The first State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway, four months after the HDA opened Expressions of Interest.
The new SSDA proposes a 7-8 storey Residential Flat Building with 106 dwellings including affordable housing under the Gordon Transport Oriented Development controls. With planning documents now lodged, the proposal will be on public exhibition in the coming weeks, allowing the community to have their say.
The SSDA comes as the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 16 proposals of state significance, which if approved, could deliver more than 5400 homes, including affordable housing.
Of these proposals, 13 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 are in regional NSW.
The HDA pathway has seen a strong pipeline of proposals, with 102 proposals declared of state significance, which if approved could deliver more than 39,900 homes. Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements have also been issued for 34 proposals.
The Minns Labor Government established the HDA to support the state’s growing role in housing delivery.
Other pathways include the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus scheme which offers proponents additional height and Floor Space Ratio if they maintain 10 per cent of the development as affordable housing for at least 15 years.
Nine of these projects have already been approved, which will deliver more than 1,600 homes plus 440 affordable. There are a further 30 projects currently under assessment creating capacity for more than 6,300 homes and 1,700 affordable.
The Government aims to complete assessments of SSDAs within an average of 275 days, with 90 of those in Government hands.
After a decade of inaction on housing from the previous Government, the Minns Government is working with industry and councils to speed up assessment times, as well as creating new and streamlined planning pathways that mean a proponent can choose between working with a council or the State Government to progress their proposals.
This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers across the state have a place to call home and in the communities they choose.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“This is a significant milestone. Just four months after setting up the Housing Delivery Authority pathway, we’re already seeing major housing proposals progress to the next stage. It shows that when we remove roadblocks and provide clear pathways, industry responds quickly.
“With 102 proposals declared State Significant under the HDA pathway, we’re building a strong pipeline of housing across the state. This momentum is essential to tackling the housing supply and affordability.
“After a decade of inaction under the former Government, we’re not just playing catch-up, we’re setting the pace. From new pathways like the HDA to incentives for affordable housing, we’re making it easier to get good projects off the ground.”
Hundreds of new apprentices and trainees vital to the delivery of essential local services have hit the ground running with councils across the state, thanks to a landmark $252.2 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.
The NSW Government’s Fresh Start program is funding the wages of an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector over the next six years.
Councils have now been given the green light to employ 1,008 new apprentices, trainees and cadets this year under the first two rounds of funding.
Hundreds commenced their new roles with councils across the state earlier this year, with more onboarding every month as councils fill roles to coincide with the start dates of a wide range of training programs.
More than 60 per cent of the approved new roles are in regional and rural councils, providing a major boost to regional communities and more job opportunities for people in country towns.
The Fresh Start program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.
Councils have applied for the jobs they need most including 58 more apprentice mechanics, 25 electricians, 146 parks and gardens staff, 82 civil construction apprentices and trainees and 44 early childhood trainees.
47 planning cadets and trainees and 58 in engineering have also been approved, vital to driving local housing approvals and enabling supporting community infrastructure to help tackle the housing crisis.
A 2022 report by the Australian Local Government Association found that 91 per cent of respondent councils in NSW reported skills shortages, with close to 30 per cent reporting shortages in trades such as plumbing, automotive and mechanical work.
Under the Liberal-National Government, councils in NSW have suffered a severe depletion of in-house trade capabilities, with councils resorting to outsourcing core services to contractors.
The sector also has an ageing workforce which is threatening the loss of essential skills and knowledge as workers retire.
The Fresh Start program supports the government’s goal of boosting the number of apprentices and trainees in councils to make up 15 per cent of the local government workforce, to address the growing skills shortage that is slowing down the delivery of homes and community infrastructure.
The program has shown great success with nearly 90 per cent of local government organisations successfully applying for funding.
A third round will be open to councils soon aimed exclusively at apprentices, providing opportunities for hundreds more young people start jobs in councils from January next year.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Council staff are out in our communities every day, providing the services we often take for granted.
“This program is a massive boost for local government and for young people looking for a job where they can work in their local community.
“Councils employ more than 50,000 people in NSW, and many council workers who start as an apprentice or trainee go on to have life-long careers in local government.
“It means more horticulturalists to look after our parks, more childcare staff to educate the next generation and more planners to help deliver more homes.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“From Wollongong to Walgett, the Blue Mountains to Ballina, the Fresh Start program is an investment in the future of local government in NSW.
“The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas.
“We’re opening the door for hundreds of young people to learn life-long skills, making sure councils have the workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“The Minns Labor Government was elected on the promise that we would rebuild local services, restore confidence in local education networks and boost local job opportunities.
“It’s pleasing to see the Fresh Start program helping to plug gaps across the local government sector in NSW, including in critical skills shortages areas such as construction and childcare.
“Vocational education and training provides a valuable career path for many young people and there’s no doubt the Fresh Start program will help build a stronger workforce for NSW councils.”
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council in Montreal has found Russia is responsible under international law for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on 17 July 2014.
This is a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones.
The ICAO Council found that Russia breached the prohibition under international law on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and is responsible for the loss of 298 innocent lives, including 38 who called Australia home.
In reaching its decision, the ICAO Council has upheld the fundamental principle that weapons should not be used against civil aircraft.
The Australian Government welcomes the ICAO Council’s decision and urges it to move swiftly to determine remedies for this violation. We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law.
Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s actions, their families and loved ones.
While we cannot take away the grief of those left behind, we will continue to stand with them in that grief and pursue justice for this horrific act.
A third man has been charged as inquiries continue 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 will 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. They remain before the Courts.
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.
He was refused bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 13 May 2025).
Inquiries into the incident continue under Strike Force Sanderston.
One of the Hunter’s most popular community assets will remain open to the public during vital maintenance work that will improve the safety, longevity and functionality of the Fernleigh Track tunnel.
Originally part of the railway line that transported coal from mines in Lake Macquarie to the port of Newcastle from 1892 to 1991, the tunnel became the highlight of the much-loved cycling and pedestrian path when it opened in 2003.
As part of annual engineering inspections, City of Newcastle identified the need for maintenance to ensure the safety of users and extend the life of the 181-metre-long curved tunnel.
The renewal work will begin later this week and is expected to be finished by the end of June, weather permitting.
Steel mesh will be installed in parts of the tunnel while damaged mortar will be repaired to maintain the stability of the bricks. Weep holes will also be installed in the tunnel to allow for improved drainage.
City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said the needs of the community have been at the forefront of planning for this project.
“We know how popular the Fernleigh Track and tunnel are with local cyclists, runners and pedestrians,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“The project will provide maintenance for the existing elements of the tunnel and help to reduce future renewal costs, however the biggest priority is to ensure the safety and longevity of the historic site for everyone to enjoy.
“The maintenance will take place between 6pm and 2am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruptions to daytime users. Additional lighting and temporary fencing will be added to the work area and clear signage will be in place at both tunnel entrances.
“In order to minimise the disturbance to users and residents, access to the tunnel will be maintained, but the usual two-lane pathway will be reduced to a single shared lane within the work zone.
“Pedestrian pathways will be clearly marked 60 metres from the tunnel entrances in both directions and traffic controllers will be on site to safely manage pedestrian and cyclist movements.
“While some noise may be noticeable during work hours because of the use of machinery and equipment, we will make every effort to minimise disturbance throughout the project.”
Other features of the works include the removal of existing graffiti and the application of a new anti-graffiti coating.
For more information on the planned upgrades please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works
The NSW Government shares community concerns about coastal erosion to parts of the Central Coast, especially with the impacted householders.
In response to a letter received from Central Coast Council, the NSW Government has agreed to meet with Council about the issue in the coming week.
Up to this point the Government has acted on the advice of the Local Emergency Management Committee about the situation, including Central Coast Council, as is required by law.
Today (Sunday 11 May) marks the beginning of National Road Safety Week (NRSW).
Sadly, every year on Australian roads approximately 1,300 people are killed and another 44,000 are seriously injured. In 2024, 334 people were killed on the state’s roads, with almost 70 per cent of those in regional NSW and around 40 per cent related to speeding.
The overarching of theme of National Road Safety Week this year is ‘Drive so others Survive’, with road users encouraged to make a road safety pledge. So far, more than 73,000 pledges have already been taken online.
The Minns Labor Government is proud to support National Road Safety Week, an annual initiative of the Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group, which was launched by Peter Frazer OAM, following the tragic loss of his daughter Sarah at a road crash.
On 15 February 2012, Sarah, then aged 23, was driving to Wagga Wagga to begin her university degree when her car broke down on the Hume Highway near Mittagong. She pulled into the emergency breakdown lane and called for assistance before another vehicle collided into her and the tow truck driver, killing them both.
From Sunday evening the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be illuminated yellow to mark the start of National Road Safety Week. There will also be landmarks illuminated across regional NSW including the Forbes Town Hall, Wollongong Lighthouse and the Parkes War Memorial.
New South Wales is the lead jurisdiction this year and will host the launch at the Sydney Opera House on Monday night, bringing together road safety partners, experts and advocates from around Australia. The week aims to amplify the impact of road trauma by campaigning to reduce the number of crashes, so everybody makes it home safely.
To coincide with the launch of NRSW, the NSW Government has today launched a powerful new website to shine a light on those affected by crashes on the state’s road network.
‘Beyond the crash: Real life stories’ highlights the people behind the road crash statistics, reinforcing that every death on our roads isn’t just a number, it represents a real person, and a ripple effect felt by families, friends, and communities.
The site features a story wall and interactive map, allowing users to explore crash stories by location. Through these stories, the platform aims to encourage safer driving attitudes and behaviour.
People across the state are encouraged to submit their own stories, which are reviewed by the Centre for Road Safety at Transport for NSW to ensure they reflect the site’s purpose and meet community guidelines.
As National Road Safety Week reminds us of the importance of road safety, the Minns Labor Government is committed to making NSW roads safer for all road users, with $2.8 billion allocated in the budget over the next four years to deliver road safety initiatives.
These include:
Delivering more road safety infrastructure across NSW
The demerit point return trial that encourages safe driving
Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of its star rating system
Doubling the number of roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, introducing an additional 2,700 new sites.
Using mobile phone detection cameras to catch seatbelt offences
Removing a loophole to force those driving on a foreign license to switch to a NSW licence within six months
Tightening the rules for international license holders to switch to NSW licenses
Introducing a trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles
Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth Government
“National Road Safety Week is an important annual event to raise awareness about road safety and things we can all do to make our roads safer.
“Road crashes affect more than just the people directly involved. They ripple through families, communities, and lives in ways that are often felt long after the crash. Tragically so far this year (as of midnight 8 May) 131 people have lost their lives on NSW roads.
“I’m calling on everyone to make safe decisions on NSW roads, whether driving a car or a truck, riding a bike, or out and about as a pedestrian. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“I’m proud to see our iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge illuminated in yellow to raise awareness of this important week – the Bridge is a key centrepiece in our city and I know that hundreds of thousands of people will see the yellow lights, the projection of the yellow ribbon and NSW’s road safety goal of Towards Zero on the pylons.
“The week is also about reflection, considering the devastating effects that dangerous driving can have on communities. Every death on our roads isn’t just a number – it’s someone’s mum or dad, brother or sister, child or friend.
“The NSW Government is committed to lowering trauma on our roads and we’ve already rolled out a number of road safety actions including the enforcement of seatbelt offences by mobile phone detection cameras, tightening the requirements for international licence holders to convert to NSW licences, awarding a contract for the scoping of 2700 additional mobile speed camera sites and introducing average speed camera trials for light vehicles.”
Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray said:
“Transport for NSW strives every day to put road safety at the forefront and improve safety for everyone.
“The choices we make every day when we get behind the wheel are extremely important and I urge everyone this National Road Safety Week and every week to make safe decisions on the road – please buckle up, ensure your passengers are buckled up and drive so others survive – the life you save could be your own or one of your loved ones.
“The Beyond the Crash website is a place where people who have experienced road trauma can share their experiences and encourage others to have an open conversation about road safety.
“It’s also a sobering reminder how one mistake or wrong decision on the road can take a life – whether it’s your own, someone you care about, or someone else’s loved one whose world is about to be turned upside down.
“We thank everyone who has had the courage to share their loss publicly. The deaths of their loved ones in road crashes caused unimaginable grief which is felt every single day.
“Their stories are powerful and highlight the impact of road trauma. Every time you get behind the wheel you need to drive so others survive.”
President of SARAH Group, and Founder of NRSW, Peter Frazer OAM said:
“National Road Safety Week asks every Australian to reflect on how we actively look after those who are vulnerable on our roads and highways.
“We urge all drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users to pledge their commitment to road safety, so that we can ensure that everyone gets home safe to their loved ones, every day with no exceptions.
“I don’t want any other family, friend or professional network, or community to experience the loss we went through when we lost our darling Sarah. She never leaves our hearts or minds for a minute and this Week we are asking people to be aware of their own behaviour on the roads to make it safer for everyone.
“We have to recognise the vast majority of these crashes occur in circumstances that are completely avoidable. It’s imperative that we unite to make our roads safer, as every death or serious injury is one too many.”
“Along with safety measures undertaken by the Federal, State and Local Governments and emergency services, every one of us using the road needs to check our own behaviour and be a better driver, rider, cyclist, passenger or pedestrian every time we are on the road.”
“We can choose to stop being distracted by phones, to stop speeding, and not drive or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Choose to Drive So Others Survive! Make your pledge at roadsafetyweek.com.au.”
Cutting edge scientific processes have found 28 current and historic mine sites which could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden inside their old waste.
For mines that have closed, these results could mean new opportunities for production, bringing more jobs and investment opportunities to those communities across regional NSW.
The Geological Survey of NSW’s Mine Reuse Project collected more than 1,200 samples.
These specimens were then run through the latest sampling techniques and underwent high precision chemical analysis to identify critical minerals.
This uncovered elevated concentrations of 11 critical minerals and high-tech metals, including copper, cobalt, silver and antimony. Historic mines where sampling occurred include CSA in the Central West, Queen Bee, Great Cobar and Nymagee in the Far West, Endeavour Elura and Endeavour McKinnons in the Central West, and Hillgrove in the Northern Tablelands.
Current mines where researchers were looking for additional materials include Peak Gold Mine and Tritton near Cobar, RASP and Southern Operations near Broken Hill, and Stratford in the Upper Hunter.
The Mine Reuse Project also identified existing discoveries from the reprocessing of waste and tailings. This includes gold from historic tailings at the Mineral Hill mine in the Central West, and tin from Ardlethan mine site in the Riverina.
Results from the survey are being released this week as part of NSW Minerals Week, further highlighting NSW’s status as a global leader in exploration and mining of critical minerals.
Critical minerals and high-tech metals are crucial for clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, along with aerospace applications. The International Energy Agency estimates that, over the next 20 years, the global economy requires six times the current amount of critical minerals to reach net-zero carbon emissions.
NSW Minerals Week provides an opportunity for government, industry and regional communities to celebrate the contribution that mining makes to the state.
Data from Geological Survey projects are used extensively by the industry to guide explorers and miners and assist them in identifying new opportunities for critical minerals mines. Providing free, pre-competitive data helps de-risk projects and draws investment to NSW.
The release of data from projects like this helps focus explorers and miners on the best opportunities for development and could see an increase on the 190 critical minerals exploration titles already being pursued across NSW.
This latest data release is part of the Government’s continued focus on delivering the NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024-35. It builds on the extensive investments made by the Government to date, including:
a $2.5 million co-investment fund for critical minerals explorers;
a $250 million royalty deferral initiative for new critical minerals projects;
the provision of world-class and targeted precompetitive geoscientific data including the recent commencement of the Central Lachlan Seismic Survey around Euabalong to Bathurst and Nyngan to Gilgandra.
The work for the Mine Reuse Project was undertaken in collaboration between the Geological Survey of NSW with the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland and Geoscience Australia.
“The release of this data reinforces that NSW really is the state to be for explorers looking to find the next big critical minerals project.
“As key ingredients in our solar panels, wind turbines, EVs and batteries, critical minerals and high-tech metals are integral to our economic future.
“This release of data is an important part of our critical minerals strategy. This pre-competitive data helps to minimise investment risk in exploration and identify new opportunities.
“We know how important mining is to communities across the state. More exploration means more jobs and more investment in regional NSW.
“It’s also a good reminder of the important work done by the Geological Survey of NSW as we celebrate its 150th year. The agency has made a remarkable contribution to the mining, exploration and geology sectors in NSW.”
NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee:
“This initiative recognises the ongoing growth in global demand for many of the valuable mineral commodities we have here in NSW.
“It also highlights the need for more mine approvals in NSW so we can play our role in meeting this global demand while also delivering economic benefits to regional communities.”
Chief Geoscientist and head of the Geological Survey of NSW, Dr Phil Blevin:
“The Mine Reuse Project is a direct outcome of the government’s commitment to a Critical Mineral and High-Tech Metals Strategy that drives investment and innovation in the exploration and mining sector through the provision of world-class and targeted precompetitive geoscience.
“There is a significant multiplier effect in the provision of this data, and it helps drive exploration and innovation. The results of the Mine Reuse Project is just another example of this.”
Full list of mines where sampling occurred:
Mine
Region
Elevated critical minerals and strategic materials
This International Nurses Day, the vital contributions of nurses across NSW are being recognised as they continue to be at the heart of healthcare in every community.
Minister for Health Ryan Park thanked nurses for the important role they play in providing compassionate care and clinical expertise in a range of clinical, outpatient, and community settings.
International Nurses Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the incredible dedication NSW nurses show every day in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care to thousands of people across the state.
If you know a nurse or midwife going above and beyond, International Nurses Day is the perfect time to nominate them for the Healing Heart Award, as part of the 2025 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
The Healing Heart Award recognises a nurse or midwife whose compassion, kindness, professionalism, or other attributes stood out.
Nominations for the Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards are open until 12 June. People can nominate on the NSW Health website.
The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards consist of nine awards, including seven local health district and specialty network nominated awards, one consumer-nominated Healing Heart award and one colleague-nominated Healing Heart award.
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and I want to thank each and every one of them for the vital role they play in our health system.
“Their contributions are critical to ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate healthcare, and their commitment is essential to the resilience of the entire health system.
“The care and expertise provided by nurses supports thousands of people across our state every single day, and International Nurses Day is a chance to shine a light on the incredible work they do.”
“Nurses are everywhere all the time, contributing to health outcomes for the people and communities of NSW. They are in community settings and in acute and complex care environments, and everywhere in between.
“I am incredibly proud of my nursing colleagues, and would like to thank them for their compassion, professionalism, and round-the-clock commitment to caring for patients in the public health system.
“As the single largest workforce group in NSW Health, nurses are there at every turn, making a real difference to the care and experience of patients and their families and carers.”
