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Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility strengthens sovereign Defence capability

In a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign defence sustainment capability, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments have officially opened the $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, South Australia. 

The first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility will become a regional hub for the maintenance and sustainment of aircraft for the Australian Defence Force and that of our partners. 

Delivered on time and on budget – a result of the strong partnership between the Federal and State governments – this facility will enable the long-term deep maintenance of the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to occur in Australia, and in doing so will support highly skilled local engineering, avionics and logistics jobs. 

The 240 metre-long building has been designed to accommodate and support not just the P-8A Poseidon, but a range of other RAAF platforms and includes:                      

  • a four‑bay hangar capacity suitable for Boeing 737‑derivative aircraft;
  • aircraft docking systems to provide full aircraft access for deep maintenance and modification;
  • workshops to support structural, mechanical, avionics and mission‑system maintenance and modifications;
  • secure systems and infrastructure to support sustainment and upgrade activities for sensitive equipment; and
  • logistics and support workspaces to enable long‑duration maintenance events.

In a significant step for our ANZAC interoperability, the Royal New Zealand Air Force will also maintain and repair its fleet of P-8A aircraft at the South Australian facility from 2028 – further reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security and collective maritime capability.

Construction of the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility over the last two years created around 450 jobs and more than half of the structural steel used was from South Australia’s Whyalla Steelworks. 

The P-8A Poseidon is the cornerstone of Australia’s anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue capability.

In March 2025, Defence signed a $291 million support contract with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver upgrades to the P-8A Poseidon fleet, including an improved combat system, enhanced anti‑submarine warfare capability, and upgraded satellite communications to improve integration across the Australian Defence Force. 

The first two P-8A Poseidon aircraft are currently being modified by the United States Navy, ensuring continued commonality and interoperability with our alliance partner. The remaining aircraft will be modified by Boeing Defence Australia at the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility, embedding this critical workforce in Australia. 

The new facility is also set to become the workplace for students from the Malinauskas Labor Government’s new technical college – The Heights Technical College – where Boeing has signed on as an employer partner. 

More than 20 students are now studying aero skills to become aircraft maintenance technicians and engineers – the first course of its kind in the state. Students from the college attended today’s opening. 

By enabling long-term, deep maintenance and modification of P-8A Poseidon aircraft in Australia, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments are ensuring Defence capability, Australian industry, and the skilled workforce in South Australia grow together delivering enduring benefits for Australia’s national security, defence industrial base and international partnerships.

South Australia’s growing defence industry generated a record $2.015 billion in economic activity last financial year, more than double the $977 million produced in 2019-20.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“This facility is a critical investment in Australia’s ability to maintain and sustain key capabilities for our Defence Force here at home.

“By embedding deep maintenance and upgrade work for the P-8A Poseidon fleet in Australia, we are strengthening sovereign capability, improving force readiness, and reducing reliance on overseas sustainment, exactly as set out in the National Defence Strategy.

“Just as importantly, this facility will support a skilled defence workforce and a resilient defence industrial base in South Australia, ensuring our Defence capability and Australian industry can continue to grow together. 

Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas: 

“The opening of this huge new defence aircraft maintenance facility in South Australia is a major milestone for Australia’s defence sustainment capability.

“It is going to create important long-term careers right here in South Australia in the highly-technical field of aero skills.

“Students at The Heights Technical College will graduate not only with their high school certificate and an in-demand trade qualification – they will be able to walk straight into a highly-skilled career in aero skills at this new facility.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This facility, built with steel from Whyalla, will sustain hundreds of long-term, secure defence jobs for South Australians. 

“This is about more than infrastructure. It’s a testament to the cooperation between the Albanese Government and Malinauskas state government, whether that be in saving the Whyalla steelworks or our commitment to a future made in Australia.

“The DMMF will sustain high value defence industry jobs in South Australia, grow a highly skilled workforce, and ensure Australian businesses play a central role in delivering advanced Defence capabilities.”

South Australia Minister for Defence & Space Industries Chris Picton:

“The opening of this $200 million facility is an important milestone for defence jobs in our state. 

“Previously these planes were sent offshore for maintenance and upgrades, now South Australians will be performing this work. 

“This partnership between the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments will create ongoing, highly-skilled, secure and well paid jobs in our state for decades to come.”

Explosive Government analysis on new AUKUS nuclear submarine base

New documents show the dangers of an AUKUS nuclear submarine base on Australia’s east coast. With Port Kembla being put as the frontrunner for the East Coast US submarine base, and Newcastle in the mix, these documents confirm that Labor is placing a military target on the largest population centre in the country. 

Documents released today, following pressure from NSW State MLC Abigail Boyd, cover discussions and advice from the NSW State Government in 2022 and 2023 on the use of ports in Newcastle and Port Kembla for an AUKUS submarine base. 

These documents reveal that Port Kembla is the preferred site based on a cost-benefit analysis, but the option of Newcastle remains open. There was an acknowledgement that the East Coast base would not be accepted by the community, “because residents are likely to perceive the [base] as a source of risk due to there being nuclear reactors on board the submarines and the military base being a potential military target.”

The documents also noted the negative impact the base will have on the community, saying: “The relocation of NSW residents represents a net cost, which may be borne by the resident or by NSW Government through financial compensation. Displaced NSW residents may also result in frictional unemployment, which will involve lost wages and may also involve additional re-training costs.”

The State and Federal Governments were also determined to keep the decision secret, which was seen as more important than open and transparent consultation with the local community. 

Bases for US nuclear submarines have been announced near Perth and Adelaide at HMAS Stirling and Osborne, respectively. However, the Federal Government has been silent on the East Coast base. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson on Defence, said: “The documents show that both the State and Federal Governments know full well that this US nuclear submarine base will be damaging and dangerous for the community.”

“It’s no surprise that people don’t want to live next to a bunch of floating nuclear reactors with a big military target on them. It’s also no surprise that the State and Federal governments are desperate to hide this truth from the public.

“We have seen in Perth and Adelaide how Governments have run roughshod over the local community and forced AUKUS submarine facilities on them. 

“Labor knows that putting a giant US nuclear submarine base in someone’s backyard is not popular, but instead of reversing that dangerous policy, they push on in secret. We now see this taking place in NSW.”\

“These documents say as clear as day that any East Coast nuclear submarine base will be a priority military target. 

“We are watching the US actively driving war and instability around the world and instead of distancing Australia from that conflict, we have Labor, One Nation and the Coalition inviting that into our homes.

“Trump will happily start a war, then not lift a finger when US bases in allied states get targeted. The Greens don’t want that for Australia, and that’s what sets us apart from Labor, One Nation and the Liberals.”

NSW State MLC Abigail Boyd, and Greens NSW Spokesperson for Treasury and Industry, said: “People have a right to know if their town is about to go nuclear. It should not have required a parliamentary order, followed by a lengthy battle involving a Senior Counsel, to finally get these documents released.

“These documents spell out exactly what the impact of AUKUS will mean – a collapse in house prices, businesses closing, and an enormous cost to the community, all while multinational weapons companies print money.

“The Labor Government know exactly how radioactive this decision is. So now they’ve finished crunching the numbers, they’ve decided to play dumb. This feigned ignorance of the preferred location represents a total breakdown in proper democratic function, denying communities the right for input and consultation. It denies these communities the opportunity to realise their own hopes and aspirations for their communities.

“The NSW Labor Government, like the Coalition Government before them, have been caught out treating people’s lives and livelihoods as entries in a spreadsheet. They have calculated exactly the misery and distress a nuclear base in Port Kembla or Newcastle would cause.”

30% death tax ‘Easter Egg’ found in bad faith Budget

“The Albanese government has hidden a 30% death tax ‘Easter egg’ in their bad faith Budget and was hoping they could sneak their assault on family savings past Australians”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow reports in The Australian that found a 30% death tax hidden in the Budget papers targeted at popular family trusts. An ‘Easter Egg’ in popular culture is a secret that was deliberately hidden and requires effort to find.

“Young Australians who invest in ETFs, crypto and shares have realised this Budget is targeted at kneecapping their savings, and applies a tax on invested first home deposits, and now their targeting any inheritance too”, Mr Wilson.

“Yesterday in Question Time the Prime Minister was explicitly asked about ruling out a death tax in the future, and he wouldn’t. We now know he couldn’t rule out a death tax tomorrow because he announced one on Tuesday buried in his Budget papers”.

“In red hot rage, Anthony Albanese openly lied 50 times over to the Australian people about not introducing new taxes on homes, rentals, investments and family savings and now he’s been caught out trying to sneak through a death tax too”.

“This bad faith Budget is unravelling because Australian’s have awoken that the Budget narrative of intergenerational fairness is code for kneecapping Australian families”.

Novocastrian knowledge needed to localise State housing reforms

City of Newcastle will use community feedback to help plan for more housing near train stations at Hamilton, Adamstown, Kotara and the Newcastle Interchange.

The four areas have been selected by the NSW Government to be part of the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Program, which is designed to enable greater residential density near key transport hubs.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said City of Newcastle wants to hear what residents love about their suburb and what changes could help accommodate the growth in housing.

“We support the intent of the NSW Government reforms to provide more housing and increased density close to transport,” Ms Bisson said.

“However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not consider factors such as heritage or environmental constraints, so we’re designing a place-based approach to each precinct.

“We want the community to tell us what they love about their local area and what they believe should be prioritised in the future to accommodate more housing.

“That could include improved open public spaces, walking and cycling connections, transport and traffic upgrades, more lighting or the diversity of housing choices.”

Under the National Housing Accord, the NSW Government has committed to delivering 377,000 new homes across the state between 2024 and 2029, with a target of 11,100 new homes for the Newcastle Local Government Area during that period.

To help facilitate these targets, the NSW Government has introduced a range of planning reforms including the TOD program, which permit mid and high-rise development, including apartments and shop-top housing, by changing development standards such as building heights and floor space ratios.

Councils can create their own planning controls for TOD precincts, taking into consideration the distinct characteristics and needs of each location, as long as the planning controls still allow for the Government’s dwelling targets.

Using input from residents, City of Newcastle will produce an urban design framework for each of the four transport hubs, establishing the overall vision, objectives and actions that will provide guidance to property developers.

“The urban design frameworks will outline for property developers and owners what the area should look and feel like, and how things such as land use, streets, public spaces and buildings should work together, taking into consideration hazards such as flooding, bushfire, contamination and high-pressure gas pipelines,” Ms Bisson said.

“The framework will respect the unique local character of each precinct, while still delivering the outcomes that meet the needs of current and future people who live, work and enjoy these areas.”

The development of the urban design frameworks is being delivered with support from a NSW Government grant through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Community members can find out more or make a submission via the Have Your Say page until 5pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

Transformation of iconic harbourfront precinct takes next step

Work has begun beneath Queens Wharf as preparations get underway for the safe demolition of the fire-damaged western building.

Building inspections will get underway today before the work moves under the wharf later next week, pending favourable swell and wind conditions. Workers will use a small boat to carry out investigations underneath the structure before a floating pontoon is installed to enable the isolation and relocation of utilities connected to the site.

City of Newcastle’s Acting Director of Corporate Services Kathleen Hyland said the upcoming demolition of the western building is a critical first step in unlocking the future potential of the precinct.

“The transformation of Queens Wharf is a significant undertaking for City of Newcastle, which will deliver a new future for one of our city’s most iconic waterfront precincts,” Ms Hyland said.

“Some people would be unaware that this site and the majority of the adjacent road is built on piers above the harbour.

“The complex nature of the sub-structure means there is some preparatory work that needs to be completed as part of the safe and carefully managed demolition of the vacant western building.

“While not all progress will be immediately visible, this work is an essential step in transforming Queens Wharf and enabling the long-term revitalisation of the site.”

This services relocation work will take around two months to complete and will occur both under the wharf and inside the building.

Site establishment for the demolition of the building will begin after the services work is completed.

Access to the ferry and public promenade will be maintained during this period. Once demolition is complete, a range of short-term activations will be implemented to encourage the community and tourists to continue to enjoy the harbourfront site.

Queens Wharf has been a popular destination since it was constructed as a Bicentennial project and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. 

It includes two separate buildings – the western building which has been vacant since a fire in May 2020, and the Queens Wharf Hotel, along with two car parks, a public promenade and the Transport for NSW owned ferry wharf. 

Revitalisation of the precinct received strong community support, with almost 1,800 comments and suggestions received by City of Newcastle during a recent community engagement process, with 97% endorsing the overall vision for the project. 

To stay up-to-date with the latest information about Queens Wharf visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website.

Critical trackwork on the Blue Mountains line

Transport for NSW has halved the length of scheduled trackwork of the Blue Mountains rail line, to reduce further impact on communities already affected by the ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

Scheduled prior to the unforeseen closure of the Great Western Highway in March, the trackwork was planned to last two weeks. The trackwork has now been reduced to one week by delaying all non-time critical work.

Intercity passenger rail services will not operate between Mt Victoria and Lithgow from 2am on Monday 25 May to 2am on Monday 1 June and on the weekend of Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, the closure will extend between Lithgow and Blacktown.

The safety critical works include overhead wire renewal on vulnerable parts of the network which use an older fixed tension system and are vulnerable to the extreme temperature changes during the Blue Mountains winter. Critical works also include rail grinding, rail welding, and track defect removal.

Replacement buses will operate with an additional 25 trips during the week and two Bathurst peak‑hour services will continue to operate from Lithgow Station in the morning, departing at 6:50am and 8:48am. In the afternoon, two peak‑hour services will run from Bathurst to Lithgow, arriving at 5:46pm and 8:12pm.

In response to the 2025 Independent Rail Review the Minns Labor Government has invested $423.4 million over the next four years towards an asset renewal program targeted at upgrading rail tracks, signalling, and overhead wiring across the network as well as drainage in flood-prone areas.

As the rail reliability investment rolls out, the Minns Labor Government is also accelerating the re-opening of Mitchells Causeway on the Great Western Highway, with two consortia led by Seymour Whyte and Gamuda shortlisted to deliver the safest and fastest solution.

The NSW Government acknowledges the significant impact for communities across the Blue Mountains and Central West and has committed $50 million towards improving the safety and resilience of key detour routes through the Blue Mountains and Central West. More than $15 million worth of work has already been completed.

Public transport uplifts introduced earlier this year will remain in place during the closure including NSW TrainLink’s free turn-up-and-go coach services currently used by more than 300 passengers each week.

Passenger are encouraged to allow extra travel time and plan ahead by visiting transportnsw.info/trip-planner or downloading the Opal Travel App.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“We know the Victoria Pass closure is causing a lot of pain for communities either side of mountains. We’re sorry this trackwork will add to that disruption, which is why we’ve cut it as short as we can by delaying any non-time critical work.

“As we learnt with the big Homebush rail shut down last May, overhead wire faults can lead to enormous disruption. We can not let that happen at a time where the train line is a critical alternative to the Great Western Highway.

“Rail reliability is a key focus for our government, which is why we’re investing $424.4 million into network maintenance and improvements, and that includes the Blue Mountains line which is more important than ever during the Mitchell Causeway closure.”

Minister Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Maintenance on our rail lines is critical, and our Government continues to get on with the job of important, and targeted rail maintenance programs to ensure people can get to work, to appointments and to school.

“We acknowledge the ongoing impacts for Blue Mountains and Central West communities as a result of the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass.

“As we work towards a fix for the Highway, this rail maintenance program will ensure the Blue Mountains line can continue to be a reliable transport option for communities.”

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:

“Thank you so much to everyone in my community for their patience during this extraordinarily disruptive time.

“The train service is a crucial part of daily life in the Blue Mountains, especially as we live through the road closure, but we can’t afford to let it deteriorate and add further long-term pain to our transport situation.

“I want to thank my colleagues for finding a way to halve the shutdown time and thank the community for their understanding.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“Sydney Trains is carrying out planned critical upgrades and essential maintenance work to improve service reliability.

“During this time, passengers impacted by the closure of the rail line and the Great Westen Highway can use free turn-up-and-go coach services daily between Bathurst and Katoomba, stopping at Mt Victoria and Lithgow Stations.

“Trackwork is planned 12 months in advance so as much can be carried out at once to minimise the number of shutdowns in each area of the network.

“Sydney Trains apologises for the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience as we carry out this essential work.”

Construction begins on NSW’s first end-to-end green hydrogen hub

Construction has started on NSW’s first end-to-end hydrogen and ammonia production plant, The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project, near Moree.

GEGHA’s plant will boost NSW’s ability to produce essential fuel and fertiliser locally and help make farming supply chains more reliable in the face of global disruptions. It will also cut emissions from local fertiliser production, transport and heavy machinery.

The project is scalable and repeatable, representing a model that can be rolled out across regional NSW to increase domestic manufacturing and develop energy security through sovereign supply chains for key industries.

Overall, 93 local jobs will be created during the construction and ongoing operation of the project.

The plant will produce up to 4,500 tonnes of low-carbon ammonia per year, replacing imported, fossil fuel-based fertilisers and removing up to 17,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from farming, which equates to taking 6,500 passenger cars off the road.

The ammonia will be used to produce green fertiliser for Sundown Pastoral Company’s Keytah Farm – a 65,000-acre sustainable cotton and cropping operation, one of the largest in the Gwydir Region – as well as other agricultural properties in New England.

The plant will also produce more than 200 tonnes of green hydrogen per year to reduce diesel use in irrigation pumping on-farm and in heavy-vehicle refuelling.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of $45.2 million in the project through the NSW Hydrogen Hubs Initiative and the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative. Through this funding, the Minns Labor Government is delivering local jobs, boosting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on fuels such as diesel.

GEGHA is jointly led by New Zealand’s Hiringa Energy and the Moree-based Sundown Pastoral Company and is expected to be operational in 2027.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“The start of construction on GEGHA marks a major milestone for hydrogen capacity building in NSW, showing how clean energy investment can deliver real benefits for regional communities, industry and farmers.

“The current fuel shock shows why projects like this are so important – they help make farming supply chains more reliable by reducing our need for imported fertilisers.”

Hiringa Energy Co-founder and CEO, Andrew Clennett said:

“We are delighted to be able to begin construction of the unique hydrogen and ammonia elements of this project, which has so much potential for the regional NSW farming community.

“In particular, GEGHA is testament to the power of the relationships we have across project partners, especially Sundown, the NSW Government and NAB. I’m very proud of Hiringa’s record of delivering leading green hydrogen and renewable projects, but that doesn’t happen without strong collaboration across many parties.”

Sundown Pastoral Company Owner, David Statham said:

“Recent fuel and fertiliser supply pressures have highlighted how exposed regional industries remain to volatile international markets, reinforcing the need for greater local energy resilience.

“Australia is very vulnerable when it comes to imported fuel and fertiliser. Farmers live and breathe those pressures every day. We need to find another solution to insulate regional economies that are dependent on agriculture, and this shows it’s possible.”

Minns Government boosting Western NSW’s workforce participation with 176 additional childcare places

The Minns Labor Government is boosting the workforce in Western NSW by investing an additional $4.9 million into early childhood education and care services into the high need locations of Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires.

The upgrades and expansion work, funded through the Government’s Regional Development Trust, will deliver 176 additional childcare places and 26 new jobs.

Childcare shortages in Western NSW place increasing strain on essential worker employment and reduce opportunities for parents and carers to return to work, education or training.

The childcare availability in these three LGAs are amongst the lowest in NSW. The Minns Government is continuing to support regional communities and families by addressing significant childcare shortages to improve workforce participation and build essential services.

This latest funding builds on the success of the $5.6 million announced in November 2024, which is creating more than 150 additional childcare places in Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar.

The Regional Development Trust will provide the funding to the following services:

  • Hay Children’s Services Incorporated – $1,843,794 to undertake a full renovation and fit-out of its early learning centre to double its capacity, creating 15 new jobs and adding 120 extra childcare places.
  • Riverina Children’s Activity Van Inc. – $1,312,548 to provide mobile services in Goolgowi and deliver a purpose-built demountable at Rankins Springs Primary School for Early Childhood Education and Care, creating two new jobs and providing 16 extra places in Goolgowi and Rankins Springs Preschools.
  • Dunedoo Pre-school Kindergarten Inc. – $755,450 to expand its storage shed and upgrade play equipment, kitchen and laundry facilities, and will create three new jobs and add 12 extra places.
  • Warrumbungle Shire Council – $636,000 to expanding its Connect Five mobile early education service from fortnightly to weekly and upgrade its fleet vehicle and storage facility, creating five new jobs and adding 20 extra places.
  • Baradine Preschool Inc. – $388,050 to refurbish its facility to offer an Out of School Hours Care program in the morning and afternoon for children in primary school, creating one new job and adding eight extra places.

The Minns Government’s plan to rebuild the workforce in regional NSW is being addressed through a range of programs such as this Western Workforce Activation Program focusing on making extra childcare spaces available, and The Welcome Experience that’s attracting essential workers to make the move to regional towns.

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

“Access to quality childcare should not depend on where you live, and this investment will help more families in Western NSW access the early learning services they need close to home.

“These additional childcare places will make a real difference for parents and carers who want to return to work, study or training, while also helping local businesses and essential services attract and keep staff.

“By expanding and upgrading early childhood education services across Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires, we are creating jobs, supporting regional communities and helping rebuild the workforce in Western NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional families have access to the same opportunities and essential services as families anywhere else in the state.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This Minns Government funding will deliver real improvements for families in Carrathool, Hay and Warrumbungle Shires, helping local early childhood services expand capacity and better meet community demand.

“Access to quality childcare is essential for strong regional communities, and these upgrades will support families where it is needed most, and at the same time help us rebuild essential services with the additional workers we need.

“Childcare shortages limit workforce participation and by investing in expanded facilities, service improvements and workforce development, the Minns Government is helping parents and carers return to work, education or training while supporting local employers that are keen for workers.”

Emily Perkins, General Manager, Hay Children’s Services said:

“Hay Children’s Services is proud to share it has been awarded funding through the Western NSW Workforce Activation Program, a significant investment that will support the expansion of our Early Learning Centre and strengthen the delivery of early childhood education and care across our community.

“This funding will enable us to increase capacity, improve facilities, and create a more engaging and supportive environment for children, while also supporting the attraction and retention of a skilled local workforce.

“We recognise the importance of this initiative in addressing regional workforce challenges and are committed to ensuring more families in Hay and the surrounding region have access to high-quality, accessible early learning services.”

Warrawong Seawall works begin as parklands transformation takes shape

Construction is underway on the new Warrawong Seawall, marking the first major milestone in the revitalisation of Warrawong Parklands and the Lake Illawarra foreshore into a renewed waterfront destination for the Illawarra community.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $5 million to deliver the new seawall at Kully Bay as part of the broader transformation of Warrawong Parklands into a more accessible, vibrant and resilient public space.

The existing seawall along the promenade has significantly deteriorated due to ongoing erosion, forcing sections of the foreshore to close.

The new seawall will replace the ageing structure, restore safe public access to the northern foreshore and help protect the area from future erosion and storm impacts.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the seawall will incorporate environmentally sensitive features to support marine habitat, improve ecological outcomes and strengthen the natural environment along the lake edge.

This work kicks off delivery of the Warrawong Parklands Masterplan, which outlines a long-term vision for the foreshore including new recreation areas, community gathering spaces, walking connections and nature-based play opportunities.

The project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering better public spaces, improving access to open space and creating healthier, more liveable communities across NSW.

Construction will be undertaken in line with local and state environmental management frameworks, including the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program (2019) and the Wollongong Coastal Zone Management Plan: Management Study (2017).

The new seawall is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. For more information visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“We’re getting on with revitalising Warrawong Parklands, and the construction of the new seawall is the first step in restoring access to this important foreshore and bringing it back to life for the local community.

“This project will restore safe access to the waterfront, help protect the foreshore from future erosion and deliver a more resilient and environmentally sustainable public space.

“Lake Illawarra is one of the region’s great natural assets, and this project will help preserve and enhance the foreshore so it can be enjoyed by local families and visitors for generations to come.”

Design unveiled for new Moss Vale Ambulance Station

Moss Vale and surrounding communities are being given a first look at the design for the new Moss Vale Ambulance Station which will boost emergency and mobile medical care across the Southern Highlands.

The new Ambulance Station will be located on Lackey Road, Moss Vale and is part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, to bolster frontline emergency services.

The modern, purpose-built ambulance station will include internal parking for up to eight emergency ambulance vehicles, on-site vehicle wash facilities, administration and logistics areas, multipurpose spaces, staff amenities including a gym, and on-site parking.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

NSW Ambulance identified Moss Vale as a high priority location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls. The new ambulance station will optimise response performance to better meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

The Minns Government is delivering 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

The Minns Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ambulance-infrastructure-program  

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We’re backing our paramedics with the modern infrastructure and resources they need to deliver high-quality emergency care for communities across NSW.

“More ambulance stations, more paramedics, faster response times, and better patient outcomes.

“The unveiling of the design for the new Moss Vale ambulance station marks another step towards delivering a vital health service for the Moss Vale and Southern Highlands communities.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva:

“Local paramedics will have a purpose-built ambulance station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care to the local community when and where it is needed.

“The new ambulance station will bolster the network of ambulance stations across the Southern Highlands and south-western Sydney regions and support existing ambulance stations in the local network including at Bowral and Picton.”