Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating housing delivery in regional communities providing $12.3 million in financial support to councils which will help unlock more than 9,800 new homes through the latest round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI).

The funding will help bring forward six enabling infrastructure projects across five regional councils which will enable housing growth.

From road upgrades to water and sewer systems and community facilities the funding will help build better communities right across NSW.

Recipients include:

• Wollongong City Council – $3.2 million towards the $28 million upgrade of West Dapto Road, from Yard Street to Darkes Road, accelerating delivery of 1500 new homes in Council’s West Dapto Urban Release Area.
• Port Macquarie-Hastings Council – $7 million towards the $152 million Cowarra Water Treatment Plant, supporting more than 5300 new homes.
• Cowra Shire – $932,800 towards a $10 million upgrade of Cowra Aquatic Centre, including a new 50-metre outdoor pool, two new filtration and water treatment systems, and upgraded electrical systems and amenity to support new housing demand.
• Greater Hume Shire – $354,300 towards a $2.8 million Jindera Sewer Treatment Plant augmentation, supporting 260 new dwellings.
• Orange City – $398,600 towards a $2.4 million upgrade of the Molong Road intersection, enabling 1,200 new residential lots.
• Orange City – $433,000 towards a $2.6 million upgrade of the Northern Distributor Road and Clergate Road Intersection, enabling 1,300 new residential lots.

The competitive grants program was open to all 95 regional councils to help deliver critical infrastructure that will accelerate new housing supply. Under the LCLI, the NSW Government covers 50 per cent of interest costs on eligible loans.

This brings the NSW Government investment to $31.3 million for the Low Cost Loans Initiative, supporting the delivery of $792 million worth of essential infrastructure across NSW. For more information, visit: NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re helping councils deliver the infrastructure that supports more new homes by cutting borrowing costs and accelerating the delivery of roads, water and sewer infrastructure that communities rely on.

“By supporting infrastructure that growing communities need, we’re creating more opportunities for people to live and work in regional NSW.

“We’re working with councils to support sustainable growth and to give regional communities the confidence to plan for the future.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding is about making it easier for councils to deliver the essential services and infrastructure that regional communities need to grow.

“With many regional families struggling to find affordable homes to rent and buy, the Low Cost Loans Initiative is supporting more housing choice in areas where it’s needed.

“By supporting councils to bring forward these projects, we’re helping ensure regional NSW remains a great place to live and work.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering another long overdue school upgrade for regional NSW, with Gillieston Public School’s major redevelopment reaching a major construction milestone.

The Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison MP, inspected Gillieston Public School today following the topping out of the new three-storey school building.  

Surging demand for public education in Maitland left Gillieston Public School bursting at the seams under the Liberals and Nationals, with most of the school’s students learning in demountable classrooms.

Once the work is complete all the school’s 24 demountables will be replaced with 32 modern permanent classrooms and three support classrooms.

The upgrade will increase the permanent capacity of Gillieston Public School, which currently has only two permanent classrooms, by more than 650 students, future-proofing the school for further growth.

Additional redevelopment work includes a new outside of school hours care facilities, a covered outdoor learning area, upgraded sports facilities, as well as a new library, school hall, and canteen.

The school will also benefit from a co-located fee-free public preschool, as will nearby Tenambit Public School.

Work is underway on the delivery of both these new co-located public preschools, which will accommodate up to 200 children per week between them.

The upgraded school and the two public preschools will open from Day 1, Term 1, 2027 as the Minns Labor Government continues its work to rebuild public education across NSW.

The new public preschools are part of the government’s commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.

This is part of a record $9 billion investment in new schools and upgrades, including $2.1 billion for regional NSW, giving our children access to a world class public education, right where they live.

The Minns Labor Government has also delivered the biggest pay rise in a generation to attract the best teachers and keep them in the classroom, resulting in teacher vacancies falling to the lowest level in 12 years, halving the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW schools.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver better schools and more teachers to give our kids the world class education they deserve.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This is a major investment in the future of public education for Maitland families, providing local students with the world class facilities they deserve.”

“For far too long, the Gillieston Public School community was neglected by the Liberals and Nationals.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the tireless advocacy of local MP Jenny Aitchison, have listened to the community, and students can look forward to learning in their new classrooms from the beginning of next year.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:  

“This is great news for families in Gillieston Heights and right across Maitland.

“The Hunter is growing quickly, and communities rightly expect the essential infrastructure to keep up – including great local public schools.

“For too long, families at Gillieston Public School had to make do with temporary classrooms and overcrowding. This upgrade is about giving them the permanent, high-quality facilities they deserve.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:  

“It’s no secret that Gillieston Heights is a rapidly growing suburb, and the public school has been bursting at the seams for over a decade.

“This redevelopment would not be happening without the strong advocacy of the school community. We’ve been calling for upgrades to this school for years.

“This is a much-needed upgrade, that will ensure this fantastic school can continue to serve this community well into the future.”  

Gillieston Public School Principal Lauren Fernando said:

“It’s exciting to see our upgrade underway. Our students are looking forward to modern, permanent classrooms and facilities.  

“This upgrade is going to make a big difference to our students, our staff and our whole school community.” 

The latest ABS Taxation Revenue data confirms what families and businesses across New South Wales already know: under Labor, taxes are going up and households are paying the price. 

Under the Minns Labor Government, a disturbing trend of runaway tax increases has emerged. Between the 2022-23 and 2024-25 financial years, NSW has endured the highest per capita state and local government taxation growth of any jurisdiction in the country of 15.7 per cent, compared to 6.7 per cent growth across all levels of government.   

		22-23	23-24	24-25	22-23 to 24-25
		$	$	$	% change
State and local government
	New South Wales	5,519	6,005	6,383	15.7%
	Victoria	5,810	6,367	6,605	13.7%
	Queensland	4,746	5,060	5,481	15.5%
	South Australia	4,307	4,689	4,956	15.1%
	Western Australia	5,303	5,598	5,933	11.9%
	Tasmania	3,651	3,985	4,153	13.7%
	Northern Territory	3,424	3,604	3,839	12.1%
	Australian Capital Territory	5,555	5,494	5,725	3.1%
	Average	5,266	5,692	6,023	14.4%
Commonwealth government		23,475	24,083	24,652	5.0%
All levels of government		28,705	29,735	30,633	6.7%

The 2025-26 NSW Budget Half-Yearly Review confirms that under the Minns Labor Government, every tax is going up with land tax revenue increasing by more than 47 per cent, transfer duty revenue up nearly 45 per cent, and payroll tax surging by over 20 per cent since the 2022-23 budget year. 
 
NSW Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the figures expose a clear pattern: higher taxes, rising cost of living, and a government that keeps taking more. 
 
“Since the Minns Labor Government was elected, NSW has taken the mantle of the State with the fastest growing taxes. That’s not something to be proud of, it is a burden families are feeling every single day.” 
 
“There is barely a tax that has been spared. Whether you’re buying a home, running a business, or just trying to get ahead, Labor is taking more.” 
 
“Labor has no plan to help the families of NSW, but has a plan to continue growing taxes with the Half-Yearly Budget Review predicting taxation will hit nearly $60 billion by the 2028-29 financial year – a more than 50 per cent increase on the yearly tax burden the people of NSW faced under the last year of the Coalition Government.” 
 
“At a time when people are cutting back, the Minns Labor Government is cashing in.” 

A critical upgrade in Sydney’s North West will kick off next week, with early works set to begin from 28 April at the Bandon Road and Riverstone Parade intersection near Vineyard train station.

This investment will deliver safety improvements for a rapidly growing community, addressing the infrastructure backlog left by the former State Liberal government, which failed to keep pace with growth in the region.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly funding $150 million in planning and early works for the Bandon Road Upgrade, which is part of the North West Growth Centre Road Network Strategy.

The early works package includes a new car park with more than 70 spaces, upgraded bus stops, improved pedestrian access, lighting, and key safety improvements at the intersection to support future duplication.  

These upgrades will make it safer and easier for locals to access Vineyard Station and move through the area.  

The works will support the delivery of a future upgrade of Bandon Road, to ease congestion and support the growth of new homes for families in the North West.  

The Bandon Road Upgrade, currently in planning with the $150 million in joint funding, envisages a new four-lane road, a new underpass below the railway line, shared pedestrian and cycle paths, improved flood evacuated routes and better connections for local communities.  

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

“In partnership with the Minns Government we are investing in the future infrastructure needs of communities, like here in Sydney’s growing North West.  

“We want to ensure that people can get around efficiently and get home safely whether they’re walking, driving or taking public transport.”  

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, yet for too long the former Liberal government failed to keep pace with that growth.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the infrastructure Western Sydney needs and deserves – so families can spend less time in traffic and more time at home, getting where they need to go, safely and on time.  

“These early works are an important first step towards the future duplication of Bandon Road, which will become a critical arterial road connection in the North West.”

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland:  

“These works are a clear sign that we are delivering on our commitment to upgrading local transport links, reducing congestion and building a better future for North West Sydney.  

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working together to ensure local residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.”

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:

“For Hawkesbury commuters who use Vineyard Station or travel this route, the start of early works at Bandon Road is a significant milestone.

“This marks a major step forward in delivering the infrastructure our growing region needs.”

Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic:

“Starting these early works on April 28 is fantastic news, as this upgrade is critical for improving safety and access to Vineyard station.

“These works form part of our more than $1bn investment in roads from Marsden Park to Colebee through to Riverstone, making sure local infrastructure can match local growth and support jobs out our way.”

State Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby:  

“These upgrades are about making everyday life easier for people in our community.

“As Riverstone and Vineyard continue to grow, Bandon Road is becoming a key local link, and these early works will make a real difference to how people access the station and move around the area.

“This is the first tangible step towards duplicating Bandon Road and removing the Vineyard level crossing, making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and delivers for the people who call this community home.”  

The Minns Labor Government has supported 178 essential workers to relocate to the Northern Rivers through The Welcome Experience program due to this success we are now expanding the services to additional areas to rebuild essential services across the Northern Rivers.

Established in an original 11 pilot locations in 2023 to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW, The Welcome Experience has grown to support more than 3,000 frontline workers to make the move.

The service has only been available in the Northern Rivers since late 2024 in the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Richmond. Following today’s announcement, it will be expanded to operate in Kyogle, Tenterfield and Clarence Valley, so more essential workers and families can make the move.

It is a free service supporting essential workers and their families who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in either government or non-government eligible sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing and emergency services.

The workers considering a move are linked to a Local Connector who can help with the realities of relocating with the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, finding a relevant sporting or interest group, plus exploring job opportunities for partners.

The following essential workers and families have been supported to make the move to the following local government areas in the Northern Rivers:

Lismore – 42 health and 14 education workers are among the 56 essential workers who relocated and brought 43 family members who are now connecting with the community.
Ballina – 14 health and 3 paramedics are among the 24 essential workers who have relocated and brought 24 family members to become new members of the community.
Byron – 8 health and 1 veterinarian are among the 13 essential workers who have relocated and brought 15 family members who are now connecting with the community.
Richmond Valley – 11 health, and 3 aged care workers are among the 15 essential workers who have relocated and brought 20 family members to join the community.
Tweed – 49 health, and 5 NSW Police officers are among the 65 essential workers who relocated and brought 71 family members into the community.
The Northern Rivers region isn’t the only area with an expanding service delivery, with The Welcome Experience being set to increase operatonal delivery from 55 local government areas to 88 LGAs across regional NSW as part of a major scale up.

Through this program and appropriate increased pay levels for nurses, teachers and police, the Minns Government is addressing the issues of regional essential workforce shortages, inherited from the former Nationals Liberal Government.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the opportunities awaiting those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Lismore and the broader Northern Rivers region are fantastic places to work and raise a family and with the support of the Welcome Experience more highly trained essential service workers are choosing to make the move.

“The Welcome Experience is helping to ease pressure on vital services across the region, particularly within health systems that support communities throughout Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding Northern Rivers towns.

“What makes these numbers so meaningful is that behind each registration is not just one person, but often an entire family, partners and children who are also putting down roots and becoming part of the Northern Rivers community.

“These essential workers are the heartbeat of our communities. They keep hospitals running and communities safe, care for our elderly, and educate the next generation, providing the skills and services the Northern Rivers needs to thrive.”

Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Lismore and the Northern Rivers are great places to live and work, and the Welcome Experience is helping attract more skilled essential workers to the region.

“The program is easing pressure on key services, especially health, supporting communities across Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding towns.

“Each registration often represents a whole family choosing to settle here and become part of our community.”

Local Connector with Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers, Lisa Richards said:

“The Welcome Experience is making a real and measurable difference in Lismore. In my role as a Local Connector, I have supported more than 55 essential workers and their families to relocate and successfully settle in the community to date.

“The program provides tailored, practical support across housing, partner employment, education and local connections, ensuring that essential workers and their families can establish themselves with confidence from day one.”

Katrina Melville, Medical Administration Manager at Tweed Valley Hospital and client of The Welcome Experience, said:

“The Welcome Experience played a really important role in helping me settle into the Tweed, and it has also been a great support for some of the young doctors I manage. When I was first offered the role, I reached out to our Local Connector Lisa to see what assistance was available, and she provided excellent guidance on where to look for housing, which was incredibly helpful during that transition period.”

“The week I moved was also the week of a Welcome Experience social event in Tweed. Having moved up on my own and not knowing anyone, I attended and really enjoyed meeting new people. It introduced me to other colleagues from the hospital who had also recently relocated, which helped me feel connected very quickly.

“I am really looking forward to the next event as it’s a great opportunity to socialise and network. My team and I now routinely provide information about The Welcome Experience to all new doctors relocating and commencing within the region.

“Regional living gives you back what city life takes away: time, space, and genuine connection. Short commutes, stunning beaches and countryside, and welcoming communities make it easier to balance work and life. Say yes to local events, get involved, and before you know it, you’re not just working there – you belong there.”

Total relocations to Lismore by sector:

Health: 42	NSW Police Force: 0
Education: 5	Department of Communities and Justice: 0
Aged care and disability support: 6	NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service: 0
NSW Ambulance: 3	Veterinary services: 0

Welcome Experience essential workers relocations

Region Name:

Central West: 156	Northern New England: 73
Coffs Coast: 193	Northern Rivers: 178
Far South Coast: 221	Orana: 299
Far West: 651	Riverina: 276
Greater Albury: 186	Southern NSW: 284
Illawarra Shoalhaven: 128	Southern New England: 201
Mid North Coast: 150	Upper Hunter: 104
Moree Plains: 98

Total relocations by sector:

Health: 1,878	NSW Police Force: 169
Education: 457	Department of Communities and Justice: 76
Aged care and disability support: 326	NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service: 33
NSW Ambulance: 226	Veterinary services: 33

The Minns Government is appealing for motorists to drive safely this ANZAC Day long weekend, with New South Wales Police strictly enforcing double demerits on roads across the state.

With ANZAC Day falling on Saturday, motorists are being reminded there is an additional public holiday on Monday this year and double demerits will apply for the entire long weekend.

Double demerits will be in place from midnight tonight until 11:59pm Monday 27 April, targeting high-risk behaviours including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, improper seatbelt use and motorcycle helmet offences.

Police will also be conducting random breath testing and mobile drug testing across the state, with an increased enforcement presence expected on major highways and key regional routes as traffic volumes are expected to rise over the Anzac Day long weekend.

Last year almost 40% of deaths on NSW roads involved speeding, while drug driving, drink driving and fatigue each contribute to about 16-24% of fatalities every year.

The calls to slow down and drive responsibly come as the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year exceeds 107, which is 6 more than the same time last year.

Double demerits are a proven measure designed to deter unsafe and illegal behaviour before it leads to tragedy.  

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Let there be no doubt: NSW Police officers will be out in force this long weekend and they will be targeting the behaviours we know put lives at risk on our roads.

“This is a high-visibility operation, and drivers can expect to see police on highways, in regional areas and across our metropolitan road network.

“There is no excuse for speeding, using your mobile phone, or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt. These are not just offences, they are choices – and they could cost you your life.  

“If you make the wrong decision behind the wheel, you will be caught and you will face the consequences. Double demerits are there to deter risky behaviour and encourage safer driving when our roads are at their busiest.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Tragically, 107 lives have already been lost on our roads this year, which is 6 more than this time last year.

“These aren’t just statistics. They are people, and every single death represents a family, a community and a life cut short.

“We know the biggest risks are speeding, fatigue, distraction and driving under the influence, and these behaviours continue to have devastating consequences.

“This long weekend, there will be more people on the road, more families travelling and more pressure on the network, which is why it’s so important that every driver takes responsibility.

“Slow down, put your phone away, wear your seatbelt properly and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”  

While police numbers fall under the Minns Labor Government, the state’s top cop has warned organised crime groups are deliberately recruiting young people online to carry out crimes on their behalf. 
 
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has told 2GB’s Ben Fordham they’re seeing what they call “crime as a service” which is where young people are contracted online to conduct murders, kidnappings and drive by shootings. 
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said today’s warning from the Police Commissioner should be a wake-up call for a Government that is refusing to prioritise community safety. 
 
“The Commissioner is telling us that criminal networks are now deliberately targeting vulnerable young people through social media and online platforms to do their dirty work,” Mr Roberts said. 
 
“This is a sophisticated, organised threat and it demands a properly resourced response. What it cannot afford is a police force that is stretched to breaking point.” 
 
NSW now has just 176 police officers per 100,000 people, down from 205 in 2019, even as the state’s population has grown and the nature of crime has become more complex and more dangerous. 
 
“At exactly the moment our Police Commissioner is warning us that crime is evolving and young people are being targeted online, the Minns Government has allowed police numbers to fall to their lowest ratio in years,” Mr Roberts said. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government must outline a plan to restore police numbers and resource law enforcement agencies with the tools they need.” 

Commuters in Sydney’s south-west are being left stranded, forced onto crowded replacement buses for at least an additional year as delays to the Metro South-West conversion continue to drag on. 
 
What was meant to be a 12-month shutdown in September 2024 has become a prolonged disruption to daily life, impacting workers, students and families across the region. 
 
The Minns Labor Government has still failed to provide a firm opening date for the metro line, instead offering only a vague commitment that services will begin in the “second half of the year”. 
 
Behind the inconvenience, taxpayers are also footing a growing bill with the Minns Labor Government spending around $8 million a month to keep the replacement bus network running as the delays continue. 
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said commuters deserve better than the uncertainty they are currently experiencing.  
 
“With up to 60,000 passengers relying on the corridor each day, the ongoing uncertainty is taking a toll on one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“Commuters who expected to be using a world-class Metro remain stuck navigating a patchwork system of buses, often facing queues, congestion and inconsistent travel times.” 
 
“Commuters are being pushed to the limit by these ongoing delays.” 
 
“While commuters deal with the disruption, taxpayers are also footing a massive bill — nearly $8 million a month — and still no one can say when the Metro Services will be running.”  
 
“Commuters deserve to see light at the end of the tunnel and the very least the Government could do is provide an expected opening day or month to the suffering commuters of the South-West.” 

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are celebrating a major milestone for the King Georges Road upgrade, with work starting today on Stage 2A of the project.

Stage 2A will upgrade King Georges Road and Connells Point Road intersection to improve road safety and reduce travel times and congestion. 

This next stage builds upon the improvements already delivered under Stage 1, which widened King Georges Road from Stoney Creek Road to Forest Road from four to six lanes.

Easing congestion along this key corridor, the upgrades will increase efficiency and improve safety for the 60,000 cars, trucks and buses that use this road daily. 

The Australian and NSW Governments have each committed $95 million towards the $190 million project. 

This major milestone comes following the completion of detailed design, with the construction contract awarded to BMD Constructions.

Works under Stage 2A include widening King Georges Road from two to three lanes in each direction between Connells Point Road and William Street, and extending right turn bays on King Georges Road and Connells Point Road, among other improvements.

For more information, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/improvements-to-king-georges-road.

NSW Premier and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns:

“I’ve heard from our community just how frustrating congestion along King Georges Road can be, which is why we’re working with the Albanese Government to get this upgrade underway.

“King Georges Road is one of the busiest corridors in southern Sydney, and this upgrade is long overdue.

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure growing communities need, easing congestion and making daily travel safer and more predictable for local families and businesses.

“This is a practical project that will make a real difference for the tens of thousands of people who use this road each day.”

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

“This upgrade is about keeping people, business and freight moving across southern Sydney, with the Albanese Government investing in infrastructure that delivers real benefits for local communities.

“By increasing capacity on King Georges Road, we’re cutting congestion, improving travel times and supporting a safer, more reliable network for the thousands of drivers who rely on this corridor every day.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“We’re delivering better roads for southern Sydney, and this next stage of the King Georges Road upgrade is a big step forward.

“Improving the Connells Point Road intersection will help traffic flow more smoothly, particularly during peak periods when this corridor is under the most pressure.

“With around 60,000 vehicles using this road each day, these upgrades will make journeys safer, quicker and more reliable for everyone who depends on this key corridor.”

Federal Member for Banks Zhi Soon:

“Locals know how challenging this intersection can be. Congestion during peak times and on weekends are causing regular traffic jams when people just want to get to the shops at South Hurstville, pick their kids up from school, or just go about their day.

“The works to widen King Georges Road, extend right turn lanes southbound, and upgrade footpaths and pedestrian refuges will make this intersection safer and easier to navigate for both drivers and pedestrians.

“I am proud to be part of a Federal Labor Government that is delivering $95 million in funding for this project, alongside our State Labor Government counterparts, working together to deliver the infrastructure upgrades our community needs”