Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is undertaking one of the largest wastewater infrastructure upgrade programs in recent history to support the fast-growing communities in Sydney’s south west and help protect the city’s famous beaches.

It’s all part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the essential infrastructure Sydney needs to grow and thrive.

The Malabar System Investment Program, estimated at $3 billion over the next 10 years, will reduce the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated and discharged via the Malabar deep ocean outfall.

The Malabar Wastewater Treatment System was identified as the likely source of debris balls that washed up on beaches across Sydney, the South Coast and Central Coast in late 2024 and early 2025.

It currently services almost two million people between Fairfield, Campbelltown and Liverpool in the West to Malabar in the east, making it one of the largest wastewater systems in Australia.

Staged upgrades over the coming decade will improve the performance of the Malabar system to support population growth in Sydney’s south west and reduce the likelihood of debris balls forming again.

The program will be delivered across key facilities in the Malabar system, including Glenfield, Liverpool and Fairfield Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).

For the first stage of the multi-billion program, Sydney Water is partnerning with the Malabar System Alliance (Acciona Construction, Acciona Agua, SMEC) to deliver major upgrades to the Glenfield and Liverpool WRRFs.

Work will include refurbishing and expanding primary treatment processes and a new secondary treatment process at Liverpool WRRF, with on-site works to begin in coming months.

In the short-term, Sydney Water is continuing to work with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the independent Wastewater Expert Panel on limiting further debris balls incidents.

Sydney Water has increased cleaning and inspection of ocean outfall screens, is tightening trade-waste controls for high-risk customers, and is expanding its fats, oils and grease education campaign to reduce problematic material from entering the network.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Sydney is a rapidly growing city and no one wants to see debris balls washing up on our beautiful beaches again – but the truth is our wastewater system needs an upgrade to keep pace with the population.

“For too long, a lack of investment in essential infrastructure in Western Sydney has been a handbrake on our housing goals. We can’t undo that overnight, but we’re getting on with the job of clearing this backlog.

“This is a major plan to deliver critical wastewater system upgrades in a sensible, staged way, ensuring that major investments are funded over time and Sydney Water users don’t face sudden bill shock.

“Our government is laser-focused on delivering the critical infrastructure our city needs to continue to grow, without privatising our essential assets.”

Sydney Water CEO Darren Cleary said:

“Appointing the Malabar System Alliance is a significant step towards improving the long-term performance and resilience of the critical wastewater asset and reducing the increasing strain on the ageing coastal plant.

“We understand the seriousness of recent debris ball incidents and the need to ensure our network is equipped for Sydney’s growing population.

“This program of works is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a more resilient system over the coming decade and to protecting our beaches, which are so important to Sydney’s way of life.”

A metro train has become the first to travel the entire length of the M1 Metro North West & Bankstown Line from Tallawong to Bankstown, marking an exciting milestone in the delivery of the extension.

The train in testing stopped at all 31 stations over the 66-kilometre route hitting speeds of 100km/h on the new section of the track

When the line opens later this year, a metro train will run every four minutes in the peak, with 15 metro trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour on the former heavy rail T3

Bankstown line, nearly doubling the services connecting South-West Sydney to rest of the city.  

Part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $30 billion a year infrastructure investment, the extended line will transform the connection to the rest of the city for communities in Sydney’s southwest and deliver more opportunities in education, employment and leisure.

Passengers at Bankstown will get to Gadigal Station in 30 minutes, saving a full 15 minutes compared to the 45 minutes it took to get to Town Hall on the former heavy rail line. 

Passengers across Sydney’s Southwest will benefit, with time savings that include:

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
• Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
• Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

The current high-speed testing phase requires a minimum 9,000 hours and 30,000 kms of combined testing to be completed before the line opens.

Across the Southwest line, 79 per cent of work in the corridor and at stations is now complete, with tiling largely completed at four stations and works progressing at the remaining six. Painting and landscaping are also underway at most stations.

Testing is well underway on the platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers, with this world-leading safety technology already passing its first round of tests at every station.

The next step is integration testing with the test train later this year.

During this high-speed testing phase on the Southwest extension, more than 70 key integration tests will be completed to ensure individual systems work together and to verify the performance, functionality and safety of the trains and new infrastructure.

As part of the final conversion, crews will complete work to integrate the Southwest Metro with the existing metro line. This will require a series of full and partial line closures of the M1 Line in the lead up to opening.

While disruptive, these closures are essential to allow for work to safely take place within the rail corridor

In January Metro services will not run on the following weekends to allow for essential systems testing: 

17–18 January

24–25 January

During closure periods, passengers will have access to replacement buses between Tallawong and Chatswood, and Sydney Trains services between Chatswood and Sydenham.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities in Sydney’s southwest for their patience as the project progresses and passengers on the M1 Line metro who will be affected by some upcoming weekend closures for essential work to integrate the new line. 

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“The first metro train to cover the entire 66-kilometre length of line is an exciting day for all of Sydney.

“It is even more exciting for the people of Southwest Sydney who have been patiently waiting for their turn to join the metro network.

“With a service every four minutes, metro will transform this area’s connection to the rest of the city, providing many more opportunities in jobs and education.

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that when complete will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“Once the Metro opens commuters will be able to travel from Wiley Park to Central, Gadigal and Barangaroo Metro stations in less than 30 minutes. 

“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the local community for their flexibility in arranging alternative transport as this important project reaches another major milestone.

“I would also like to extend to the community my sincere thanks for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Member for Bankstown, Jihad Dib said:

“We know the construction and testing period has taken time and acknowledge the inconvenience this has caused people in south-west Sydney. I want to thank the community for their patience as we deliver a Metro that will provide frequent services and improved access across Sydney.

“Commuters travelling from the Bankstown Metro station will shave significant time off their journey to key stations such as Martin Place, Barangaroo, Macquarie University and Chatswood.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen said:

“It’s been a long journey for our community, and I want to thank everyone for their patience as we’ve worked to deliver a better public transport network for Inner West and Canterbury-Bankstown residents.

“Once complete, the South West Metro will deliver a peak service every four minutes, getting passengers to Victoria Cross in just 21 minutes and to Chatswood in under 30 minutes from Dulwich Hill Station — a major improvement that will make daily travel faster, easier and more reliable, helping more people choose public transport more often.”

The Blayney Multipurpose Service (MPS) redevelopment project has reached a major milestone, with construction of Stage 1 now complete, delivering new and enhanced aged care and healthcare services for Blayney and surrounding communities.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is the final site to be delivered under the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Service Program, which has improved health facilities across smaller rural and remote communities.

Stage 1 includes a new residential aged care wing featuring single rooms with private bathrooms, additional inpatient unit beds, chair-based services, with space for future expansion.

The Blayney community is invited to tour and explore the new facilities and services on Thursday, 22 January 2026 between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. The project team and health staff will be on hand to answer questions, and no registrations are required.

Staff, aged care residents and families have been engaged throughout the planning and design stages, providing valuable input to ensure the new facility is tailored to the current and future needs of the local community.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered in stages to ensure all existing clinical services, including the existing MPS, continue to operate while construction is carried out.

The next phase of works will include demolition of existing buildings and construction of the new HealthOne, entry, reception, waiting room, staff area and ambulatory care zone. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District in partnership with Taylor Construction Group.

For more information on the project, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blayney-multipurpose-service-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering more beds and improved access to the essential health care regional communities need.

“Our last budget included $3.5 billion in vital hospital upgrades across regional NSW after 12 years of delays and broken promises by the Coalition.

“The Blayney Multipurpose Service redevelopment will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, contemporary, and accessible aged and health care to the community. 

“This modern facility will provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff, and will support aged care needs for generations to come.”

Government Spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence:

“Residents of Blayney and surrounding communities will soon have access to a modern, purpose-built aged care facility, with construction of stage 1 now complete.

“Blayney MPS isn’t just a health facility – it’s also a home to those living in the residential aged care wing. The new Blayney MPS will ensure the residents have a modern and comfortable home with the provision of high-quality care they deserve.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced $2 million in funding for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate, helping producers and livestock agents across the state gain affordable access to electronic identification (eID) equipment.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and secure the agricultural sector.

Under the latest rebate program, eligible farmers and others can claim a 50 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,500, on the purchase of a handheld eID reader. The rebate will be made available in early March 2026.

The latest round of funding is being offered to producers and livestock agents who may have missed out on the initial infrastructure rebate scheme in 2023.

Many producers and livestock agents are now recognising the practical value of this equipment, not just for meeting mandatory requirements such as property-to-property stock movements, but also for improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data.

This information helps farmers make better-informed decisions, strengthening productivity, especially during challenging or variable seasonal conditions.

The equipment rebate follows a strong uptake of eID tags, with some 15.2 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 1.79 million eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 and approximately 22.4 per cent of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

The NSW Government has committed $41 million for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats in the state – the largest funding commitment of any state or territory.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The equipment rebate is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing financial support for primary producers in the transition to electronic IDs.

“Sheep and goat producers, along with livestock agents will benefit from this rebate, targeted specifically to reduce the cost of meeting mandatory eID requirements.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

Following two separate e-bike incidents last night, Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward has called on Transport Minister John Graham to urgently act, accusing the Minns Labor Government of putting ideology ahead of community safety.

While the Opposition has had a clear, practical policy to introduce low-cost identification plates for young riders and commercial e-bike operators that would enforce the rules, change behaviour, and prevent crashes –the Minns Government response has been to continue to do nothing.

If the Government doesn’t like the Opposition’s plan, what is theirs to protect riders and the community? 

The Opposition’s proposed license plate scheme would require specific rider cohorts to have a government issued license plate attached to an e-bike when in use, including: 

• Riders who are under the age of 18; 
• Riders who use e–bikes for a commercial purpose; and 
• Commercial shared service schemes.

Riders aged 18 and over who use a privately-owned e-bike would be exempt from the scheme. 

The plan also includes new penalties for non-compliance, alongside expanded safety education to ensure young riders understand the risks associated with e-bike technology and how to use these devices safely in the community.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Government’s obsession with tinkering around the edges – debating wattage, speed caps and technical specifications – puts bureaucrats before people, ignoring what communities are asking for – safe riding and enforcement of the road rules. 

“I am hearing loud and clear that the community wants enforcement and accountability for e-bikes that prevent crashes – the Opposition has a plan to deliver it, while the Government tinkers.”

“This isn’t complicated. If Labor don’t like our solution, what is their plan? It’s time for action and accountability whether it is an e-bike rider or the Transport Minister.”

“Under a Liberal and Nationals Government, if a crash or dangerous riding occurs we can tell you who it was. Under Labor, they will be asking you what the wattage of the bike was.”

The ‘Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow’ around regional New South Wales is back by popular demand in 2026, with more than $52,000 in additional funding from the Minns Labor Government.

Over 300 women participated in 30 free sold-out workshops in 2025, aimed at empowering regional and rural women with essential skills in first aid, and mental health crisis support through fee-free training with St John Ambulance.

Women attending training ranged from young mums seeking first aid skills, to women working in the community where mental health crisis support skills were often needed.

There are 16 workshops planned for the first half of 2026 in eight new locations including:

• Glen Innes – 6-7 February
• Narrabri – 20-21 February
• Gilgandra – 6-7 March
• Scone – 20-21 March
• Dareton – 1-2 May
• Griffith – 15-16 May
• Young – 5-6 June
• Bourke – 19-20 June

The workshops are accessible and include skills to respond effectively in emergency situations, recognise mental health issues, recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, provide appropriate interventions and learn where to direct people for further support.

A full day workshop will be offered for both First Aid and Mental Health in each location.

Workshop participants will receive a nationally recognised, accredited certification once they have completed their training.

Recent St John Ambulance statistics highlight the need to increase first aid and mental health knowledge:

• In New South Wales, 33 per cent of adults have never trained in first aid (the highest proportion of any state/territory in Australia) and only 37 per cent have done training in the last three years.
• Women are less likely to be confident providing first aid (44 per cent of women are confident) compared to men (57 per cent of men are confident).
• 87 per cent of Australians would be more willing to provide help to a person with a mental health issue if they were taught how.

Registrations will open today, 9am (AEDT) for Glen Innes, Narrabri, Gilgandra and Scone. To find out more and register go to: nsw.gov.au/rwn-roadshow. Registrations will open in April for the other four locations.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is empowering regional and rural women to access this life-saving training to bridge an important gap, particularly for women who would have otherwise missed out due to cost or travel.

“The expansion of this program to more regions is one of the ways the Minns Labor Government is building a better New South Wales for regional women. We’re not only giving women essential skills but building resilience in regional communities.

“We’re pleased to be once again partnering with St John Ambulance to deliver this exciting program in the regions.

“The 2025 workshops were all sold out so I encourage women to sign up quickly to make the most of this opportunity to learn new skills and equip yourself with essential first aid knowledge.”

St John Ambulance CEO, Dominic Teakle, said:

“The overwhelming response to last year’s Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow demonstrates just how vital this program is for our regional and rural communities. By expanding to eight new towns across NSW, we’re ensuring more women have access to critical First Aid and Mental Health training that could save lives.

“This investment reflects our commitment to supporting regional and rural women with practical skills that strengthen both individuals and their communities.

“These workshops build confidence and capability while creating resilience in our regions—more education means more control and more resilience for women and their families.”

As the new year begins almost $300 million is sitting in the state’s unclaimed money pool – and the Minns Labor Government wants to see it returned to its rightful owners.

Unclaimed money is money that you are legally entitled to, but where a business hasn’t been able to find you.

Money typically becomes unclaimed when people forget to update their name or contact details with businesses, have lost paperwork, or when estates are unaware of funds belonging to deceased relatives.

The unclaimed money register, managed by Revenue NSW, includes funds from overpayments, uncashed cheques, dividends, refunds, and other amounts owed to individuals.

Sydney’s city and Eastern Suburbs have the highest amount of unclaimed money, with more than $91 million waiting to be claimed. The next largest is Western Sydney with $76 million. Outside of Sydney, the highest is Central Coast and the Hunter, with $22 million.

In total, more than 800,000 items of unclaimed money – ranging from a few dollars to millions of dollars – is sitting with Revenue NSW and registered to a NSW address.

Revenue NSW holds an additional $394 million in money for people registered at addresses outside NSW.

To find out if you have any unclaimed money, you can search the Revenue NSW website at www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money. If you have any money owing, you fill in a form and provide your ID and your connection to the money. Claims are typically verified and processed by Revenue NSW within a month.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government upgraded systems to simplify and speed up the unclaimed money process. This includes additional integration with Service NSW to help identify you during the claims process. The Government also reduced the timeframe for businesses who are holding money from six years to two, ensuring that money is reported to Revenue NSW, and returned to its owners sooner.

These reforms help put more money back into the hands of NSW families.  

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said:

“Almost $300 million is sitting unclaimed, and we want to make sure as much of that as possible finds its way back to families.

“Last financial year, Revenue NSW returned more than $21 million to its rightful owners. With these new reforms, we’re making it faster and easier for people to get what they’re owed.

“While Revenue NSW regularly contacts potential owners, incomplete data means people are sometimes missed. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to check online – you might be surprised with what you find.”

Regional breakdown of unclaimed money, as at 14 December 2025:

Region (NSW/Sydney)	Items in register	Value available to claim
Capital Region (Queanbeyan & surrounds)	15,561	$5,734,031
Central Coast, Hunter & Lake Macquarie	71,083	$22,168,562
Central West	14,985	$5,686,191
Coffs Harbour & Mid North Coast	24,751	$7,140,930
Far West and Orana	9,659	$2,897,722
Illawarra & Southern Highlands	36,266	$10,498,415
Murray & Riverina	19,346	$5,892,219
New England and North West	14,411	$5,047,864
Richmond – Tweed	15,423	$4,911,003
Sydney – City and East	196,788	$91,967,567
Sydney – North	141,890	$52,893,362
Sydney – Shire	23,458	$6,642,507
Sydney – Western Sydney	221,316	$76,956,207
Grand Total	804,937	$298,436,580

The NSW Government has released plans for the first stage of a major housing development in East Lismore that will deliver at least 400 new homes and is inviting the community to have a say.

Stage 1 will be delivered under a partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority and will deliver around 100 smaller and more affordable housing options, including terraces and low-rise apartments.

Early master planning is underway for the full 72ha site, with the goal of creating a sustainable, resilient community of at least 400 dwellings that meets post-2022 flood housing needs.

Landcom will invest at least $75 million to develop the site, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority contributing $15 million for the land and enabling infrastructure including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.

At least 20 per cent of homes will be set aside as affordable housing for very low to moderate-income households. Resilient Homes Program participants who have accepted a buyback offer will have at least 30 business days to purchase new land and homes before the open market is given access.

After the 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW Governments invested $880 million in the Resilient Homes Program, and the NSW Government committed a further $100 million to the Resilient Lands Program to support long-term community recovery. Together, these programs aim to reduce exposure to future flood risk by offering safer housing options and guiding development to more suitable land. Both programs are delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

The East Lismore site is one of three priority locations under the Resilient Lands Program that will help accelerate land and housing supply for flood impacted residents.

In November 2025, Landcom commenced construction of 50 build-to-rent apartments on the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road, west of the Stage 1 development.

Landcom is inviting feedback until 9am, Monday 16 February 2026, to help finalise the plans for Stage 1 and inform site masterplanning. The development application for the Stage 1 is expected to be lodged by mid-2026 with Lismore City Council.

Subject to approvals, sales are expected to begin in mid-2026, with major works starting later that year.

To learn more about the project and share feedback, visit: www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismore

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“I am really excited to see these plans and that the process has begun and know that we begin the New Year with confidence. It is a real boost to see what these lovely homes are going to look like.

“Lismore has been through a lot, and today’s announcement is another step in providing our community with safe, long-term housing options.

“This project reduces future risk while keeping families connected to their community.

“Stage 1 is open to flood impacted residents and families to have first option, as agreed to from day one.

“This partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority shows our commitment to practical ways to recover. It is about making sure our community can rebuild with confidence.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:

“This development is a cornerstone of the Resilient Lands Program and demonstrates how we are working to move people out of harm’s way while keeping them within their community. By planning for more than 400 resilient homes, we are creating a neighbourhood designed for long-term safety, liveability and affordability.

“We know that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost. It’s about ensuring communities have safer options for the future. The work underway at East Lismore is a clear example of how the NSW Reconstruction Authority is delivering that for flood-impacted residents.”

Executive General Manager, Built Form, Andrew Cooper said:

“Landcom is making homes happen for the people of Lismore.

“We’re transforming vacant land into new opportunities. Stage 1 of the project will unlock around 100 homes – including terraces, to provide more diverse and affordable options.

“Our partnership with the Reconstruction Authority will create a new, sustainable neighbourhood with greater housing diversity, resilience and security to help Lismore prepare for the future.”

The Minns Labor Government will give councils stronger powers to shut down unlawful premises hosting hate preachers by allowing utilities to be cut off where operators ignore planning laws and cease-use notices.

The Minns Labor Government will give councils stronger powers to shut down unlawful premises hosting hate preachers by allowing utilities to be cut off where operators ignore planning laws and cease-use notices.

Under the new measures, when a council determines that a place of public worship is operating without lawful planning approval, it will be able to issue a notice to stop the unlawful use. Under the new measures, if the operator continues to defy that order, councils will be empowered to disconnect utilities to the premises.

This reform is aimed squarely at shutting down “factories of hate” – places that operate unlawfully while promoting hatred, intimidation or division within the community.

The powers will apply broadly and consistently across NSW to any place of public worship that does not have approval to operate, ensuring councils have effective enforcement tools when existing notices are ignored.

NSW Police and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will work together to support councils in enforcing these laws and protecting community safety. Councils will also be required to consult with NSW Police on community safety matters before approving new places of public worship.

The NSW Government will further strengthen penalties for non-compliance and ensure shutdown notices carry real and immediate consequences for those in breach of the law.

In addition to this, we will continue working closely with the Commonwealth Government on measures that complement its reforms to crack down on hate preachers.

Freedom of religion is a fundamental right in NSW. But that freedom does not extend to operating unlawfully or putting community safety at risk.

These measures build on previous legislation to combat hate including new offences for inciting racial hatred and displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places and additional protections for people seeking to attend their place of worship.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“There is no place in NSW for hate, intimidation or extremism masquerading as community activity. These reforms give councils real powers to act when premises are operating unlawfully and spreading division.

“If operators ignore the law and refuse to shut down, councils will be able to cut off utilities and close them for good.

“This is about protecting social cohesion, keeping communities safe and upholding the values that unite us as Australians.”

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Space Yasmin Catley said:

“Planning laws exist to build communities, not to provide cover for unlawful activity. When a place of worship or any other premises is operating without approval and ignores a cease-use notice, councils must have effective enforcement tools.

“Giving councils the ability to seek the disconnection of utilities ensures planning decisions are respected and unlawful ‘factories of hate’ cannot continue to operate.”