Minns Government delivers $4.4 million to fast-track 105,000 new homes across regional NSW

Over 105,000 homes are set to be fast-tracked following a major investment in regional planning and housing initiatives.

Round three of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund will deliver 24 councils nearly $4.4 million to unlock housing supply through strategic planning initiatives.

Grants of up to $250,000 will support councils to develop and update housing strategies, plan for infrastructure and essential services, and amend local environmental plans to bring forward the construction of more diverse and affordable housing.

Successful projects in Newcastle and the Central Coast support the NSW Government’s Transport Oriented Development reforms aimed at boosting housing supply around train stations, as well as the Low and Mid-Rise Policy which promotes more diverse housing.

Other successful projects include the South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy, the Singleton planning control review and the Narrabri Development Control Plan update.

In 2024, the Minns Government set new housing targets to rebalance housing delivery across the state, regional NSW received a single target of 55,000 homes over five years. The projects funded under this program will support the delivery of this five-year target.

More people are choosing to live in regional NSW, but homes have become more expensive and harder to find, so delivering more regional housing supply is vital.

By funding local housing, planning and infrastructure projects we will build better communities across regional NSW.

Funding for the first two rounds of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund allocated $6.88 million to 36 projects.

Key projects delivered so far include the Laffing Waters Master Plan Precinct Contributions Plan in Bathurst, West Dapto Town Centres Master Planning in Wollongong, and the Tamworth Regional Housing Strategy, which will help advance more homes in the pipeline.

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 have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information on the successful councils and their projects, visit Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“By investing in planning today, we’re helping councils deliver the homes, parks, transport connections, and infrastructure communities need, and making sure young people and families can continue to build their futures in the regions.”

“Good planning unlocks opportunity. Through this fund, we’re giving councils the tools to deliver better-designed, more liveable communities across regional NSW, close to transport, jobs, and essential services.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We’re making real progress unlocking more homes across regional NSW by giving councils the support they need to plan for growth.

This $4.4 million investment will fast-track over 105,000 homes and help ensure our growing regional communities have access to the housing, infrastructure, and services they deserve.”

Round Three – Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund
CouncilProjectFundingHomes
Central Coast CouncilCentral Coast Council residential zone review program$250,0002558
Griffith City CouncilGriffith urban Crown land affordable housing activation business case$190,000120
Goulburn Mulwaree CouncilTechnical studies to inform Goulburn’s CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project$122,3784226
Murray River CouncilMurray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama$99,0253890
Port Macquarie-Hastings CouncilPort Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing$200,0001817
Bega Valley Shire CouncilBega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan for Wolumla$50,3801096
Eurobodalla Shire CouncilEurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay Urban Renewal Project$200,0008000
Singleton CouncilSingleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing$120,6718860
Lake Macquarie City CouncilSupporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy$250,0002849
Port Stephens CouncilPort Stephens infrastructure needs analysis$249,49011,100
Shoalhaven City CouncilShoalhaven Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for Nowra (joint project with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing)$250,000500
Uralla Shire CouncilUralla Growth Management Strategy, LEP review and developer servicing plans for water and sewer$250,000208
Inverell Shire CouncilInverell detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas$220,0001002
Cobar Shire CouncilCobar Local Housing Strategy$166,840TBA
Central Darling Shire CouncilCentral Darling Shire Local Housing Strategy$156,33535
Narrabri Shire CouncilNarrabri Development Control Plan update$47,0005960
Coonamble Shire CouncilCoonamble Shire Urban Housing Strategy$69,91660
Gilgandra Shire CouncilGilgandra residential master planning project > Towards 5000$226,930481
Orange City CouncilSouth Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy$164,7722740
Mid-Western Regional CouncilMid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation$210,000240
Parkes Shire CouncilEast Parkes Masterplan and Servicing Strategy$185,799980
Dubbo Regional CouncilDubbo Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Montefiores, Wellington$250,0001400
Albury City CouncilAlbury LEP amendment and toolkit for Thurgoona Growth Precinct$192,00023,421
City of NewcastleAccelerate the place-based master planning for City of Newcastle’s Transport Oriented Development precincts$250,00023,591

Shop with respect: violence and aggression against retail workers is never okay

The Minns Labor Government is reminding consumers to behave respectfully, as new figures reveal more than 100 people have been charged under tough laws to help protect retail workers.

The reminder to all customers that ‘violence and aggression against the retail workforce is never okay’ follows the Minns Labor government implementing the Crimes Legislation Amendment in June 2023.

Since its implementation, 136 individuals have been charged with offences under the act with 64 individuals convicted of an offence and 25 individuals receiving a custodial imprisonment sentence.

The new laws make it an offence to:

• assault, throw a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, even if no actual bodily harm is caused to the worker, with a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment

• assault a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty and cause actual bodily harm to the worker, with a maximum penalty of six years’ imprisonment

• wound or cause grievous bodily harm to a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm to the worker or another person, with a maximum penalty of 11 years’ imprisonment.

Workplace violence has significant impacts on a person’s physical and psychological health, and includes any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted at work, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment or aggressive behaviour.

The Retail trade sector is the second largest employment industry in NSW, representing nine percent of the total workforce or almost one in 10 workers.

Anyone can anonymously report an incident of violence in the workplace by calling SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives app.

For more information on safety in the retail sector, visit the SafeWork website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“As a former retail worker myself, I want people to take a moment to remember that the people who serve you deserve respect.

“If you do the wrong thing, if you threaten or assault a retail worker, you can and will be charged.

“The NSW Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach. Retail workers have the right to feel and be safe when they go to work and these strong laws will continue to protect them.”

Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:

“Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in Australian shopping centres. Sadly, retail workers do not with 88 percent of workers being subjected to abuse including physical violence, with 1 in 10 reporting being spat on. Enough is enough, this must change. Everyone has a right to feel safe at work.

“There are now serious consequences for offenders who abuse retail workers including increased jail time. Don’t ruin our members’ day with bad behaviour in shops – don’t ruin your life with a bad decision.

“We ask customers to stop, reflect and do the right thing in shops.  Be kind to retail workers, it’s the best present you can give them.”

Chief Industry Affairs Officer Australian Retailers Association Fleur Brown said:

“It’s encouraging to see the progress being made in NSW following the introduction of targeted penalties to help keep retail communities and spaces safe and we commend the work of the government and police to enforce this.

“No one deserves to be spat on, threatened with weapons, intimidated or harassed for simply doing their job. Let’s work together to keep our retail teams safe.”

Coles General Manager Grant Shelton said:

“We are deeply committed to providing a safe working environment for our team members, and we have invested heavily in advanced safety technologies and training programs. 

“Our record-level investments in safety measures, such as body-worn cameras and de-escalation training, underscore our dedication to protecting our team members and customers.” 

Kmart and Target CEO John Gualtieri said:

“Keeping our team members and customers safe is our number one priority at the almost 450 Kmart and Target stores right around Australia and New Zealand.

“The concerning increase in customer threatening situations that is affecting Australian retail is not acceptable and is something that we need to take decisive action to stop.

“As a community we need to say enough is enough and support active measures that we know will increase safety for not only retail workers but for the community.”  

Acting Deputy Secretary SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin said:

“Workers’ compensation data over the last three years shows us most claims in the retail sector are made by sales assistants at fuel retailers, supermarkets and retail department stores – and around 60 per cent are made by female workers.

“We are asking customers to maintain appropriate behaviour when interacting with retail workers, and to have a little patience and understanding.

“Every worker has a right to go to work and come home safely, and we need to remember this and keep a cool head during peak periods.”

Without targets Labor’s consulting cuts can’t deliver

Labor’s promise to cut $6.4 billion in spending by reducing consultants’ contracts and outsourced service delivery is meaningless unless the Government commits to firm targets to cut spending across all departments and agencies, according to Greens spokesperson on Finance and the Public Sector, Senator Barbara Pocock.

While Labor claims to have already made savings of around $5 billion on external contracts, spending on consultants had only come down by $40 million in 2024 with the bulk of those savings coming from a reduction in external labour hire contracts.

Lines attributable to Senator Barbara Pocock:

“In the wake of the PwC scandal, Labor has convinced everyone that their crackdown on contracts with the Big 4 consulting firms has led to reduced spending on consultants, but it hasn’t. During their first year in office consulting contracts were cut by almost $100 million but in 2023-24 Labor’s total spend on consultants rose to just over $643 million, roughly $40 million less than the Morrison Government spent in 2021-22.

“All this talk about getting rid of consultants from the public service is just a smoke screen for business as usual. There has been a reduction in contracts going to the Big 4, PwC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY, but instead of bringing that work back into the public service, the Government has simply outsourced nearly all of it to smaller consulting firms.

“The Greens have argued relentlessly since the PwC scandal came to light that core government work should be done by public servants and while Labor has made bold statements about doing that, they have failed to make any real progress.

“I made some very clear recommendations following the two Parliamentary inquiries into the Government’s use of consultants, advocating targets for a phased reduction in spending on consultants across all departments and agencies. Why won’t Labor commit to the Greens policy of reducing spending on external consultants by 15% each year over five years?

“Leaving it up to each agency to set its own targets does not guarantee real immediate action. Government departments have become so reliant on the consulting industry that only mandated targets to reduce outsourcing will get the results needed to bring core work back into the public service. Peter Dutton’s promise to cut 41,000 jobs from the APS will inevitably lead to a consultants feast in a return to worst excesses of the Morrison era.

“Both major parties need to commit to building a strong public service with the capability to deliver the level and quality of service that Australians expect and deserve, without feathering the nests of private interests who routinely fail to provide value for money, are often riddled with conflicts of interest and who remain unaccountable to the ordinary Australians who pick up the tab for their over-priced services.”

Greens pledge to support Hazara Community & Cultural Centre Proposal

The Greens have committed to pushing for $20 million in the next Parliament to establish a multipurpose Hazara Community & Cultural Centre in Melbourne’s southeast. 

The Hazara community in Australia is one of the largest in the world, outside of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the majority living in Melbourne. Many in the Hazara community are new Australians, arriving in recent years, often fleeing the brutality of the Taliban, who are currently repressing and persecuting Hazara culture and community. 

Following the generational long war in Afghanistan, Australia has a moral obligation to support the people of this country. As the Australia-Hazara community rebuilds and adds so much to Australia’s proud multicultural society, there is a need to support the community to ensure they continue to thrive.

The Hazara Community & Cultural Centre proposal aims to address longstanding gaps in community infrastructure, trauma-informed support, culturally inclusive spaces, and employment pathways. 

The Greens are proud to support the Hazara diaspora, and we want to ensure they are provided places to celebrate their culture, connect and share with their community.

Greens to transition salmon industry and protect Tasmania’s marine life

The Greens have announced a plan to transition the industrial fish farming industry to land-based operations starting with an immediate exit from Macquarie Harbour to save the critically endangered Maugean skate.

“For too long, the salmon corporations have treated Tasmania’s oceans like a dumping ground, and the old parties have let them get away with it,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“Labor and the Liberals have worked hand-in-hand with big salmon corporations to weaken environment laws, and trash Tassie’s coastline. The Greens will stand up to them.”

The Greens’ plan will immediately remove fish farms from Macquarie Harbour and begin the transition of the entire industry onshore and into clean, sustainable operations that don’t pollute the environment or threaten species with extinction.

The plan would invest $50 million of Commonwealth funding for:

  • Marine environmental remediation to clean up the mess the salmon corporations have caused
  • Rigorous independent monitoring of salmon farms to ensure compliance with animal cruelty and environmental standards
  • A jobs transition package for Macquarie Harbour fish farm workers

Importantly, the industry would receive no Commonwealth funding for the transition.

“Salmon multinationals have for decades made obscene profits based on animal cruelty and environmental harm. The Greens would force them to pay for their own transition.”

“The Greens will act on the science, protecting the environment, and backing communities instead of toxic salmon farming corporations.”

“Only the Greens will take on the powerful salmon industry and deliver a future where our marine life, our workers and our communities all have a fair go.

POLLING BOOTH BEHAVIOUR REFERRED TO POLICE AFTER NUMBER OF SERIOUS INCIDENTS

The Australian Greens Victoria have referred behaviour by volunteers for the Liberal and Libertarian parties to the Victorian Police following a series of incidents at early voting centres.

Police were deployed to the early voting centre in Melton yesterday after incidents involving sexual and racial harassment of Greens volunteers, and have been contacted regarding a second early voting centre in Croydon following a number of threats of violence and intimidating behaviour towards Greens volunteers and Candidate for Deakin, Amy Mills.

Incidents at early voting centres have been individually raised with the Australian Electoral Commission, and with the Liberal Party and relevant candidates prior to contact with police.
 

Spokesperson from the Victorian Greens:

“We’ve received reports of intimidating and aggressive behaviour, physical threats of violence and both sexual and racial harassment targeted towards Greens volunteers and candidates. 

“No one should be confronted with intimidating or aggressive behaviour when volunteering on election day or trying to vote. Aggressive and intimidating behaviour at polling booths is undemocratic and should not be tolerated by any party. The Liberals should have volunteers removed as soon as these serious reports are made.

“Threats of violence towards candidates or volunteers are unacceptable and individual matters have been referred to the police.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 29 April 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 29 April 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Acknowledging the significant contribution of the late Brian Suters AM

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted with great sadness the passing of leading architect and Freeman of the City, Brian Suters AM, and acknowledged his significant body of work and contribution to our city’s look, feel and cultural landscape.

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council Policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the Asset Management Policy, Community Infrastructure Incentives Policy, amended Compliance and Enforcement Policy and amended Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy.

Endorsement of public exhibition for draft 2025/26 Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council unanimously adopted an amended motion to publicly exhibit the draft 2025/2026 Delivering Newcastle 2040, draft 2025/2026 Fees and Charges and draft 2025-2035 Long-Term Financial Plan for 28 days prior to the final consideration by Council.

1/21 Railway Street, Wickham – exhibition of draft planning agreement

Council voted unanimously to place the draft planning agreement and explanatory note for 1/21 Railway Street Wickham on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Council will receive a report following the conclusion of the public exhibition.

Endorsement of public exhibition for reclassification of land parcels from Operational Land to Community Land

Council voted unanimously to publicly exhibit the proposed reclassification of 22 public land parcels from Operational Land to Community Land, or road segment to Community Land, and the categorisation of these land parcels as Natural Area, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Lease for Newcastle Maritime Museum Society collection

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to extend storage support to the Newcastle Maritime Museum Society’s privately owned collection under the Public and Members grandstands at the Newcastle Showground for a further and final 12 months until 20 March 2026 to facilitate transition to an ongoing sustainable NMMS collection storage outcome.

Newcastle Airport briefing to Councillors

Council noted a report summarising the Newcastle Airport briefing provided to Council on 18 March 2025, which included an update and overview of the financial performance, strategic growth trajectory and governance arrangements of Newcastle Airport.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2025.

Notices of Motion 

Support for sporting field upgrades in the western corridor

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion noting that City of Newcastle’s 2020 Strategic Sports Plan identified the need for improved sporting facilities in the western suburbs in Newcastle to accommodate the existing and future population. The motion noted the election commitment by the Federal Member for Newcastle to fund $3 million towards much-needed field drainage and irrigation upgrades and accessibility upgrades to the car park at Upper Reserve in Wallsend. Council will investigate funding opportunities for the remaining amenities and lighting upgrades required at Upper Reserve, consistent with the Strategic Sports Plan and other strategic priorities.

Public buses in Newcastle 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to acknowledge and understand the state of service provision on buses in the Newcastle Local Government Area and request greater advocacy from NSW Members of Parliament for positive action in improving public transport servicing in the region.

NSW Government commits to legalising virtual stock fencing

The Minns Labor Government has today announced virtual stock fencing will be legalised across the state providing landholders with a new effective way of controlling cattle.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost the agriculture industry, reduce costs and better manage agricultural land and primary industries.

The NSW Member of Parliament for Orange, Phil Donato, has been championing the benefits of virtual fencing for primary producers to the NSW Government for the past three years.

The Government has listened to Phil Donato MP and the recommendations of the Legislative Assembly Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024, plus the NSW Farmers, and animal welfare organisations, and is now moving to legalise virtual fencing.

Virtual fencing is used to contain cattle without the need for physical internal fencing, instead using devices such as neck bands or collars that use GPS technology and sensory cues to manage their movement. These devices can also monitor the activity, health and welfare of cattle.

Using GPS coordinates, farmers will be able to use this technology as internal fencing, rather than having to construct new or maintain existing fencing. Plus, gain insights on the health and movement of their herds.

This assists farmers to reconfigure paddocks and reduce costs on fence repair, plus address other issues shown through data analysis more efficiently and effectively.

This reform brings NSW into line with Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania where virtual fencing is currently used.

The Inquiry Report recommended the development of a code of practise to specify animal welfare requirements.

The NSW Government will ensure necessary safeguards for animal welfare, biosecurity and public safety are in place for the introduction of virtual fencing.

Consultation will be undertaken on the proposed approach to allow virtual fencing in NSW before regulatory changes are made under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:

“The NSW Government has listened to Phil Donato the MP for Orange and to the farming industry and will work with both industry and animal welfare groups to ensure we get the right balance for delivering virtual fencing on farms.

“These changes seek to reduce costs for farming and to enable agile paddock formation across land holdings to meet the needs of farmers while also protecting the welfare of cattle.

“The Government will now consider amendments to the POCTA Regulation and undertake consultation with key stakeholders including industry and animal welfare organisations.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato:

“The platform upon which I was first elected included representing the interests and needs of farmers, and I have maintained that commitment having vigorously advocated on behalf of our state’s farmers ever since.

“I am pleased the Minns Government and the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, have listened, worked through the issues and agreed to legalise virtual fencing in NSW through regulation.

“I congratulate the Government for their support, and I now look forward to advising Government to ensure we get the regulatory settings right so our farmers can reap the many benefits virtual fencing can deliver.

“It is imperative that government support scientific research-supported technological advancements in agriculture, so that our farmers have access to innovative tools which benefit the environment, animal management, their ag business and remain competitive in the marketplace.

“The benefits of virtual fencing cannot be overstated; in fact, a multi-generational Tasmanian dairy farmer recently told me that virtual fencing has been life altering for him and his family, and that if virtual fencing had not been made available to the business he manages he would have walked away from the industry years ago – completely burnt out.

“For the past three-plus years I have been lobbying the NSW Government non-stop to legalise this innovative livestock management technology, culminating in my introduction of a bill to legalise virtual fencing.”

New public preschools on the way for Illawarra and South Coast families as contracts awarded

Hundreds of families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven are a step closer to accessing new public preschools with the award of contracts for the construction of the new facilities, co-located with public schools across the region.

The nine new preschools being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will provide places for up to 800 children per week, offering high-quality early learning to support families and give local children the best start to their education.

The public preschools will be fee-free, providing cost-of-living relief for local families.

This milestone marks a new step in a historic building boom, with 100 new public preschools set to open across New South Wales by early 2027, including 49 in regional areas.

As part of the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history, the first new public preschool opened at Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool in October 2024. A contract was also recently awarded to build 40 public preschools co-located with existing public schools across Western Sydney.

The latest tranche of preschools for the Illawarra will be built at Barrack Heights, Berkeley West, Bomaderry, Greenwell Point, Hayes Park, Lake Heights, Lake Illawarra South, Sanctuary Point and Cringila public schools.

Construction is set to begin this year on most of the nine preschools, and the community will be kept updated on progress, including site locations, construction and delivery timelines for each project. 

By delivering 100 new public preschools by 2027, the Minns Labor Government will create places in high quality early education for up to an additional 9,000 children for the year before they begin their schooling.

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding public education with a record $8.9 billion funding in the 2024-25 Budget for new and upgraded public schools and public preschools.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding public education and ensuring local families have access to high-quality early education close to home.

“I’m pleased to announce that the contracts have now been awarded, and construction will soon begin on our new public preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

“This commitment shows the Minns Labor Government is serious about providing our youngest learners the best start in life, after the former Liberal National government failed to build a single public preschool in 12 years.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The first 2000 days of a child’s life are a critically important period in their learning and development, and the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills in preschool is crucial to this.

“A lot of people are doing it tough at the moment, and our government’s investment in fee-free public preschools will make the world of difference to a lot of families on the South Coast.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This investment will be life changing for so many children in Wollongong and the broader Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.

“These new public preschools will give hundreds of local children now and long into the future the best possible start to their education while providing much-needed cost-of-living relief for families.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“It is wonderful that these new preschools are being built in fast-growing areas where local families need them most.

“These fee-free public preschools will make a huge difference for young families right across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“This is a huge win for families across the Shoalhaven. By delivering these new public preschools, we’re giving local children the best start in life while easing the financial burden on parents.

“For too long, families have struggled to find accessible and affordable early childhood education. This investment will change that, ensuring every child – no matter their background – has the opportunity to thrive.

“I look forward to seeing construction begin next year and keeping our community updated as we deliver these much-needed preschools for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.”

Labor spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC said:

“I am pleased that the contract for the construction of the Bomaderry public preschool has been awarded. This public preschools will provide long term benefits for children and families in the Kiama community.”

Upgraded Forbes Public School returned to community after destructive 2022 floods

Students and staff at Forbes Public School are celebrating as they return to their upgraded school two and a half years on from the destructive 2022 Central West floods, with school improvements making way for the return of play space and the removal of demountables.

Forbes Public School’s flood rebuild project, delivered by the Minns Labor Government, features 14 refurbished classrooms, library upgrades, an upgraded school canteen, 12 new air conditioning units and two new bubbler stations.

The school’s toilet facilities have also been upgraded with new water-saving toilets and taps, handbasins, and partitions.

The project also included updating 11 school buildings with new doors, fresh paint, new carpet and laminate flooring, and essential electrical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements involved repainting and refurbishment of the shade structure, resurfacing the main sports court, landscaping of outdoor play areas, and the installation of new seating.

Overall, 1,050 litres of fresh paint was applied across interior and exterior walls and surfaces, and 1,080 square metres of new flooring was installed.

25 demountable classrooms used temporarily to support the school during the works will begin to be removed next month, including those on the school oval, with works on track for completion by Term 3.

Once cleared, the oval will be topsoiled and turfed, returning outdoor space for students and the school community to enjoy.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including a historic $1.4 billion for school infrastructure projects in regional NSW.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“After the devastation of the 2022 floods, it is fantastic that we are now welcoming students and teachers back to permanent, upgraded facilities at Forbes Public School.

“The floods have been particularly impactful for our regional communities, and the Minns Labor Government has worked hard to restore these important schools.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to upgrading vital infrastructure like schools to communities in the Central West, so all young people and families have the high-quality facilities they need in their local area.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“I am pleased to see this important local school upgraded and returned to the Forbes community.

“This has been a difficult time for Forbes and the wider Central West community as we chart the long road to recovery from the 2022 floods.”

Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence said:

“The return of this school to the Forbes community will give local students, families and teachers a welcome boost as we continue the long recovery from the floods.

“I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is focused on returning vital infrastructure to local communities and rebuilding public education across the state.”

Megan Staples, Forbes Public School Principal said:

“The devastating floods of November 2022 had a significant impact on our school and the wider community, forcing us to relocate to temporary facilities.

“The time since has been an incredible testament to the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our students and the wonderful support from our wider school community.

“Thank you again for your patience, understanding and support.

“We cannot wait for students to resume their learning journeys today and embark on an exciting new chapter for Forbes Public School.”