recognise a simple reality. Our regional communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future and for too long they’ve had to bear the brunt of the transition without the infrastructure to support it.

“The Central-West Orana and surrounding regions are the powerhouse of our state’s energy transition. They have long powered NSW through a mix of energy sources. As we transition, they will continue to play that critical role. 

“I know how important the Golden Highway is for both communities and industry alike. These upgrades will ensure it can safely and efficiently support the movement of energy infrastructure, while continuing to serve the people who rely on it every day.

“This $183.2 million investment is about recognising the role regional NSW plays in powering the state – and making sure communities see lasting benefits through stronger, safer and more resilient roads.”  

Mayor of Temora Shire, Rick Firman: 

“Our remote and rural communities often carry the load of work when it comes to major transitions like this, so this investment is a very welcome commitment to making sure we are properly supported. 

“As large renewable energy components are transported across our region, these upgrades will help keep people safe, maintain vital connections, and leave a lasting legacy of better infrastructure for our community.

“Regional councils look forward to continuing to work productively with the Minister on corridor planning for upcoming REZ movements in their local government areas.” 

“This is about making sure our communities are not only part of the transition, but benefits from it as well.” 

Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Josh Black: 

“This significant investment in the Golden Highway will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the Dubbo Region, particularly when travelling to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“In regional areas like ours, roads are the connections between towns – essential to keeping people, goods and services moving seamlessly. These upgrades will improve safety, support local businesses and industry, and ensure our community can continue to grow and thrive.”

Mayor of Muswellbrook, Jeff Drayton: 

“Muswellbrook has long been at the centre of NSW’s energy story and as that story evolves, it’s essential our community is supported. 

“As a key hub in the Upper Hunter, we’re seeing firsthand the increased demand on our local roads as large renewable energy components move through the region. For our community, that means balancing this important work with keeping our community connected and safe. 

“This investment will strengthen our road network, reduce pressure on key routes and ensure Muswellbrook continues to play a leading role in powering the state.” 

Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire, Kathryn Rindfleish: 

“In small regional communities like those across Wurrumbungle Shire, our road network is our lifeline and connection to the rest of the state. It’s how we access services and keep our local economy running. 

“The roads are placed under significant pressure from the transportation of renewable energy infrastructure – impacting safety, accessibility and day-to-day life for our community. 

“The $183.2 million investment in roads in Renewable Energy Zones acknowledges those challenges, and I’m very pleased to see regional communities recognised and supported through the transition.” 

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody:

“The Minns Labor Government’s renewable energy rollout is a generational, nation building, freight and logistics task.

“The Port of Newcastle is the only port on the East Coast of Australia capable of handling such a massive and complex operation, and as the entry point for these components, we recognise and welcome the unprecedented scale of works and investment the government is making to ensure the road network is equally ready.

“Recognising the critical role the Port of Newcastle will play in the government’s successful rollout, we are laser focused on ensuring the Port is capable and ready to receive the first REZ components in 2027.”