Category: NSW News

Australia’s first new city in 100 years is officially open for business as the Minns Labor Government launches the Bradfield City ‘Built for what’s next’ campaign.

The campaign will showcase Bradfield as a city on the doorstep of an international airport which boasts access to world‑class research and manufacturing infrastructure, as well as a skilled local workforce. Showing investors and businesses why it is an ideal location for innovative business models in Australia and across the globe.

To launch a wave of new commercial investment opportunities new expressions of interest have opened today for businesses interested in locating in the 3.8-hectare Enterprise Precinct adjacent to the city’s first building the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).

The Minns Labor Government is particularly interested in attracting investment from sectors such as aerospace, cleantech, modern construction, defence, education and research, freight and logistics, advanced manufacturing, agtech, semiconductors and critical technologies.

This campaign brings Bradfield another step closer to becoming a thriving, globally connected city, with 10,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs.

The Minns Labor Government has also made a regulation change so all development within Bradfield’s master plan footprint will be assessed through a dedicated streamlined state‑led planning pathway. This will make sure we can establish the foundations Bradfield needs to be a thriving community.

Following the first land release in December last year further progress is being made, with the developer Plenary set to open Expressions of Interests in the coming weeks to find a university partner and commercial tenants.

Today’s launch follows significant progress over the past two years, including:

• Finalising a development agreement with Plenary to transform the first Superlot.
• Partnering with Superloop to deliver the cities digital infrastructure.
• Opening of the First Building the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility.
• Completing the first stage of civil and enabling works making more than a third of the city development ready.
• Approving for the Second Building and iconic two-hectare Central Park, which are both due to start construction this year.
• Committing to make Bradfield the site of Australia’s first commercial semiconductor advanced packaging facility.
• Accelerating private investment in the broader Aerotropolis with $21.6 billion worth of projects in the pipeline at various stages.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a stronger future for Western Sydney, including making Bradfield a national hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing and sovereign capability.

Further opportunities will come to market later this year including, tenancies in the Second Building.

Learn more about the opportunities now open and build your business in Bradfield City: www.bradfield.city.

Prue Car, Deputy Premier of NSW and Minister for Western Sydney said:

“New South Wales is open for business, and the Minns Labor Government is backing industry, reducing red tape, and creating new jobs for Western Sydney.

“Bradfield City is right at the heart of this work. As the Aerotropolis grows, we have a chance to create new pathways for jobs, education, and infrastructure in our growing communities.

“The Minns Labor Government wants businesses and investors to take the next step, bring your ambition, your ideas, and help us shape the future for Western Sydney.”

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

“Bradfield City is officially open for business and situated on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport it offers unique benefits for innovative and advanced industries looking for a homebase.

“This is an exciting milestone for Bradfield and an exciting opportunity for new industry to get a foothold in a new globally connected city which is well on its way to becoming a hub for future focused industries.

“The Minns Labor Government is making sure Australia’s first new city in 100 years has the right foundations to thrive as a commercial and industrial centre as well as a well connect and serviced community for thousands.”  

The Albanese and Minns Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support Mid North Coast communities as they continue to rebuild following the severe weather of May 2025 and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

The nearly $56.3 million package, delivered through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), targets the long-term work of cleaning up waterways, repairing environmental damage, and providing direct financial relief to local businesses.

The new funding will go towards:

• Clean up and waste removal ($26.2 million) – managed by the NSW EPA, this fund will target removing hazardous debris from riverbanks and land that requires specialised equipment.
• Environmental restoration ($8.8 million) – dedicated to repairing riverbanks (riparian zones) and coastal areas, including critical work on the Manning Point spur wall.
• Small Business and Non-Profit Grants ($5.61 million) – an increased grant of up to an additional $25,000 will be available in the coming weeks through Service NSW. These are specifically for businesses and not for profit organisations that suffered direct damage as a result of the severe weather event in May last year. It will contribute towards extraordinary clean-up, repair and restoration of damaged business premises and assets including damaged equipment, flooring and walls.
• Community recovery and resilience ($7.2 million) – support community recovery and resilience activities including Engagement and Resilience Coordinators to support councils’ work with communities.
• Disaster Legal Services ($1.9 million) – will provide disaster legal services to help mitigate the economic and social impacts of flooding.
• Mental Health support ($4.2 million) mental health disaster recovery support through targeted programs.

The new funding programs will be launched in the coming weeks with more information available at nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain MP said:
“People across the Mid North Coast were hit hard by these back-to-back severe weather events, which caused widespread disruption and damage to homes, businesses, and the environment.

“As I said at the start of this event in May last year, recovery is a long haul; it is not days and weeks, it is months and years.

“The Albanese and Minns Governments continue to work very closely together for the people of the Mid North Coast, and this support package is just another example of that.

“It delivers a range of practical, long-term assistance measures, and we will continue to stand by these communities through this recovery.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Communities across the Mid North Coast know all too well the devastating impact of floods and severe weather events like what we saw in May last year. 

“We know recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and requires governments of all levels to work together to ensure communities are getting the right support they need to move forward. 

“This additional funding package will provide that practical on the ground support so the communities of the Mid North Coast can continue to rebuild their lives.”    

NSW Minister for Recovery and Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:
“I’ve been on the ground in these communities, and I know that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. We have listened to the community dealing with the aftermath of the 2025 floods, and we are staying the distance.

“While this $56.28 million won’t fix every single issue overnight, it is a significant investment in the heavy-duty clean-up and the mental health support that people actually need right now.

“Small business owners have been clear about what they need to move forward, and as both Minister for Recovery and Small Business, I am focused on delivering that practical support. This funding is specifically designed to help replace damaged equipment and repairing shopfronts to ensure local traders can complete their rebuilds and focus on the future.”

The Minns Labor Government’s push to rebuild local bus manufacturing in NSW is taking a significant step forward, with construction commencing on a new bus facility which will create over 100 new jobs on the South Coast.

Today the first sod will be turned on the new 6000sqm Foton Mobility Distribution bus manufacturing facility in Nowra. This will allow Foton to scale up to 127 workers, from 19 at their current temporary facility.

The next round of recruitment for 27 positions is expected to be advertised in June, including leading hands, assembly workers, electricians, production line engineer, quality control engineers, payroll and office admin. 

Those workers are due to start when the first phase of the new facility is completed in the third quarter of this year.

The benefits will flow beyond the employees with Foton already using six local suppliers: John K Engineering, Lee Sandstrom for auto electrical, Mark Burton for quality assurance, Nowra Signs, Total Tools, and Multiparas Unanderra for components.

Foton Mobility Distribution is an Australian-owned electric bus and truck manufacturing business currently delivering an order for 128 buses as part of the Transport for NSW Zero Emissions Bus program.

Twenty-five Foton buses are already in service at the Bradbury depot Western Sydney and more will soon go into service from the Brookvale depot on the Northern Beaches.

Construction of the new Foton facility will roll out in three phases, with the first phase commencing today and delivering a new manufacturing shed in the third quarter of this year, and a second and third phase expected to deliver a pre-delivery shed and office space in 2027. 

Under the 12 years of the former Coalition government local bus and train manufacturing was abandoned with procurement predominantly from overseas suppliers. During this period thousands of local manufacturing jobs were sent overseas, which led to cracked vehicles, ferries with asbestos, and trains which didn’t fit the tracks.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This facility will provide much needed economic opportunities for locals in Nowra.

“After watching so many transport manufacturing jobs go offshore under the former government, it’s great to see Nowra benefiting from the increase in local manufacturing.

“The Liberals have been criticising this facility at every opportunity. That is an attack on local jobs, and reminds voters that Liberals love sending manufacturing jobs overseas.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“This is a win for the region and a win for workers in Nowra who will benefit from this new facility and the jobs it will help deliver.

“This Government is taking action to restore domestic manufacturing in the South Coast and right across NSW, while ensuring we develop the skills, capacity, and resilience we need for the future.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“This new facility is a strong example of private investment responding to global shifts toward electrification and choosing to back NSW with new capability and skilled jobs.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to see businesses invest, expand and innovate here in NSW, and projects like this show confidence in the future of local manufacturing and the workforce to support it.”

Member for the South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Today marks a great day for local manufacturing jobs on the South Coast. It’s great news for our community to see a new facility getting set to employ over 100 more local workers.

“This facility will soon be recruiting for a wide range of roles from the factory floor through to engineering, administration, and management. That means real opportunities for local people to build long-term careers close to home.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is rebuilding local manufacturing, because it means more jobs in our communities.

“This new bus manufacturing facility will mean more jobs, more skills and more work for local contractors.”

New Zealand bus drivers are assisting one of the biggest headaches for Sydney commuters: the prolonged driver shortage on the Northern Beaches.

Three in ten bus service cancellations in Sydney occur on Northern Beaches routes because the area struggles to attract and retain enough drivers.

Sydney’s bus driver deficit blew out past 500 after the Liberals privatised bus services and the Minns Labor Government has brought the deficit down to 179 last month through recruitment campaigns, free training and cash sign-on bonuses of up to $3000.

Due to its comparitively high housing costs which price many workers out of the area, the bus driver shortage at Northern Beaches depots has remained persistent over years and its services most susceptible to last-minute cancellation.

To address this, Transport for NSW has gone further afield than ever before in its recruitment search and has so far assisted 17 qualified bus drivers from New Zealand to get behind the wheel for private operator Keolis Downer in Region 8 which encompasses the lower north shore, Manly and Palm Beach.

Another 10-20 bus drivers are currently being recruited.

Kiwi drivers willing to answer NSW’s call have their air fare paid and six weeks accommodation in the area provided rent-free.

No visa is required for New Zealand drivers under mutual recognition arrangements between our two countries.

They do not qualify for the $2000-$3000 cash sign-on bonuses offered to new and experienced Australian drivers.

Overall, bus driver job vacancies across Sydney have fallen from around 500 in April 2023 to 162 this month, and cancellations are down to 1.54 per cent of all scheduled services.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Australians have a tradition of adopting New Zealanders as our own – think Russell Crowe, Neil Finn and Sam Neill. But if you’re waiting for a bus on Pittwater Road, the Kiwi driving the next service may just become your favourite import yet.

“We have worked overtime to reduce the bus driver shortage we inherited, but the deficit on the Northern Beaches has remained intractable. This is a special situation that has required a special fix.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to send a big kia ora to the 17 drivers from New Zealand who have so far helped us out with their experience and professionalism.”

Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“This is a practical, targeted initiative that will help address driver shortages in one of the most challenging parts of the network to recruit for.

“Our door is always open to men and women who are interested in becoming bus drivers in NSW, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to consider this rewarding and essential career.

“By bringing in qualified drivers who can transition quickly into service, we’re strengthening reliability for passengers while continuing to build a sustainable local workforce.”

The Minns Labor Government has secured the future of Revesby Police Station, unveiling a major upgrade and expansion made possible by a critical local road upgrade at a key intersection.

Importantly, the $8.3 million upgrade will deliver better infrastructure to South-West Sydney and keep the station where it belongs – in the heart of Revesby.

Back in 2022, the former Liberal-National Government announced the upgrade of Revesby Police Station but never delivered it.

Our investment means officers will continue operating from a central, long-established and strategically significant location as part of Bankstown Police Area Command, with upgraded and expanded facilities to support modern policing.

The upgrade is made possible through a much-needed road safety fix at the intersection of The River Road, Sphinx Avenue and Marco Avenue.

As part of the project, Sphinx Avenue will be realigned to deliver a safer and more practical road layout for the growing local area, as well as ensuring the current station can not only remain, but be expanded.

The road upgrade will be delivered by Canterbury-Bankstown Council, with support from Transport for NSW, and backed by a $17.7 million commitment from the Federal Albanese Government.

This is a practical investment in police and public safety, and it ensures communities do not lose the local services they count on. It is also a major investment in local transport infrastructure.

While work is underway, policing won’t stop.

In NSW, every police vehicle is a mobile police station, ensuring communities across the state continue to have access to policing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services and ensure frontline police have the resources and capability to continue to fight crime.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for over a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.

We are working hard to turn that around and while there’s still more to do, that work includes:

• Securing a once-in-a-generation pay increase.
• Establishing a scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF.
• Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program to give regional recruits the opportunity to serve in or near their hometown after attesting.
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join.
• Launching the new Cadet Traineeship Program to give young, aspiring officers a pathway into the NSWPF.
• Establishing the Health Safety and Wellbeing Command to support existing officers to have long, healthy and rewarding careers with the NSW Police Force.

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:

“This is part of our plan to help keep communities safer in NSW with more officers, better facilities, and the resources needed.

“This upgrade means Revesby keeps its police station right where the community expects it, close by and ready to respond.

“For local residents, it means faster response times, a stronger police presence and a station that’s fit for the job today and into the future.”

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

“Today we are committing to keeping the Revesby Police Station where it belongs and showing what it will look like – a modern and expanded station in a central location.

“This $8.3 million upgrade backs the officers who serve this area every day and makes sure this community keeps the strong local police presence it relies on.

“The former Liberal member promised the world and delivered nothing. Our police deserve more than a headline and a hollow promise.

“I want to assure the community that while this work is underway, policing does not stop – every police vehicle is a mobile police station, and police are on the job 24/7.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a strong example of the Minns Labor Government working across portfolios to deliver the right outcome for the community.

“There were genuine safety and traffic issues at this intersection that needed to be addressed, but there was also a very strong case for retaining the location of the police station.

“I want to thank the teams at Transport for NSW, Council and our Federal colleagues for working closely together to achieve this outcome, while striking the right balance between improving safety and preserving an important local asset.

“This collaboration shows what’s possible when all levels of governments work together – delivering real improvements and safer, more reliable roads for our communities.”

NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon APM said:

“Securing the long-term future of Revesby Police station is an important commitment to ensuring the ongoing safety of the local community.

“Upgrading these facilities, helps us to meet future challenges, including shifts in crime trends and the demands of a growing population.

“It’s also important to ensure our officers have a safe and professional working environment so they can deliver the highest standard of policing to keep the community safe.”

NSW Member for East Hills, Kylie Wilkinson said:

“This is a really important outcome for local families.

“We have worked hard to save the location of the station, keeping it close to the community, close to local services and close to the people who rely on it.

“The unveiling of the preferred design is an exciting step and shows this government is serious about supporting police and delivering for our area.

“The upgrade to the police station will allow this confusing intersection to be made safer and easier to navigate, and I’m pleased to be working with all three levels of government to deliver a coordinated solution.”

Federal Member for Banks, Zhi Soon said:

“I grew up in Revesby and as long as I can remember this intersection has been a problem. It is why I promised Revesby residents funding to fix it in 2022.

“The announcement today is exactly the kind of practical solution the local community wants to see, allowing upgrades to the intersection to proceed, and securing the future for Revesby Police Station.

“The Albanese Federal Government is proud to be working with the Minns State Government to make our community safer.”

Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Cr Bilal El-Hayek said:

“This is an important outcome for the Revesby community.

“Council has worked closely with all stakeholders to identify a preferred intersection layout that improves safety and traffic movement while allowing Revesby Police Station to remain in place.”

The Snowy Mountains is set to benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 17 paramedics starting work in the community from next month.

These additional paramedics will be based at Cooma Ambulance Station and will deliver emergency and out-of-hospital care across the broader Snowy Mountains as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce, including aeromedical coverage.

This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural, regional and remote areas. NSW Ambulance is working with staff to prepare for their commencement in Cooma on Saturday 16 May.

The cohort is part of the third intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the regional 500 initiative. They join the 125 paramedics who commenced across the state last year, and another 125 who began work in 2024.

Under this initiative, an additional 41 paramedics are already working across the southern NSW region.

The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff to meet the growing health needs of regional communities and relieve pressure on our health system.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.

“The addition of 17 paramedics based at Cooma will provide vital support to the Snowy Mountains, ensuring the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:

“Seventeen additional paramedics for Cooma more than doubles the numbers we have had previously.  It is a huge boost for emergency care helping Cooma and the region.  It is also going to be a significant help to our busy and dedicated existing paramedics. 

“I’ve been working with health Minister Ryan Park for the last couple of years on getting more Paramedics for the Snowy Monaro region.  He has visited stations with me and we have discussed response times and needs.  I’m thrilled that the Minns Labor Government has been able to deliver this massive boost.

“This recognises that Cooma is a key hub for the Snowy Monaro, it will enhance services for Cooma but also help Bombala, Jindabyne and Adaminaby along with all the rural areas.  This is a big day for emergency services in our area and I am delighted to be able to deliver. 

“Long term residents will know my commitment to emergency services and ambulance in this region, in my previous period as local member we got new Bombala and Cooma ambulance stations and just recently I announced progress on the new Jindabyne station.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech: 

The boost to our paramedic workforce in Cooma will further enhance frontline emergency care for local residents and visitors across the Snowy Mountains.

“Ahead of a busy winter and snow season, this extra staffing will help ensure NSW Ambulance is well‑placed to respond to emergencies and continue delivering timely, high‑quality care when it’s needed most.”

New South Wales will save $130 million on its public transport network power bill after signing on to a $1.9 billion renewable energy contract over seven years.

The money saved will be directly invested back into frontline public transport services across the state.

This will provide a timely investment boost as surging petrol costs drive more people from their cars on to trains, metro, buses and light rail.

The switch over to renewable power will achieve significant emissions reductions, allowing Transport to avoid the equivalent of over 800,000 tonnes of CO2 each year compared to conventional power

This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered under a single supply deal.

Previously, agencies like Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains negotiated their own electricity supply contracts, but the consolidation of modes has given the Minns Labor Government the buying power to drive a better deal for NSW taxpayers.

Transport operations use almost as much power as all other NSW public sector agencies combined.

The successful bidder, Snowy Energy, the retail brand of Snowy Hydro, was awarded the contract following a robust two-year review and competitive tender process.

The renewable electricity that will be supplied under this new contract moves Transport one step closer to achieving its emissions reduction targets of reducing operational emissions by 65 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2035.

Across Australia, the transport sector is on track to become the largest source of emissions by 2030.

With the weekly fare caps, public transport is one of the most affordable and environmentally friendly ways to get around.

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and $2.50 daily cap for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Cost of living pressures are real for household and government budgets. This contract reduces costs and moves us towards better environmental outcomes while we deliver a reliable public transport network.

“Transport uses almost as much electricity as all other government agencies in NSW combined. It’s important we use our buying power responsibly and get the best possible deal for taxpayers, which is what we have achieved.

“We are planning for a sustainable future as our network continues to grow, with new Sydney Trains fleets, more metro services, thousands of emissions-free buses, and Light Rail across the city and Parramatta.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is the first time all public transport operations will be powered by the same electricity deal.

“Previously, agencies like Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro have been buying their electricity separately – this move consolidates those operations and costs.

“We’ve also been able to deliver significant reductions in energy demand through initiatives like rooftop solar at the new Sydney Trains’ Mortdale train maintenance facility and the Clyde engineering hub.

“At Mortdale alone, 2,000 solar panels have been installed, generating 1,317 Megawatt hours of clean renewable electricity and avoiding around 870 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum, while reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be bought from the grid.”

Snowy Hydro Chief Executive Officer Dennis Barnes said:

“The new contract with Transport for NSW indicates the demand for renewable energy solutions is growing at pace.

“There has been growing interest from businesses and government agencies across the country that are looking for innovative ways to decarbonise their operations.

“Transport for NSW is a large energy user and they are leading the way in their efforts to reduce emissions. We were able to provide a tailored approach that meets their unique needs and secures long-term renewable matched energy from sources such as the Uungula Wind Farm right here in NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is enabling the revitalisation of Riverstone Town Centre with the finalisation of a rezoning that could unlock up to 2,850 new homes, 1,200 jobs and a new main street.

The rezoning will deliver an improved flood resilient neighbourhood focusing housing growth close to the train station, while the northern end of the precinct will retain its low-scale character. 

The new controls will allow:

• building heights between 2 and 15 storeys.
• more employment land to support up to 1,200 jobs.
• a new town centre with retail, dining and shopping areas.
• upgraded public spaces and over 10 hectares of new or improved open space.
• improved walking and cycling connections.

Crucially this rezoning will be supported by improvements to flood evacuation routes with the NSW and Australian Governments together investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $720 million to upgrade nearby Richmond Road.

New open space, enhanced stormwater management, flood mitigation measures and new laneways will also improve flood safety and evacuation routes.

The final controls were adjusted to reflect further technical studies and community feedback. Key changes include reducing building heights east of Piccadilly Street, improved flood planning, and an expanded open space network.

The proposed homes in the precinct have been reduced from 3,600 to 3,400, including 550 existing homes, to assist with flood evacuation capacity.

The final plan has been developed closely with the NSW State Emergency Services and NSW Reconstruction Authority to consider flood risk, with a final flood planning level set close to a 1 in 500 chance per year flood event.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This rezoning enables a pipeline of much needed new homes, jobs and an upgraded town centre for Riverstone, while mitigating flood risks.

“This is an important step forward for the Riverstone community which will boost flood resilience and enable the revitalisation of the town centre.

“I commend local MP Warren Kirby for his strong advocacy to achieve this great outcome for his community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This rezoning delivers the vision for Riverstone that our community has been calling for over many years.

“I promised at the election that delivering a workable plan for Riverstone was one of my highest priorities, helping to unlock more homes and jobs while improving flood resilience in the town centre.

“We know parts of Riverstone are flood prone, it’s one of the major reasons previous plans were unviable, and these controls take that into consideration unlocking growth and the revitalisation of the town centre while keeping everyone safe.

“I’m proud of this new vision for Riverstone’s future which incorporates the key elements our community have highlighted as their priorities with improved shopping and dining, more places for community connection and greenspace as well as improved walking and cycle paths.

“I thank everyone who made a contribution to help us finalise the plan, the wait is finally over.”

The Minns Labor Government has awarded $5.45 million to NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs through the Surf Club Facility Program.

Grants up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.

This year’s program included grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.

Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined surf life savers at Wanda Surf Life Saving Club to announce the club was among 61 projects to receive funding through the Program.

The club received $782,588 towards its $1.18 million redevelopment project which includes upgrades to amenities, gym, kitchen and multipurpose areas.

Other clubs to receive funding include North Narrabeen which received $600,000 for upgrades to the club hall, café, storage and training areas, and Salt Surf Life Saving Club which received $345,345 for upgrades to the club’s kitchen, deck and bar.

For further information and the list if recipients visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/surf-club-facility-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Surf Club Facility Program provides critical funding to our surf life saving clubs to enable them to better protect beachgoers.

“The awarding of $5.45 million for 61 projects is part of our four-year $21.6 million commitment to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, safe and inclusive.

“Wanda Surf Life Saving Club’s redevelopment project will support lifesaving, unite members and strengthen community connections.

“Once completed, these 61 projects will ensure our surf life saving clubs can continue to deliver a world-class service and keep our beaches safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Surf Life Saving volunteers play a vital role in keeping people safe right along the NSW coastline, and the NSW Government is backing them with record investment.

“This $5.4 million in upgrades will ensure surf life savers have the resources they need to protect beachgoers when the next patrol season begins.

“Combined with new and upgraded equipment, including Emergency Response Beacons, this investment means our volunteers are better equipped than ever with modern, reliable and safe gear to continue their incredible work.”

Chief Operating Officer of Surf Life Saving NSW Phil Ayres said:

“Across NSW there are 129 surf clubs that are pillars of safety within their communities, sustained by a growing volunteer membership of over 85,000.

“The NSW Government’s support through the Surf Club Facilities Program will assist more than a third of our clubs, through 61 individual projects in 2026, to remain fit for purpose and give our volunteer lifesavers the facilities they need to ensure they can be rescue ready should the worst happen on our coastline.

“Not only this, but the funding from this Program delivers safe, secure, and accessible facilities for members and the communities that they protect.”