Category: NSW News

An old Broken Hill mine site will soon be transformed into a first-of-its-kind compressed air energy storage system, delivering energy security, jobs and investment to Broken Hill.

The Minns Labor Government has provided planning approval for Hydrostor’s compressed air energy storage system with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) / 1,600 MW-hours (MWh). The Silver City Energy Storage Centre could power about 80,000 homes in peak demand and will maintain a reserve capacity of 250 MWh to provide back-up to Broken Hill during times of planned and unplanned outages.

The project is the first-of-its-kind in Australia. It utilises advanced technology that uses compressed air to store energy and generate electricity, without producing greenhouse gases.

The $638 million project will boost the local economy, creating up to 400 full-time construction jobs and around 26 ongoing operational jobs.

During periods of low-energy demand, excess electricity is used to compress air and store it in large underground caverns or tanks.

When energy demand is high, the compressed air is released, heated and expanded through turbines to generate electricity.

The project will be supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near the Potosi mine at Broken Hill.

The energy storage system will support different renewable energy sources in the region to reliably power homes and businesses in and around Broken Hill.

Broken Hill City Council will receive $3.1 million under a Voluntary Planning Agreement, paid over five years, to benefit the local community.

With work expected to start this year, it is estimated construction of the project will take three to four years.

For more information visit Silver City Energy Storage System | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Hydrostor’s Silver City Energy Storage Centre boosts the reliability of the NSW electricity grid and provides back-up for homes and businesses in the state’s far west in times of planned and unplanned outages.

“Energy storage solutions like this will go a long way to preventing blackouts like the ones the Far West experienced last year.

“The project will provide construction and ongoing jobs, and will put Broken Hill on the map as a nation leader in renewable energy.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The city needs a reliable supply of power and this project will provide certainty and reliability for local residents and businesses.

“The Minns Government is working with proponents to see industrial sites rehabilitated and renewed for future use.

“This technology not only supports our transition to cleaner energy sources but also promotes economic growth through job creation in the energy sector.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“It’s fantastic to see planning approval confirmed for the Hydrostor project which will be further supported by a 65-year government lease on a Crown land site near Broken Hill.

“The Silver City Energy Storage Facility will be the first of its kind for Australia, generating both vital backup energy for Broken Hill and significant ongoing jobs and investment spending for the Far West economy.”

Truck drivers travelling across Sydney will soon be able to stop at the city’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest area, with the Australian and NSW governments identifying a six-hectare piece of land located close to a key junction of the motorway network.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will each contribute $40 million as a first step towards transforming the greenfield site at Eastern Creek into a purpose-built rest stop where truckies can shower and take a break from the road.

Developing the first dedicated truck stop in Western Sydney was an election commitment by NSW Labor, and the Eastern Creek site will deliver a much-needed rest area for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180 kilometres and nearly two hours driving.

The site is located five minutes from the M7 and ten minutes from the M4 and will be of particular benefit to drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland.

A survey of 800 truckies – overwhelmingly long-haul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers.

Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the truck cabin.

The new rest stop will provide space for a range of heavy vehicles, including oversize overmass, and it will give truckies a safe and accessible area to rest and mange fatigue as part of their journey.

For more information click here Heavy Vehicle Rest Stopping Improvements | Transport for NSW

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The safety of our truckies is a priority of our government and improving the number and quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that. 

“We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep.

“These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.

“Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham:

“Sydney has a reputation for being Australia’s least friendly city for truck drivers. We are changing that.

“Truckies are the backbone of our economy and they deserve a place in Sydney to rest and recharge. It was our promise to deliver a dedicated truck rest area in Western Sydney and identifying this six-hectare site is the critical step.

“This land is close by the heart of the motorway network where the M7 and the M4 meet at Eastern Creek making it the ideal site.

“At the moment there is a 180-kilometre gap from the southern outskirts of Sydney to the Central Coast in which truck drivers must make do with service stations and local roads to get a break. This is not fair.

“By ensuring our truck drivers are well-rested we are also ensuring the safest possible motorway network for all drivers.”

Federal Member for McMahon Chris Bowen:

“We know that Western Sydney is the beating heart of Australia’s economy.

“The Eastern Creek industrial complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

“That requires measures to ensure that local truckies stay safe when delivering for our community.

“This is what the community wanted, and we’re delivering”.

the Steering Committee Chair Senator Glenn Sterle:

“The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative aims to increase heavy vehicle user safety and productivity through vital new and upgraded rest areas across their journey.

“We want to keep our truck drivers and communities safe and these new and upgraded rest stops will help drivers reduce their fatigue as they keep goods moving across the country.”

Minns Labor Government is taking strong action to prevent a waste crisis in NSW, with landfill due to reach capacity in Greater Sydney by 2030.

NSW has just passed landmark legislation to become the first state to implement a statewide mandate for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling, to divert food waste from landfill into compost.

The legislation mandates FOGO collection services for households by July 2030, and for businesses and institutions in stages from July 2026.

FOGO bins will be rolled out at premises such as supermarkets, pubs, cafes, universities, schools, hotels and hospitals. Large supermarkets will also be required to report on the amounts and types of surplus food donated to charities like OzHarvest, Second Bite and Foodbank.

With FOGO taking up to a third of household red bin capacity, this legislation will help take some pressure off landfill. It also takes us one step closer to a circular economy in NSW, where resources are recycled, reused and repurposed.

The new laws are backed by a $81 million FOGO Fund to go largely to Councils for infrastructure including bins, kitchen caddies and liners, contamination audits, community education programs and staffing, including a $9 million boost in funding allocated to:

• $4 million to support implementation in apartments and multi-unit dwellings
• $3 million for a statewide advertising campaign to raise awareness and encourage behaviour change
• $1 million for councils with existing FOGO services to conduct annual ‘booster’ education campaigns
• $1 million for a pilot to tackle contamination hotspots using artificial intelligence.

The new laws are projected to divert up to one million tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year. Most will be transformed into high-quality compost for parks, sporting fields and agriculture, promoting healthier soils and sustainable food production.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority is working closely with communities, councils and industry to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

A step-by-step Best Practice Guide has also been launched to help councils introduce FOGO and manage contamination risks.

To learn more about the rollout, visit the NSW EPA website.

The next step to tackle the waste crisis is the refinement of the Energy from Waste framework in NSW.

A discussion paper outlines some small, proposed changes to the existing Energy from Waste framework, including clarification around the definition of thermal treatment.

Public consultation is open from Tuesday, 25 February until Tuesday, 8 April, and feedback can be provided through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“NSW has ignored the crisis for landfill capacity for too long. We cannot kick this can down the road any longer.

“The new FOGO laws mean NSW is leading the nation in combating food waste, becoming the first to mandate this recycling revolution across the state.

“These new laws are backed by $81 million to support councils to move to FOGO by 2030.”

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The future of animal care just got brighter on the Central Coast, with Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, and Minister for the Central Coast and local Member, David Harris today officially opening the new $4.9 million Animal Studies Training Centre at TAFE NSW Wyong.

This state-of-the-art facility is set to become the go-to-hub for more than 480 Central Coast students enrolled in animal care and veterinary nursing courses this semester.

These students will have access to a simulated veterinary-style clinic, theatre and radiology rooms, as well as grooming and hydrotherapy facilities, and specialist animal habitats.

By equipping students with real-world skills in animal care services, veterinary nursing, and even wildlife and exhibited animals, the new centre is unlocking exciting career pathways into the booming animal care industry.

With the number of veterinary nurses in Australia expected to grow by 5.9% from 2023 to 2028, and an ongoing shortage of animal care and veterinary nursing professionals, this new facility will help address workforce demand across the Central Coast region.

Animal studies courses now being delivered at TAFE NSW Wyong include:

• Certificate II in Animal Care 
• Certificate III in Animal Care Services 
• Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animals 
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 
• Certificate II in Animal Care (TVET)

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW. In addition to the new Animal Studies Centre, TAFE NSW Wyong is set to receive more than $2.6 million to upgrade campus facilities ensuring students have access to top-tier education and training. 

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

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding TAFE NSW to provide education and training focused on priority industries and the critical skills our communities need.

“The new Animal Studies Training Centre at TAFE NSW Wyong is proof of our unwavering commitment to restoring TAFE NSW as a leading provider of vocational education and training aligned to local industry and community needs.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a game-changer for the Central Coast, giving students access to cutting-edge equipment and specialised training that mirrors real-world industry standards. We’re setting them up for success with job-ready skills that will open doors to rewarding careers in the growing animal care industry.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“Like many regional communities, Wyong and the Central Coast rely heavily on TAFE NSW to deliver education and training to support local business and industry.

“Wildlife attractions, animal hospitals, and pet-loving residents contribute to the demand for skilled animal care workers and veterinary nurses.  

“After touring the facility late last year it’s exciting to see that the doors are finally opening to bolster tertiary education on the Central Coast.

“The NSW Government’s investment in the new animal services training centre at TAFE NSW Wyong will ensures Coasties have access to top quality educational facilities on the doorstep.”

The Minns Labor Government is building a better Sturt Highway in Wagga Wagga by starting work on a $13.9 million upgrade to the road east of the city.

Work is due to begin on Tuesday March 4 to upgrade a 1.8 kilometre section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD.

Work will include completely reconstructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes. The changes will provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes and provide a safer and more comfortable journey for all road users.

Shoulders will be provided for cyclists on the northern and southern sides of the highway.

The first stage of this project – between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road – will start Tuesday 4 March and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete.

The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road – will be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year.

This location is a high traffic area and Transport will plan to carry out work with as few impacts as possible. All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place. Detours around the work area will be in place at various stages of the project. Most of the work will take place between 7am and 6pm, with some night work also planned.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the direction of traffic control and signage.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia.

“It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route, especially Wagga Wagga, to enable customers to access goods, services and employment.

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be investing in building a better section of highway in Wagga Wagga and we want to thank the community in advance for its patience and understanding while this work is carried out for the long-term benefit of all who live, work and visit the area.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“These works, coupled with the work now underway to redevelop the Marshalls Creek Bridge, are welcome improvements that will deliver a safer, smoother Sturt Highway for thousands of users every day.

“I acknowledge Transport for NSW’s efforts to liaise with businesses in the area and urge them to maintain that focus on reducing construction impacts, especially in Lawson Street during the closure period.

“The works will cause some disruption so I appreciate the patience of residents and motorists during a construction process that will cause inconvenience but will also deliver improvements that have been identified as important to the community.

“A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment to improve oversight of how NSW fishing licence fees are spent, with new regulation now in place to establish a Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council to oversee the spending of the funds.

The new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will be responsible for providing advice to the NSW Minister for Agriculture on all expenditure from the Recreational Fishing Freshwater and Saltwater Trusts.

Revenue raised from recreational fishing license fees, around $16 million annually, is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing experiences, opportunities and habitats in NSW.

Since 2001, the Recreational Fishing Trusts have supported funding for more than 3,300 large and small projects, with almost 3,000 projects completed.

By providing advice directly to the Minister, the Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will increase the confidence of recreational fishers in the way trust funds are spent, by improving the decision-making transparency.

In addition to members with expertise in recreational fishing, the new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will look to have members with expertise in other important areas, including fisheries science and infrastructure construction, to assist with the review of the many diverse types of funding applications that are received each year.  

The existing advisory council on recreational fishing will continue to provide a key role with its focus on advising the Minister on recreational fishing issues, while the new council will focus on how expenditure is allocated to projects and ensuring they benefit recreational fishers.

Appointment to the Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will be made following an open and transparent recruitment process that can now get underway following the change to the regulation.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“In 2023-24, over 400,000 NSW recreational fishing licences were issued, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring that recreational fishers fishing fees are used transparently and deliver the greatest benefit to saltwater and freshwater fishers.

“Projects funded through the Recreational Fishing Trusts—ranging from improvements to fishing access and facilities, to the annual stocking of millions of fish into waterways—play a crucial role in enhancing fishing opportunities for both current and future fishers in NSW.

“The new Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council will bring specific expertise to decision making processes and ensure that recreational fishers can have confidence in the way funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts are used and invested.

“I look forward to welcoming applications and appointing members to the Recreational Fishing Trusts Advisory Council following an open and transparent recruitment process this year.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to improve education outcomes for all students as ambitious academic, HSC attainment and school attendance targets are introduced to public schools to lift outcomes for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

New system-wide measures will provide clear guidance for school leaders, and are designed to lift outcomes for all students, including at comprehensive primary and high schools, selective schools, regional and rural schools, and Schools for Specific Purposes.

Our long-term plan to improve outcomes for students is in sharp contrast with the former Government’s failed approach, which was criticised in an OECD report for its “top-down” approach, which focused solely on lifting the outcomes of those already achieving the top results.

Schools will be required to strive for ambitious new goals, including:

• Increasing the average NAPLAN reading and numeracy scores in 2027 by:
  • 10.2 points for Year 5 Reading
  • 5.8 points for Year 9 Reading
  • 11.5 points for Year 5 Numeracy
  • 5.7 points for Year 9 Numeracy
• Increasing the proportion of NSW students attaining Year 12 from 70.5 per cent in 2022 to 74 per cent in 2027.
• Growing the number of students taking up university, training or work for school leavers from 88.1 per cent to 92 per cent in 2027
• Increasing the average student attendance rate from 87.8 per cent in 2023 to 88.8 per cent in 2027

These new system-wide targets reflect specific improvement targets required of schools in the areas of reading, numeracy and completions. With NAPLAN tests scheduled two academic years apart, data is now available to measure year group improvement after the Commonwealth introduced new NAPLAN baselines in 2023.

Correcting the course of our education system is vital for our state’s future, after 12 years of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals led to a stagnation in academic results, and a fall in our international rankings in Reading, Science and Mathematics. Under the former Government, disadvantage gaps also continued to widen, particularly in rural, regional, and remote areas.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to reversing this decline and setting high expectations for academic results and educational outcomes like attendance and school completion for every child and every public school. This ongoing work includes:

• Bringing teacher vacancies to a four-year-low, or a 40 per cent reduction since when we came to Government in 2023, ensuring all students have a teacher in front of them
• Making Small Group Tuition permanent in all NSW public schools to support all students with critical foundational literacy and numeracy skills
• Trialling a Number Screening Check for Year 1 school children
• Valuing the workforce by delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to NSW’s 95,000 teachers
• Giving teachers job security by making 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contacts permanent
• Implementing the new knowledge-rich NSW Curriculum, underpinned by evidenced-based explicit teaching

Alongside new academic targets, the Department has introduced a suite of system-focused measures to support teachers, schools and school-support staff wellbeing and retention, as well as prioritising key school infrastructure projects.

These measures include reducing teacher administrative time, cutting teacher vacancy rates, and attracting and retaining teachers, as part of our recognition that a strong teaching workforce is critical to improving student learning. The complete set of 16 measures is available on the Department’s website.

Progress made to date during 2024 can be found here.

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

“We were elected with a commitment to rebuild public education in NSW by fixing a broken system and lifting outcomes. That is exactly what we are doing.

“We cannot undo 12 years of neglect overnight, but we are working hard to ensure that no matter your postcode, parents know their children are receiving a world-class education.

“This is about setting high expectations of our public education system and every one of our students.

“No longer will targets be focused simply on the top-achieving students – these ambitious measures will help lift outcomes for all students across the state.”

Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“We have high expectations for achievement for our public education system, with ambitious reading and numeracy improvement measures being put in place by every school during term 1 this year.

“All public schools aim to ensure all students show growth in their literacy and numeracy skills. We recognise that this is the cornerstone for a successful schooling experience for every student.”

“Our new measures will account for the achievements of all students, not just those in the highest bands.

“The pathways improvement measure will capture the transitions of all students into meaningful post-school pathways, whether that is tertiary education, technical and further education or paid employment.”

From today, taxi drivers in NSW who have broken the rules will not be able to escape offences by switching taxi companies, thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s major improvements to the Driver Vehicle Dashboard.

These improvements to the Driver Vehicle Dashboard will allow all point-to-point service providers, including rideshare and taxi companies, to see any driver who has been caught committing fare-related offences while providing driving services, including overcharging, not using the meter or refusing a fare.

This means all taxi and rideshare companies can check if drivers have previously been fined or prosecuted for ripping off a passenger, regardless of which company they were working for.  

Companies who operate taxi, rideshare or any other point to point transport vehicle can access to the centralised dashboard, which is already checked by industry more than 70 million times a year.

These improvements support the NSW Government’s strong stance on stamping out illegal driver behaviour.

In December 2024, the Minns Labor Government introduced new ‘two strikes and you’re out’ laws which sees rouge taxi drivers disqualified from the point-to-point industry if caught ripping off passengers on two separate occasions.

The Point-to-Point Commissioner has also put drivers with existing breaches on notice that they are now at risk of being disqualified from the industry.

The Government also increased the fine for drivers caught overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares to $1000 from $300 in July 2023, with 1000 fines issued since November 2022.

The Commissions inspectors continue to conduct both plain clothes and highly visible operations across NSW, with more inspectors on the road carrying out more compliance operations than ever before.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We know the vast majority of NSW’s 15,000 drivers are doing the right thing, but these improvements send a strong message to the minority of rogue drivers that you will be caught, fined and possibly removed from the industry altogether.

“These upgrades to the driver vehicle dashboard support our strong stance on ‘two strikes and you’re out’ laws by making it even easier for the industry to stop the minority of drivers who are caught doing the wrong thing from working as a taxi or rideshare driver in NSW.

“If you feel you’ve been ripped off while catching a taxi, don’t hesitate to call the Taxi Fare Hotline on 1800 500 410, which should be clearly displayed on all NSW Taxis.

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“Drivers know that my team of Inspectors is frequently out conducting plain clothes operations along with highly visible compliance activities. If drivers are caught and fined, they now will also be visible to all operators through the Driver Vehicle Dashboard and face being disqualified if found guilty in court on two separate occasions.

“The point to point transport industry has widely applauded the new Dashboard enhancements as an important part of the crackdown on rogue drivers.”

In response to a recent surge in antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and synagogues, the NSW Government is committing $200,000 to Jewish House to expand their vital community support services.

This funding will contribute to essential crisis intervention, mental health support, and community assistance in response to the rise of antisemitism in NSW.

For more than 40 years, Jewish House has been a leader in crisis care, providing help to vulnerable members of the Jewish community when they need it most.

Since the recent outbreak of antisemitic attacks across our state, Jewish House has seen a significant increase in requests for support and assistance from across the state.

This funding further reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to combating antisemitism and racism by ensuring those affected receive the care and assistance they need while holding those responsible for these heinous acts accountable.

This follows reforms that the NSW Government introduced to parliament this sitting fortnight that confront hate speech and antisemitism by establishing a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred, while also protecting places of worship and further criminalising Nazi symbols.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The recent attacks on the Jewish community have no place in our society. These acts are deeply distressing and we’re working around the clock to make sure those responsible face the full force of the law while supporting the community with essential services like these.

“This funding will see Jewish House expand its support services, providing guidance, practical advice and emotional care to the community.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“No community should be made to feel fearful in NSW. When any part of our society is threatened, it is a challenge for us all, but the Government remains committed to safeguarding social cohesion against hate and division.”

“This announcement today will help a community organisation that is empowering the Jewish community to look after each other and create a more compassionate and understanding community. “

Jewish House Chief Executive Rabbi Mendel Kastel OAM said:

“The recent rise in antisemitic incidents have caused fear and hurt throughout our community. As a result, we’re seeing a significant increase in requests for help.”

“At Jewish House we can provide resources, guidance and tools to stand tall in the face of adversity.

“The funding will allow us to expand our vital services and continue to provide the essential support that is very much needed right now.”

The Minns Labor Government’s Low and Mid-Rise policy is set to deliver 112,000 homes across New South Wales over the next five years as the next stage of the policy comes into effect.

The new reforms change planning controls within 800 metres, or 10-minute walk, around 171 town centres and stations to allow dual-occupancies, terraces, townhouses and residential flat buildings across metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven and Hunter regions.

Without these changes, New South Wales risks becoming a city without a future because it’s simply too expensive to put a roof over your head.

The Low and Mid-Rise housing policy will reintroduce housing choice and diversity back into our communities, filling the “missing middle” between high-rise apartments and greenfield development.

Terraces, townhouses and residential flat buildings have a long history in NSW urban planning, but over recent decades have effectively been banned across local government areas.

Currently, only two of 33 councils in Greater Sydney allow terraces and townhouses in low-density (R2) zones, and residential flat buildings are prohibited in 60 per cent of all medium-density (R3) zones.

The NSW Government’s changes will remove the restriction on developing terraces, townhouses and low-rise residential flat buildings on R1 and R2 zoned land, while also removing the restriction on delivering medium rise residential flat buildings on R3 and R4 zoned land in these areas.

These changes still allow councils to assess important development conditions including parking, light access and minimum frontages.

Allowing these housing types to be permissible again will boost housing supply around transport and town centres, improve affordability, maintain the character of an area and build better communities.

Sites were selected considering the following criteria:

• Access to goods and services in the area
• Public transport frequencies and travel times
• Critical infrastructure capacity hazards and constraints
• Local housing targets and rebalancing growth

These planning reforms will further enable the rollout of the NSW Pattern Book, so those families, young people and downsizers who select these architecturally designed low and mid-rise designs will be able to build them in areas now zoned for low and mid-rise housing.

The Low and Mid-Rise policy has been consulted on extensively, with the NSW Government publicly exhibiting the policy and carefully considering feedback from councils, town planners, architects, developers, Government agencies, and community groups.

Due to the extent of bushfire and flood hazards, the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Wollondilly Local Government Areas, have been excluded from stage 2 of the reforms.

Similar to the Transport Oriented Development sites, the planning controls will apply in heritage conservation areas with council assessment and approval, however not on heritage items.

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

The policy will come into effect on 28 February 2025.

For more information visit the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy webpage. 

Premier of New South Wales said:

“These types of homes have played a really important part in delivering homes over the last century but recently councils have effectively banned them, this reform changes that.

“Housing is the single largest cost of living pressure people are facing and these changes will deliver more homes for young people, families and workers.

“The homes built under these reforms will be close to transport, open spaces and services that people need, creating better connected and more liveable neighbourhoods by making the most of existing critical infrastructure.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This policy fills a gap in new housing supply. Allowing low and mid-rise housing in more locations will help increase the number of homes in our state, improve affordability for renters and buyers and give people a choice on the type of home they want to live in.

“Housing choice and diversity is at the heart of the Minns Government’s planning reforms – a choice of where they want to live, what kind of home they want to live in and when they want to make that move.

“There has been increasing demand for well-located, medium-density housing. These reforms build on the reforms introduced on 1 July 2024, which allowed dual occupancies and semi-detached homes to be built on nearly all low-rise residentially zoned land in NSW.

“This will unlock the huge potential of the NSW Pattern Book, with the new patterns being allowed in the areas where these planning controls apply. Those that use the Pattern Book will be able to build in these areas and gain access to a fast-tracked planning approval.”