Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will licence its world-first data platform Land iQ to industry to speed up the pre-planning process and to ensure government and industry are working from the same page. Land iQ was developed by PDNSW and brings more than 200 data sources and 75 land-use data types together to allow for faster and smarter strategic evaluations of how land can be used.

Land iQ was developed by Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) in collaboration with other NSW Government agencies and in partnership with technology companies WSP Australia, Giraffe and Aerometrex. 

This technology will help bolster the in-house capabilities of private sector organisations, ensuring consistency in data and methodologies across the public and private sectors, and support the further digitisation of the planning and property sectors. 

Land iQ has been designed to support a wide range of planning and property work. As well as supporting land assessments and management, it can assist with land valuations and improved risk assessments of climate pressures and natural hazards. 

The data will be of valuable use for the planning and property management sectors; for use by universities to support urban and regional planning research; and for Local Aboriginal Land Councils to manage their land and identify potential opportunities for future development. 

Land iQ has been used by PDNSW to lead the NSW Government’s Property Audit to analyse government land that could be used for more housing. It also played a critical role in the 2022 Northern Rivers floods by analysing land suitable for temporary emergency accommodation. 

For further information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property-archive/ourbusiness/advisory-and-transactions/land-iq 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“The Minns Government is pulling every lever available to address the housing crisis. We have developed an industry-leading platform that can help speed up the pre-planning process, it only makes sense that we make this critical tool available so that everyone can benefit. 

Media Release Department of Planning and Environment “We want to build a better NSW, and effective land use is critical to support quality of life, our economy and our environment. By ensuring thoughtful development we can meet housing and infrastructure needs while balancing the preservation of our natural environment.”

“Investing in our public service can deliver results beyond what was anticipated, and I congratulate Property and Development NSW and its development partners for pioneering this exciting technology that has been serving government and will now be rolled out for licensed use by the private sector.” 

Deputy Secretary of Property and Development NSW Leon Walker said: 

“Land iQ is a world first data platform that uses smart technology to streamline land use planning and reduce timeframes for due diligence testing of the potential effects of different land-use scenarios. 

“Its extensive analysis tools and comprehensive Statewide datasets provide an excellent source of information not only for government but private sector planners, property managers, developers and the research sector.”

The NSW Government, Waverley Council, Scentre Group (owner of Westfield in Australia and New Zealand) and the community will together observe one year since the Bondi Junction tragedy.

On Saturday 13 April 2024, the Bondi community was shattered by an unfathomable act of violence at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre when six innocent people’s lives were taken in terrible circumstances.

As we reflect one year on, two commemorative display boards, recognising the community’s response in the days following the attack, will be installed in Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction for one week from 10-16 April.  

The displays include a series of photographs, images and messages collected from the floral tribute sites located at Bondi Junction’s Oxford Street Mall and Westfield Bondi Junction, as well as images from the candlelight vigil held at Bondi Beach on Sunday 21 April.

The community is invited to visit throughout this period to reflect in their own time.

Welfare support officers will be on hand in Oxford Street Mall on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. NSW Health provides services that members of public can reach out to for assistance at any time, with contact information available here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/support-contact-list.aspx 

Information about the Oxford Street Mall display boards can be found here. 

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“One year on, we pause and reflect on the tragic events of 13 April 2024 and remember the strength of the community in the days following.

“Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, those injured, first responders, members of public who carry the memory and the burden of that terrible day and whose lives were changed forever.”

Mayor of Waverley Council William Nemesh said:

“Our community has shown great strength and resilience over the past year since the horrific attack. This tragic event will not define our community and we will never forget the victims and will always honour their memory. 

“We will continue to support those affected and thank the brave first responders.”

Scentre Group CEO, Elliott Rusanow said:

“This is a very difficult time for our community.

“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and all those impacted by the devastating attack on 13 April 2024. It is impossible to fathom their loss.

“Many people were impacted and are continuing to heal and recover.

“We are grateful for the continued support the community has shown to each other and to our team and business partners.”

The Minns Labor Government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) are today announcing that the 2025 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals will be held on Sunday 5 October at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

This deal keeps the NRL’s biggest event in its birthplace and home, where it has been played every year since the birth of rugby league in Australia in 1908—except for the Covid-affected 2021 season.

With the 2025 NRL season shaping up as one of the most competitive in years and the NRLW continuing its rapid growth, fans from across Australia and New Zealand will head to Sydney for the Grand Final over the October long weekend.

Following an exciting season launch in Las Vegas, the NRL is expected to deliver more thrills in 2025. The Penrith Panthers will chase a fifth straight title, a feat last achieved by St George in the 1950s and 60s.

As the NRL expands its audience in the US and Asia-Pacific, Sydney and NSW remains the heart of rugby league. The Grand Final will showcase the city to a growing international fan base.

The NSW Government also recently announced its new events framework, listing the NRL Grand Final as a ‘Foundation Event’—one of the state’s most significant events for its economic, social, and cultural impact.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“NSW is the home of rugby league and Sydney is unquestionably the greatest rugby league city in the world, so there really is no better place to be hosting the NRL’s showpiece event.

“The NRL Grand Final is one of our nation’s greatest annual sporting events and with NSW representing more than half of the clubs across both the NRL and NRLW competitions, this is great news for the thousands of fans who will come together to celebrate in our city.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NRL has done a fantastic job in promoting and expanding the game to new markets across the US and Asia-Pacific. As such, we need to make sure we cement Sydney’s legacy as the home of rugby league and build on its reputation in these markets as one of the world’s great cities for major sporting events.

“As we’ve seen with the Las Vegas effect, rugby league fans from all over Australia and the world will flock to Sydney for the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals and I can’t wait to see Accor Stadium abuzz with the atmosphere of 82,500 rugby league fans on Grand Final day.

“Not only is this a big win for sport fans but it is fantastic news for pubs, hotels, restaurants and retailers in NSW who can now start to plan for this iconic event.”

National Rugby League CEO Andrew Abdo said:

“We are pleased to confirm that Sydney will host the NRL and NRLW Telstra Grand Finals for season 2025.

“Thank you to the NSW Government for the ongoing support of Rugby League and to Premier Chris Minns and Minister Steve Kamper who have worked with us to reach an agreement for this year’s Grand Final.”

Maud Page has been appointed the tenth Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, ushering in a new era of leadership for the 154-year-old institution.

Ms Page, who is the current Deputy Director and Director of Collections at the Art Gallery, is the first female director.

With over 2 million visits a year, the Art Gallery of NSW is one most significant cultural institutions in Australia.

Ms Page, who was appointed following a global search for the best candidate to take the Art Gallery forward, brings more than two decades of experience in major public art galleries in Australia and internationally.

She is known for her exceptional curatorial vision, operational expertise, and breadth of experience in collections and exhibitions.

Since joining the Art Gallery in 2017, Ms Page has been driving the gallery’s shift to expanding the institution’s reach beyond its home in the Domain. Through innovative programming—ranging from community outreach initiatives to international blockbusters like Magritte—she has played a key role in engaging new audiences, particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW.

Under her leadership, the Art Gallery has ensured a strong First Nations voice and focus on engaging children in art, with the opening of the Children’s Art Library, and popular Hive Children’s Festival.

Ms Page will commence in the role on Friday, 28 March.

Outgoing ninth Director, Dr Michael Brand, leaves an important legacy for the people of NSW.

Dr Brand joined the Art Gallery in June 2012. Under his thirteen-year leadership the institution experienced remarkable growth in its programming, visitor numbers and cultural influence. From leading the largest cultural development in the city since the Sydney Opera House with the completion of the Sydney Modern Project and opening of the Naala Badu building, Dr Brand oversaw a significant transformation in the institution into globally significant art museum, to securing major international exhibitions including Matisse and Rembrandt.

Minister for Arts, John Graham said:

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr Brand for his exceptional contribution to the institution and to the broader arts community. I wish Dr Brand the best for the next chapter of his career.

“I congratulate Maud Page on her appointment to the role. She has already been a driving force to help grow its annual visitation to 2 million per year, ranking it 28 out of 100 in the world’s most visited art museums in the annual international Art Newspaper survey.

“I look forward to Ms Page’s leadership and programming that engages new audiences from across Western Sydney, young and old.”

President, Art Gallery of NSW Trust Michael Rose said:

“I am delighted to welcome Maud Page to the role of Director of the Art Gallery of NSW.

“With over two decades of experience in art galleries, Maud is highly respected both nationally and internationally for her exceptional curatorial vision and financial acumen. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to community engagement, broadening cultural perspectives and attracting new audiences to public institutions for the benefit of all.

“This is an exciting appointment for the Art Gallery, and the Trustees and I look forward to working with Maud.

“I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to outgoing Director Dr Michael Brand, who has led the organisation through an incredible period of change and growth.”

Incoming Art Gallery of NSW Director, Ms Maud Page said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the tenth Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, and the first woman to lead this prestigious and vibrant public institution.

“I strongly believe in the transformative power of art and look forward to working with artists and colleagues at my neighbouring cultural institutions and in greater Sydney as well as further afield with regional galleries and museums across the state, to welcome new audiences and families.”

“I would also like to extend my deep gratitude to Michael Brand for his collegial leadership. Working alongside him for the conceptualisation and realisation of our new building, Naala Badu, was extraordinary and a highlight of my professional career.”

About the Art Gallery of New South Wales 

• The Art Gallery of NSW is currently ranked 28th in the world’s top 100 most popular art museums in the annual international Art Newspaper survey.
• Established in 1871, it is one of Australia’s pre-eminent art museums and the state’s leading visual arts institution – a centre of excellence for the collection, preservation, documentation, interpretation and display of Australian and international art, and a forum for scholarship, art education and the exchange of ideas.
• The Art Gallery’s two buildings, Naala Badu and Naala Nura, brings together art, architecture and landscape with seamless connections between indoor and outdoor galleries and spaces.
• Naala Badu is the most significant cultural development to open in Sydney in half a century and is a prominent new destination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering better public transport by ensuring tap and go payment options are made available for the first time on more than 400 town bus services throughout regional NSW.

After successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo, a new Contactless Ticketing Program will be rolled out to more than 400 fare-paying bus services in rural and regional communities.

This technology means most passengers will now be able to use their smart phone, watch or debit/credit card to pay for their fares.

Until now, people who catch buses around towns in rural and regional NSW have been forced to pay with cash, except for in a few locations where bus operators have independently introduced their own form of contactless payment technology.

The new regional Contactless Ticketing Program now makes the option of contactless payment technology available to bus operators statewide, bringing the regions in line with metropolitan areas where passengers have been able to pay without cash for years.

Wagga Wagga will be the first community to benefit from the Contactless Ticketing Program with 21 local buses next due to be fitted out with the tap and go payment technology in coming months.

Transport for NSW is finalising details of the further stages of the roll out and will announce the first communities to receive the new technology in coming months, with the program expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Passengers will still be able to pay with cash on buses when the new technology is rolled out.

The Contactless Ticketing Program does not include dedicated school services where students mostly already use pre-paid bus passes or NSW TrainLink long distance coach services where tickets are pre-paid.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government has heard people in regional communities who’ve told us they want to be able to pay for bus services using their smart phones, credit or debit cards.

“Despite having 12 years to roll out contactless ticketing, the former Liberal and Nationals government put the needs of city commuters ahead of regional bus passengers who were left with cash-only services in most locations.

“Where trials of contactless payment technology have been done in Bathurst and Dubbo, we’ve seen strong uptake with 42 per cent of passengers in those communities now paying without using cash.

“The trial technology will now stay permanently in Bathurst and Dubbo and we will progressively roll out the same technology to other communities across the state.

“We hope this increased convenience and alternative payment option will help increase patronage on buses in regional and rural areas.”

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said:

“In Question Time last October, I asked Minister Aitchison about the rollout of contactless payment for Wagga Wagga bus passengers, and I welcome her commitment to bringing this new technology to our city.

“It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice which will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport in Wagga.”

The NSW Government is enhancing the Service NSW app to improve digital accessibility, strengthen data security, and boost user experience.

More than 3 million people are actively using the Service NSW app each month, with additional features being rolled out to help reduce digital barriers for the community.

New features added over recent months include a digital wallet to store licences for easy access; a Service NSW Centre finder; and multi-factor authentication push notifications.

The Service NSW app has also been undergoing a major update to design to improve accessibility for users who have visual impairments.

New features now available in the palm of your hand include:

• Service NSW Centre Finder: App users can search for their nearest Service NSW Centre or Mobile Service Centre by entering a postcode or suburb. A map will display the nearest centres and details including address, opening times, and directions to the centre.
• Digital Wallet Update: Customers can easily access all their licences in the one spot and set favourites to organise their licences on the home screen.
• Voucher Sharing: Customers with a digital Active and Creative Kids voucher can share their vouchers with other nominated Service NSW app users, making it easier for families to redeem the vouchers for sport, recreational, creative, or cultural activities.
• Update your personal details: Customers can keep their MyServiceNSW Account details up to date via the mobile app including their preferred name, phone number, and address.
• Multi-factor Authentication Push Notifications: People who choose to secure their MyServiceNSW Account with multi-factor authentication can respond to a push notification in the Service NSW app to access their account.

Service NSW will begin introducing mandatory multi-factor authentication for new MyServiceNSW account holders this month with functionality on track to be rolled out to all users by 2026.

This security enhancement significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised account access while helping keep personal data safe.  

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“The Service NSW app is all about making it easier for customers to interact with government and we are constantly looking at ways to improve functionality, accessibility, and security.

“Whether it’s finding your nearest Service NSW Centre, sharing your Active and Creative Kids voucher with a family member or easier access to your licences via the digital wallet, the changes will make it easier for the community to use.

“Connecting people living with disabilities with government information and services is so important and changes to design elements on the Service NSW app will help customers with visual impairments perform the digital transactions they need via the app.

“Service NSW takes data protection and cyber security very seriously and is working to roll out mandatory multi-factor authentication, adding an additional layer of security for customers’ information and helping prevent unauthorised account access.

“The app also provides information on the latest services including how to access toll relief through the Minns Labor Government’s $60 toll cap which has already returned $100 million to hip pockets.”

A new generation of harness drivers will be able to learn their craft with the official opening of a new multi-million-dollar training centre at Bathurst Harness Racing Club.

The Minns Labor government invested $2.9 million towards this facility which will house up to 72 horses. 

Gates and other security features have been installed to ensure horse safety. About 200 metres from the training facility is a sandy jog track for drivers and their horses to use for exercise drills. A new gravel carpark with 27 spaces and a horse float parking area has also been completed. 

The training centre will make harness racing more accessible as aspiring drivers can lease a stable to house their horse for a nominal weekly fee. On-site facilities will give drivers flexibility to train horses and visit when they choose. Staff at the training centre will manage the upkeep of the facility, reducing the burden on the trainers and drivers, many of whom are hobbyists who engage in the sport recreationally.  

The new facility will benefit aspiring drivers looking to become the superstars of tomorrow as it is close to the Bathurst Harness Racing Club where numerous major events are held throughout the year, including the annual Gold Crown Carnival at the end of March.  

Bathurst Harness Racing Club is one of the state’s largest and most successful harness racing clubs with a strong harness racing following and participation with around 52 TAB race meetings a year.  

The training facility will encourage more trainers and drivers to visit the Bathurst region, boosting the economy and harness racing participation rates. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions. This significant investment from Crown Lands will help Bathurst go from strength-to-strength as one of the state’s premier harness racing destinations.  

“Our statewide investments in maintaining and improving Crown reserves like this one in Bathurst helps ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.” 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: 

“This brand-new facility adjoining the famous Bathurst Harness Racing Club will make it much easier for drivers to get into the sport and stay there, ensuring harness racing can continue to flourish. 

“Harness racing contributes millions to the NSW economy each year supporting jobs, communities and regions and investments like this from the Minns Labor Government are key to ensuring it has a sustainable future.” 

Harness Racing NSW CEO Peter Buckman said: 

“This training facility is going to be a huge boon for the local community. Youngsters can find it hard to break into the sport due to the cost of maintaining a horse, but this facility will make it much more accessible for the average punter to get their foot in the door.  

“Not only will the facility be greatly beneficial for the future of our sport, but it will also benefit the Bathurst community as a whole as tourists and trainers from neighbouring towns will visit the city and spend here.” 

Local trainer Nathan Goulding said: 

“This facility is so important for our sport, especially for young people who can’t afford to buy their own property as now they can keep their horses near the track and know they’ll be taken care of.  

“It’s so important we make it easier for the next generation to take up this sport, and I thank Crown Lands for helping us secure funding for this really critical piece of community infrastructure.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering New South Wales’ first standalone centre to help prevent the exploitation of migrant workers.

The centre will be delivered with the announcement that Unions NSW has been selected by Multicultural NSW to establish the state’s Migrant Workers Centre. 

The NSW Migrant Workers Centre will partner with multicultural communities and organisations such as the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) to deliver support for at-risk workers that is culturally sensitive and accessible.

The centre will span the state ensuring migrant workers in metro, regional, rural and remote communities are supported by providing workplace, work health and safety, and immigration advice.

Unions NSW has undertaken a leading role in advocating for migrant workers protections and providing individual advice and assistance to migrant workers. Their current Visa Assist partnership with IARC has supported over 3000 temporary migrant workers experiencing workplace exploitation and is the only program in the state to provide both employment and immigration legal support to migrant workers in the one service.

Reports from the Federal Government, State Government, and research organisations like The McKell Institute highlight that limited English proficiency, lack of awareness of Australia’s workplace laws, and inadequate access to support systems are key contributors to exploitation.

The NSW Government will invest $6.5m over four years to deliver the Migrant Workers Centre.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Migrant workers have built our state and continue to be at the heart of so many industries. They deserve the same rights, protections, and respect as any other worker.

“This centre will give them the tools and support they need to stand up for fair wages and safe conditions—no matter their background, visa status, or industry.

“In NSW, we believe in a fair go for everyone, and that means making sure no worker is left behind.

“For too long, migrant workers have been some of the most vulnerable in our workforce, facing unfair treatment, underpayment, and unsafe conditions. That changes with this dedicated centre, which will provide direct support to ensure people know their rights and can stand up to exploitation.

“This is not just about protecting migrant workers—it’s about protecting all workers. When bad employers get away with exploitation, it drags down wages, conditions, and safety for everyone. By tackling this issue head-on, we’re building a better NSW for all.”

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said:

“Successive government and independent reports have recommended the establishment of Migrant Workers Centres as initiatives to support and empower migrant workers to exercise their rights in the workplace.

“All workers in New South Wales and Australia, regardless of where they come from or their visa status are entitled to fair enforceable rights and safe workplaces.” 

The NSW Government is continuing to address the statewide housing crisis, announcing a further six government-owned sites that could deliver more than 230 new homes.

The land audit is identifying surplus land no longer required by government in both metropolitan and
regional areas that will now be made available for much needed housing.

Three sites have been identified for future divestment on the Central Coast, including two sites at
Gosford and one at Hamlyn Terrace that could deliver more than 160 homes, plus another site at
Warabrook near Newcastle that could deliver a further 35 homes.

More than 25 homes could be delivered at two sites at Castle Hill and Blacktown in Greater Sydney.

The sites have been identified as part of the Government’s statewide property audit, led by Property
and Development NSW, to find government land that is surplus to requirements and suitable for
housing. Including today’s announcement, sites capable of delivering 8,100 homes have been
identified through the land audit.

This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a better NSW and deliver up to 30,000 homes
through the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, so young people, families and
key local workers can live in the communities they choose.

The final approach to delivering homes on the sites, including details on quantity and types of
housing, will be confirmed following further due diligence and planning and regulatory approvals.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government has been clear from day one, we need to address the housing crisis and we
need to do it with a whole-of-government approach. The Property Audit is a complex process that
has never been done before by the NSW Government for the purpose of delivering housing.

“The identification of these six additional sites continues our efforts address the housing crisis in
this state.

“Property and Development NSW has been doing outstanding work finding more sites and assessing
their ability to deliver housing. These six sites will bring additional opportunities for families across
Sydney, the Hunter and the Central Coast regions to one day own their own home.”

Property and Development NSW Chief Executive Officer Leon Walker said:

“The property audit has been instrumental in providing a framework for the NSW Government, with
Property and Development NSW leading the way to identify and assess surplus government-owned
land that is capable of delivering new housing solutions across the state.”

$31.4 million in grants is now open for councils to support the roll out of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) recycling. Run by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Go FOGO grants will help local councils fast-track their transition to FOGO and tackle the state’s waste crisis.

Greater Sydney is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030. With food and garden waste making up about a third of red-lid bins, diverting food and garden waste is a critical step in easing pressure on landfill.

The NSW Government became the first state to mandate FOGO statewide and backed it with the $81 million FOGO Fund. This $31.4 million round of the Go FOGO grants, is one part of the full package.

These grants will support councils to move all households to FOGO recycling by July 2030.

Councils can access this grant funding based on the number of households making the transition to FOGO, with extra support for high-density areas. Grants include a flat rate of $25 per apartment, and $50 per house, if there is no existing organics collection.

The grant round announced today is in addition to the following support:

• $1.9 million awarded to Sutherland, Blue Mountains, Blayney and Parramatta councils to introduce new FOGO services, under Round 3 of the Go FOGO grants
• $2.1 million allocated to 14 projects to help organisations like Accor Hotels and TAFE NSW to reduce and separate food waste, under Round 2 of the Business Food Waste Partnership grants
• $340,000 available for councils with existing services to do more community education.

Since November 2022, $18.6 million across three Go FOGO rounds has helped 23 councils deliver the changes to almost 680,000 households. The money has covered education, staff, audits and essential infrastructure like bins and kitchen caddies.

Councils who want to apply for the Go FOGO and Scrap Together grants can apply until Tuesday 29 April on the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“Greater Sydney is on track to reach landfill capacity by 2030 – we need solutions now.

“Food and garden waste makes up about a third of our red-lid bins. FOGO diverts this from landfill, reduces disposal fees, cuts emissions and creates a valuable resource for soil in gardens, landscaping and agriculture.

“I’m excited that NSW is the first state in Australia to mandate the transition to FOGO, and we’re backing this up with real support for councils and businesses.

“We’re giving councils, residents and organisations the funding and tools needed to succeed – empowering NSW to take control of food waste and drive our shift to a circular economy.

“Now’s the time to act – we’re supporting the switch to FOGO to help NSW tackle food waste head-on.”