Category: NSW News

As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to deliver more well-located homes close to jobs and transport, the community surrounding the future Orchard Hills Station is being consulted on the precinct’s Stage One rezoning proposal.

The proposal for the rezoning has been placed on public exhibition for community comment on the Orchard Hills Stage 1 rezoning proposal and structure plan.

The draft plans propose a new mixed-use local centre at the Orchard Hills Station, with opportunities for retail, commercial, and community uses.

Following consultation on precinct planning which began in 2022, this proposal includes thousands of new homes and up to 4,000 local jobs.

The precinct will be centred around a series of walkable and connected centres, home to local shops and entertainment, supported by crucial local infrastructure updates and around 50 hectares of public open space, including recreational and sporting fields.

Providing a catalyst for urban growth in the area is the Orchard Hills Station, currently under construction, which will service passengers taking off at Western Sydney International Airport.

The documents on exhibition also provide the community and landowners with certainty over the future intent for the remaining stages of the Orchard Hills precinct, which could provide capacity for more homes, new centres and more employment land. Development in these areas would be subject to future rezonings.

The rezoning proposal and draft structure plan builds on the feedback provided by the community on the Orchard Hills discussion paper in late 2022.

Orchard Hills was identified as a precinct suitable for state-led rezoning under the existing Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek (GPEC) strategic planning framework and the $73.5 million Rezone and Build initiative. The state-led rezoning process commenced in mid-late 2022.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will consider all feedback provided by the community during exhibition to inform a final rezoning and structure plan to be delivered in 2025.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney’s transformation continues to meet the growing needs of a changing population.

“Orchard Hills is a great opportunity to provide much needed housing as we strive towards our National Housing Accord Target of 377,000 homes by 2029.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering more homes and the infrastructure needed to support growth, actively planning for the region’s future.

“We stand ready to capitalise on the development opportunities that the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, Western Sydney International Airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will bring for communities like Orchard Hills.

“We are also seeking to provide certainty for current landowners over the future intent of the other stages of the Orchard Hills precinct.

“The work of the Independent Community Commission, Professor Roberta Ryan, will continue to support this exhibition process to assist the community and landowners with the rezoning proposal.

“We are now looking to create accessible, well-located housing in Orchard Hills. These future homes will be close to transport, schools and public spaces with opportunities for new cycleways and walkways to improve connectivity.”

Used Car Safety Ratings released today show the wide gap between a safe second-hand vehicle and a poor performer in a crash.

The NSW Government is urging used car buyers – particularly young people and their parents looking for a first car – to use the guide to buy a car that protects most for a particular price point.

The annual guide shows a driver of the lowest rated vehicle is ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a driver in the safest vehicle.

Footage released today by the NSW Government shows the dramatic difference in outcomes when a 2012 Great Wall V200 and a 2012 Holden Colorado were crashed head on.

The one star-rated Great Wall is decimated in the crash, putting driver and passenger at risk of serious injury while the four-star Colorado provided significantly better safety protection.

The 2024 Used Car Safety guide rates 404 vehicles manufactured since 2000. Of those, 110 earned an “excellent” five-star rating – four more than in 2023 and 55 more than in 2022.

The best of the five-star vehicles are marked as a ‘Safer Pick’, with 60 per cent of those vehicles available to purchase second hand for less than $10,000.

Safer picks include:

Mazda 3 (2013 – 2019)

Toyota Camry (2011 – 2022)

Volkswagen Touareg (2011 – 2019)

Cars that received a very poor one-star rating include:

Ford Fiesta (2004 – 2008)

Hyundai Accent (2000 – 2006)

Toyota Camry (1997- 2002)

Holden Commodore VT/VX (1997 – 2002)

The vast majority of the vehicles given a ‘Safer Pick’ rating were manufactured from 2008 onwards, demonstrating the benefits of more advanced safety equipment and design improvements like electronic stability control and advanced occupant protection systems.

The ratings, which are in their 32^nd year, were produced by Monash University in partnership with Transport for NSW and other transport agencies around Australia and New Zealand to help motorists choose the safest used car that fits their budget, needs, and lifestyle.

The guide is available at https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-10/ucsr-brochure-2024.pdf

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The hunt for a second-hand car has generally focused on a car that will not break down. No one wants to buy a lemon.

“What is just as important is considering which used car delivers the safest performance for your budget. Your choice might literally save your life. 

“The Used Car Safety Ratings guide provide simple, reliable safety information at no cost into the hands of vehicle buyers.

“I urge parents of young people who may be looking for a first car to consider safety above all else and if you can buy a vehicle that is the safest in its category or price point, do so.

“A driver behind the wheel of the lowest-rated vehicle is ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to a driver in the safest vehicle. The choice is that clear.”

“With more than 60 per cent of the best-rated cars available for $10,000 or less, you don’t have to pick the most expensive car on the market to make a safer choice.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“For drivers in regional NSW, distances of travel are longer and many people use older vehicles, so choosing a vehicle with a high safety rating increases your chances of surviving a crash.

“The 2024 Used Car Safety Ratings guide helps regional drivers find the safest options, ensuring they are well-protected no matter where their journey takes them.

“Cost of living, particularly in regional areas, is an important issue for the Government and that is why we are encouraging everyone considering purchasing a second-hand car to use this guide to ensure they choose a safe vehicle.”

Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO from UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute is being recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2024 Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering.

Professor Christensen is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators, and educators being honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House in Sydney tonight.

Professor Christensen’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her pioneering work in digital mental health research, which has significantly influenced mental health care practice both in Australia and internationally.

In 2000, she developed the digital intervention program, MoodGYM, to reduce depression in young people, which has been used by millions of people across more than 160 countries.

She served as the Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute from 2011 to 2021, while her work creating a model of suicide prevention has been incorporated into national and state suicide prevention plans.

She will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money.

Nine category winners are also being announced tonight, each receiving a trophy and $5,000 in prize money:

• Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics
  Professor Susan Coppersmith, UNSW Sydney
• Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Macquarie University
• Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics)
  Professor Stuart Tangye, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
• Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technologies
  Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, University of Wollongong
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences)
  Dr Ira Deveson, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) –
  Dr. Jiayan Liao, University of Technology Sydney
• Leadership in Innovation in NSW
  Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle, University of Technology Sydney
• Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering
  Dr Annette Cowie, NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England
• Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW
  Jodie Attenborough, Tottenham Central School

Full details of all winners can be found at:

NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering | Chief Scientist

Premier Chris Minns said:

“These awards are about recognising and thanking our state’s most outstanding scientists, engineers, and teachers.  

“Professor Christensen’s work has helped millions of people worldwide.

“Her online self-help courses to help address common mental health disorders have been pioneering.

“Mental health support is vital for so many people. Professor Christensen has improved support for people in NSW, and people around the world.

“Mental health is one of the pressing challenges of our time, and Professor Christensen’s innovations have made an important impact.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Tonight is the NSW Government’s chance to recognise some of the leaders from NSW’s world-class research and innovation community.

“We celebrate not only research excellence, but visionary work that is driving the establishment of new high-tech companies to tackle some of our state’s most difficult problems.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“Tonight, we celebrate leading thinkers in areas as diverse as quantum physics, synthetic biology, immunology, cybersecurity and satellite telecommunications.

“We acknowledge the work of established senior academics as well as lauding the contributions of our best early career researchers.

“My congratulations to everyone honoured tonight, and especially to 2024 Scientist of the Year, Professor Helen Christensen, for her profound impact in the critically important area of mental health.”   

2024 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Helen Christensen said:

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award from the NSW Government.

“It’s exciting to see this recognition for scientific work in mental health—an issue now seen globally as the leading health concern, even surpassing cancer, obesity and COVID.

“Mental health science has the power to transform lives. We’re at a tipping point, where advancements in genetics, AI, and software engineering, are reshaping our understanding of mental illness, the impact of societal factors, and how technology delivers proven treatments to those who need them.”

Cricket is on the bounce back to Sydney and cricket fans have won the toss, with integrated ticketing being included with Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) games.

Ensuring the full wicket of Men’s and Women’s Big Bash League games are covered with integrated ticketing will make it even easier for spectators to make the most of the season ahead.

The Women’s Big Bash League kicks off in Sydney on Tuesday October 29, with the Sixers taking on the Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval. The men will start on December 16 with the Sixers facing the Melbourne Renegades at the SCG.

Fans with tickets to attend the five WBBL games at North Sydney Oval will be able to make the most of Sydney’s new Metro, with Victoria Cross Station on the Metro just 350 metres from the Oval’s main entrance. Connecting train and light rail are also included for those heading to the game, with North Sydney station also close-by. 

For Men’s and Women’s matches at the SCG, ticketholders will be able to access all public transport to get to and from the venue.

The inclusion of public transport options extends to all valid pre-purchased tickets at the two grounds, event goers simply need to show their event ticket to transport staff when passing through the opal gates.

Tickets to finals games played at both the SCG and North Sydney Oval will have the same respective public transport options included.

Remember to keep your event ticket safe for your return journey. Your match ticket is valid on the services listed above until 4am the following day. 

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“The game of the summer is back, and I’m delighted to celebrate the start of The Big Bash leagues by making public transport free for anyone attending either a Women’s or Men’s Sydney Sixers game at the SCG or North Sydney Oval.

“Last season 95,000 spectators attended Women’s Big Bash, an 55% increase on the year before.

“Integrated ticketing has been part of Sydney’s sport offering since the Olympics, ensuring people have that little extra incentive to leave the car at home and jump on public transport.

“With the cost of transport now included with your WBBL ticket, it’ll now be even easier for people to make the most of another exciting season.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Nothing beats the action and excitement of a good game of Big Bash cricket on a beautiful summer evening.

“Cricket Australia have launched a welcome plan to get 100,000 girls aged 5-12 playing cricket by 2034, and 600,000 attendees a year filling the stands at Women’s cricket matches.

“We’re doing our bit to help out by providing free public transport to all Big Bash League attendees, whether it be the Men’s or the Women’s league.”

Sydney Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes said the inclusion is a huge win for Sixers fans.

“As a club, we want to ensure that our fans have the best possible experience at each of our match days. That extends from their experience at the ground, to each interaction they have with our playing group, through to their travel to and from the venue.  

“Ensuring that our members and fans can travel safely and conveniently to and from our matches remains a top priority for our club, and we’re looking forward to seeing as many of them as possible at our home games this season.”

Central West homeowners impacted by the 2022 floods are invited to apply to rebuild, repair, relocate, raise or buyback homes thanks to the $40 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

The program has been developed after intensive community consultation and in partnership with the Central West Community Leaders Forum. It is part of the broader $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package, jointly funded by both governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Residents who meet eligibility criteria and are prioritised for inclusion in the program will be offered a home buyback or a grant towards improving the resilience of their home through measures such as relocating, raising, rebuilding or retrofitting.

Building on lessons learned in the Northern Rivers, the program will take individual circumstances into account, with priority given to those facing additional barriers and challenges that could increase their vulnerability or risk in future flooding events.

Eligible homeowners will also be provided with free home assessments and advice on the steps they can take to improve the resilience of their homes, which can help reduce the time and cost involved in recovering from future flood events and mean that people can get back into their homes sooner.

The Program has three streams that include:

• HomeBuybacks – for homes in areas of very high flood risk, where properties may be eligible for voluntary purchase.
• Resilient Measures – grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to assist with raising liveable areas of their home, relocating their home, rebuilding a more resilient home or retrofitting their home with more resilient materials and innovative design features. Additional funding through a co-contribution option may also be available if the costs of works exceed the grant funding.
• FreeHome Assessments – a flood resilience expert will help identify opportunities to increase the resilience of a home and provide advice to the home owner.

Eligibility for the program is informed by flood maps that identify future flood risk in each LGA. These are based on flood studies, updated data and input from technical experts, in consultation with councils, SES and others.

Both the eligibility criteria and consideration of individual circumstances will be used to determine whether households are prioritised for assistance under the Program, and to ensure that support is directed to those whose needs are greatest.

The Program covers the Local Government Areas of Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes. Homeowners in Euabalong in Cobar may also be eligible.

For more information visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website, with applications opening on Monday 28 October via an online form at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Homeowners can also visit one of the locations listed on the website to get support with their application.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said:

“We want to make sure that Central West communities are more resilient the next time they face a disaster of this scale. This program has been co-designed with the community, to help residents rebuild, repair or relocate.”

“The development of this program has really been driven by the local community and I want to thank them for working so collaboratively with both our Government and the Minns Government.”

“This is the next step in making sure the Central West is better prepared for future flood events. I encourage eligible homeowners to apply for this funding so we can minimise the impacts on homes and families going forward.”

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

“We’ve designed this program with the community in mind following time I have spent in the region and time spent working with community leaders which is why it offers a range of options to reduce the impact on homes in higher risk locations, if disaster strikes again.”

“As we near the second anniversary of the 2022 flood event, this is a major step forward to building back communities to be stronger than before.”

“I encourage residents impacted by the 2022 floods who may be eligible to apply for assistance under the Central West Resilient Homes Program.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“During my visits to the region I could see the importance of implementing this program to better protect the community against future floods and that is why the Minns Labor Government has made this a priority.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has shared their story and their insights which have helped shape a locally driven program which will reshape these communities.”

“This program will help communities better prepare for future disasters and we want to encourage homeowners to apply.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“These are important and welcome measures for our flood impacted communities of the Central West. Buybacks will help more vulnerable people to relocate from high risk flood areas, while the grants will allow people to stay in the communities they love in safer, more resilient homes.”

“Free professional advice and home assessments are also essential so people can make informed decisions that best suit their personal circumstances.”

“I commend the NSW and Commonwealth Government for responding to the needs of the community and extending this vital support.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This program will provide eligible homeowners with the support they need to make their homes more resilient as they continue to rebuild their lives.”

“This will help people to be better able to withstand future flooding and will mean communities can stay together.”

“We also want to reassure anyone applying that we are here to help and will be providing you with the support you need to participate in this program.”

A pathway to legalising e-scooters and fostering safer use of other micro-mobility devices is spelled out in a new E-micromobility Action Plan released by the NSW Government.

The Action Plan recognises a regulatory blind spot that means e-scooters can be purchased in stores, but can’t be ridden on NSW streets.  

The Action Plan will help NSW realise the benefits of increased e-micromobility use, including reducing people’s need to drive short trips and find parking. These devices will also make train stations, jobs, services and retail precincts easier to access, while also responding to issues and community concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The latest data shows:

• 1 million NSW residents have ridden an e-scooter
• There are around 570,000 e-bikes and 459,000 e-scooters in homes across NSW
• 91% of people who use e-scooters in Australia find it a convenient way to travel
• 34% of e-micromobility trips are replacing car trips in Greater Sydney, 45% in Regional NSW.

The Action Plan includes 58 actions including key activities like:  

• Reviewing how shared e-bikes are operated in local communities.
• Reviewing the road rules in relation to e-micromobility, including exploring options for the legal use of e-scooters on streets and roads
• Delivering more shared e-scooter trials. 

One action, introducing new safety standards regarding the sale of lithium-ion batteries and e-micromobility devices, has already been implemented by NSW Fair Trading. Sellers of devices like e-scooters and e-bikes will soon face penalties of up to $825,000 if they do not meet strict new device standards.

Another action, a pilot for marked, dedicated parking bays for shared e-bikes, is underway at nine train stations around Sydney: Central, Circular Quay, Wynyard, Barangaroo Metro, Newtown, Sydenham, Marrickville and Bondi Junction. The aim of this new parking trial is to make it easier for riders to know where to safely park their e-bike without creating clutter. 

Community engagement on potential changes to rules for e-scooters is ongoing, and NSW has also learnt from our Shared E-scooter Trials and other jurisdictions that have legalised e-scooters. This will help us get the right regulatory framework in place, making future riding of e-scooters on our streets safe for all road users and pedestrians.  

The draft e-scooter rules include the need for riders to always wear an approved bicycle helmet and be at least 16 years old.

An E-micromobility Interagency Group, set up in May 2024 and made up of 15 NSW Government agencies, is coordinating delivery of actions across NSW.

For more information on the potential changes to e-scooter use, see: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-scooter-changes.

For more information on the E-micromobility Action Plan, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-micromobility.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“There are already 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW. Almost 460,0000 of these are e-scooters. But only 22% of people across the state know it’s illegal to ride e-scooters on our roads and streets. 

“It’s a strange regulatory blind spot, and it has to change.    

“E-bikes and e-scooters aren’t without controversy, which is exactly why we’re taking action. It’s clear we need a regulatory framework that will allow people to make the most of this transport option, without compromising on community safety.  

“Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and lessen competition for parking. It’s a big win for everyone, we just have a bit more work to do to get the balance right.” 

Tuggerah Station’s accessibility upgrade has marked a significant milestone with newly-installed lifts open to the public today.

The lifts are part of $547.5m 2024-2025 NSW Budget funding over four years to continue to deliver and develop station accessibility upgrade projects around the state, in turn a part of the $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program.

The opening of the lifts, which will provide access to the new footbridge and concourse, will allow for the demolition of the old ramps and pedestrian footbridge.

The lifts are a key milestone in the ongoing $40 million Tuggerah Station upgrade due for completion in mid-2025.

The upgrade will also feature:

• New and extended canopies at station platform
• A family accessible toilet and ambulant toilets
• A widened platform around the entrance and installation of the Boarding Assistance Zone for improved customer accessibility
• Upgraded station entrances, including new and improved footpaths
• New public restrooms
• Revamped station manager’s offices and station entrances
• Fifteen accessible parking spaces in the commuter car park
• Upgraded bus stops and facility for private to pick up and drop off passengers easily with a dedicated drop off zone
• Improvements to CCTV, lighting and wayfinding signage.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses. 

For more information about the program, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/safe-accessible-transport-program  

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Public Transport should be safe and accessible places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is investing $800 million in the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible for passengers across the state.

“Tuggerah is making exciting progress, and with design and investigations underway, we look forward to seeing Tascott Station upgrades underway next.”

Minister for the Central Coast and MP for Wyong David Harris said:

“This a great day for Central Coast commuters who have been waiting patiently for the Tuggerah Railway Station upgrade.

“The opening of the new lifts will ensure more equitable journeys by improving accessibility and inclusivity for commuters of all abilities and ages, including for babies in prams.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is investing and delivering important upgrades to our regional communities across the state.”

MP for The Entrance David Mehan said: 

“This is a major win for Central Coast commuters because once complete, the upgrade will enhance connectivity between the station and the Tuggerah Precinct and improve the public domain. 

“Rail travellers will enjoy a train station that is safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers – especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

“The community has campaigned long and hard for these lifts and it is good to see this has been delivered by a Labor government.”

Private health insurer HCF has agreed to resume paying the correct room rate when using the public system.

Following ongoing dialogue, the not-for-profit fund has notified the NSW Government of its intention to recommence paying the gazetted single room rate.

The decision from HCF leaves the nation’s three biggest for-profit private insurers, Bupa, NIB and Medibank, continuing to refuse repeated requests to pay their bills in full.

Instead, these private funds are persisting with a public fear campaign threatening premium hikes as their profits rise.

This campaign has been backed by the Liberal Party, which is arguing for ongoing taxpayer subsidy of the private health insurance sector even as people endure a cost-of-living crisis.

In the last financial year, the single room rate in NSW was gazetted at $892.

• NIB only paid $491.  This cost NSW Health $17.6 million per annum.
• Bupa only paid $501.  This cost NSW Health $35.8 million per annum.
• Medibank only paid $515.  This cost NSW Health $33.4 million per annum.

The Minns Labor Government passed legislation last week that mirrors the approach taken by then-Treasurer Mike Baird when the Liberal Party confronted the same issue in 2013.

The NSW Opposition refused to support the reintroduction of this bill, with the Member for Vaucluse instead signalling the Liberals support for private insurers to walk away from their bills with no recourse.

The NSW Government remains open to further dialogue with for-profit private health insurers to resume paying the gazetted single room rate.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“HCF has decided to do the right thing and return to paying its fair share in the public health system.

“This is significant progress in our ongoing negotiations with the private health insurers.

“However the three big for-profit private health funds, backed by the Liberal party, are continuing to argue for taxpayer subsidies to their businesses during a cost-of-living crisis.

“This is wrong – they should just pay their bills.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“We commend HCF for doing the right thing and paying their fair share of their use of public hospital beds.

“It should serve as an example to the large for-profit health insurers and the NSW Liberals who are holding out on the people of NSW.

“It is inexplicable that these big health insurers are expecting NSW public hospitals to subsidise their record profits.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure families and children across Western Sydney have access to quality public education infrastructure, with a major upgrade for one of the area’s most overcrowded schools commencing today.

Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car are turning the sod for the long overdue upgrade of Girraween Public School, where three-quarters of the school’s classrooms are in demountables after years of neglect and broken promises from the former Liberal National government.

The school was promised an upgrade in 2017 after enrolments soared to three times the capacity of its permanent buildings, but the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver any progress. As a consequence, students continued to learn in temporary demountable classrooms that now make up 76% of the school’s teaching spaces. 

This upgrade will see 38 demountable classrooms on the site replaced with new, fit for purpose permanent classrooms as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver on their plan to end the former government’s reliance on temporary classrooms.

Further works at the school will include:

• An extended and refurbished school hall
• Extensions to the covered outdoor learning area and the library
• A refurbished school carpark with improved access
• New and upgraded amenities, and new landscaping and play areas

To minimise the impact of construction on the school community the upgrade will be delivered in two stages, with students and staff expected to begin learning in the new fit-for-purpose classrooms by day one, term one, 2026. All upgrade works, including the removal of demountables, are due to be complete later in the same year.

This project is part of the Minns Labor Government record $3.6 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney, as the Government continues work to ensure families in growing communities have access to a high quality, free public education.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“For years this school community has had to rely on temporary classrooms that aren’t fit for purpose, as promises of an upgrade were left unfulfilled by the former government.

“We are making targeted investments to ensure, no matter the post code, families in New South Wales have access to a quality, free, public education.

“This upgrade is long overdue, and we know there is still work to be done to ensure growing communities have the infrastructure they need but I’m thrilled that we’ve reached this milestone.”

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

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring public school students and staff across NSW have access to the high quality school facilities they need and deserve.

“We are rebuilding public education in NSW after 12 years of neglect and broken promises by the former Liberal National Government, who committed to upgrade Girraween Public School in 2017 but did nothing to progress it.

“Students and staff at Girraween Public School were left to teach and learn in ageing demountables that became a permanent fixture under the Liberals and Nationals.

“It took the election of a Labor government for this much-needed upgrade to finally be delivered.

“These new facilities will provide the modern learning tools to help develop students’ skills and set them up for academic success, and I look forward to seeing them complete in 2026.”

Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said:

“I am extremely proud the NSW Government is helping to deliver upgraded facilities where they are needed most.

“We know that well designed schools and classrooms can have far-reaching benefits for both staff and student performance, recruitment and retention.

“Western Sydney is growing at a rapid rate and these new facilities will future-proof Girraween Public School as a modern, flexible and comprehensive public school offering for families in this community for generations to come.”

Girraween Public School Principal Jodi Warner said:

“This school holds a special place in our community’s hearts, and I am thankful the NSW Government is helping to deliver the upgraded facilities our students and staff need and deserve.

“These new facilities will provide a modern learning environment for students in our community now and into the future.

“I look forward to seeing construction take shape, and I cannot wait to see the finished product in the not-too-distant future.”