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The Coffs Harbour community is being invited to have its say on the opportunity to deliver more housing and bolster the local economy as the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct proposal goes on public exhibition.

Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) is leading the proposed revitalisation of the precinct on behalf of the NSW Government and a planning proposal is now on public exhibition.

The planning proposal provides the opportunity to support a thriving regional economy through more tourism and hospitality, more liveable and walkable public open space, and more housing across on what is largely inaccessible, fenced off land.

The vision for the proposed precinct includes a mix of commercial, retail, tourism, residential and tourist accommodation, recreation and community/cultural uses. Importantly, all revenue generated through the proposed project will be reinvested into the existing parklands to upgrade offerings for the community.

The planning proposal seeks to change permissible land uses, building heights and introduce planning controls for future State Significant Development Applications. Under the planning proposal, there is no plan for high-rise buildings.

Building heights will be between two and six storeys which is consistent with existing buildings in the Coffs Harbour Jetty area. Development would align with the surrounding local and regional plans, including Local Environmental Plan controls for land use.

Any future development will be implemented in stages, allowing the precinct’s gradual transformation, subject to future funding, community consultation and planning approvals.

The public exhibition of the rezoning proposal will end on 16 June. For more information visit the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct revitalisation web page.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“When I went to Coffs Harbour as a kid it was a thriving tourist destination, the reality today is that the coastal centres like Yamba and Byron Bay have surpassed it. While Port Macquarie grew tourism by more than 22 per cent over recent years, Coffs Harbour went backwards.

“Coffs Harbour like all of NSW is feeling the housing crisis, and young people are moving away for better employment and opportunities elsewhere. With the bypass going in, the reality is we need to make Coffs Harbour a more attractive destination.

“We’re not saying this proposal is a ‘silver bullet’ to the problems Coffs Harbour faces, but it will inject new opportunity and new life into the city.

“It will help to deliver more housing supply to address the region’s housing crisis. It will give confidence to tourism and hospitality operators to invest in Coffs Harbour, bolstering the local economy.

“Importantly the existing parklands and recreational space will be protected, with all revenue generated from this project to be reinvested into the surrounding precinct.

“We will continue to work with the community to realise this exciting vision and deliver community, economic, tourism, and housing benefits to the city.”

Property and Development NSW Deputy Secretary Leon Walker said:

“This community-led vision to revitalise the jetty foreshore area Coffs Harbour was informed by more than 3,600 community submissions in 2022.

“The NSW Government is not developing the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct for profit, with all funds generated to be reinvested back into the wider precinct for the benefit of the Coffs community.

“The number and mix of housing to be delivered, in addition to timing of development will be determined in the future, following the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s assessment and responses to the planning proposal.”

NSW Health invites registered nurses to take up the opportunity to train as midwives in a NSW public hospital in 2026. Training includes completion of a postgraduate course and employment as a midwifery student to gain clinical experience.

Applications have now opened for MidStart 2026 and close on 2 June 2025. Training locations are available across the state, including in rural and regional areas. Associated university enrolments into a postgraduate course open later in the year.

Candidates may be eligible for scholarships and study subsidies.

People are eligible to apply if they are:

• an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
• a Registered Nurse (Division 1) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia at the time of application.

More information on MidStart is available on the NSW Health website.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’d like to encourage all registered nurses interested in becoming a midwife to apply for this annual program.

“MidStart is a great opportunity for registered nurses to become midwives in the NSW public health system and share the special journey from pregnancy to parenthood with women and their families.

“Midwives do an exceptional job in our hospitals, making a difference every day in the lives of women, babies, and their families.”

$60 million is being invested to deliver vital safety and congestion upgrades on the Princes Highway, as the Minns Labor Government continues work to build better connected communities while prioritising the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The first phase of this program will see $10.4 million invested this year between Sussex Inlet Road and Moruya.

The work, which begins next month, includes 5.4km of flexible safety barriers between Conjola Creek and Lake Conjola Entrance Road, and wider centrelines near Conjola to better separate opposing lanes of traffic, reducing the risk of head-on crashes.

Later this year, work will kick off to install an additional southbound lane and concrete median on a 750-metre section of the highway at Batemans Bay to improve traffic efficiency and reduce congestion during peak periods.

The 110km stretch of road between Moruya and Sussex Inlet saw 276 crashes in the five years from 2019 to 2023. These safety upgrades are targeted at decreasing the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.

Additionally, Shoulder widening and road resurfacing will be completed on the Princess Highway near Mogo and Bimbimbie.

This work is happening in conjunction with major works which are progressing on the Prince Highway upgrade projects including the Jervis Bay intersection upgrade, the Jervis Bay to Hawken Road upgrade and the Milton Ulladulla Bypass.

Future upgrades are in planning for Batemans Bay, Moruya, Bodalla, Narooma, Bega, and Eden. This includes signs, coloured pavement and line marking to encourage safer driving speeds for motorists entering towns by reinforcing a changing speed zone.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to reduce the New South Wales road toll and deliver the essential infrastructure communities rely on. This has included:

• Investing over $200 million into the Towards Zero safer roads program:
• Turning on the existing mobile phone camera detection network to detect seatbelt infringements.
• Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months.
• Implementing the demerit return trial that rewarded more than 1 million drivers for maintaining a demerit-offence-free driving record during the second year of the trial
• Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with the addition of 2,700 new locations where a camera can be deployed. Enforcement hours will remain the same
• Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth
• Hosting the state’s first Road Safety Forum in 2024 with international experts and a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable in April this year.

More information: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/princes-highway-upgrade-program

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“Any life lost on our roads is a tragedy.

“The South Coast is a beautiful place, whether someone lives here or are just visiting for the night, we want to ensure when someone gets in their car, they know they are safe on our state’s roads.

“We ask drivers to take every precaution they can on our roads, it’s important as a government we also do everything we can.

“Today’s announcement is one part of that work.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“As the Minister for Roads, road safety is my top priority. We know that the road toll in NSW is far too high, and that two thirds of deaths on our roads happen on country roads. These important safety upgrades are crucial in helping us move towards zero road fatalities on our roads. 

“The Princes Highway is most important road connection through the South Coast, linking communities from Sydney to the Victorian border.  I am pleased that we have been able to provide a further $60 million towards improvements to the route.                                           

“This project will deliver road safety improvements for the local community and improved connections for locals, tourists and freight operators up and down the south coast.”

Member for Bega, Dr. Michael Holland MP said:

“Our community has seen far too many fatalities on local roads over the past few weeks. Any death on our roads is one too many. These are important safety upgrades that will ensure a safer trip for Princes Highway users.

“The previous Government completely neglected communities along the South Coast, it’s great to see the Minns Labor Government is making real investments to keep road users safe.”

Member for the South Coast, Liza Butler MP said:

“I’m pleased to see that the Minns Labor Government has committed $60 million to improve road safety along the Princes Highway. 

“The upgrades pave the way for a safer journey for those who want to enjoy our beautiful south coast. “

A new era in stability and security for renters starts today with three key changes coming into force as a result of the Minns Labor’s Government’s reforms to make renting fairer in NSW.

Delivering on a key election commitment to the state’s 2.3 million renters, from today the following legislation comes into force:

• Ending of no-grounds evictions – owners will now be required to provide a valid reason to end all lease types, set out in legislation, increasing security and transparency for renters. Longer notice periods will apply for some leases, giving renters greater certainty and time to find a new home, while ensuring investors can still effectively manage their properties. Renters who find a new property after receiving an evictions notice will also have improved rights to end a lease early.
• Pets in rentals – tenants will be able to apply to keep a pet in their rental home, with owners only able to refuse for specific reasons, such as the owner living at the property or failure to comply with local council laws. A standard application form and process has been developed to make the system clearer and more efficient for both renters and owners. Approval will be automatic if owners do not respond to pet applications within 21 days.
• Fee-free ways to pay rent – owners and agents must enable renters to pay their rent using certain fee-free rent payment methods such as direct bank transfer, ensuring there are convenient and modern payment methods available without extra cost.

These important changes come alongside other key initiatives from the Minns Labor Government:

• Limiting rent increases to once per year – Rent increases are limited to once per year across all lease types – including fixed-term and periodic leases.
• Ending tenants having to pay for their own background checks – Clarifying that rental applicants can’t be charged fees before entering a tenancy, for example costs for background checks.
• Portable Rental Bonds Scheme – The Minns Labor Government is investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme. This means eligible renters can move homes and digitally transfer their existing bond with them. The scheme is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.
• Rent Check – A new, free website – Rent Check helps renters to understand how the rent they’re being asked to pay compares to other similar homes.

Penalties are now in place for agents or owners who do the wrong thing, with the changes to be enforced by the Minns Labor Government’s Rental Taskforce, with inspectors and support teams to help renters and act on serious breaches of rental laws.

People are encouraged to visit the NSW Fair Trading website for clear, up-to-date guidance on the new rental laws and their rights and obligations here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live   

The Government has undertaken a comprehensive consultation and engagement process to inform and communicate these new reforms.

These important changes ensure that the rights between renters and owners is balanced, and the rental system in NSW is fairer.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Today marks a significant change which brings the rental market into the 21st century and makes renting fairer.

“More people than ever are renting, and they are renting for longer, so these reforms improve security and fairness in the rental market.”

“These are sensible reforms and With more than 2 million renters in NSW and over 600,000 investors, we have taken the time to get these major changes right.”

Acting Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Paul Scully:

“The implementation of these reforms creates a fairer, more balanced rental market that gives tenants greater security while making sure owners have clear and transparent processes to follow.

“We’ve listened to renters, owners, and industry experts to shape these changes, and have worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the transition is smooth and well understood.

“Agents and landlords who choose to flout the laws should be aware the Rental Taskforce will act on serious breaches of the new rental laws.”

Minister for Housing & Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“For too long, renters have lived with the fear of being kicked out for no reason. That ends today. We’re delivering the security and stability that 2.3 million renters in NSW deserve.

“These reforms recognise that pets are part of people’s families. Renters shouldn’t have to choose between a place to live and keeping their companion animal. These changes put common sense into the rental system and end the blanket ban on pets.

“This is the biggest step forward for renters in a generation, we’re building a system that’s fair, modern and puts people first.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones:

“Our team at Fair Trading has engaged extensively with industry and communities across NSW to make sure these reforms are well understood and practical.

“We have new information and resources on the NSW Government Website providing clear, reliable information to help renters, landlords and agents navigate these changes with confidence.”

“Our focus now is on successful implementation and dedicating our efforts to prevent and act on breaches of the law.”

Blackwattle Bay’s First Nations and maritime histories will be honoured through a series of creative installations within the precinct.

Visitors to the new Sydney Fish Market will be able to learn about the history of the area through five permanent installations that celebrate the site as a community gathering place.

The first three sculptures revealed today, Saltwater People Stories, pay respect to the continued presence of local Aboriginal people and their ancestral fishing traditions in Blackwattle Bay and the surrounding area.

Three Aboriginal Australian artists have designed works which reference traditional cultural practices of the Aboriginal nations and communities connected to the new Sydney Fish Market site including:

‘The Nawi’ – a traditional nawi (fishing canoe) by Bidjigal elder Uncle Steven Russell

‘Birrang Narrami (Star Net)’ – a traditional woven fishing net by Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gadigal multi-disciplinary artist and master weaver Nadeena Dixon

‘The Call of Ngura (Country)’ – with eel-like forms representing the Dreamtime journey of the great Creator Gurangady, by Buruberong and Wumali (Dharug) creative Leanne Tobin.

The sculptures, cast in bronze at the North Head Foundry in Manly, will be installed on the eastern and western promenades of the new Sydney Fish Market later this year.

Two further installations will sit on the eastern promenade – an interactive water play area for families, and an installation paying homage to the site’s industrial history as a working harbour.

Placemaking NSW will also host a curated arts and cultural program featuring dance and music. This will take place in the public domain throughout 2026 featuring local artists.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market project, visit: new Sydney Fish Market. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“For thousands of years, the Saltwater clans of the Sydney region have been traditional custodians of this land, with Blackwattle Bay serving as a vital site for fishing, swimming and gathering.

“These installations will honour ancestral fishing traditions and share the stories of the Saltwater People with the millions of visitors anticipated at the new Sydney Fish Market.

“Visitors can look forward to not only viewing the stunning architecture but learning about the site’s cultural significance through these installations – and, of course, savouring the freshest seafood in NSW.”

Infrastructure NSW Head of Projects Bruno Zinghini said:

“These Saltwater People Stories installations led by Aboriginal curator Tess Allas will enrich the public domain around the new Sydney Fish Market, providing both local and international visitors with a glimpse into our First Nations heritage.

“Forming part of the urban renewal of the Blackwattle Bay precinct, commissions like these will ensure the revitalised waterfront destination will deliver a lasting cultural legacy for Sydney, celebrating history through creative expression, infusing the area with vibrancy and a distinct sense of place.” 

First Nations Contemporary Artist, Leanne Tobin said:  

“As a First Nations artist, I’m excited to see our culture represented and visibly acknowledged as part of the new Sydney Fish Market.   

“This project is more than a world-class building and fish market. It is an opportunity for us to educate and inform visitors here by weaving our stories and culture into the precinct.

“These installations allow us a way to share our cultural stories and highlight our deep and ancient connection to this land while also creating a shared experience that reflects our heritage for all to enjoy.” 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is releasing more homes for sale across the Northern Rivers after a very strong community response to the first-ever home relocation Expression of Interest process.

There will be a rolling release of homes available for auction and relocation, starting with 20 flood-affected properties in the Northern Rivers available online from today and more in the coming week.

This next release will include another 30 homes and build on the success of the first offering, which saw 31 homes made available for purchase and relocation in December 2024.

The Reconstruction Authority appointed PRD Northern Rivers to manage the sale process and received more than 130 offers for the initial 31 homes, with some properties attracting more than 10 individual offers.

PRD Northern Rivers are engaging with successful bidders from the first release to begin the contracting process, with homes to be relocated within 12 months.

The Reconstruction Authority remains firmly committed to reusing and relocating as many flood-affected homes as possible.

Most submissions for the EOI were from local community members who have land within the Northern Rivers.

Further details on the agents representing the next tranche of homes is available on the RA’s website.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said: 

“It’s great to see that there are so many people who are ready to buy and relocate homes that were bought back by the Reconstruction Authority.

“The demand from the public is there, and we want to resell as many homes as possible so people can relocate them to safer areas. I’m looking forward to seeing more homes available for purchase and relocation soon.”

“This isn’t just about making sure we keep using the existing housing infrastructure whenever possible, its also about making sure our region doesn’t lose its unique character while we help move people out of harm’s way.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said: 

“The people of the Northern Rivers told us that as well as having access to homes safely located away from floodplains, they wanted to retain and preserve where appropriate the sense of community by repurposing older homes in the area, and we are excited by the response from potential homeowners.”

“We know there are more people who are seeking homes, and we are working quickly to make more homes available to the community.”

The NSW Government is expanding the successful Circle Sentencing program to Sydney’s Downing Centre. 

Circle Sentencing is a program to help reduce reoffending, improve justice outcomes and improve community safety.

It is available to eligible defendants who plead guilty to or are found guilty of criminal offences in a local court.

Rather than being sentenced by a magistrate alone, defendants are sentenced by a magistrate alongside representatives from the local Aboriginal community, such as elders.

In addition, the police prosecutor is always involved while the victim can choose to participate if they wish.

The court has the full sentencing power of a traditional court for offenders who meet the criteria and are assessed as suitable.

A 2020 study by NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research found Aboriginal people who participated in Circle Sentencing were 9.6 per cent less likely to reoffend, compared to those sentenced to a non-custodial sentence in a traditional way.

In developing the sentence, the group discusses factors including the impact on the victim and what can be done to prevent further offending.

Sydney Downing Centre will hold its first Circle Court today presided over by NSW Chief Magistrate, Judge Michael Allen.

Including the Downing Centre, Circle Sentencing now operates at 23 high-priority locations after beginning in Nowra in 2002.

The Downing Centre will become the third metropolitan location following Mt Druitt in 2007 and Blacktown in 2010.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government is investing in prevention and diversion measures to improve long-term outcomes for Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.

“People who participate in Circle Sentencing are less likely to reoffend.

“Expanding Circle Sentencing to Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court will empower more Aboriginal communities to be involved in the sentencing process.”

Chief Magistrate Judge Michael Allen said:

“Circle Sentencing elsewhere in the state has been effective for a number of years in reducing recidivism, and I look forward to seeing similar success in Sydney.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to address the housing affordability and availability crisis by delivering more, well located homes, sooner, with the first factory built modular social homes nearing completion.

Three modular homes are being finished in Smithfield and will soon be delivered and installed in Wollongong – the first dwellings rolling out statewide as part of the historic Building Homes for NSW Program. A further 10 homes are due in Shellharbour and Lake Macquarie by the end of the year.

Modern Methods of Construction slashes build time by up to 20% and supports around 100 local manufacturing and construction jobs. The homes are being built by Smithfield-based supplier Wild Modular and will be managed by Homes NSW.

This new approach is guided by the Modular Housing Taskforce and is part of the Government’s plan to scale up Modern Methods of Construction– including prefabrication, offsite builds, and cutting-edge tech – to get more high-quality homes on the ground faster.

Each of the first sites will feature a one-bedroom plus multipurpose room modular home installed in the backyard of an existing social housing property, creating extra homes for people in need on the land we already own.

Modern Methods of Construction refers to the wide variety of construction methods that are different to traditional onsite construction. This includes prefabrication, off-site manufacturing, and modular or volumetric dwellings, as well as new technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

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

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is the future of social housing – smarter, faster, modern and built to provide tenants dignity. Modular homes aren’t ‘shit-boxes’ they are the future.

“We’re using modern construction to deliver beautiful homes for people who need them most, cutting wait times and creating good local jobs along the way.

“These homes show what’s possible when we stop dragging our feet and start thinking differently.”

Wild Modular Co-founder & Executive Director, Tahi Merrilees said:

“Our team are proud to support Homes NSW in delivering this program which proves that there is a smarter, faster, and more sustainable solution to the state’s housing needs.

“These homes reflect the what’s possible with volumetric modular construction—designed with precision, built under controlled conditions, and installed with minimal disruption.

“Modern methods of construction isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about innovating with dignity, and quality, building a better future for our communities.”