Category: NSW News

In a state first, the NSW Government will use its enhanced planning powers under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act to return students back to Broadwater Public School in the first term of 2025, ending years of delay and impacts to the community.

Broadwater Public School was extensively damaged in the devastating floods that impacted the Northern Rivers in 2022, leaving most of the buildings uninhabitable and in need of repair. Since then, local students have had to travel out of the area to attend school.

With the support of the NSW Department of Education, Richmond Valley Council, the school community, and the CEO of the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA), the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has authorised the school’s redevelopment using the RA’s enhanced planning powers.

Broadwater Public School’s new facilities will include three modern flexible classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration area, large undercroft play space and amenities, a yarning circle, and landscaping to complement the school’s surroundings.

The new school will include modular buildings raised 3.7 metres from the ground and be supported by a flood resilient steel structure. Using Modern Methods of Construction techniques, classroom modules have been completed offsite and will be transported and craned into the existing site once the steel structures are in place, cutting construction time.

More information about the construction program and next steps will be shared with the Broadwater Public School community at an information session in Term 3.

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

“Rebuilding Broadwater Public School as quickly as possible is a priority for the Minns Labor Government, so students and teachers can finally return to their own school on a permanent basis.

“This change by the Planning Minister will ensure that work to rebuild Broadwater’s school can now proceed swiftly.

“The people of Broadwater know that public schools are integral to the wellbeing of communities, and I want to acknowledge the unwavering support shown to getting Broadwater Public School back on track.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is the first time this planning power has been used and is an important step in our Government’s response to disaster recovery.

“The powers in the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act mean that we can fast track recovery and reconstruction projects to better support communities.

“This Government is committed to getting communities like Broadwater back on their feet and as we’ve shown today, we will use the full powers available to the RA to help us do that again when needed.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihab Dib said:

“This is a great example of government partnering with flood-affected communities to find solutions that work.

“Schools are a vital part of any community, and it is imperative that we get the students and teachers at Broadwater Public School back into the classroom as soon as possible.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Broadwater community has spoken, and we have been listening, they need their school back.

“That’s exactly why we established the Northern Rivers Community Leaders Forum, to guide local decision-making and local engagement for outcomes like the one we have today.”

Acting CEO of the Reconstruction Authority Mal Lanyon said:

“It is important we back projects that support flood recovery efforts and make communities more resilient.

“Recommending to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for a Ministerial authorisation under the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s Act to rebuild the Broadwater Public School is a significant demonstration of our commitment to recovering and ensuring the safety and welfare of communities.”

Relieving Broadwater Public School Principal Bronwyn Cole said:

“This is extremely welcome news for our school and community, and we are very grateful for the ongoing support we have received.

“Since the floods, we’ve all witnessed remarkable unity and resilience within our community, and I am deeply moved by the bonds that have strengthened during this time.

“We are looking forward to the rebuilding of our school so students can learn and thrive in their own community. This journey is not just about rebuilding, but about nurturing our school community and fostering a safe, supportive space for learning and growth.

“Together, we will continue to build a strong foundation for our students’ success and well-being.”

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson MP said:

“The Broadwater Public School P&C Association has left no stone unturned and has been fighting day in, day out to get to this point.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work side by side with them, and I congratulate them on their steadfast commitment and dedication to the rebuild project, the school and the local community.”

The second group of the Minns Government’s rezoning plans for Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts to deliver more homes, jobs and amenities for people, have been released for public exhibition from today.

Set to deliver up to 31,855 new homes, including up to 3,348 affordable homes, and supported by more than 20,000 jobs, the Bankstown, Crows Nest and Homebush rezoning proposals are in addition to the TOD Accelerated Precincts at Kellyville, Bella Vista, Hornsby and Macquarie Park announced last week.

Community consultation for the Bays West TOD rezoning proposal will occur with the exhibition of the masterplan in mid-2025.

The TOD program is part of the Minns Government’s commitment to rebalance housing growth around transport infrastructure as part of the Government’s efforts to confront the housing crisis and provide opportunities for the next generation of people instead of having them leave our city.

According to a report by the NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner, between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained, with a net loss of 35,000 young people from the city.

To encourage vibrant communities in the TOD Accelerated Precincts, Special Entertainment Precincts (SEP) will be enabled to support live entertainment through extended trading hours for live music venues and favourable noise controls that provide operational certainty for venues, neighbouring residents and businesses.

The TOD Accelerated Precincts will share in $520 million which has been reserved for investment community infrastructure such as critical road upgrades, active transport links and good quality open spaces. Each area will also have their own local infrastructure contributions plans to collect contributions which will enable council to provide new or expanded local infrastructure.

This rezoning builds on a series of planning reforms by the Minns Government to confront the housing crisis, including the 37 TOD SEPP locations, the pattern book to deliver more homes faster, the first stage of the low and mid-rise reforms, additional planning powers for NSW Government agencies delivering more homes and Council league tables.

Each of the TOD Accelerated Precincts will also have access to changed planning rules unique to those precincts to accelerate the delivery of homes and jobs. These changes to planning rules were placed on public exhibition last week and include time-limited approvals to encourage construction to get underway more quickly; a new State Significant Development threshold; exemptions from low-risk concurrence and referral requirements and an alternate design excellence pathway.

The public exhibition of the state-led rezonings proposals for these three TOD Accelerated Precincts will occur from 16 July to 16 August 2024. Have your say here.

The proposals for the second group of TOD Accelerated Precincts are:

Crows Nest– 3,255 new homes with between 325-488 as affordable housing and 2,600 new jobs

The Crows Nest TOD Accelerated Precinct rezoning proposal will allow for a variety of residential and non-residential land uses within walking distance of train and metro stations. The Crows Nest TOD Accelerated Precinct is in an area earmarked for growth and renewal through the St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 Plan.

It will also increase the amount of affordable housing near to Royal North Shore Hospital, one of the largest general hospitals in Australia; and implement the recommendations of the St Leonards and Crows Nest 2036 Plan.

It is proposed that housing across the precinct will be focused within St Leonards Centre and along the spine of the Pacific Highway to the Crows Nest Metro Station, which is planned to open from 4 August. This will help activate the highway for new investment and new business opportunities.

The rezoning proposal includes a mandatory affordable housing requirement of 10-15 per cent in all new residential development, to be held in perpetuity and managed by a registered Community Housing Provider (CHP).

In addition, six sites have been identified in the proposed plans as having capacity to deliver 15 per cent affordable housing, through incentives such as height and floor space ratios.

Public spaces, vibrancy and amenity will be provided through improved walking and active transport links, and direct access to existing open space at Gore Hill Oval, Newlands Park and Hume Street Park.

Bankstown – 12,500 new homes with between 375-1,250 as affordable housing and 15,000 new jobs

Bankstown is known for its diverse multicultural community, easy access to public transport and a variety of retail and restaurants to choose from.

The Bankstown TOD proposal aims to increase housing supply in Bankstown City Centre by enabling greater residential, commercial and recreational uses within walking distance of Bankstown Station and the new Metro station.

The TOD proposal will feature residential and commercial buildings ranging from 1 to 25 storeys clustered around the new Metro station. The rezoning proposal also has requirements for non-residential floor space ratios within the CBD, to retain Bankstown’s vibrant local economy.

The rezoning proposal includes a mandatory affordable housing contribution of between 3-10 per cent in all new residential development, to be held in perpetuity and managed by a registered Community Housing Provider (CHP).

It also aims to increase community amenity and open spaces. Potential upgrades are proposed for Memorial Park and Griffith Park to better protect the character and amenity of Saigon Place, while creating new potential links between residential areas and Bankstown’s CBD.

Homebush – 16,100 new homes with between 805-1,610 as affordable housing and 2,670 new jobs

The Homebush TOD Accelerated Precinct comprises about 200ha of land between the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs. The rezoning enables a variety of land uses including residential, commercial and recreational within walking distance of four train stations (Homebush, North Strathfield, Strathfield and Concord West) and a future metro station (North Strathfield).

The rezoning proposal includes a mandatory affordable housing contribution of between 5-10 per cent in all new residential development, to be held in perpetuity and managed by a registered Community Housing Provider (CHP).

Homebush’s rezoning aims to implement the vision outlined in the Parramatta Road Corridor Urban Transformation Strategy (PRCUTS).  Increased density will initially be focused on the western side of North Strathfield Station and along Parramatta Road.

Improved green spaces will be part of the precinct’s future planning with potential new public domain areas, cycleways and tree canopy improvements. Potential upgrades are proposed for Wentworth Reserve, Powells Creek Corridor, Underwood Road and Crane Street Park.

---

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Housing is the largest single cost of living issue facing the people of NSW, which is why we’ve been relentless in pursuing planning reform from day one.

“Our reforms have been progressive and extensive. The TOD Accelerated Precincts are part of a suite of interrelated planning reforms from the NSW Government to build better homes and better communities.

“These additional three precincts will help to deliver more well-located homes, close to transport and amenities, that are also close to new job opportunities as each of the rezonings enable a mix of residential and non-residential land uses, placing good homes and jobs at their core.

“These precincts provide more homes for all stages of life, whether people are renting, downsizing, or jumping on the property ladder for the first time.”

The NSW Government welcomes the final report of the Independent Toll Review handed down today by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins.

The report exposes the full impact of toll road privatisation by the former government.

The report highlights Sydney’s toll road network is a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.

The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairnes, with those in Western Sydney financially impacted the most.

There are a range of recommendations presented to Government by Professor Fels and Dr Cousins for consideration including:

• Tolls should be based on a declining distance basis charged on a per kilometre basis but with the per kilometre rate declining the greater the distance travelled. This would deliver greater fairness to motorists in Western Sydney
• An infrastructure charge should be introduced for parts of toll roads that have been costly to build e.g. ventilated tunnels, Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Two-way tolling on the two current Harbour crossings and the Eastern Distributor, with this additional revenue gained being put into the lowering of tolls on the remainder of the network. This will also ensure a consistent tolling and traffic integration approach when the Western Harbour tunnel opens around 2028
• Decisions on toll setting should be overseen by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART)

The Government notes the final report also provides two distinct “bookend” scenarios that model the impact on motorists’ spend when additional toll relief is provided or removed from the system.

The NSW Government will now consider the report and respond in due course.

The Government promised at the election to introduce long-term reform for the world’s most tolled city and an end to the Liberals’ “toll mania” in Sydney.

The NSW Government is committed to reforming Sydney’s toll network to restore fairness, simplicity and transparency to the system and put the interests of motorists above those of private investors.

The Toll Review confirms this will be a complex task but one that the state must embark on as the Government provides essential cost-of-living relief through Labor’s $60 toll cap.

Roads Minister John Graham said:

“Toll reform is critical for Sydney and this is a once in a generation chance to address this issue.

“Former governments have had an attitude of set and forget on tolls but the result is now a combined burden of $195 billion to be paid out to 2060 and a city that is more congested, more divided.

“Under these long-term contracts, Sydney is a place in which people make choices about where they work based on the need to avoid paying tolls. The problem grows each year. Over decades, it will become unsustainable.

“We are determined to put motorists first as we push ahead with these challenging reforms.

“I welcome the offer by motorway concessionaires to work with the Government on a new, network approach to tolling. We will also consider legislation consistent with the recommendations in the final report to achieve this important reform.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:  

“The NSW Government is committed to relief and reform.

“Relief began with our $60 toll cap.  And today’s report is the next important step in reforming an unnecessarily complex and costly system.

“Every year motorists are paying $2.5 billion in tolls.  Without reform, that burden will continue to land heaviest on those who can least afford it in Western Sydney and other car-reliant areas.

Full final report of the Independent Toll Review: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/toll-review 

Agribusiness owner and manager Tess Herbert has been appointed as the new Local Land Services Board Chair.

Mrs Herbert, of Eugowra, brings to the position more than 30 years’ combined experience in the Australian red meat industry, in agriculture policy, research and development, and in marketing and government.

A former Central Tablelands LLS Board member, Mrs Herbert holds a Masters in Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne (2020) and has extensive committee experience, including her current work as the Grains Industry Sustainability Framework Governance Council independent chair.

Tess, with her husband Andrew, run a medium-sized feedlot for about 6,000 head of cattle outside Eugowra, around 330 kilometres from Sydney.

The family also run 2,000 sheep, breed Angus cows and some cropping.

The sixth-generation farming family recently won the 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year award.

Recently Tess has supported the strategic planning of national and local strategies, such as the Meat Industry Strategic Plan, the Australian Lot Feeders Association Strategic Plan, the Animal Health Australian Strategic Plan and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services Strategic Plan.

She also is a member of the Australian Lot Feeders Association, Cattle Australia, NSW Farmers Association, Grain Growers, as well as a graduate and member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and a graduate and fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

Mrs Herbert will begin her role as the Local Land Services Board Chair on 1 July 2024.

The appointment follows a competitive application process.

In line with the Local Land Services Act 2013, the term of the Board Chair is set for up to four years.

Local Land Services employs 1041 staff members who are focused on delivering quality customer services to farmers, landholders and the wider community.

LLS staff help people make better decisions about the land they manage and assist rural and regional communities to be profitable and sustainable into the future.

Key programs delivered by LLS:

Local Land Services delivered the 2023-2024 $13 million Feral Pig Program on behalf of the NSW Government in response to widespread growth in the number of feral pigs across NSW.

An additional $13.1 million was recently announced to build on the success of the Feral Pig Program, which has controlled more than 122,888 pigs since it began.

Local Land Services is currently delivering the $48.4 million Riverbank Rehabilitation Project on behalf of the NSW and Australian Governments in response to the NSW storm and high rainfall events of February and March 2021 and 2022.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“Mrs Herbert brings a wealth of experience working with state and federal governments, agriculture industry groups, red meat producers, retailers, customers and non-government organisations.

“From 1 July, she will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and general policies of LLS, while working closely with the chairs of the 11 local boards.

“I congratulate Mrs Herbert on the new role and look forward to working alongside her as she ensures the continued success of Local Land Services and its role in supporting our landholders to protect, support and develop our regions.

“I also want to thank our interim Chair Bob Smith for his work and leadership during the recruitment process.”

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.”

Residents, tourists and businesses in far western NSW are benefiting from an almost $10 million NSW Labor Government investment in upgrades to local roads in the Cobar and Unincorporated areas.

The upgrades are making outback roads safer, improving travel times for motorists and more people can stay on the road and get to where they need to go when there is wet weather.

On an outback trip last week, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison inspected projects funded through the Fixing Local Roads Program.

One of the projects completed by Cobar Shire Council is the upgrade of Wilga Downs Road which received almost $2.8 million from the NSW Government and almost $250,000 from council.

The sealing of nearly 14 kilometres of the road, construction of a causeway and stabilising of causeways means local industries, families and medical services now have all-weather access on an important route between the Cobar and Bourke Shires.

Another key far west road upgrade is also complete, with $2.75 million invested in improving the Cameron Corner Road, which straddles the border of NSW, Queensland and South Australia.

Transport for NSW delivered the works realigning two curves, rehabilitating the road, improving drainage, installing gravel overlay and sealing 2km of road.

Crews who delivered Cameron Corner Road upgrade are now working on two other local road improvements worth around $4.2 million and which will reduce the threat of erosion during storm events and improve wet weather resilience.

Southwest of Broken Hill, off the Silver City Highway, work on Netley Road is scheduled to begin in September 2024 to upgrade causeways by stabilising pavements and extending sealed sections.

At Bootra Road, northeast of Broken Hill near Packsaddle, work starts in July to deliver three kilometres of formation improvements and gravel resheeting to help reduce the need for road closures.

Each project is expected to take around three months to complete, weather permitting.

While rain and storms have significant impact on the road network in the far west, and these projects are designed to address that, recent wet weather has had an ecological silver lining.

After high rain fall in January and February, a Transport crew noticed an abundance of plants and animals including the Shield Shrimp (Triops Australianises), in pools of water that formed next to the Cameron Corner Road site.

Known as the ‘Shrimp of the outback’ it lives in arid parts of Australia and can lay dormant for over seven years until there is enough rainfall for them to hatch and feed.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“These four local road projects, totalling around $10 million of NSW Government investment, are critical resilience boosting measures for the road network in the far west.

“Better road surfaces and enhanced safety will be welcomed not only by local residents, emergency services and the mining and farming industries, but also by tourists who enjoy visiting the outback and have not often driven on gravel roads.

“Safer, more resilient roads are vital to the mining, pastoral and cropping industries. To give an example of just how vital these roads are, in some cases they are the only access point for pastoral stations and are therefore critical for the families who live and work there to get to school, medical appointments and to get their goods to and from market.”

Cobar Shire Council Mayor Jarrod Marsden said:

“We are delighted to have completed the important upgrade to Wilga Downs Road. Prior to the sealing work this route was closed 15 days per year on average due to rain, with washed out shoulders, forcing speed restrictions to be put in place.

“Every time the road was impassable, it would add around an hour of extra travel time which impacted community members in many ways including missed medical appointments and children not being able to get to school.

“The Shire’s prosperity is built around the mining industry of copper, lead, silver, zinc and gold, as well as pastoral and cropping enterprises. Having access on this road during all-weather events will help provide these industries with safe, reliable transport routes.

“The project to upgrade Wilga Downs Road has also provided a local economic boost with more than 1100 hours of work involved.”

The upgrade of Milton Ulladulla Hospital is moving ahead with a specialist team appointed to commence planning and design works.

The appointment is part of the NSW Government’s $7.5 million investment to deliver improved health services and infrastructure at Milton Ulladulla Hospital to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the local community.

The project scope and construction timeframes will be determined as part of the planning and design process and will include consultation will staff, stakeholders and the community. 

In addition to the planning and design of infrastructure upgrades at Milton Ulladulla Hospital, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District recently commenced the development of a draft Health Service Plan for the Milton Ulladulla facility. 

The draft Health Service Plan will guide future health and hospital service delivery over the next 10 – 15 years at Milton Ulladulla Hospital, including responding to the changing needs of the community such as:

• Increasing demand on the Milton Ulladulla Hospital Emergency Department, particularly through the peak summer period.
• The need for appropriate service models in response to the growing ageing population.
• Increasing need for non-hospital models of care, supporting the community to stay healthy at home.
• Exploring enhanced maternity services, including birthing services, so that local women can receive care as close to home as possible.

The community will be invited to have their say on the draft Health Service Plan at community sessions planned for September this year.

The NSW Government is also delivering the more than $780 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Servies project, and the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, making it the health hub for the entire Illawarra, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The appointment of the project manager, architect and cost manager is an important milestone in the delivery of the upgrade of the Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

“This experienced project team will work with staff, patients and the community to ensure the improvements best meet the needs of the community.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“The Milton Ulladulla Hospital is a key regional hospital in the southern Shoalhaven, providing important healthcare services close to home.

“Consultation with the local community, including staff and stakeholders, will help guide the planning and design process for the hospital to ensure it meets our health needs now and into the future.”

Isolated Outback communities previously starved of transport options will soon have access to new bus services funded by the NSW Labor Government. The Brewarrina Outback Express and the Barraay Waraba, meaning ‘Fast Turtle’ in Gamilaraay language, will each offer flexible pre-booked transport services for the Brewarrina and Collarenebri communities on a trial basis for 24 months. The two services will give communities greater access to vital health care, employment, social and recreation opportunities which are often for taken for granted in larger towns and cities. Each service is expected to prove popular as in Brewarrina and Collarenebri, the proportion of households without a registered motor vehicle is well above the state average. In Collarenebri it’s actually twice the state average. Both services have been able to get up and running thanks to funding from the government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) grants program. The Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council received a grant to operate the Outback Express which will run three days a week from 31 July, servicing the Brewarrina community as well as four neighbouring Aboriginal villages — Bush Queen, Barwon 4, Newtown and Billabong. In late August the Express will also extend to offer a return service from Brewarrina to Bourke once a week on Thursday, and once a fortnight on a Friday from Weilmoringle to Brewarrina. This will allow residents from Brewarrina and Weilmoringle reliable access to essential services such as medical care. The Barraay Waraba (Fast Turtle) project was proposed by the Healthy Communities Foundation and will establish a regular and reliable transport service between Collarenebri and Moree every Thursday, as well as between Collarenebri and Walgett on Monday and Friday. The Point to Point Transport Commissioner has been working side by side with Transport for NSW to help these two providers become accredited to operate the services. The Brewarrina Outback Express starts operating on 31 July and bookings can be made in person from 30 July at 105 Bathurst Street in Brewarrina or by calling 6839 2273. The Collarenebri Barraay Waraba (Fast Turtle) service is planned to start on 18 July and bookings can be made from Wednesday 17 July by calling 02 5809 9505 or by dropping into the Healthy Communities office at 11 Wilson Street in Collarenebri. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “Outside of school student travel there was previously no transport options for residents of Weilmoringle, 100 kilometres north of Brewarrina. 02 7225 6000 52 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 OFFICIAL 1 OFFICIAL “Now thanks to investments the NSW Labor Government is making to reduce isolation and improve access to transport where it’s needed most, residents in places like Weilmoringle have a regular service they can rely on to get them to the doctor, grocery store or other transport services. “These might sound like small things to people in the city but our government understands that investing in services like the Outback Express and Barraay Waraba Fast Turtle can actually make a huge difference to people’s lives by helping to close gaps in life expectancy, educational, employment and other outcomes we often see in remote parts of our state.” Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said: “The Brewarrina Outback Express and the Barraay Waraba (Fast Turtle) will vastly improve travel opportunities and help reduce isolation. “People living in remote communities shouldn’t miss out on travel opportunities, family visits and important appointments because of a lack of transport options. Improving public transport to remote communities will help have an impact on everything from cost-of-living pressures to medical outcomes for people in the bush. “I hope the local communities will take advantage of these new services and that we make sure they’re around for a long time to come.” Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence said: “In Collarenebri, there is no current transport option other than limited transport for those with medical needs, no transport available at all to get to Walgett and, limited availability of private vehicles. “This is just one community I’m delighted to see will benefit from the NSW Labor Government’s investments in improved access to transport. “For too long these communities were overlooked by the city-centric former Liberal National Government and I’m proud Labor is directing investments responsibly where they’re needed most.” Brewarrina Shire Council Mayor Vivian Slack-Smith said: “This is a service the Brewarrina and Weilmoringle communities have long been calling for. “Thank you to the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council, who will operate the service, and to Minister Aitchison and the Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) grants program for funding this vital service. “It will make a real difference in the lives of many in our community, helping them to have easier access to services and opportunities in town, and the wider region.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 82 new paramedic interns today after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony in Sydney.

This is the fifth class to join NSW Ambulance this year, with 54 of the paramedics joining the team from interstate and two from New Zealand.

Following completion of a tertiary degree at university, the paramedic interns have completed six weeks of induction with NSW Ambulance.

They will now be posted across the state to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships.

More than half of this class will start their careers in regional NSW, with 16 heading to Hunter New England, 12 to the North Coast, 15 to Southern NSW and four to Western NSW. This is a significant boost for these regional areas and will further assist NSW Ambulance in providing world-class emergency and mobile healthcare across the state.

Following their year as an intern, the paramedics will return to Sydney to complete their training before taking up permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our paramedic workforce, having started the roll out of 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities and investing in a record pay increase for paramedics in December making them among the highest paid in the country

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m proud to welcome our latest paramedic interns to NSW Ambulance where I know they will provide the people of NSW with the best care possible when they are unwell and at their most vulnerable.

“I congratulate these new paramedic interns for reaching this milestone as they start their careers on the frontline of emergency healthcare in NSW and thank them for their dedication to their community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I warmly welcome these interns into NSW Ambulance where each of them will play a vital role in keeping the people of NSW safe and healthy.

“I know all who were inducted today have demonstrated a high level of clinical skills and dedication to their training.”

People at risk of harm from alcohol and drug use in NSW will have greater access to support and treatment with the Minns Labor Government funding 12 new alcohol and other drug hubs across the state.

Twelve not-for-profit organisations will receive a share of $33.9 million over four years to deliver new, wrap-around alcohol and other drug support services, as part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

The hubs are a new approach to service delivery, bringing together multiple agencies working in partnership to provide tailored treatment and care to help people address their substance use as well as broader health and social needs in a coordinated way targeted to priority populations.

Six organisations are funded to launch new AOD hubs to specifically meet the needs of priority populations in regional and rural NSW and include:

• Australian Community Support Organisation, Shellharbour
• Directions Health Services, Bega and Eden
• Orange Aboriginal Medical Service
• Social Futures, Singleton
• St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Armidale
• The Salvation Army, Wagga Wagga

A further six organisations are funded to add access to alcohol and other drug treatment and support to their existing community services. These include:

• The Buttery, Nimbin
• Grand Pacific Health, Queanbeyan
• Aboriginal Community Housing, Kempsey
• Gandangara Health Service Ltd, South Western Sydney
• Bill Crews Foundation, Ashfield
• Mission Australia, Sydney

Building on this commitment to better health outcomes for people impacted by drugs and alcohol, the NSW Government is also announcing the dates for its drug summit.

The multiday summit will comprise of two days of regional forums in October 2024 and two days of forums in Sydney on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 December.

The Drug Summit was an election commitment.

It will bring together medical experts, police, people with lived and living experience, drug user organisations, families, and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives and build consensus on the way NSW deals with drug use and harms.

The NSW Government will begin initial discussions with stakeholders in determining the terms of reference of the summit. 

Premier Chris Minns:

“We made a commitment before the election to hold a drug summit.”

“We know that drug use impacts individuals, families and communities in many different ways. The drug summit will bring people together to find new ways forward to tackle this incredibly complex and difficult problem.”

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“These new alcohol and other drug hubs will boost access to much needed support services, particularly in regional and rural areas and for priority populations.

“They will provide welcoming, culturally safe environments and tailored treatment options to support people affected by alcohol and other drugs, and their families, to achieve enhanced quality of life.

“The drug summit will provide a range of viewpoints from those who interact with illicit drug use and addiction, from both health as well as non-health contexts.

“This is an important conversation for us to have and it will be the first of its kind in a quarter-century.

“A lot of work has gone into this so far, and more work will go into this in partnership with the community to ensure we get this right.”