Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the future of regional communities and the agriculture sector  with the fullfillment of a key election commitment to appoint an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner.

Premier Chris Minns, first announced this commitment in an address to the NSW Farmers Association annual state conference in 2022.

Today, in an address at the same event the Premier has announced the fulfillment of this commitment.

Dr. Marion Healy PSM has been appointed as the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, following her successful tenure as the interim Commissioner, which commenced in June 2023.

Dr. Healy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over twenty years of experience in senior roles across government and industry. For her outstanding public service to policy and regulatory practice Dr. Healy was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.

This appointment follows the NSW Government passing the Biosecurity Amendment (Independent Biosecurity Commissioner) Bill in November 2023.

The appointment of an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will strengthen the impact and accountability of the $945.7 million biosecurity protection program announced in the recent budget.

Dr. Healy will provide independent and impartial advice to the Parliament and Government on the program’s effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.

The Biosecurity Commissioner’s work and the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to regional New South Wales’s industries will be supported by further appointments announced today.

Rachel Connell has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Kate Lorimer-Ward has been appointed as the first ever female CEO of Local Land services.

Ms Lorimer will work closely alongside the new Local Land Services State Board Chair, Tess Herbert.

As Board Chair Mrs Herbert will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and general policies of Local Land Services, while collaborating with the chairs of the 11 local boards.

Mrs Herbert is an agribusiness owner and manager, based in Eugowra. She holds a Masters in Agribusiness and brings to the role more than 30 years combined experience in the red meat industry, agriculture policy research and development and marketing.

Biosecurity threats have an impact farm beyond the farm-gate – with invasive species costing New South Wales approximately $2.4 billion annually, including the cost of lost production from pests and weeds.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building better communities and knows that for many regional communities biosecurity incursions have significant impacts on local agriculture and in turn the local economy.

These appointments lay an important foundation to boost the state’s response to and protection from biosecurity threats.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“I’ve visited country towns all across the state to hear firsthand about the issues facing regional New South Wales – whether it’s Red Fire Ants in the north, or feral pigs in the Riverina, my government is determined to take meaningful action.

“We know that we cannot address these issues without working directly with local communities, and these appointments will play a vital role in ensuring that voices on the ground are heard and reflected in our governments approach to biosecurity.

“Prior to the election I heard from many advocates about the importance of appointing a Biosecurity Commissioner who was independent of government, and I am proud that today we can announce we have delivered on that commitment.

“Congratulations to Dr. Healy, I look forward to working with her on the big task ahead of ensuring our states farmers and regional communities can continue to thrive, with confidence that the NSW Government is taking biosecurity seriously.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is committed to protecting our primary industries and investing in strengthening our biosecurity defences, management and performance. The development of the Biosecurity Commissioner role and the appointment of Dr Healy is a milestone for the sector.

“Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across the industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure the independent biosecurity commission is equipped and ready on day one to build and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture industry.

“I congratulate Dr Marion Healy, Tess Herbert, Rachel Connell, and Kate Lorimer-Ward on their appointments and look forward to working alongside them as they focus on their important roles that support our farmers.

“This is a momentous time to see so many incredible professional women appointed to roles that support biosecurity and primary industries across the state.”

Incoming Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Marion Healy said:

“It is an honour to be appointed to this role and I commend the NSW Government for its commitment to prioritising this growing issue.

“I have spent many years working to protect our industries and environment from pests and diseases and I very much look forward to working hand in hand with government, land holders and communities utilising the strong and valuable relationships I have built during my career.

“Collaboration and coordination will be key to success as biosecurity is a shared responsibility. I know how hard farmers work to fight invasive pests and weeds on their land, I will work to ensure they are not doing this alone.

“It’s estimated that weeds and invasive species cost the state’s agriculture sector almost $2 billion a year, and as we all know too well pests and weeds don’t stop at the fence, their impacts go well beyond the farm-gate.”

Incoming Local Land Services Board Chair Tess Herbert said:

“As a former member of the Central Tablelands Local Land Services Board, it’s exciting to be appointed the state Board Chair because I recognise the importance of the organisation, and how the Board supports the success of Local Land Services.

“I look forward to leading the strategic direction and supporting the governance of the organisation so it can continue to make valuable, on-the-ground connections with landholders, especially as we move towards a greater focus on how we manage land.

“Local Land Services plays an important role in regional and rural NSW, and through my position in governance, I want to highlight the real value we can offer to rate payers and land managers right across the state.”

Work to help plan for a potential future Moss Vale Bypass is now continuing after the NSW Labor Government released vital funding previously promised but never delivered.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has received $10.8 million to conduct further studies, planning work and to finalise a business case for a future Moss Vale Bypass.

In 2019 the former state Liberal government promised to provide $14.3 million to progress the project, however the council was only given $3.5 million.

Now the full funding amount has been provided, council can continue critical planning work previously started.

In advocating for the project, council has stated a bypass would:

• provide an alternative route across the Main Southern Railway Line, eliminating height restrictions and flooding concerns;
• reduce congestion on Argyle Street during peak periods
• support the future growth of Moss Vale

The government will review the councils final business case when it is expected to be completed in by August 2025.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am pleased the NSW Labor Government is helping to progress planning for a future Moss Vale Bypass.

“Not only are we delivering on our election commitments; we are also busy fulfilling the former government’s commitments too in Moss Vale.

“I look forward to working with council on further progressing this project.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery Karin Targa said:

“The funding secured through successful negotiations with Transport for NSW will allow Council to incorporate innovative elements into the design.

“Upon completion of the design and confirmation of a favourable cost-benefit ratio, together with a robust business case, the funding will support early-stage construction works.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $2.5 million funding package to help rehome research animals.

The Research Animals Rehoming Grant Program will support animal rehoming organisations to find ‘lifelong’ homes for cats, dogs and other animals after they have completed their involvement in research.

Animal welfare is a priority for the NSW Government and this grant program will deliver significant benefits for animals, researchers and the community.

The aim of the grant program is to:

• improve outcomes for animals at the end of their involvement in research including increasing the number of animals rehomed
• make it easier for these animals to be rehomed by preparing them for life with families and others in ‘forever homes’ and
• help rehoming organisations as they manage animals into the next phase of their lives.

In 2022, the most recent figures, more than 100 domestic cats and almost 30 domestic dogs have been rehomed across NSW.

The vast bulk of cats and dogs used in research are either part of programs designed to taste test new pet foods or as part of animal medicine test programs run through vet clinics with the approval of the animal’s owner.

Grants will be available for equipment and services needed to rehome research animals, with organisations able to access grants from $20,000 and up to $1 million.

Projects which could be eligible include:

• repairs, maintenance and building new animal care facilities
• purchase of equipment, such as crates and bedding
• access to veterinary services, including desexing and vaccinations
• services to the deliver training or rehabilitation and
• awareness programs to increase knowledge and awareness of animal rehoming practices.

Online applications, https://localcommunities.smartygrants.com.au/RAR for the 2024 program will open from Monday 22 July from 4 pm and close on Friday 13 September at 12 pm.

In NSW, the Animal Research Act 1985 sets out the requirements which protect the welfare of animals used in research.

Research establishments must apply to be accredited, and all research must be carried out under the approval and monitoring of an establishment’s Animal Ethics Committee.

Animal Welfare League NSW is a peak body and industry leader of practices in the field of animal welfare in NSW.

Animal Welfare League NSW is also an active member and participant in various professional organisations, advisory committees, councils, associations, and services in the field of animal welfare in NSW.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes of research animals.

“This $2.5 million grant program will be dedicated to improving animal welfare outcomes by supporting organisations to successfully rehome research animals.

“Successful rehoming requires education and a coordinated, cooperative approach, which the NSW Government is supporting by working with research, rehoming and animal welfare organisations to achieve an appropriate and optimum outcome for research animals when they retire.”

Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Stephen Albin said:

“AWL NSW aims to rehome all the animals that come into our care, regardless of their origins.

“Our commitment involves enhancing each animal’s socialisation skills by understanding their past, respecting their individual needs, and providing a safe and protected sanctuary here at our Kemps Creek Shelter.

“We offer every animal, including those from research, high-quality veterinary care, behavioural improvements, including walking animals four times daily, nutritional enhancement and careful matching with potential owners.

“Our unique ‘Hope to Love’ journey allows for prolonged stays demonstrating our dedication to animal welfare.

“Through these innovative animal welfare programs, we focus on enhancing the lives of thousands of animals every year, more than 3,500 in 2023 to 2024, and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to future proof the New South Wales agricultural industry, and increase the resilience of farms to the changing climate, with the appointment of 11 new Natural Capital Advisors.

The NSW Government has invested $2.5 million into the program run by Local Land Services, which following the appointments announced today will be expanded state wide.

Natural Capital Advisors provide support and tailored advice to farmers and land managers to understand the opportunities available to them when investing in Natural Capital.

Natural Capital refers to the value of natural assets on land such as, soil, trees, water, plants and ecosystems.

Good management of natural capital has multiple benefits to landholders and the environment, including increased biodiversity, reduced pollution and improved air and water quality – increasing a farms resilience against climate change.

The Natural Capital Advisors will engage with farmers and assist them in understanding the environmental and financial opportunities available to them in the growing Environment Market. These markets are formed when people buy, sell and trade natural assets for monetary value.

The NSW Government is working to ensure NSW Farmers are at the forefront as these markets expand to reflect consumers, investors, banks, and insures increasingly taking environmental outcomes into account when making decisions.

Landholders who wisely invest in Natural Capital have the opportunity to earn a return by participating in one of the environmental market streams, including:

• Biodiversity markets – A landholder can create biodiversity credits by managing, restoring or protecting species or ecosystems on their land.
• Capital asset accounting – Land managers can also add the natural assets that they manage to their business balance sheet through natural capital accounting methods.

As part of its new natural capital support services, NSW Local Land Services will be hosting Natural Capital Conversation events in August and September to provide landholders with information on how they can manage their natural assets to grow their farm business.

At the upcoming Natural Capital Conversation events, landholders will learn about the natural capital they are managing on their properties. They will find out about emerging opportunities, as well as benefits and risks, so farmers can make the best decision for their business.

Landholders can register their interest in the NSW Government’s new natural capital profiling service to get a snapshot of their natural assets and possible market opportunities.

For more information visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/natural-capital  

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

“The NSW Government is committed to working with farmers so they can futureproof their operation, better protect their land and expand their revenue streams.

“We know that farmers want to find ways to make their farms more productive and sustainable, maintain access to markets, and improve natural resources on their farms.

“That’s why we’ve invested in this natural capital initiative and appointed 11 natural capital advisors to provide independent information and support landholders navigate decisions in natural capital management and environmental markets.

“From today, farmers can contact the advisors to get started on their natural capital journey and be rewarded for good environmental stewardship.

“We will continue to support farmers to ensure NSW continues to have a strong agriculture sector and prioritise its interests alongside those of our natural environment.”

After four successful pilots across Sydney, the internationally recognised Purple Flag program will now be rolled out state-wide.

Just as beachgoers look for red and yellow flags to know where it is safest to swim, and the Purple Flag program provides similar guidance when it comes to going out after the sun goes down.

Marrickville is the fourth precinct, alongside YCK laneways in the CBD, Parramatta Eat Street precinct, and Lakemba’s Haldon Street, to achieve a Purple Flag accreditation in a pilot program.

Marrickville’s accreditation as a go-to night-time destination is another example of international recognition for the Inner-west suburb previously ranked third coolest suburb in the world in 2022. The suburb’s Purple Flag precinct features iconic Vietnamese and Greek restaurants alongside popular live music venues like Lazy Bones and Gasoline Pony.

The internationally recognised Purple Flag program assesses areas against a set of criteria, including ready transport access, security, adequate street lighting and diversity of offerings, before declaring them excellent night-time experiences.

The program also provides a standard against which businesses and councils looking to develop their night-time economies can measure themselves against, making it a powerful organisational tool for precinct coordination.

Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify them as districts that offer a safe, vibrant and well-managed night scene with a diversity of offerings across retail and dining for a great night out.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/24-hour-economy/purple-flag

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“The purple flag program gives locals and visitors alike good guidelines of where to go when it comes to going out after the sun goes down. We’ve seen good results in four very different precincts across the city and now we’re going to extend this program across the state.

“Marrickville is fast becoming a nightlife hotspot for people seeking out great experiences including live music.

“Marrickville is truly one of Sydney’s most exciting precincts and we are excited to see more Purple Flag precincts pop up across the state.”

“This globally recognisable symbol shows visitors and locals that they are visiting a safe, well-lit night-time destination with plenty of great offerings to choose from.

“This is about supporting the growth of vibrant, diverse night-time precincts right across the state with public safety at the forefront.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“I am excited to welcome the Illawarra and Marrickville Road precinct to the Purple Flag family. This is the fourth district now accredited in Sydney and marks the conclusion of our pilot program which highlight’s the diversity of Sydney’s going out offering.

“From Parramatta’s Eat Street and YCK Laneways’ small bars to Haldon St Lakemba made famous through the celebration of Ramadan, and now Marrickville’s live music precinct.

“I look forward to more Purple Flag districts in the coming year as we expand the program and help thousands of people across the state identify safe, diverse and vibrant precincts to eat, dine or dance the night away.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“Everyone knows that Marrickville is going gangbusters. It is a precinct that is already making waves with its night-time offerings, and the Purple Flag accreditation for Illawarra and Marrickville Roads is yet another feather in its cap.

“The Purple Flag accreditation cements Marrickville as not only a great place to visit, but a safe place to visit as well.”

Marrickville Purple Flag representative and Lazy Bones Lounge co-owner Craig Pietersen said:

“We have been operating on the corner of Illawarra and Marrickville Roads for 11 years. We’ve watched this precinct change and grow overtime into a place that people love coming to visit.

“From our multicultural dining destinations to our live music hotspots, we are excited to have achieved Purple Flag status and look forward to showing visitors and locals alike what makes Illawarra and Marrickville Roads a great place to be at night.”

Background

• Purple Flag is an internationally recognised initiative that has been rolled out in more than 90 locations in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand and now Australia.
• Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify districts that offer a diverse and well-managed night scene with a range of dining and entertainment options. The program also provides a clear pathway for districts to improve their offering for consumers, but also provides a powerful motivator and organising tool for councils and businesses looking to coordinate and reinvigorate their night-time economy.
• The YCK Laneways small bar scene, Lakemba’s multi-cultural nightlife precinct, Parramatta’s Church Street district and Marrickville’s live music hub have now been labelled as safe, vibrant going-out precincts under the program. 
• Marrickville is home to some of the vital venues identified in Sound NSW’s State of the Scene: Live Music Report which demonstrated the critical role that the live music industry plays in the NSW economy; the liveability of the state; and attractiveness of NSW as a destination to domestic and international tourists.
• The value of the Purple Flag is to point people in the right direction by demonstrating that certain criteria have been met.
• This criteria includes ready public transport access, adequate street lighting, safety and entertainment. Safety is a key priority in the NSW Government’s Vibrancy agenda. Identifying safe and exciting nightlife destinations is key to unlocking the potential of nightlife precincts across the state and providing the community with even more options for a great night out.

As the Minns Government’s focus on boosting housing supply continues, Landcom is implementing a $30 million election commitment to develop a build-to-rent pilot in the Northern Rivers.

Plans for 50 apartments in East Lismore that are well-designed, climate-resilient and sustainable have been released for community and stakeholder feedback.

Led by Landcom, the development at the corner of Crawford Road at 138-146 Military Road will deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability.

Twenty percent of the apartments will be affordable rental housing for those on low and moderate household incomes, such as the essential workers who keep our cities and towns moving.

Set to include a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of different households, future residents will be close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, open space and other community infrastructure.

Work is underway to finalise the design and planning in preparation for the lodgement of the development application with Lismore City Council in the coming months. Subject to approvals, construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026.

The site for the homes is not flood prone and the design aims to maximise solar access and cross ventilation for the wellbeing of future tenants. The development will also include private off-street parking, as well as outdoor communal spaces, a mix of subtropical plants and views to bushland in the east.

Locals can have their say about the draft design concept by completing Landcom’s online survey by Wednesday 7 August 2024.

Landcom will also hold a community information and feedback session on Thursday 1 August 2024 at East Lismore Bowling Club. Locals can drop-in any time between 5pm and 8pm to learn more, ask the project team questions and share their thoughts. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about the project and to complete the online survey, visit Join In, Landcom’s community engagement portal: https://www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismorebtr

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Regional NSW has not been immune from housing pressures. Through this build-to-rent pilot project residents will have access to well-located, well-designed and well-built homes.

“The Government committed to a build-to-rent pilot at the election and this project in East Lismore will help to boost the supply of much-needed rental stock while providing greater housing security and stable rents.

“The build-to-rent project continues the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

“There is an essential need for more homes across regional NSW and locals in Lismore were already doing it tough before the floods in 2022, when around 40% of local rental households were experiencing rental stress.

“I advocated strongly for this build-to-rent project, a welcome investment by the NSW Government to provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community.

“It’s good to see Landcom seeking to help local renters to put a roof over their head as soon as practical, while also planning to deliver housing that is in tune with the local environment.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler:

“Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on, we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home.

“Community feedback is a key component of our planning process and I encourage locals to have their say about our plans.”

Heavy vehicle drivers and other motorists will benefit from a $1.75 million upgrade to a rest area between Walgett and Brewarrina in north-west New South Wales, set to begin early in 2025.

The Australian and NSW governments are working together to improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops in consultation with the road freight industry.

The upgrade to the Yambie Lagoon Rest Area, about 60 kilometres east of Brewarrina on the Kamilaroi Highway, will encourage rest breaks for heavy vehicle drivers on long trips.

Currently there are no toilet or rest facilities for more than 120 kilometres, or 75 minutes of travel time, in this remote location.

Heavy vehicle industry representatives were consulted in early 2020 to provide input into the proposed locations of future rest stop opportunities on the Kamilaroi Highway between Walgett and Bourke.

The $1.75 million project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and the NSW Government.

For more information visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives or www.transport.nsw.gov.au/hvrsimprovements.

Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top three factors leading to fatal crashes on NSW roads, contributing to at least 21 per cent of heavy vehicle fatal crashes in regional NSW in the five years since December 2019.

“The Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program supported projects that aim to improve access to rest areas for drivers of larger vehicles, providing more opportunities to manage fatigue and their regulatory requirements.

“We have now established the new Safer Local Road and Infrastructure Program – which merges the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and Bridges Renewal Program with funding increased from $150 million to $200 million per year.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“Rural freight routes such as the Kamilaroi Highway through this region are essential for the movement of produce, livestock and other goods, and we respect that these corridors are the workplace of heavy vehicle drivers.

“This essential upgrade will transform the existing informal rest area on the eastbound shoulder of the Kamilaroi Highway heading towards Walgett and will involve building toilet and shelter facilities as well as picnic tables and extended parking for heavy and light vehicles.”

State Labor Duty MLC Stephen Lawrence:

“This project will also provide similar facilities in a new heavy vehicle rest area on the westbound shoulder of the highway, ensuring there are facilities for traffic in both directions and eliminating the need to turn around to stop and rest.

“By providing opportunities for drivers to stop and have a break we are working towards reducing fatigue-related crashes on our road network in the far west region.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“I am no stranger to long drives, so I have personal experience of how inconvenient it can be to have to push through vast distances before you can pull over for a rest.

“Upgrading the Yambie Lagoon rest stop near Brewarrina will improve productivity for drivers of heavy trucks and reduce the likelihood of heavy vehicle crashes due to fatigue, but it will also benefit anyone who has to do the long haul in that part of the world.

“Work is scheduled to begin in early 2025, will ensure drivers ample space for a comfortable stop to rest and to manage fatigue on their trip.”

Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:

“All Australians have the right to efficient and safe roads. That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that drivers in far west NSW have the facilities necessary to take a break.”

“Less fatigue means safer transport and better outcomes for regional Australia.”

One of the state’s longest serving train drivers, a Central Coast resident known affectionately as G.O.D, is marking 55 years on the railways of NSW.

John Szabo, Gosford’s Oldest Train driver, was joined at Gosford Station by colleagues, friends, family, and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison to celebrate this milestone.

Minister Aitchison met and congratulated Mr. Szabo, who began his railway career in July 1969 shortly after finishing high school, as a trainee engineman on steam trains.

From his early days shunting steam trains in Sydney yards to completing his diesel train driver training in 1976, he has never considered changing careers. Today, Mr. Szabo drives trains between Gosford, Newcastle and Sydney on the Central Coast-Newcastle train line, which has about a million passenger trips each month.

Over the past half-century, Mr. Szabo has worked on all types of trains, including steam, diesel, rail motors, and electric, safely transporting hundreds of thousands of commuters. Mr. Szabo’s teammates gave him the nickname ‘G.O.D’, even painting the letters on a car parking space at the station.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The commitment of John Szabo and other long serving rail workers have shown to keeping us safe and on track is truly appreciated by the entire community.

“I had the pleasure of meeting John, and it was humbling to hear about his passion for customer service. I listened to many stories of how he’s helped passengers over the decades. On behalf of the community, thank you John for your decades of hard work and dedication.”

Train Driver John Szabo said:

“Most of what I remember from the steam era is being dirty – I’d go to work clean and come home with soot in my ears.

“I love my job. The simple fact that I’ve been doing it so long is proof enough. The job’s been good to me, it’s paid all my bills for more than 50 years! I will keep driving for as long as they’ll have me. Driving is what makes me happy.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, said:

“Credit to John for his unwavering dedication delivering train services across NSW for 55 years.

“Committed, experienced and long-term railway employees are the backbone of our public transport system, looked up to by so many in the transport sector as mentors and relied on for the amazing expertise they bring. On behalf of the community of Gosford, thank you for 55 years of fantastic service John.”

In a world-first, Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park in Heathcote has received its first health report, with the publication of an EcoHealth Scorecard.

The scorecard program will be the first scheme in the world to systematically integrate ecological health data and financial data into national park decision making.

Covering both the Royal and the adjacent Heathcote and Garawarra reserves, 40 permanent monitoring sites were set up with cameras and acoustic monitoring equipment, capturing more than one million images, 2,500 bird records, and 2,000 plant records.

The first Scorecard reveals:

• For the first time, the Krefft’s glider and yellow-bellied sheath-tailed bat were detected, along with 45 native mammal species.
• The area is a refuge for the threatened eastern pygmy possum and supports over half of all microbat species in NSW, including at least seven threatened species.
• A diverse range of flora was found with 488 native species, across five major vegetation formations. The extent of weed invasion is low outside of disturbed areas.
• 70% of waterways have ‘very good’ or ‘good’ water quality.

The Scorecard also reveals some challenges, with six mammal species likely to have disappeared from the Park since European arrival. The red fox is widespread across the reserves and likely impacting on populations of native species, while feral deer numbers remain high in some areas. 

In response to these results, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has ramped up feral animal control by introducing a park-wide aerial baiting program for foxes, is trialling new measures to address myrtle rust and will adjust deer control and fire management.

These evidence-based management responses will improve the conservation outcomes for the unique plants and animals that are protected by these reserves, including the iconic platypus which was successfully reintroduced to Royal National Park last year.

The next report for Royal will be published in mid-2025 including survey results for koalas, gliders and owls. A scorecard will soon be released will be for Kosciuszko National Park. 

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe:

“We can’t protect what we don’t know about, and this world-leading initiative puts science and data at the forefront of how we manage our iconic national parks.”

“The Minns Labor Government will be expanding these scorecards to almost third of our state’s national parks so we can have the clearest ecological picture of our parks.”

“By measuring and reporting changes in the health of our parks, this program is already shaping decisions about fire management, feral animal control and weed control.”

“It’s a big investment in science, designed to ensure our national parks are among the best managed parks in the world.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to pull every available lever to address the housing affordability and availability crisis facing New South Wales, with the first sites to trial modular social housing announced today.

As the Government continues to look at innovative ways to bring more homes online sooner, $10 million has been invested to explore and trial the use of modular housing to deliver much needed social homes for the people of NSW.

Following a comprehensive assessment, sites in Wollongong and Lake Macquarie have been identified as suitable locations to deliver the first modular social homes.

Three sites in Wollongong will host three modular social homes, whilst four sites in Lake Macquarie will host five modular social homes.

A procurement process for the delivery of these homes has begun, with completion expected by early 2025.

Modular housing provides a cost effective and time efficient alternative to traditional building methods, which means homes can be brought online faster. It is estimated that modular homes can be delivered 20% faster than traditional methods, with time savings expected to increase over time.

Last year, the NSW Government formed the Modular Housing Taskforce, an expert cross industry panel who have spearheaded this project and provided advice to the government on barriers to the utilisation of and ways modular housing can be harnessed to speed up the delivery of homes.

The Taskforce includes peak industry experts such as; PreFab Aus, Shelter NSW, Property Council of Australia, Local Government NSW and people with lived experiences of social housing.

As modular housing has not previously been used at scale in NSW, feedback from the Taskforce highlighted several regulatory barriers to the rollout of modular housing widely, which the NSW Government is methodically working through.

This work includes collaborating with the NSW Building Commission to set uniform standards for manufactured homes constructed offsite.

The NSW Government will continue to work with the Taskforce, and local governments as it looks to expand the Modular Housing Program across the state and bring more social homes online sooner.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“Housing affordability and availability is the single biggest pressure facing the people of New South Wales.

“We are pulling every lever we can to tackle the housing crisis, and today is an important milestone in our work to utilise nontraditional methods of delivering more homes, sooner rather than later.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Today marks another significant milestone in our Modular Housing Taskforce Plan as we announce the locations for the first set of modular social homes.

“These initial sites are a crucial first step towards revolutionising public housing delivery and we anticipate this demonstration project will pave the way for more of these innovative homes to be rolled out in the future.

“Amid a severe housing crisis, we need to look at every option we must get a roof over people’s heads sooner. Leveraging modern construction methods will help us provide sustainable, quality housing faster for the people that need it most.

“We know people don’t have time to wait and while we get on with the job of building 8,400 new public homes announced in the recent budget, we will continue to leverage every opportunity we have.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Modular and modern methods of construction are used to produce award-winning architecturally designed homes in a timely and efficient manner, so it makes sense to trial this approach to construction as part of the Minns Government’s commitment to build more social housing.

“I welcome not only the use of new and innovative methods of construction that are used the world over to trial them to build more social housing in Wollongong – it is a sensible use of new technology to try and solve a long-term housing waiting list.”