16 News

The Minns Labor Government has announced Dr Katherine Clift as the state’s new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner as part of the Government’s ongoing work to build a better New South Wales safeguarding the state’s economy against biosecurity threats.

Committed to during the 2023 election, the Minns Government established the role of Biosecurity Commissioner to provide independent, expert advice, which informs the government’s biosecurity protection, detection and response program.

In this year’s budget our Government has invested a historic $1.05 billion to protect the state’s primary industries to boost the economic growth of the sector.

Having held senior leadership positions for biosecurity in Victoria, Western Australia and overseas, Dr Clift brings valuable expertise to support the continued improvement of NSW’s biosecurity systems and programs.

The appointment of Dr Clift follows on from the incumbent Dr Marion Healy needing to finish her term early as Commissioner due to personal reasons.

Dr Clift will continue Dr Healy’s work in strengthening the NSW biosecurity framework, with a focus on improving the effectiveness and transparency of pest and weed management across the state.

One of Dr Clift’s first priorities will be to provide advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program, which has been ongoing for more than 100 years with the aim to protect the state’s livestock operations along the border with Queensland from where cattle tick is an established pest.

The NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has requested that the Commissioner determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW.

In developing their advice, Dr Clift will undertake the following:

• work with stakeholders in the beef industry and north-east communities
• review the present program
• recommend opportunities to improve the program for more effective biosecurity outcomes.

Dr Clift’s appointment reflects her proven leadership, technical expertise, and deep commitment to Australia’s biosecurity and animal welfare systems, while building public trust through strong partnerships and innovation.

Dr Clift’s appointment as Independent Biosecurity Commissioner is for a three-year term and will commence on 1 September 2025.

The NSW Government thanks Dr. Healy for her work, which saw her provide two important reports to government, that are presently being considered, covering the following:

• an examination of governance structures to optimise the management of pests and weeds in NSW
• opportunities to improve compliance and enforcement approaches to invasive species management in NSW.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I would like to congratulate Dr Katherine Clift on her appointment to the role of NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and look forward to the application of her career’s impressive experience in biosecurity and public sector leadership to our priority projects.

“There is important work to progress so that our farmers and regional communities can continue their work with the confidence that our Government is taking biosecurity seriously.

“The NSW Government extends its gratitude to Dr Healy for her work in the inaugural statutory role of Biosecurity Commissioner, and I thank her for the important contribution she has made to the role and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

“I look forward to Dr Clift’s advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program, so that the NSW Government can continue to build a better program for our north-eastern cattle industry.

“The current program receives more than $4 million per year in funding and I want to ensure we keep on delivering what is best for industry, the community and government.”

NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift said:

“It is an honour to accept the position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner for NSW.

“My career has been grounded in a commitment to working closely with rural and regional communities, industry stakeholders, and across government to build practical, effective, and trusted systems.

“I understand the critical role strong partnerships and local capability play in achieving biosecurity outcomes and I am a passionate advocate for collaborative and community-informed approaches.

“Dr Healy’s work has been integral in building public trust, promoting accountability and transparency, and supporting better biosecurity outcomes for our communities and natural environment – I look forward to continuing this important work.”

Background for Dr Katherine Clift

Dr Katherine Clift is a nationally and internationally respected leader in biosecurity, animal welfare, and regulatory reform.

Dr Clift has a lifelong connection to primary industries, having grown up on a farm in South Australia before beginning her career as a rural veterinarian. Plus has a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management, is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate, and Executive Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

Dr Clift recently held the role of Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports, where she provided independent oversight of the Commonwealth livestock export regulatory system.

Her previous roles include Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria, where she secured major investment in biosecurity preparedness, delivered major improvements in regulatory capability, modernisation of service delivery and developed the state’s Biosecurity Strategy.

She has represented both Australia and New Zealand on the global stage, including as Counsellor in Brussels, representing the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries across Europe.

The NSW Government has today announced a $17.9 million upgrade to Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, a major community and sporting facility that will deliver a world-class ice sports venue in the heart of Western Sydney.

The new facility is expected to be completed in 2026 and will support the return of ice sports and community skating to Canterbury, with the upgraded infrastructure paving the way for state and national level events.

The redevelopment will see significant improvements made to the site, including:

• Five multipurpose/change rooms
• New skate hire facilities with storage for 600 pairs of skates, seating and lockers
• A new concrete ice floor and barrier system
• Upgraded spectator seating areas
• A new roof structure fitted with solar panels

The NSW Government is contributing $17.7 million and an additional $200,000 coming from co-contributions.

The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink has long been a much-loved community asset, and the upgrades will ensure that it continues to serve the region for generations to come.

The project has already completed site disconnection works from the neighbouring aquatic centre, held stakeholder and community consultation sessions, appointed consultants, and submitted a development application to Canterbury-Bankstown Council.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will once again be a place where the community can come together, whether it’s to train, to learn, or to support local and elite athletes.

“This upgrade is about creating a vibrant, modern space that reflects the energy and growth of Western Sydney.”

Chair of Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink Alex Allan said:

“When we reopen, this will be one of only two Olympic-sized rinks in Sydney — and the only rink run by a not-for-profit cooperative.

“This upgrade will keep ice sports alive, grow our community, and inspire the next generation of skaters.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is another huge milestone in the journey to get this wonderful facility up and running again.

“Canterbury locals have been calling for this upgrade and today’s announcement shows that we’re listening and delivering. This is about building modern infrastructure that reflects the energy and potential of our area.

“This ice rink has always been a special part of our community. It’s a place where kids have learned to skate, teams have trained, and families have come together. I’m proud to see this investment delivering the future our local community deserves.”

“It is vital south-west Sydney has ice skating facilities available so that more athletes can have the opportunity to chase their Olympic dream.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li said:

“Canterbury Ice Rink is an important, greatly loved facility for residents in my community, including local schools, skaters and ice-hockey players, and those who just want to have fun on the ice.

“It is also a facility that has given those who experience mental or physical challenges a place where they can be themselves. We are delighted to be able to save this critical piece of sport and community infrastructure.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“I’m delighted to see progress being made towards the reopening of the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.

“I grew up learning to skate at this rink, so it’s wonderful to see the NSW Government investing in much-needed upgrades.

“Now, my grandchildren will get to enjoy the same hours of fun on the ice that I did as a child, and it’s great to know the rink will continue to nurture Australian talent for generations to come.”

The latest icon of the Sydney Harbour has showcased its latest feature, with a sneak peek of its roof lighting system, offering a glimpse of what the 200-metre-long floating roof will look like when on full display.

This impressive installation features over 400 individual light fixtures and more than four kilometres of cabling, with the test performance recently lit up the night sky and demonstrates how over 400 roof cassettes can be individually lit to achieve multi-coloured and moving displays.

The 200-metre-long floating roof canopy is already the iconic building’s crowning glory and the lighting serves to enhance the market’s iconic silhouette.

The lighting display will be able to be activated to mark special events and could also be included as part of the much-loved Vivid Sydney festival or upcoming World Cups. 

Additional public domain lighting will create a welcoming and vibrant environment for the 6 million visitors expected to visit the new Sydney Fish Market every year.

With the unique and spectacular Sydney Fish Market on full display, we can see how Sydney’s skyline will be forever changed, as it was when the Opera House was built in 1973.   

Under the spectacular lighting display, the roof is an engineering marvel, comprised of more than 400 roof cassettes, and weighing a staggering 2,500 tonnes.

The building is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability, utilising sunlight to illuminate upper levels during the day, collecting rainwater for recycling, and generating solar energy for the building’s energy consumption.

The new Sydney Fish Market being delivered by Infrastructure NSW and construction partner Multiplex will offer mix of retail and dining, including a fresh seafood market, restaurants and a seafood school, and is expected to open this year.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Excitement is already building around the spectacular new Sydney Fish market, and this lighting is just a taste of what’s to come with this iconic destination.

“The roof with its magnificent wave-like form and fish-scale design is a sight to behold during the day, and even more spectacular at night when it is lit up.

“We are now well and truly on the home stretch and we look forward to the new Sydney Fish Market being completed by the end of the year.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become a world-class destination — blending fresh seafood, vibrant retail, diverse dining, and unforgettable entertainment all under one iconic roof.

“We’re proud to bring this bold vision to life, celebrating the heart of NSW’s seafood industry and invigorating our tourism future.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing that major construction has begun to deliver 60 new build to rent homes in Bomaderry, providing much needed long term, affordable housing on the South Coast.

Housing is the single largest cost of living pressure facing the people of NSW and this is particularly acute on the South Coast where in Bomaderry and Nowra, almost half of all households are experiencing rental stress.

This Build to Rent project that was first promised at the 2023 election by the then Labor Opposition, will deliver a variety of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of local families, workers and residents looking to rent.

The project at 4 Bienda St, Bomaderry includes 48 homes for long term rental at market value and 12 which will be set aside for households on very low to moderate incomes.

The apartments are conveniently located for future residents, situated close to Bomaderry railway station, with easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

South Coast based Zauner Construction has been contracted by the government to deliver these homes, creating more local jobs, with keys in doors expected by late next year.

This project has been funded through a $65 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to deliver secure rental housing on the NSW South Coast and in the Northern Rivers.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver homes where they are needed, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live on the South Coast.

For more information about the project visit Bomaderry | Landcom

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“These homes will be life changing, delivering secure and affordable homes for young people and families to rent.

“From new and upgraded schools and hospitals to this build to rent project – we’re building the infrastructure that the electorate of Kiama needs.”

“The cost of housing is one of the biggest cost of living pressures in our state right now – these much needed new homes will help address this while also creating local jobs on the South Coast.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“More than a third of households rent in the Nowra-Bomaderry area, so Build to Rent projects like this are vital to increase supply and provide better long-term housing choice in areas like Bomaderry that are already well-connected to shops, transport, open space and other amenities.

“Projects like this are a prime example of the Minns Labor Government delivering a more affordable housing future for New South Wales.

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world but it’s getting harder and harder for the next generation to have the same chance we had to grow up here and now raise our family here.

“Projects like this that respect our pristine natural environment while providing much needed affordable housing are critical if we want to continue to be able to deliver the new world class services the Minns Labor Government are delivering like new and upgraded schools and hospitals.”