Approved Summerville solar farm to power 36,000 homes

The Minns Government is paving the way to a greener energy future with the approval of a large-scale solar farm in the Richmond Valley that will power more than 36,000 homes, create 200 local jobs in construction and deliver strong community benefits. 

The $312 million Summerville Solar Farm, located 57 kilometres southwest of Lismore, will have a generating capacity of 90 megawatt (MW). 

It will also boast 360-megawatt hour (MWh) battery energy storage system so the farm can capture and release solar energy to the grid during peak times and outside daylight hours.  

Clean energy produced from the solar farm will save more than 139,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. 

The proponent will also provide approximately $3.1 million to Richmond Valley Council to deliver infrastructure and community benefits. 

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) responded to key issues raised during the community consultation period including biodiversity and fire safety.   

The project has been approved, subject to strict conditions including a 10-metre perimeter for fire safety and others to manage or mitigate any impacts on traffic and the environment. 

The Summerville Solar Farm requires approval from the Commonwealth Government before construction can begin.   

Since March 2023, the Minns Government has delivered 34 renewable energy State Significant Development assessments, including five wind farms, 12 solar farms and 15 large-scale energy storage systems.  

The projects have the combined capacity to generate 6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, and store 7.8 GW / 21.5 GWh of energy.

This could save an estimated 10.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year and power 2.78 million homes while boosting the state’s energy security. 

For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/summerville-solar-farm

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to diversifying energy production and reducing carbon emissions while providing energy security and reliability. 

“Summerville Solar Farm will produce clean energy and bolster the Northern Rivers economy by creating jobs during construction and operational phases.  

“The renewable project will also help renew the community with Richmond Valley Council to receive about $3.12 million to spend on community projects for locals to enjoy. 

“NSW is leading a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the electricity network, to deliver even more clean, affordable and reliable energy for everyone in NSW.” 

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a big win for our community. Renewable energy projects are the cheapest form of energy to build. They mean more jobs, cleaner energy, and reliable power as more projects like Summerville get built. 

“I’m also happy to see that the successful tenderer will be delivering some funds to Richmond Valley Council to build local infrastructure and support our local community groups. This project won’t just create jobs, it’ll help deliver some much-needed support for our community too.”  

Sydney ranks in Top 5 Time Out Best Cities for Culture

Slowly but surely Sydney is getting back to its best, and this result is more proof.

There was a lost decade of lockouts and lockdowns where our nightlife and culture suffered, and the glory days of the Sydney Olympics seemed like long lost memories.

Since coming to government two years ago we’ve been fighting to bring Sydney back to life, which has involved cutting lots of red tape that was holding back small venues through to large cultural events.

We’ve lifted the concert cap on our stadiums and put local support acts on our biggest stages. We’ve continued backing incredible events like Vivid Sydney, SXSW Sydney, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe, Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and the Sydney Marathon, whilst supporting our world class cultural institutions like the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian Museum.

We’ve also stopped serial single noise complainants from shutting down entertainment venues, extended trading hours, incentivised venues to host live music, scrapped the 5km rule at clubs, given adults the right to stand up when having a drink outside and started rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts across the state.

But it’s not mission accomplished, the hard work continues, so stay tuned as we rebuild our night-time economy block-by-block neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood.

People often talk down Sydney’s cultural life, and sometimes they’ve had reason to, but that’s changing. I think it’s time to be proud of our city and our state again.

Click here for Sydney has just ranked in the world’s top 5 cities for culture on this global Time Out list

Investing in the Australia–Indonesia relationship

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and His Excellency Mr Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, met today in Jakarta for the Australia–Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting and issued a Joint Communiqué.

This is Prime Minister Albanese’s fourth visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister, and first overseas bilateral opportunity in the Government’s second term.

In the context of an uncertain global economic and strategic outlook, the two leaders discussed how Australia and Indonesia can expand and deepen cooperation in a spirit of true partnership under our bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Australia is committed to boosting trade and investment in the region through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The strategy is supporting Australian businesses to take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in Indonesian healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure and mining industries—broadening our strong and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

The two leaders agreed to review and expand the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), the centrepiece of our economic relationship, to take into account new opportunities for economic growth powered by the net zero transition, critical and emerging minerals and technologies, and digital trade.

Building on the momentum of the Australia–Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement signed last year, Prime Minister Albanese announced a number of initiatives to build the security relationship, including:

  • $15 million over four years to enhance our maritime cooperation, including establishing an annual officials-level dialogue on maritime issues
  • supporting the Indonesian military to commence training in the Northern Territory later this year
  • $3.5 million for a clinical anti-malaria drug trial for the Indonesian military.

Australia is committed to strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and partnering with Indonesia on its domestic priorities to bolster regional stability and the health security of both countries, including:

  • $100 million to strengthen Indonesia’s health system, and its ability to prevent, detect and respond to human and animal infectious diseases
  • Supporting Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara to join the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and inviting it to conduct a roadshow in Australia
  • $50 million to the Fund for Green Infrastructure under the Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership (KINETIK), to incentivise investment in green infrastructure and clean energy projects in Indonesia
  • Doubling the number of participating scholars and institutions under Australia’s Indonesian Language Learning Ambassadors program, and
  • Supporting Indonesia’s Garuda Schools Program though 10 scholarships for students to study a Masters of Education in Australia.

Leaders welcomed enhanced cooperation between Football Australia and the Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI), which could include major event opportunities and women’s football mentorship.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am pleased to again make Indonesia my first bilateral leaders’ meeting in this new term of Government, reflecting the high priority I accord to this vital relationship.

“Australia and Indonesia are indispensable partners—we’re working together as neighbours and as partners committed to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Our two great nations continue to invest in each other through our strong trade relationship, creating economic opportunity and deepening the bonds between us.

“I am proud of the enduring friendship between Australia and Indonesia, and I look forward to working closely with President Prabowo on our countries’ shared priorities.”

Fourth man charged following Muswellbrook kidnapping – SF Sanderston

A fourth man has been charged following an investigation into an alleged kidnapping at Muswellbrook earlier this year.

Shortly before 4am on Friday 21 March 2025, a 25-year-old man was allegedly forced to stop his vehicle on the New England Highway near Muswellbrook by a group of five males in a silver Subaru Impreza.

The man was allegedly removed from his vehicle before he was assaulted and forced into the Subaru, and driven to Tindale Street, Muswellbrook.

Police believe the Subaru remained on Tindale Street for some time, before travelling to the Denman or surrounding rural area.

A short time later, a 35-year-old man was stopped in his vehicle outside the same address in Tindale Street, Muswellbrook, when a Holden Commodore utility crashed into the front of his vehicle.

The 35-year-old man was allegedly approached and threatened by an occupant of the ute, before he drove away without injury. Police allege that the incidents are linked.

Police later found the 25-year-old man at Muswellbrook railway station with facial injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. He has since been released.

Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and established Strike Force Sanderston to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal for information, officers executed search warrants at two homes in Scone and Muswellbrook yesterday (Wednesday 7 May 2025).

During the searches, police allegedly located a replica firearm, electronics, illegal tobacco products, prohibited drugs, and a range of property believed to be stolen.

Two men – aged 34 and 21 – were subsequently arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where they were charged.

On Monday 12 May 2025, detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at Muswellbrook. He was taken to in Muswellbrook police station where he was charged with take person in company with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, stalk/intimidate – intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and sexually touch another person without consent.

The three men remain before the Courts.

Following further inquiries, on Thursday 15 May 2025, Strike Force Sanderston detectives, with assistance from detectives from Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and officers from Raptor Squad, police arrested a 31-year-old man at a house in Springfield.

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with six offences – intimidation, take and detain person in company with intent to commit serious indictable offence, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, police pursuit (two counts) and predatory driving.

The man was refused bail and will appear in Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Friday 16 May 2025).

Questions raised over Labor’s consultation credentials as expert advisory groups axed

Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the ACT Greens 

“Today, Greens questioning in the ACT Parliament has revealed that the government quietly axed an expert advisory group of Canberrans directing work to reduce harm from gambling across the territory.

“The Minister for Gaming today confirmed the Community Clubs Ministerial Advisory Council has been disbanded. This follows the earlier ditching of the Law Reform and Sentencing Advisory Council by the Labor Government.

“This revelation follows the discovery last week that Labor has also yet to convene the Domestic Violence Prevention Council, with no clear answer given as to when the council might meet to provide advice to the Minister.

“We also learned last week that the term of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Women ended on 18 April. Recruitment for the new Council has not even commenced as it is currently being ‘reviewed’.

“This set of developments raises some serious questions about this Labor Government’s attitude to community input.

“Almost seven months on from the election, how many Advisory Council and similar bodies have not even met? Are there other groups that have been disbanded, or quietly not re-appointed by this government?

“Community input is invaluable in helping the government meet the needs of Canberrans, and it is concerning to see that ministers have shown no interest in convening with experts in their fields to ensure good governance.

Greens Introduce Bill for Safer Speeds to Save Lives

New legislation calls for 30km/h default speeds on local streets during National Road Safety Week. 

In a move to make local streets safer and more liveable, Greens MP Kobi Shetty today announced a new bill to introduce safer speeds of 30km/h on local streets across NSW.

Introduced to Parliament during National Road Safety Week, the bill aims to address the increasing number of serious injuries and fatalities on local roads, especially among vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and people walking or cycling.

Kobi Shetty MP, Member for Balmain, said:

“It’s Road Safety Week and I’m asking my colleagues in Parliament to support our vision for a city where streets are built as shared spaces for people – not just cars. 

“This bill is about creating calmer, safer, more liveable neighbourhoods. It’s about ensuring everyone is safe on our streets, regardless of whether they’re walking, riding their bike, or driving their car. 

“A person struck by a vehicle at 50km/h has only a 10% chance of survival. At 30km/h, the survival rate increases to 90%. The evidence is really clear – we need to prioritise safer speeds on local streets to keep everyone, particularly younger kids, safe.” 

“This has been done in other cities around the world and it’s time for NSW to catch up with global best practice.” 

Dr Jennifer Kent, Spokesperson for 30 Please said:

“When it is your child, friend or family, one person killed while walking or riding a bike on NSW streets is one death too many. Yet 100 families experience this grief in NSW annually. 

“Over 4,000 of us experience the ordeal of being hospitalised as a result of road trauma while walking or cycling our streets. Our grief is amplified by the knowledge that this suffering is unnecessary. 

“In Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark pedestrian deaths have decreased by 40-60 per cent over the last 20 years, with more people walking and cycling than ever. 

“In Australia, attempts to make our streets safer lag well behind global standards. A 30km/h default speed is the most cost-effective evidence-based way to make our streets safe. Local streets are the streets we call home, and they should feel safe for everyone.”

Sarah Stace, President of Better Streets said:

“People tell us they love getting outside, chatting to their neighbours and seeing their kids outside playing. But many local streets don’t support this because vehicles are travelling too fast. 

“The United Nations Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety states that the speed limit, where vehicles and people mix frequently, should be 30 kilometres per hour except on routes where strong evidence shows that higher speeds are safe. 

“My own child was hit while walking to school. He survived because the driver was going slow enough that the impact was minimal, and I’m so grateful to that driver for being cautious. The penalty for walking or riding to school shouldn’t be to die or be maimed by a vehicle. 

“Slowing down on local streets only adds a few seconds to the journey. I don’t think that’s too much to ask to make streets safer for kids and the elderly. That way, everyone in the community benefits.” 

Cities around the world from Spain and Wales to Bogotá and Ho Chi Minh City—are adopting safer speeds of 30km/h for local streets.

This is something achievable for NSW streets that would significantly improve safety for all.  

The bill does not apply to arterial or major roads but focuses on local streets where people live, walk, ride their bikes, and play.

The Greens will continue working with community groups, researchers, and safety advocates to build momentum for the change. 
 

Updated plans approved for revitalisation of Newcastle landmark

The long-awaited restoration of the historic Newcastle Post Office has been given the green light by City of Newcastle following the approval of a modified development application.

The site is owned by Dr Jerry Schwartz, who purchased it in 2018 with a plan to invest more than $3.6 million into updating the treasured icon to include a state-of-the-art conference centre, retail shops, a café and an Aboriginal cultural centre.

The original proposal was approved by City of Newcastle in April 2021 before the Schwartz Family Company lodged a modification to the approved design in 2024, which included alterations and additions to the existing building, as well as an additional level and an onsite residence.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the complexity a heritage site creates but hoped the latest approval would see the project move forward.

“This is the second time City of Newcastle has approved the redevelopment of this iconic piece of Newcastle’s history,” Mr Bath said.

“The modification application was delayed due to the proposal of an additional level, which was then removed following feedback from City of Newcastle’s Urban Design Review Panel, City of Newcastle staff and the Heritage Council of NSW.

“We’re pleased to see the restoration begin to take shape ahead of the building being reopened to the public for the first time since 2001.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said he welcomed the approval of the development application and looked forward to returning to the cherished landmark, which has stood for more than 120 years. 

“The building in a great example of Federation architecture and was added to the NSW Heritage Register in December 2000,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“The architectural qualities provide an insight into Newcastle’s prosperity and confidence during the late 19th century coal boom. 

“I know the delays in activating the building since the sale by the Federal Government over 20 years ago has been enormously frustrating for the community. 

“I have had a number of constructive conversations with Dr Jerry Schwartz who owns the building. I know that he has some exciting plans and I look forward to seeing progress on these developments.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said the modification application has not substantially changed the original plans.

“There are a range of exciting features that form part of this development that will bring the building back to life,” Ms Bisson said.

“Original features such as columns, capitals, windows and doors are proposed to be repaired, with the existing western, southern and eastern arcades on the ground level to be restored. 

“The first floor will see the installation of a glass roof over the terrace and the restoration of two existing fireplaces in the proposed function room.

“Our team worked through potential issues with the modification application and are pleased to have been able to resolve these once the owner provided all the relevant information, with the approval now allowing plans for this site to be progressed.”

First NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan released

The Minns Labor Government has released a draft of NSW’s Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan, which is needed to prevent Greater Sydney running out of landfill. Without intervention, waste collection and disposal services could be severely impacted by 2030, forcing councils to transport rubbish to regional areas or interstate.

Failure to tackle this would drive up the cost of kerbside bin collections and lead to costs for residents and businesses increasing by around 20%.

A slowdown in rubbish collection would also impact critical infrastructure projects, such as new housing developments. It’s estimated that it could cost the economy around $23 billion.

The first chapter of the draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan will consult councils, industry and the community on the next steps to build the infrastructure required across Greater Sydney.

Future chapters are expected to be released later this year and will focus on enhancing recycling infrastructure and addressing the unique waste challenges facing regional and remote NSW.

The release of this chapter lays out how the NSW Government will:

  • safely manage the waste we don’t recycle and avoid Greater Sydney’s imminent shortfalls in landfill capacity
  • collect and process increased volumes of organic waste, as source-separated FOGO collections are rolled out across Greater Sydney.

The Minns Labor Government recognises that a state government cannot do this alone. A new Ministerial Advisory Committee will be established to guide the plan’s implementation and advise on local barriers, identify opportunities for investment and report on progress.

This plan follows the NSW Government’s recent mandate of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling. FOGO will reduce the volume of food waste sent to landfill, by diverting up to 950,000 tonnes of each year.

To have your say by 25 June 2025, visit the Draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan web page.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“For too long, state governments have ignored the fact that Greater Sydney is running out of landfill.

“Waste collection is an essential service.

“This draft plan is the first of its kind and is long overdue.

“We can no longer kick this problem down the road. I look forward to working with local councils, industry and local communities to urgently address the problem.”

Compassionate care of health staff and volunteers recognised this National Palliative Care Week

The dedication and compassion of palliative care health staff and volunteers across NSW is being recognised this National Palliative Care Week (11 – 17 May 2025).

We thank the many staff and volunteers who provide essential care and support to patients and families during the most challenging time in their lives.

The NSW Government is committed to further enhancing palliative care services across the state and has introduced a range of measures to better support patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.

This includes a $93 million investment in capital works as part of the World Class End of Life Care program, which will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities at five health facilities across the state including Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth, Nepean and Orange hospitals.

The Government is also committed to growing our specialist palliative care workforce, and is employing extra nurses, doctors and support staff, estimated at more than 570 additional full-time equivalent positions by 2026-27.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government announced an additional $2.8 million in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end of life care across the state. This forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.

Twelve local health districts and speciality health networks have received additional funding to strengthen specialist paediatric palliative care and improve the physical spaces where palliative and end of life care is provided.

The NSW Government has also committed $3 million in funding for the End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program, aimed at improving health outcomes for patients, carers and families with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our palliative care teams who provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

“Our specialist palliative care workforce is comprised of doctors, allied health professionals and nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and volunteers.

“National Palliative Care Week is not only an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of end of life and palliative care services, but also to begin conversations with family and friends about how one might to plan for their future requirements, including their own end-of-life care.”

New emergency hub to strengthen Snowy Monaro disaster response

The NSW Government is investing $15 million in the protection of Snowy Monaro communities, with work to begin on a new state-of-the-art bush fire and emergency management centre in Cooma.

The NSW Rural Fire Service has awarded the construction contract for the new Fire Control Centre (FCC), which will be co-located with an Emergency Operations Centre and aviation facility.

The centre will enable faster coordination and enhance frontline capabilities as emergency management experts are brought together under one roof during times of disaster.

The Snowy Monaro FCC is being developed in response to the 2020 NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which identified the need for upgraded emergency management infrastructure in the region.

Zauner Construction Pty Ltd will soon begin construction, with the project to be managed by NSW Public Works.

The facility will be located on a site adjoining the existing FCC and the Cooma/Polo Flat Aerodrome.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This new centre will be a vital resource for those on the frontline and provide our volunteers with the best possible infrastructure to assist in firefighting efforts.

“With purpose-built workspaces and training rooms, this facility provides our emergency service personnel with the modern technology they need to protect life and property.

“This investment enhances not just firefighting but also search and rescue capabilities, which are vital in remote and rugged parts of the region.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“It’s great to see work finally starting on this important new facility.  I am aware that it has been many years in the planning and having visited the existing centre many times, I am aware of its limitations.

“Our region has a history of large bushfires, and this centre will provide the facilities, technology and working conditions to ensure that our incredible, dedicated, emergency service volunteers and staff can provide the most effective responses possible. 

“I’m very pleased to be a part of the Labor Government making the investment in this facility.  It builds on a number of new control centres built in Monaro during my last period as Member for Monaro.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:

“This new centre will not only support day-to-day operations, but also better equip our personnel to manage multi-agency responses to a range of hazards.

“The inclusion of a secure helicopter hangar and crew accommodation will also boost our aerial firefighting and rescue capability across the region, enabling faster deployment and more effective response during critical incidents.”