Category: NSW News

Emergency response in Sydney’s south is set to be bolstered with a nearly $10 million investment for a brand-new fire station at Engadine.

The Minns Labor Government has allocated $9.9 million in the 2026/27 NSW Budget for the construction of a new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station, with land already acquired.

Two adjoining lots – with access to Railway Parade and the Old Princes Highway – have already been secured for the future development of the station.

The new station will replace the existing location on Prestons Avenue, which has served the community since its opening in June 1966.

Planning and design work will now begin in consultation with key stakeholders. The new station will provide firefighters with modern facilities to enhance the safety and efficiency of operations.

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to delivering modern emergency services infrastructure across NSW, ensuring firefighters have the resources they need to keep communities safe.

This announcement is part of more than $105 million allocated for FRNSW infrastructure and fleet this financial year. Other major projects include:

• A new $22.2 million fire station, fire truck and 20 additional firefighters for Marsden Park.
• Land for a future fire station at Box Hill to support one of NSW’s fastest-growing communities.
• New and upgraded stations across metropolitan and regional NSW including at Badgerys Creek, Wentworthville and Goonellabah.

Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib said:

“A new fit-for-purpose fire station at Engadine will give local crews the space, equipment and facilities they need to continue to protect families and homes across Sydney’s south.

“This funding is about making sure the community has a station that is fit for the future so crews can continue responding quickly and effectively when people need help.

“It forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to strengthen emergency services across NSW, so our communities can rely on a capable and effective response when it matters most.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart said:

“We’re backing Fire and Rescue NSW, whose firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the community

“The current Engadine Fire Station was built back in 1966. With the population growth, the Minns Labor Government is planning infrastructure to meet future demands.

“I thank the local firies for their commitment to public safety and the Minister and the Commissioner for their support to the firies and our electorate.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“We know our firefighters need modern facilities that support the work they do every day to keep communities safe.

“With funding secured for Engadine, we can begin the next stage of planning and consultation with local crews to deliver a station that will serve the community well into the future.

“We are delivering a modern operational base for firefighters responding to road crashes on the highway, local fires or rescues in the nearby national park.”  

The Minns Labor Government is investing over $148,000 in a local program to empower Aboriginal women to establish businesses and lead environmental and cultural heritage protection on Country in the state’s North Coast.

Currie Country Social Change’s ‘Empowering Women for Country: Building Skills in Cultural and Heritage Protection’ pilot program will help equip 16 Aboriginal women with skills in leadership, and business and communications, as well as gain certifications in cultural heritage, drone operation, first aid and 4WD safety.

Through the pilot, these women will also receive training and guidance to establish micro-businesses delivering environmental management and cultural heritage services grounded in Aboriginal knowledge.

The women will receive wraparound support such as ongoing mentoring, cultural connection and intergenerational knowledge transfer to help them confidently launch and sustain their businesses.

The objective is to create culturally grounded businesses that protect Country, preserve cultural heritage, and build long-term community resilience through expanding employment opportunities for women.

The Minns Government is supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners, especially those from priority cohorts such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women living in regional, rural and remote areas, women with disability, carers and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

It is part of our wider work to boost women’s participation and advancement that includes Supporting Women in Business grants, Investing in Women grants and the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network.

To learn more about our women’s programs, go to: nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/women-nsw-grants-and-funding

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Currie Country Social Change’s pilot is an innovative, culturally grounded initiative that draws on intergenerational Aboriginal knowledge to equip women with additional skills to protect Country and cultural heritage.

“The NSW Government is proud to fund this initiative that will create real, sustainable employment for women and girls who face barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce.

“With skills in cultural heritage, environmental protection and disaster management in high demand across the state, the knowledge and leadership these women will bring to Country is invaluable and essential.

“The Minns Government is building a stronger future for women, by supporting their dreams to start their own businesses, or creating pathways for them to lead or embark on a new career.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to closing the gap by continuing to support culture and Aboriginal led businesses across NSW.

“NSW is unique in having a specific Closing the Gap Priority Reform – reform number 5 – focused on bolstering Aboriginal business growth and economic prosperity.

“Programs like this will help equip Aboriginal women with the tools they need to boost their local economies and preserve their culture now and into the future.”

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

“Empowering Aboriginal women to launch micro-businesses in high-demand sectors like environmental management is a win-win for the North Coast.

“Through this pilot, Currie Country Social Change is building a strong, culturally grounded foundation for new enterprises to grow and thrive.

“We are proud to back these future business leaders as part of our broader commitment to boosting diverse participation in the NSW small business sector.”

CEO Currie Country Social Change Arabella Douglas said:

“The NSW Government’s funding is helping build a First Nations women-led ecosystem of environmental, cultural and community enterprises that support one another to grow, lead and respond to the long-term challenges of climate, community resilience and caring for Country.

“The program recognises that women are already leading in environmental management, regeneration, community care and cultural education — and it simply backs their leadership and creates pathways for long-term economic independence and impact.

“It is also creating regional women leaders who are building opportunities for other women around them — strengthening local economies, skills and leadership across regional New South Wales.”

E-bikes blocking the path of pedestrians will be substantially cleaned up under rules to establish marked parking bays on the streets and at the kerbside.

The explosion in the number of shared e-bikes cluttering footpaths in the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs has frustrated many in our community.

A $6.6 million funding program announced today will grant up to $200,000 per application to local councils and other public authorities to deliver e-bike parking and improve rider behaviour.

Councils will have the power to decide ‘no-go’ and ‘go-slow’ zones for shared and private e-bikes and will be able to choose which operators can set up in their area.

The Minns Labor Government is the first in Australia to create a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure e-bikes, pedestrians and businesses can begin sharing public spaces safely and without conflict.

Staged commencement of the new rules will occur in the coming months, giving councils and NSW Government land managers powers to set required parking zones and to penalise shared e-bike operators if they aren’t used.

To support this initiative, Transport for NSW will aim to deliver 250 parking bays for 2,500 shared e-bikes this year.

The new rules build on a series of e-bike safety initiatives by the Minns Labor Government, including:

• Powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal, privately-owned e-bikes.
• Reducing the 500-watt e-bike power limit introduced by the Liberals to 250-watts.
• Introducing world-leading Standard to ensure e-bikes are pedalled and legal power output cannot be tampered with.
• Proposing a minimum age limit to ride an e-bike.
• NSW Police Strike Force Puma targeting dangerous e-bike and e-motorbike rideouts.
• Imposing strict new safety standards on the sale of lithium-ion batteries.
• Banning converted e-bikes from trains and Sydney Metro services to reduce the risk of fires.

The new Sharing Scheme Grant Program being launched by the Minns Labor Government will allow authorities to deliver the marked bays on streets and in appropriate zones at the kerbside.

Operators are funding the program through a 60 cent-fee paid to Transport for NSW on each shared e-bike trip.

There are 16 local council areas playing host to shared bike schemes from the City of Sydney, Inner West and North Sydney to Canterbury-Bankstown, Burwood and Parramatta.

Transport for NSW is able to revoke an operator’s approval for failing to meet the minimum standards and issue penalties of up to $55,000 if they do not comply with a removal order, plus $5,500 for each day the offence continues.

The NSW Government has trialled marked parking bays with considerable success in reducing kicked over bikes and blocked footpaths by half.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“NSW has embraced e-bikes and shared e-bikes, which is a good thing, but we are not willing to stand around and let the wild west scenes we inherited go on any longer.

“Pedestrians have been crying out for order and for their footpaths back – we’ve heard them and we’re responding with nation-leading rules and backing it with an industry-funded grant program to end the conflict.

“We already know properly marked parking bays reduce kicked over bikes and blocked footpaths by half and now we want the 16 councils to provide them in the areas of most conflict and complaint.

“It is time the Coalition dropped their long-time antipathy to sensible rules on e-bikes and lend their support to this best-practice framework.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said:

“Shared e-bikes are a great, healthy, affordable way to get around, but the clutter is causing chaos.

“Poorly parked shared e-bikes have been a pain point for too long, causing major safety concerns particularly for parents with prams, people with low or no vision, people with disabilities, and the elderly.

“Funding councils to deliver more parking bays is a practical, evidence-based solution to help give riders and operators a clear place to leave their bikes – in order and out of the way.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Every day, more and more trips are taken on shared e-bikes across Sydney – they are now a regular and preferred transport choice for thousands of people.

“We know that more needs to be done to ensure that growth is well supported: people want and need better places to park, and communities rightly expect shared e-bikes to be better managed.

“The new grant program is critical to allowing councils and state government land managers to tackle poor behaviours.

“It will make it easier for people using shared e-bikes to identify better places to park and ensuring share bike planning is integrated with our streets and transport services.

“This will be backed with new powers for councils to issue operators with infringements for poorly parked devices.

“Transport is also accelerating the roll out of share bike parking bays around transport hubs and stations. We’re aiming to have 250 bays available by late this year, with 62 already in delivery.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals are accusing the Minns Labor Government of prioritising spin over substance on shared e-bikes, with its regulatory scheme to be implemented more than seven months after the legislation was passed.
 
In November 2025, the Road Transport and Other Legislation Amendment (Micromobility Vehicles and Smartcards) Bill 2025 passed the Parliament with the support of the Opposition.
 
222 days later the regulatory scheme is still not in effect, and the Minns Labor Government is reannouncing promised action “in the coming months” rather than explaining why the reforms have not already been delivered.
 
The Minns Labor Government also hasn’t clarified when a private e-bike will crushed, how they intend to improve the behaviour of young e-bike riders or when their own regulatory schemes will come into effect.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said today’s announcement was another example of the Government celebrating legislation while failing to deliver results.
 
“The Minns Labor Government is asking for applause for a regulatory scheme that still isn’t operating.”
 
“Communities have spent months dealing with e-bikes dumped across footpaths, blocking access for parents with prams, people with disability and older residents, yet John Graham refuses to tell people when these laws will actually take effect.”
 
“People don’t need another press conference. They need a government that can deliver what it has already promised.”

The Minns Labor Government must come clean on its plans for TAFE NSW after Budget Papers revealed a significant reduction in the value of TAFE’s property assets while former TAFE sites are being placed on the market.
 
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy said the sale of the former St George TAFE site at 16–20 Hogben Street, Kogarah had raised serious questions about the Government’s long-term plans for the TAFE estate.
 
“At a time when New South Wales is crying out for more skilled workers, the Government should be explaining how it is strengthening TAFE, not quietly selling off TAFE land,” Mr Clancy said.
 
“The Budget Papers handed down last week show the value of TAFE NSW’s Property, Plant and Equipment falling from $5.66 billion in the revised 2025-26 estimates to $5.43 billion in 2026-27.”
 
“At the same time, a former TAFE property at Kogarah is being marketed for sale on behalf of the NSW Government.”
 
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said the proposed sale was creating uncertainty for the local community.
 
“People want to know what the Government’s plan is. If TAFE sites are being sold, the community deserves transparency about why they’re being sold, what the proceeds will be used for and how vocational education in our region will be strengthened as a result,” Mr Coure said.
 
“TAFE has served our community for generations. Any decision affecting these sites should be open, transparent and focused on delivering better outcomes for students and local families.”
 
Mr Clancy said the questions raised by the Kogarah site reflected broader concerns about the future of the TAFE estate across New South Wales.
 
“These developments raise obvious questions. Is this an isolated sale, or part of a broader strategy to reduce the TAFE estate? How many other former or current TAFE properties are earmarked for disposal? And will every dollar raised be reinvested back into TAFE?”
 
Mr Clancy said the Government owed students, staff and communities greater transparency.
 
“Communities invest in TAFE over generations. They rightly expect that if a TAFE asset is sold, the proceeds will be reinvested into vocational education and training.”
 
“The Government cannot claim to be backing skills while the TAFE asset base is shrinking, and communities are left wondering what comes next.”
 
Mr Clancy said he would be seeking answers from the Government on the extent of any planned property disposals and the future of the TAFE estate.
 
“New South Wales needs a stronger TAFE network to support the next generation of skilled workers. The Government should be investing in TAFE’s future, not creating uncertainty about its assets.”

The 2026 HART Junior State Titles are just around the corner, and excitement is building one of the biggest weekends on the Netball NSW calendar.

Recognised as one of the largest community sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere, the Junior State Titles welcomes teams, associations, officials and supporters from across New South Wales to compete in three unforgettable days of competition.

Taking place from 4 – 6 July, the HART Junior State Titles remain one of the premier events on the Netball NSW calendar, bringing together the state’s best emerging representative talent in the 12U, 13U and 14U age groups.

Across the weekend, 2,249 games will be played across two venues, supported by 425 umpires and thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters.

Campbelltown District Netball Association will host the Championship and Division 2 competitions, while Camden & District Netball Association will welcome Division 3 and 4 teams.

The HART Junior State Titles play a vital role in the Netball NSW pathway, providing young athletes, coaches, umpires and officials with valuable development opportunities while proudly representing their local Associations.

Netball NSW General Manager – Competitions Stacy Harding said the record participation numbers reflected the ongoing strength of netball being played across the state.

“The HART Junior State Titles are one of the highlights of our calendar and an important step in the development pathway for many young athletes,” Harding said.

“To welcome a record 243 teams from 86 Associations is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the continued growth and enthusiasm for our game across New South Wales.

“These championships provide opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and officials to develop their skills, build connections and create lasting memories.”

Campbelltown City Council has played a key role in supporting the delivery of the event, helping ensure a first-class experience for participants and supporters.

With more teams registered than ever and thousands set to descend on south-west Sydney, the 2026 HART Junior State Titles are shaping up to be a landmark celebration of the future of netball in New South Wales.

The NSW Government has appointed Mr. Anthony Wing as Chairperson and permanent member of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a five-year term, commencing on 1 July 2026.

Mr Wing is a respected regulator with deep policy expertise, and a proven ability to deliver complex reforms.

He brings more than two decades of expertise in central policy areas and independent regulators at both a State and Federal level, most recently in his role as the Commissioner, NSW Point-to-Point Transport Commission.

The IPART is an independent statutory authority that sets prices and oversees key regulatory functions for essential services in NSW.

IPART works to ensure households and businesses receive safe and reliable services at fair prices. This includes pricing determinations, compliance and monitoring, licensing, and regulatory advice across sectors including water, energy and transport.

The appointment follows a merit‑based comparative assessment process conducted by a panel comprising The Cabinet Office Secretary, the Treasury Secretary and the NSW Ombudsman.

Outgoing Chair Carmel Donnelly PSM concludes her term having provided leadership to the Tribunal during a period of significant change across a range of essential services and regulatory functions.

During her five-year term, IPART delivered major pricing and regulatory determinations across sectors including energy, water, local government, and also expanded its remit by delivering reviews of early childhood education and out-of-home care pricing.

More information on the important work of IPART is available online at www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Anthony Wing brings significant regulatory and public sector experience to this role and I congratulate him on his appointment.”

“His experience leading the NSW Point-to-Point Transport Commission and working across a range of policy areas will serve IPART well as it continues its important work.

“I thank Carmel Donnelly PSM for her service as Chairperson over the past five years and acknowledge her contribution to the Tribunal and the people of NSW.”

The NSW Government is today providing certainty for communities impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass announcing the successful contractor to deliver a new, more durable crossing at Mitchells Causeway, with major construction to begin in July, and the road expected to reopen in the second quarter of next year.

The Government is also announcing an expanded package of support for local businesses affected by the closure.

The NSW Government knows the uncertainty of the past few months has been incredibly difficult for local communities.

While this process has taken time, there could be no shortcuts when it came to understanding the cause of the failure and determining the safest long-term solution.

Following an accelerated procurement process, Seymour Whyte has been selected to construct a new crossing that will restore the connection between the Blue Mountains and Central West while improving its long-term resilience.

Extensive geotechnical investigations carried out over the past few months were critical to the procurement process, providing the evidence needed to develop the proposal for the safest and fastest reopening.

The investigations confirmed the bedrock beneath Mitchells Causeway remains stable, enabling a design that builds on the existing crossing, rather than replacing it entirely.

The new crossing will see a bridge structure built over the existing Mitchells Causeway, supported by deep piles anchored into the stable bedrock below. The new structure will sit above, but independently of the convict-built causeway, which will be stabilised as part of the work.

While the priority is restoring this vital transport link as quickly and safely as possible, the new crossing has also been designed to meet the region’s future needs.

It will be capable of accommodating an additional lane in the future, something that was never possible with the existing roadway.

Major construction will begin as soon as possible in July, with specialist engineering and construction teams undertaking drilling, grouting and heavy piling activities to establish the deep foundations that will support a new, reliable and resilient crossing.

Transport for NSW will continue to provide the community with regular construction updates as work progresses on the new crossing.

Additional support for small businesses

The NSW Government understands the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass has and will continue to have a significant impact on local businesses and communities.

The NSW Government is today announcing an additional $20 million funding package which will increase the financial support available to small businesses most acutely affected and expand the number of businesses eligible for this financial assistance.

The package includes:

• Increasing the grant amount available to small businesses experiencing financial hardship in Mount Victoria, Hartley, Little Hartley and Hartley Vale from $10,000 up to $25,000.
• Expanding support to eligible businesses experiencing financial hardship to a wider area including suburbs in Lithgow, Oberon and Blackheath for grants of up to $10,000.

More information on eligibility criteria and application process through NSW Rural Assistance Authority is available at: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/grants/gwh

This support will be in addition to the measures we have already announced including broader tourism initiatives and one-on-one business advisory services and workshops that assist with contingency planning, cashflow and business adaptation.

The NSW Government is also working with the organisers of major upcoming events in the region to minimise the impacts of the closure while construction of the new crossing is underway.

The uplift in public transport services, including extra rail, coach and bus services for Blue Mountains and Central West communities will continue for the duration of the closure.

Today’s announcement provides greater certainty for communities, with a contractor appointed, a clear construction plan, support for local businesses and a clear pathway to reopening this critical connection.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“I want to acknowledge how difficult the past few months have been for families, businesses, freight operators and everyone who relies on this road every day. Thank you for your patience while we worked to find the safest and fastest way forward.

“In 109 days, we have completed thorough geotechnical testing, convened a global industry roundtable, run an accelerated procurement process with leading Australian and international engineering experts, and finalised both the contract and the solution to reopen this road.

“Today’s news will not be easy to hear. I know it will mean sitting down at the kitchen table, working out how your family moves around and what the next year looks like in practice.

“But I want to reinforce what this also means: we have a timeline, contractor and major construction on the new crossing beginning in July. In tandem, the detour routes are being upgraded to make your journeys safer and easier going forward.

“The NSW Government will not apply a band-aid fix. We are building a new crossing designed to serve local communities and freight for the next 100 years – because this community deserves a permanent solution, not a temporary fix.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said

“We understand the major impact the closure of the Great Western Highway has had on local businesses and communities, and we are committed to providing targeted support where it is needed most.

“This $20 million package will expand assistance to more businesses and increase grants for those hardest hit.

“By increasing grants in the most affected areas and introducing further support for additional communities, this will go towards helping businesses through this challenging period.

“Alongside financial relief, we are maintaining public transport services and working with major event organisers to keep communities connected while construction progresses toward reopening this critical route.”

Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:

“When we announced the initial $3.6 million support package in May, I said it was a modest start and that we were entirely open to providing more support as the situation evolved. Today, we are delivering on that promise.

“We are extending the $10,000 grant to a broader area and for those four suburbs where we have been advised are suffering substantially, we are increasing their support to $25,000.

“We know this support isn’t going to solve every challenge for small businesses. But, we hope it will ease some of the pressures and give businesses greater certainty to plan now we have a clearer timeline for the road’s closure.

“The Small Business Commission has been on the ground, running workshops and talking directly to shop owners, operators, and regional stakeholders. This $20 million expansion is a direct result of that community consultation. We hear you, we know this extended closure is incredibly tough, and we are backing you through it.”

NSW Transport Secretary, Josh Murray said:

“I’d like to acknowledge the construction and engineering industry for embracing a new, faster way of working. Their expertise and willingness to collaborate has enabled us to move quickly while undertaking the rigorous investigations and planning needed to get this right.

“While construction is underway, we’ll continue supporting communities through enhanced public transport services, free coaches, $50 million in ongoing upgrades to detour routes and round the clock emergency focus, making sure people and freight can keep moving while this critical work is delivered.”

NSW Small Business Commissioner Kalina Koloff said:

“With my team we visited communities impacted by the closure of the Great Western Highway and talked to many small businesses. I took what we heard from your experiences and this has been reflected in the expanded package.  I thank you for taking the time to share your stories with me.

“For the rest of residents of NSW, with the coming school holidays and beyond, I encourage you to get out into the regions and visit the Central West, Blue Mountains and beyond – there are many ways to get there.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said:

“Understandably, people across the Blue Mountains, Little Hartley, Lithgow and beyond into the Central West have wanted clarity so they can plan their lives. Today, we are giving you that clarity.

“For families, small businesses and freight operators, these past few months have been genuinely tough. The disruption and frustration has been real.

“I have fought for our communities from the day the Pass was closed; worked with the Premier, my Ministerial colleagues, government agencies and our local community to represent people’s needs and have their voices heard.

“This announcement is about more than contracts and timelines. We’re not just fixing what was there for the short term – we’re building something better. A new structure, properly engineered & anchored into solid bedrock, built to last.”

“To the Blue Mountains community – your patience throughout this challenging time is appreciated.”

Newcastle will soon be home to a new world-class arena with the Minns Labor Government today committing $14 million to unlock the next stage of planning for the new Newcastle Arena.

The plans include a new 12,000 capacity entertainment centre, creating a world class indoor arena attracting up to 160 new events to the Hunter each year.

The current Newcastle Entertainment Centre was originally built 33 years ago, as a temporary structure to operate for only 5 years. The new Newcastle Arena will be relocated next to McDonald Jones Stadium to create a dedicated live sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.

Relocating the arena is the first key move to unlock the precinct for future hotel, commercial and residential development to create a thriving, year-round destination. It also continues the transformation of the precinct, which is home to McDonald Jones Stadium, the Newcastle Knights Centre of Excellence and the Newcastle International Hockey Centre.

Together with the opening of Newcastle International Airport, Newcastle is rapidly transforming into a powerhouse for the regional visitor economy, creating jobs, driving local business and showcasing the Hunter to the world.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing regional NSW tourism and securing international concerts and other major events that attract visitors year-round to regional hubs will deliver real economic benefits to local communities.

During construction 610 jobs will be created, 133 additional jobs for the precinct, and 157 for the NSW region. With the Newcastle Arena’s expected to inject an additional $400 million in economic benefit over the next ten years, driving a near tenfold increase in interstate visitors to events.

The Newcastle Arena will be the catalyst for the delivery of the Broadmeadow Placemaking Strategy and is aligned with the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036.

The broader redevelopment will deliver more housing and green space, improved transport connections, accessible and safe walking and cycle paths, and a new outdoor plaza for events and live site activations.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“This is the first piece of the puzzle in transforming Broadmeadow into a world-class sport, entertainment and lifestyle precinct.

“For too long, Newcastle has had the talent, the fans and the energy – but not the venue to match. That starts to change today.

“This is a major vote of confidence in Newcastle and the Hunter. It means more concerts, more visitors, more jobs and more to love about our region.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The existing entertainment centre reached its end-of-life decades ago. This investment unlocks the next chapter for Newcastle.

“A new world‑class arena will give the Hunter the facilities it deserves and the pulling power to attract major events, international artists and elite sport all year round.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to finally deliver the sporting and entertainment infrastructure Newcastle and the Hunter deserves.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“The Newcastle Entertainment Centre has welcomed the likes of Kylie Minogue, John Farnham, and even Taylor Swift to its stage, as well as many more. That legacy will live on in the new Newcastle Arena, set to bring 160 performances each year.

“Newcastle is NSW’ second largest city, we not only deserve but need a world-class entertainment centre and precinct, and this Government is committed to delivering that.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

“This investment is a gamechanger for our region that will benefit our local talent, businesses, and community for decades to come.

“This announcement is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to investing in the infrastructure our region needs to grow and thrive.”

Duty MLC for Upper Hunter and Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal said:

“This is a huge win for the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and communities across our region who want to see our regions grow.

“A world-class arena in Newcastle means more major events, more visitors, more jobs and more opportunities for local businesses – from the Upper Hunter to Lake Macquarie and beyond.

Australian boxer Nikita Tszyu said:

“Fighting at the new arena would be a huge honour, and I’d love the opportunity to help open the venue with its first major event. 

“Some of my best memories have come from here in Tszyu-castle, and a new world-class arena would be a game-changer for boxing and major events in the Hunter.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking decisive action to secure the long-term future of the state’s abalone industry, with the release of the independent Total Allowable Fishing Committee’s (TAFC) determination for the 2026–27 fishing season.

The determination has been made by the independent expert Committee, informed by the latest scientific stock assessments, and confirms abalone stocks across NSW are under increasing pressure and require immediate action to stabilise and rebuild.

The NSW Government is currently progressing broader, coordinated reform of the abalone fishery to reset the fishery and ensure it remains sustainable in the long-term.

The challenges facing the abalone fishery are complex and driven by multiple factors, including environmental pressures, decreasing international demand, illegal fishing and past fishing activity.

The Government’s actions to protect abalone includes:

• Acting on independent scientific advice to reduce catch limits and support stock recovery
• Strengthening compliance and enforcement to crack down on illegal harvesting and black-market trade
• Undertaking a review of the abalone fishery management framework, with input from the abalone industry and key stakeholders
• Considering a voluntary share buyout program aimed at reducing commercial fishing pressure on the resource.

The NSW Government has been consulting with industry and Aboriginal stakeholders since 2025 on a new abalone management framework, focused on sustainability, economic viability and fair resource sharing.

A draft management framework for the abalone industry is currently out for targeted consultation until 17 July.

The Government will continue to engage with stakeholders as consultation on the draft management framework progresses, with feedback helping to inform the final settings for the fishery.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This is about securing the future of an important resource that supports regional jobs and has deep cultural significance.

“There are no simple answers, which is why we are taking a comprehensive approach that tackles the issue from all angles.

“Illegal harvesting undermines sustainability and the livelihoods of lawful fishers, which is why we are strengthening enforcement and targeting illegal supply chains.

“At the same time, we recognise environmental conditions and concentrated fishing effort are also contributing to stock decline, and our response reflects that broader reality.

“We are working closely with key stakeholders to design a system that is fair, sustainable and capable of withstanding future pressures.”