16 News – Page 825 – Newcastle and Australian News

Labor still not delivering the gas that’s needed

Today’s latest Gas Statement of Opportunity Outlook from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) paints a sobering picture about the urgent need to invest in gas in the country, while the Middle East conflict continues to put pressure on global energy supply.

The Outlook notes the critical and ongoing role for gas generation and specifically mentions “…gas production from legacy fields in southern states are forecast to decline by 46% over the next five years. This will require new investments to address emerging supply gaps from 2030 under most weather conditions.”

But despite the urgency noted by the regulator in progressing significant projects, it is unclear what Labor is doing to develop new gas – particularly in the southern states like Victoria – where the problem is increasingly acute.

Under the Albanese Government, there’s been no planning for new pipeline gas infrastructure, essential storage, or faster approvals processes for existing exploration projects to get them off the ground quicker for Australian families and businesses.

Shadow Resources Minister Susan McDonald urged the need to drill baby, drill to drive more energy security at the national level – while boosting jobs and economic growth.

“Labor has had years to increase supply and bolster domestic infrastructure but there remains a looming shortfall, when we have an abundance of gas in Australia.”

“Even AEMO’s advice notes the looming gas shortfall would be sooner if not for the extension of existing coal generation, underscoring how important both new gas supply and existing reliable generation is to Australia.”

“Australia needs policies that signal confidence to investors, and we don’t see that under Labor – instead businesses look to places like Alaska because of attractive policy settings.”

“In the last four years, the Labor government have delayed and deferred release of offshore acreage, and conditions have been slapped on what has been released – such as no seismic.”

Since 2022, Labor has released only one new acreage for gas exploration in December 2025, despite both AEMO and the ACCC warning of gas shortfalls for the duration that Labor has been in government.

When the Coalition was in government, we released new gas acreage on an annual basis, because we understand the criticality of gas to Australia’s energy security.

Labor’s only solution is looking at import terminals – a catastrophic idea that would make Australia even more dependent on international supply chains.

Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan said the Outlook shockingly suggested if gas runs out, Australia would be required to rely on fuels, ‘in extreme gas shortfall conditions, prudent use of secondary fuels to operate gas power generation… may reduce peak day gas shortfall risks without increasing risks to electricity reliability.’

“The AEMO report pushes out the east coast gas shortfall by 12 months because of the decisions of the New South Wales and Queensland governments to extend coal generated electricity in their states.”

“New investment in supply and infrastructure must be locked in before the projected gas shortfall or the eastern states risk an earlier supply gap.

“The Middle East conflict tells us we need energy sovereignty and less reliance on global supply chains and we’re already seeing what fuel dependence looks like as petrol stations run dry across the country.

“Instead of progress on critical gas infrastructure, under Labor Australian businesses and investors have seen the introduction of changes and uncertainty around consultation standards under the EPBC legislation.”

Coalition calls for immediate halving of fuel tax as national fuel crisis deepens

The Coalition is calling on the Albanese Government to immediately halve the fuel tax for three months to provide urgent cost of living relief to Australian households and small businesses facing a deepening national fuel crisis.

This is a practical, immediate step the Government can take today to ease pressure on families already stretched by the Government’s cost of living crisis who are now being hit by surging fuel prices.

The tax cut would reduce fuel prices by around 25 cents per litre for three months.

A corresponding reduction in the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge should also be provided.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said Australians were being hit by a perfect storm of Labor’s home-grown inflation crisis and escalating global fuel pressures driven by conflict in the Middle East.

“Inflation has already beaten this Government, and now a national fuel crisis is making it worse,” Mr Taylor said.

“Anthony Albanese is asleep at the wheel. He needs to stop watching and start acting. Australians are hurting.

“Families across the country are seeing their standard of living collapse, yet Labor does nothing.

“Right now, what we need is an immediate tax cut at the bowser and a government that gets fuel to where it is needed.”

Leader of the Nationals Matt Canavan said the situation on the ground showed a clear failure of government.

“The budgets of Australian families were already stretched before the Iran conflict. Now thanks to Labor’s war on fossil fuels Australians are at breaking point,” Senator Canavan said.

“Our proposal to halve the fuel excise is an affordable response to provide Australian families with some ‘breathing space’.

“Around 500 petrol stations are dry or without at least one type of fuel.

“The Government says there is enough fuel in the system, but if that is true, then this is a failure to get fuel where it is needed.”

Despite the Government likely being gifted windfall gains in the budget because of the crisis in the Middle East, the Coalition is also putting forward sensible options to fund this relief, ensuring it is delivered without adding to inflationary pressure.

This relief can and should be offset through sensible reprioritisation, including:

Ending the Electric Car Discount.
Reversing the Government’s green hydrogen subsidies and tax credits.
Pausing and strengthening integrity controls around the Home Battery Scheme.

These measures will fully fund the approximate $1.5 billion temporary tax cut for Australian motorists while also easing the broader demand pressures that are driving inflation.

The Coalition is ready to work constructively with the Government to deliver targeted, fully funded relief – driven by sensible savings, not new higher taxes.

This will ensure Australians aren’t forced to pay the price of a global fuel shock on top of a cost-of-living crisis caused by record government spending.

City of Newcastle to bolster rock solid defence of Stockton Beach

City of Newcastle will reinforce one of Stockton’s key coastal protection structures with 8,500 tonnes of rock to reduce the risk of the area being inundated during extreme weather events.

Work will begin next month on a $5 million upgrade of the 600-metre long seawall adjacent to Mitchell Street, which has become progressively more exposed as a result of ongoing erosion in the area.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said this work was critical for the ongoing protection and maintenance of Stockton’s coastline.

“The renewal of the Mitchell Street seawall is essential for maintaining a stable and resilient barrier in this area of Stockton,” Ms Kikken said.

“The project will increase the height of the seawall to reduce waves going over the top in large swells and provide ongoing protection of the road, utilities, and adjacent residential properties.

“The work will also extend the design-life of the seawall to 50 years, contributing to the long-term safety and security of the community against coastal hazards.”

Extensive remediation work will be carried out, including the removal of undersized or damaged rocks, and the repair of existing gabion baskets and the concrete stormwater outlets.

Two long-reach excavators, designed for heavy duty marine, dredging and civil applications, will operate from the top of the seawall to place the new rocks, some weighing up to 5.3 tonnes each, into position.

The work is expected to be completed by early next year.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe, who is a member of the NSW Government’s Stockton Special Advisory Panel, said this is one of the first projects to commence following the certification of the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP).

“City of Newcastle is committed to working with the NSW Government to manage and preserve Stockton’s coastline now and into the future,” Cr McCabe said.

“We’re encouraged by the recent meeting of the Stockton Special Advisory Panel and efforts to push ahead with plans for mass sand nourishment as part of the NSW Government’s $21.5 million election commitment.

“The Extended CMP establishes a clear pathway for the delivery of mass sand nourishment, supported by regular sand top-ups, as the most feasible, viable and acceptable long-term solution for Stockton.

“It also includes vital short-term actions, such as the renewal of this rock seawall, which will help secure critical public assets until mass sand nourishment is delivered.”

To learn more about the Mitchell Street seawall upgrade and the Extended Stockton CMP visit the project page on the City of Newcastle website.

Ordinary Council Meeting 24 March

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 24 March. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

City of Newcastle Committees Annual Reports

Council received 2025 annual reports from the Access and Inclusion Standing Committee, Asset Advisory Committee, Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, Future Fund Governance Committee, Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee, Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, Public Art Standing Committee, Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee and Youth Council Standing Committee.

Adoption of Community Land Plan of Management

Council voted unanimously to adopt the Community Land Plan of Management, which guides the future management of all Council owned or managed public land classified as ‘community’ under the Local Government Act.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for February 2026.

Tender report – processing of FOGO

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the processing of Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) at a third-party facility for City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council. City of Newcastle conducted the tender process on behalf of the Councils.

Notices of Motion

Strengthening seniors programming and progressing Newcastle as an age-friendly city

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to hold an expression of interest process for membership of the Seniors Reference Group. The group would continue to advise Council on the options for planning and delivery of seniors-relevant activities and strategic priorities to support Newcastle becoming a more age-friendly city.

Bringing Newcastle buses back into public hands

Council supported an amended notice of motion to write to the Minister for Transport and local State members for Newcastle, Charlestown and Wallsend to express support for the State Government to bring the bus contract back into public hands and provide increased funding to create a quality bus service worthy of NSW’s second largest city.

Mater maintenance mess

Council voted to lay on the table a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Health and local State member for Wallsend seeking that the Public-Private Partnership with Novacare for the Mater Hospital be terminated and maintenance brought back into public hands.

Celebrating one million stories in Refugee Week 2026

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion for City of Newcastle to work with local agencies, schools and cultural organisations to celebrate Refugee Week 2026 as part of the Neighbourly Newy Program.

International Women’s Day 2026 – standing against domestic violence

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to request that the CEO investigate State and Federal grant funding programs alongside community organisations to support the development of a City of Newcastle Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy.

Participatory budgeting and project co-design

Council supported an amended notice of motion that City of Newcastle explores a trial of participatory budgeting as part of the development of the 2027/28 Budget and Delivery Program, focusing on a clearly defined and manageable component of the budget to manage risks and strengthen representativeness.

Honouring champions at 2026 Premiers Harmony Dinner

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.”

NSW Government backs data centre investment, sets course for sustainable development

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**

Crucial anti-corruption legislation passes NSW Parliament

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.”

Fresh look at permanent public school, preschool and high school in Box Hill as contract awarded

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.”

New title for Local Court judicial officers comes into effect

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.”

Powering the regions: $183m road boost to drive renewable energy rollout in NSW

$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.”