Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more than $23 million in targeted funding to address youth crime and improve community safety across regional New South Wales.

The new investment focuses on two key priorities: breaking the cycle of reoffending among young people on bail and preventing at-risk youth from entering the justice system in the first place.

It bolsters support in high-priority regional communities for bail supervision, intensive case management, and early intervention and diversion.

Since April 2024, the NSW Government has rolled out targeted strategies like NSW Police Operation Soteria, tougher bail laws, and pilot interventions in Moree, Riverina and Western Sydney.

While there is still work to do, we are seeing encouraging signs. The June 2025 BOCSAR quarterly update on NSW Recorded Crime Statistics revealed that, in the two years to June 2025, young people proceeded against to court declined significantly by 12.3 per cent in regional NSW.

Despite progress, regional communities in NSW still face higher crime rates than cities. Moree, Tamworth and Kempsey in particular continue to experience higher than average rates of youth crime, and those towns receive targeted funding in this package.

The funding package includes:

$12 million to continue place-based responses in Moree and expand responses in Tamworth and Kempsey

The NSW Government will work beside the local communities to identify local services and mechanisms that help young people engaging, or at risk of engaging, in crime.

The funding will enable local leaders and service providers to co-design prevention and diversion programs that work for their communities such as youth hubs, after-hours activities, intensive family supports, intervention programs and alternative education pathways.

This will provide a vital intervention point for the most vulnerable young offenders, offering residential supervision and programs delivered by local partnerships.

These towns have strong communities and appetite to support their young people and tackle youth crime – the place-based NSW Government funding will look to capitalise on this.

$6.3 million to provide intensive bail supervision and support for young people

The NSW Government will invest $6.3 million to go towards intensive bail supervision and support, including:

• Five caseworkers – continuation of one based in Moree, and an additional two based in Tamworth and two in Kempsey to support young people on bail to prevent persistent offending and better understand their legal orders.
• More regular check-ins with young people on bail, helping young kids comply with their bail conditions and connect them to positive supports to reduce the risk of them falling back into the same situations and patterns of behaviour.
• Completion of the Moree Bail Accommodation Service— a safe, supervised facility to remove vulnerable young people from high-risk situations and provide structured programs and guidance.

A site for the Bail Accommodation Program in Moree has been secured, and Youth Justice is due to take possession next month.

We have already increased bail support and after-hours services in Moree while this work continues.

$5 million for a new Community Safety Investment Fund

A further $5 million will establish a new Community Safety Investment Fund, open to community and non-government organisations across NSW.

The fund will back innovative and potentially scalable local initiatives that prevent or respond to youth offending, strengthen families, and build safer, more cohesive communities.

The fund recognises many communities need support, particularly in regional areas.

This fund is open to organisations across NSW and will prioritise applications targeting areas with the highest demonstrated needs and service gaps. 

Building safer regional communities

Everyone deserves to be safe in their home, in their communities, including in our regional towns.

When serious crimes occur, there must be consequences. But we also want to give young people every chance to turn their lives around — by supporting them, their families, and the communities that shape them.

We know there’s still more to do. This funding package builds on the strong steps the NSW Government has already taken, including:

• tougher bail laws for repeat offenders;
• a ‘post and boast’ offence targeting online glorification of crime;
• $13.4 million for Moree’s targeted response;
• $5.5 million for youth diversion and violence reduction programs;
• paid police recruits to boost frontline numbers;
• stronger knife laws under Jack’s Law; and
• the release of the Doli Incapax review to guide future reform.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This package is about giving local people the tools they need to turn things around for their young people.”

“These are complex issues that won’t be solved overnight, but we are in this for the long haul.”

“What we don’t want to see is young people wrapped up in the justice system again and again, which is why this package is a balance of intervention, prevention and wrap around support measures.”

NSW Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley said:

“The NSW Police are working day in, day out to address youth crime and steer kids towards making better choices – they are doing everything the police can do.

“We know we can’t arrest our way out of this which is why the Government is working to help break the cycle by implementing targeted diversionary programs and addressing the root drivers of this offending.

“I’ve visited regional towns right across NSW and the message is clear – everyone wants to feel safe in their community and for kids to have the best possible chance at a good life and the Minns Labor Government will continue to work hard to deliver exactly that.”

NSW Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“We have said before that serious offending needs to have consequences, but this government also wants to support young people to fulfil their potential – this means supporting their families and communities as well, often at a local level.

“This funding package reflects how we are working to help young people not to commit a crime in the first place, by funding locally based programs co-developed with local people, that can make a real difference by offering viable alternative pathways within communities.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government is investing in measures to reduce crime and the drivers of crime. We have already undertaken significant legislative reform to help keep our communities safe.

“This includes targeting ‘post and boast’ offenders, strengthening knife laws, and raising the bail threshold for young people accused of repeat car theft and break and enter offences.

“But we know there is more to do, which is why we’re continuing to consider a review of doli incapax which presumes children under 14 cannot be held criminally responsible.”

The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.

The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.

The measures come as part of the NSW Government’s response to the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles. The Government’s response supports 74 of the Review’s 81 recommendations and outlines a clear action plan to strengthen and modernise the opal mining industry.  

Opal mining has served as an important industry within NSW for more than a century and continues to drive economic benefits in tourism, export revenue and job creation.

The response sets out an action plan focused on:

• Improving the confidence and certainty for landholders and miners.
• Strengthening the framework to deliver better land rehabilitation outcomes.
• Implementing a modern, digital-based approach for the administration of opal mining.

The response has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, including a working group chaired by the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, and recognises the important role of opal mining and agriculture in the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities.

A detailed review of relevant legislation (including to the Mining Act 1992) will take place. Following this review, the NSW Government will propose any necessary amendments to support these reforms and ensure the framework is fit for purpose.

A suite of initiatives consistent with the key recommendations from the Independent Review have already been implemented including:

• Modernising renewal and other applications by allowing them to be made electronically.
• A high-visibility compliance education campaign in Lightning Ridge during May 2025.
• Continuing the temporary prohibition of mining in Opal Prospecting Area 4.
• Improvements to stakeholder information materials and customer experience with the NSW Resources website, fact sheets and guidance material, including a biosecurity factsheet.

In addition to the action plan, an ongoing program of safety works to assess and remediate high risk legacy opal mining sites is underway in Lightning Ridge.

These works are being delivered in consultation with local stakeholders, including the Opal Area Reserve Crown Land Manager, landholders, opal miners and the local council.

The Independent Review provided recommendations on key areas affecting opal industry stakeholders including access to land, rehabilitation, landholder compensation and the suitability of the current framework.

Seven of the Review’s recommendations have not been supported, as they would have unintended impacts on broader stakeholders and legislative frameworks.

The action plan for the opal industry will be implemented through a phased approach over the next two years, with ongoing consultation to ensure the reforms are practical and effective.

The NSW Government response is available on the NSW Resources website.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“This is a significant step forward for the opal industry. We’ve listened carefully to miners, landholders and local communities to deliver a balanced and commonsense response.

“Our action plan provides greater certainty for stakeholders and lays the foundation for a modern, well-regulated opal mining sector that can sustainably co-exist alongside agriculture and other industries.

“During my visits to Lightning Ridge and the Far West I have heard directly from miners, farmers and the community. Their insights have shaped our response, and we’ll continue working closely with them as we implement these reforms.

“I want to thank Stephen Lawrence and Roy Butler for their ongoing work. Their deep knowledge and connections in the community have been crucial in developing the Government’s response.

“We’re committed to ensuring the opal industry remains a strong and sustainable part of regional NSW’s future.”

the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“I know how keenly awaited this response has been. The opal industry is an important one, particularly for communities in western NSW, and the backbone of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

“I would like to praise the strong engagement from the many stakeholders who have taken part during the review process. I am very confident the government has gotten the balance right in its response to the review.

“This response is the first step in continued consultation to ensure our opal industry can continue and flourish long into the future.

“I look forward to seeing improved confidence and certainty for landholders and miners, improved rehabilitation outcomes and much needed modernisation of the way people interact with the department.”

The Minns Labor Government is leading a rezoning to deliver 9,350 new homes in Cherrybrook in Northwest Sydney close to transport, open space, shops and services.

The proposed state led rezoning aims to transform the area into an urban community with a new town centre, library, community facilities, cafes and shops a short walk from the metro station.

The Cherrybrook precinct will support the area’s growing and diverse population offering a range of homes with a minimum of 5 per cent of all new homes to be affordable housing, increasing to up to 10 per cent within the new town centre.

The plan will focus larger apartment buildings in the town centre, with mid-rise apartments and terraces to be spread around green neighbourhoods.

It will also feature new walkable streets, bike paths and connections between new local parks, making it easier for residents to move around the precinct and access the metro station. 

Importantly the significant Blue Gum High Forest indigenous vegetation found in the area will be preserved and the total tree canopy coverage will increase by 14 per cent thanks to development controls.

The Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Proposal is expected to create around 210 new jobs alongside the 9,350 new homes which will be delivered gradually over 36 years.

The vision for the precinct is another example of the Minns Labor Government giving people more choice in where they want to live, and in the types of homes they can build and buy. 

The rezoning proposal is currently on exhibition for public feedback until Friday, 5 December 2025. To have your say on the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Proposal, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

For more information visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“This proposal will unlock hundreds of jobs and thousands of new homes in Cherrybrook alongside more open space and a new town centre to create a vibrant, leafy precinct just steps away from the metro.

“Developments like this are crucial as we look to restore housing choice in Sydney so people are no longer forced out of the city and can live and within the community they choose.

“Cherrybrook is an ideal location for more homes in a high-demand area, close to transport, jobs and services.”

Two stores in St Leonards are the first illicit tobacco stores to be closed under the Minns Labor Government’s tough new laws targeting illicit tobacco and illegal vaping.

These stores have been shut down immediately for 90 days under the laws targeting illicit tobacco and illegal vaping.

NSW Health now has substantial powers to make a short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.

The Local Court may, on application by the NSW Health Secretary, make a long-term closure order of up to 12 months if satisfied a relevant breach has occurred.

NSW Health inspectors are being supported by NSW police to carry out raids and issue closure orders on offending businesses.

NSW Health inspectors found and seized 3,860 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes while implementing the Closure Order at two premises and during inspections of a further two premises. Further investigations will follow and further enforcement action including prosecution may take place. 

In addition to the tough new closure powers, the Minns Labor Government’s changes to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act increased the maximum penalties for anyone caught selling products without a valid licence to $660,000 for individuals, and $880,000 for a corporation.

The Act also increased penalties for sale of illicit tobacco and introduced a new offence for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco, with these offences now carrying maximum penalties of up to $1.54 million, 7 years imprisonment, or both.

From 1 Jan 2025 to 27 October 2025, NSW Health Inspectors conducted around 1,260 retailer inspections and seized more than 11.8 million cigarettes, over 2,000kg of other illicit tobacco products and around 170,000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $18.9 million

In the period 1 January to 27 October 2025, the NSW Ministry of Health has finalised 17 prosecutions with the courts imposing a total of $597,200 in fines related to e-cigarette and tobacco offences. There are currently 28 prosecutions inclusive of the District Court appeal before the Courts.

NSW retailers and wholesalers are now required to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products as part of the new NSW Tobacco Licensing Scheme.

Businesses can apply for a licence online using their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.

Applicants are required to complete an annual online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay the licence fee.

Businesses can get support to submit their licence application by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

More information on closure orders and penalties can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tobacco-retailing-laws.aspx

More information on the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme including how retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence can be found on the NSW Health website: NSW tobacco licensing scheme.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I can confirm that today we have begun raiding and temporarily shutting down a number of shopfronts suspected of not complying with our tough new tobacco and vaping laws.

“To be sure, this will take some time as we ramp up our closure activities, but this is just the beginning. More will follow in the coming days, weeks and months. 

“If you’re doing the wrong thing, sooner or later we will come for you.”

Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant:

“The new penalties and closure powers are an important step forward in reducing the appeal and availability of these products.

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community. The new closure powers are another key tool to ensure we act swiftly and gain stronger oversight of the illicit tobacco and illegal trade to help protect public health.” 

The Kiama community is set to benefit from new infill housing, close to the beach, shops, and public transport under a new rezoning proposal for the Kiama Depot site.

The Kiama Depot rezoning proposal will transform the two-hectare former gasworks site, currently owned by Kiama Municipal Council, into a vibrant residential community unlocking up to 450 homes.

Highlights of the Kiama Depot rezoning proposal include:

• new buildings ranging between 6 and 8 storeys in height,
• at least 10 per cent affordable housing,
• approximately 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors and
• opportunities for active transport options, such as walking and cycling paths. 

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the draft proposal, which would reclassify the site from industrial to residential to enable new homes and better use of public land.

The proposal is on public exhibition until Wednesday, 3 December and the community is encouraged to attend a local drop-in session and provide their feedback.

The NSW Government has worked closely with Kiama council to develop this proposal.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.  The rezoning is expected to be finalised in 2026.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Kiama Depot Rezoning proposal is an exciting opportunity to unlock up to 450 homes close to jobs, the beach, shops and transport, helping boost housing supply to give key workers and families a choice in where they live.

“The proposal also prioritises affordable housing, setting out a 10 per cent minimum to make sure it will boost both the number of homes in the region and the diversity of the housing offer.

“This is another great example of the Minns Labor Government increasing the housing pipeline to address the state’s housing challenges.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“We are fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of regional NSW but, even here, finding a home, particularly one that suits their needs and is well located, is a barrier for many.

“Rezonings like this are crucial to provide diverse housing options in our community.

“It is particularly exciting when NSW Government and Council can collaborate to unlock the potential for additional, much-needed homes through infill development on underutilised land in town.

“This development will enable current residents greater choice and options to downsize, supports essential workers into affordable housing options and allows the next generation to stay in the community where they grew up.”

Mayor of Kiama Cameron McDonald said:

“This proposal will help us to realise the potential of this council owned land at the Kiama depot site, enabling us to deliver more homes in the heart of Kiama.

“Council strategically acquired land in this precinct and identified the precinct as a catalyst site in its adopted Local Housing Strategy.

“We’ve worked closely with the NSW Government to deliver the plan and I encourage the community to come along to one of the pop-up sessions and have their say.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking another important step to protect workers against dust diseases, by strengthening the safety code of practice for tunnel construction.

Tunnelling can be a vital part of building public transport infrastructure yet poses risks to workers including silica dust exposure from the rock and sandstone being tunnelled through. It is vital that workers are protected.

The existing Tunnels Under Construction Code of Practice hasn’t been reviewed since 2006.The NSW Government is opening consultation on a new code of practice via the Have Your Say website, with industry and union stakeholders invited to make submissions until 28 November 2025.

Since January 2024 to present, SafeWork NSW has conducted over 100 site inspections in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

Tragically, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in NSW since 2017.

The draft updated code of practice has been developed in consultation with an industry and social partners working group and covers many aspects of tunnel construction. Proposed updates to the code include:  

• Managing silica risks using appropriate controls with a strong focus on the use engineering controls including adequate ventilation.
• The inclusion of ventilation officers and certified occupational hygienists in tunnelling as best practice measures. This inclusion is consistent with recommendations from the 2024 Review of the Dust Diseases scheme.
• Managing psychosocial hazards such as remote working which is often a feature of tunnelling.
• Tunnel boring machine content to account for changing industry practice and the move away from using explosives to tunnel.  

The Minns Labor Government will analyse Have Your Say contributions and continue to consult with industry and unions before finalising the new code.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government. Other initiatives include:

• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Silica Worker Register to monitor and track the health of workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance on the prevention of silica and other dust-related diseases, associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• The establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Committed $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
• Committed $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art Lung Bus which is currently travelling NSW to protect workers from dust diseases. The icare Lung mobile lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

To make a submission, and for more information on the “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice”, visit:

haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tunnels-in-construction

Any worker who wishes to raise concerns about workplace safety is encouraged to contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing health and safety risks in the workplace, especially relating to silica dust. This consultation opportunity is a chance to ensure everybody has a say in making sure we get it right.

“The Have Your Say consultation gives everybody a seat at the table. This is a way to come together and discuss the safety of tunnel construction workers, because when it comes to worker safety, it impacts more than just the people on the job but also families, friends and communities.

“The reviewed “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice” builds on the NSW Government’s strong record of tackling high-crystalline silica processing risks, which includes banning engineered stone, establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and launching the silica worker register.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“SafeWork NSW is always open to consulting with anyone who can provide insight into work health and safety and is committed to maintaining leading practices which protect the workers of this State against the dangers of silica dust and other hazards in tunnel construction.

“Addressing the dangers of silica and protecting workers building the infrastructure of our future is a priority for SafeWork NSW and ensuring our codes of practices are updated and reflect best practice is crucial in making that happen.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris has launched a powerful new art exhibition at the Anzac Memorial featuring works by 2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple that explore stories of post-service life through watercolour.

The exhibition, Beyond Service: Veterans’ New Journeys, presents eight evocative watercolour paintings that illuminate the personal and transformative journeys of Australian military veterans as they navigate life after service.

Each artwork captures a veteran’s chosen path, whether through art, music, storytelling, or cultural practice, revealing the renewed sense of purpose and identity these pursuits inspire.

Hugh Semple, a veteran of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, first turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet following his medical discharge from the Army. What began as a means of healing has since evolved into a full-time artistic career. His deeply personal works reflect not only his own journey but also those of fellow veterans who have found strength and meaning in creative expression.

In June Hugh was named as one of two 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artists in Residence and awarded a $10,000 grant to develop this significant body of work. Over recent months, the Anzac Memorial has served as both an inspiring backdrop and creative workspace for his artistic practice.

This year, the residency program was supported with funding from Veterans Benevolent Fund, supported by RSL & Clubs Services.

Launched in 2019, the Veteran Artist in Residence program supports current veterans in their development as artists and the use of the creative process in their healing journeys. The program also recognises the strong historic connection between art and military experience.

Beyond Service is on display at the Anzac Memorial which is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm – entry is free. Visitors will also have a chance to meet Hugh and discover the stories behind the artworks during exclusive artist drop-in sessions.

More information is available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/beyond-service-veterans-new-journeys

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Hugh has created an extraordinary and deeply moving collection that not only shares the personal journeys of our veterans beyond service, but also celebrates the passions that now define their lives. His work is a tribute to resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of those who have served.

“We’re deeply grateful to Hugh for his generosity, and to the veterans whose stories he brings to life through each painting. Their willingness to share these personal journeys offers the broader community a rare and meaningful insight into life beyond service.

“The Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program is a valuable opportunity to support veteran artists in their creative and healing journeys as they navigate life post service and honours their stories in a way that resonates deeply with the broader community.”

2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple said:

“Life after service does not end the journey. It reshapes it. These artworks honour the courage it takes to rediscover purpose and build a new identity beyond the uniform.

“The residency has given me a unique space to process my past, explore my present, and imagine my future. Exhibiting at the Anzac Memorial has made my art, and my story, feel truly valued.

“Art has been a lifeline in my journey after leaving the Army. It has given me a way to process the experiences, challenges, and emotions that often feel impossible to express.

“Through creating, I have found a path to understanding myself, rebuilding my sense of purpose, and transforming the struggles of my past into something meaningful. Art has not only been a tool for healing, it has become a way to connect with others, to share my story, and embrace life beyond the uniform.”

The Minns Labor Government is powering ahead with Sydney’s first new road harbour crossing in almost 30 years, delivering a world-class, publicly-owned piece of infrastructure that will reshape the way Sydney moves.

Western Harbour Tunnel crews have completed construction of massive twin underground caverns at Birchgrove that will serve as the launch chambers for the largest twin tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the southern hemisphere, Barangaroo and Patyegarang.

Together these technological behemoths will dig the 1.5 kilometre underwater section of the Tunnel up to 50 metres below sea level to Waverton.

The Tunnel is a true game changer that will deliver travel time savings to motorists and reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, in the Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and on the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.

The two 28-metre high caverns are among the largest ever excavated in Australia, each big enough to fit 22 Olympic swimming pools or six Emerald-class Sydney Ferries. They are located just 230 metres from the edge of Sydney Harbour ready for the TBMs’ epic dive.

The milestone comes as the second TBM arrived in Sydney on 21 October, joining its twin, which landed in August.

Each machine is an engineering marvel: 137 metres long and weighing more than 4,300 tonnes which is the equivalent of 88 double decker buses. The pair will carve a 1.5-kilometre route under Sydney Harbour to the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney.

Over the coming months, workers will assemble the TBMs piece by piece inside the Birchgrove caverns using a 500-tonne gantry crane. Once launched, they’ll tunnel around the clock, supported by 40 skilled workers per shift, as they begin their epic journey beneath the harbour.

The TBMs will begin excavating under the harbour in the first half of 2026 once the TBMs, comprising 263 major parts each, have been assembled in painstaking correct order. TBM assembly will take several months. They are expected to take around a year to complete their work.

When complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide a seamless 6.5 km connection between the Warringah Freeway and the Rozelle Interchange, reducing congestion, improving travel times, and strengthening connections across the city’s north, west and south.

The Western Harbour Tunnel is on track to open to traffic in 2028 and will remain in public ownership, ensuring the long-term benefits of this investment stay with the people of NSW. The project is supporting 7,000 jobs over the course of construction.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Today, the Minns Labor Government is one step closer to delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel.

“This is a once-in-a-generation project, with the Minns Government on track to deliver Sydney’s third road harbour crossing.

“After 12 years of Liberal-National privatisation, we are building this project as a public asset for the people of NSW.

“These giant caverns are vast enough to fit six Emerald class Sydney ferries each, but once the TBMs are assembled inside them, there will only be around 1-2 metres between each TBM and the launch chamber walls.

“The scale of this project is absolutely breathtaking. More than 4,800,000 tonnes of material already have been excavated across the Western Harbour Tunnel project to date.

“The Western Harbour Tunnel TBMs are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest in the world to be assembled underground. The mega-machines were shipped to Australia in 263 pieces, with 125 shipping containers of other components, and our team is now preparing them for launch.

“In a few days, the TBM parts will be loaded onto specialised heavy vehicles and transported into the launch chambers via the City West Link portal.

“The Western Harbour Tunnel is on track to open in 2028 and importantly, will remain in public ownership.”

Jenny Aitchison’s media release this morning and her anticipated performance at her press conference today show just how far the Minns Labor Government will stretch the truth to take credit for projects they did not plan, did not fund and did not start.
 
The Western Harbour Tunnel, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel before it, have been projects delivered by NSW Liberals and Nationals governments.
 
All Labor has done is cut ribbons and issue media releases for projects built on the back of NSW Liberals and Nationals planning.
 
Jenny Aitchison calls it Labor’s “first new harbour crossing in 30 years” but the facts tell a different story. The Sydney Harbour Bridge passed through the NSW Parliament under the conservative government in 1922. The Sydney Harbour Tunnel was delivered by the Greiner and Fahey Coalition Governments and opened in 1992. The Western Harbour Tunnel was approved and funded by the previous NSW Liberals and Nationals Government well before Labor took office.
 
For a government that constantly shouts about “public ownership”, Labor’s record on privatisation tells the real story.
 
Privatisations under Labor:

• Axiom Funds Management – sold in 1996 for $215 million under Carr Labor.
• Sydney Markets Authority (Flemington) – sold in 1997 under Carr Labor.
• TAB Ltd – privatised in 1998 for $1.017 billion under Carr Labor.
• Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited – transferred in 1999 under Carr Labor.
• Coleambally Irrigation Ltd – transferred in 2000 under Carr Labor.
• FreightCorp – sold in 2002 for $669 million under Carr Labor.
• Integral Energy Gas Pty Ltd – sold in 2002 under Carr Labor.
• Powercoal Pty Ltd – sold in 2002 for $323 million under Carr Labor.
• Pacific Power (International) Pty Ltd – sold in 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Pacific Solar – sold in 2004 under Carr Labor.
• QStores and cmSolutions – sold in 2005 for $38 million under Carr Labor.
• Emmlink (Country Energy) – sold in 2006 for $85 million under Iemma Labor.
• EnergyAustralia Pty Ltd (subsidiary) – sold in 2007 for $207 million under Iemma Labor.
• NSW Lotteries – sold in 2010 for about $1 billion under Keneally Labor.
• Country Energy Gas Pty Ltd – sold in 2010 for $107 million under Keneally Labor.
• WSN Environmental Solutions – sold in 2010 for $234 million under Keneally Labor.
• Electricity retail businesses – Country Energy, Integral Energy and EnergyAustralia retail arms sold in 2010–11 for over $5 billion under Keneally Labor.
• Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) under Labor – many with international backers –
• Eastern Distributor – tolled and contract awarded 1997 under Carr Labor.
• Cross City Tunnel – tolled and contract awarded 2002 under Carr Labor.
• Lane Cove Tunnel – tolled and contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Westlink M7 – tolled and contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Chatswood Transport Interchange – contract awarded 2005 under Iemma Labor.
• Parramatta Transport Interchange – contract awarded 2004 under Carr Labor.
• School Project 1 – 9 new public schools in Sydney, Wollongong, Shell Harbour and on the Central Coast – contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor Government
• School Project 2 – design, construction and financing of 7 primary schools, 3 high schools and one special development school, located predominately in new urban growth areas of NSW – contract awarded 2006 under Iemma Labor Government.
• Newcastle Community Health Centre – contract awarded 2005 under Iemma Labor.
• Newcastle Mater Hospital Redevelopment – contract awarded 2005 under Iemma Labor Government.
• Long Bay Prison Hospital and Forensic Hospital – contract awarded 2006 under Iemma Labor.
• Orange Hospital and associated facilities – contract awarded 2007 under Iemma Labor.
• Royal North Shore Hospital and Community Health Facility – contract awarded 2008 under Rees Labor.
• Waratah Trains (Reliance Rail) – contract awarded 2006 under Iemma Labor.
• Sydney SuperDome (Qudos Bank Arena) – contract awarded 1997 under Carr Labo Government.
• Bonnyrigg Living Communities Project – contract awarded 2007 under Iemma Labor.
• Global Renewables Eastern Creek – contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Rosehill–Camellia Recycled Water Project – contract awarded 2009 under Rees Labor Government.

For all their talk about “keeping things public”, Labor has privatised billions worth of public assets and delivered infrastructure deals through PPPs.
 
Jenny Aitchison and Chris Minns might talk about “Labor’s vision” but the truth is every piece of rail, metro and road she now cuts ribbons for was planned, funded and contracted by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. From the Sydney Metro to WestConnex, NorthConnex, M8, M12, and the very Western Harbour Tunnel she boasts about today, the groundwork was planned, funded and laid by the NSW Liberals and Nationals.
 
And let’s not forget, her boss Premier Chris Minns knows better than anyone how the system works. As senior staffer to former Labor Roads Minister Carl Scully, Chris Minns helped design Sydney’s toll road network.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Jenny Aitchison’s media release shows Labor’s selective memory at its worst.
 
“Labor has a long history of selling what it cannot manage, then trying to take credit for what it did not build,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said every road, bridge and metro she has tried to claim was from Labor was delivered by the NSW Liberals and Nationals.”
 
“Instead of rewriting history, Labor should try delivering something of its own. NSW deserves builders, not broadcasters,” Ms Ward said.
 
If Jenny Aitchison spent half as much time delivering her own projects as she does polishing NSW Liberals and Nationals achievements, she might finally build something her government could truly call its own.

The Minns Labor Government is calling on communities of the Central West and Orana to help shape the region’s transport future.

The Government has today released the draft Central West and Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for public consultation.

The Central West and Orana is a growth powerhouse for regional NSW, supporting jobs, industry and innovation across the state. The draft plan outlines a long-term vision for safer, more reliable and better-connected transport to support that growth.

Developed in close consultation with communities, all levels of government, industry stakeholders and community representatives, the draft plan identifies more than 60 practical initiatives to inform future planning, including:

• Changes and upgrades to public and active transport for smaller and ageing communities
• More frequent and reliable transport services
• Safer, more resilient roads and freight corridors
• Targeted upgrades to services, roads and the broader network to ensure people are better connected to jobs, education, health and services
• Better use of existing infrastructure to improve safety and travel times.

The plan also recognises the region’s shifting demographics. By 2041 the population is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent to 323,000, and the number of residents aged over 65 is projected to grow as well.

The draft plan, supporting materials and details of local drop-in sessions where you can speak with the team are available at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/central-west-and-orana.

Submissions close midnight on Sunday 14 December, and can be made via the Have Your Say webpage,  by emailing engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au or by writing to us at Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans, C/O Strategic Transport Planning Branch, Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059

Copies of the plan will soon be available at local libraries too.

Community feedback will help refine the final plan, due for release in 2026.

The Central West and Orana SRITP is one of nine regional transport plans being developed as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to plan for the future by strengthening safety, reliability and connectivity for communities across regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Central West and Orana is powering NSW. From agriculture and mining to health, education and renewable energy. 

“The region is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent by 2041 and we’re delivering on our commitment to plan for that growth.

“We want to ensure everything that keeps us connected and moving keeps pace with the needs of local communities, businesses, industries and visitors.

“I am pleased to now be calling on the people within the Central West and Orana region, businesses and industry to have their say.

“This plan is about listening to the people who live, work and travel in the Central West and Orana and needs to consider how government can deliver better services for them.

“We want to hear directly from the people who use the roads, buses, rail lines and active transport options every day. Your feedback will help develop a long-term blueprint to help shape a transport network that supports a stronger, safer and better-connected future for this region.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Central West and Orana sits at the heart of our state. It’s where regional industry, innovation and opportunity meet.

“This plan will inform future plans, ensuring our transport network keeps up with growth and continues to connect people to the jobs, services and opportunities that make this part of NSW such a great place to live.

“From our freight corridors to our local roads, the SRITP takes a long-term, practical view of how we can make travel safer and easier for everyone.

“We know this region has unique challenges – vast distances, ageing populations and a growing economy – and that’s why local feedback is so important. I encourage everyone to have their say.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“Having the necessary transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of our growing region is essential.

“I welcome the Minns Government’s initiative to invite locals to have their say in the planning for transport infrastructure upgrades and transport services for our region, and I encourage everyone to visit the online link and have their say.

“Last year Minister Aitchison facilitated a similar ‘have your say’ public platform regarding Orange Passenger Rail. Based on the Minister’s initiative – and the input of locals – there’s already been progress in planning for improved rail services to meet the needs our community.”