Category: NSW News

Western Sydney’s talented music students will soon be able to enrol in world-class courses at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s new Parramatta teaching and research centre.

Supported by a $2 million strategic grant from the NSW Government, in 2026 the University of Sydney will open an innovative, high-tech facility of the Conservatorium in Parramatta.

The University of Sydney is investing $30 million into the development of the Parramatta facility.

For well over a century, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been located on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD.

As Western Sydney grows, students are increasingly travelling across the city to attend classes. From second semester 2026 The Con, as it is affectionately known, will have a second facility in Parramatta CBD.

This historic expansion, the first in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s 110-year history, will deliver world-class musical education opportunities to the region’s community seeking future careers in music, film, culture and the arts.

The facility will have a boutique, 60-seat live music auditorium. Outside of teaching hours, local artists and community will be able to utilise the Dolby-Atmos recording studio and music practice facilities.

The investment aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney and deliver more funding for the creative sector, to enable local creative practice to thrive with a highly skilled cultural workforce.

Minister for Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham said:

“We already know that the next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of commuting into the Sydney CBD, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.

“The Con at Parramatta will support the development of new voices, new stories and new audiences.

“And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city.”

Vice Chancellor of University of Sydney, Mark Scott said:

“The expansion reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change.

“We know it’s a challenging time for music education in Australia. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta – a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and we’re committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta is increasingly becoming the cultural centre of Sydney, with the Powerhouse and Riverside Theatre developments, the success of National Theatre of Parramatta, WestPhil, RiverCity Voices and the magnetism of vibrant areas of Church Street, Phillip Street and Parramatta Square. 

“The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Parramatta teaching and research space will be a great addition to the city.

“I welcome the University of Sydney extending the footprint of the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music to Parramatta. This initiative will make it easier for Western Sydney residents to access learning opportunities for those seeking careers in digital and contemporary music technology fields, as well as the broader arts and culture sector.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn said:

“Arts and music shape culture and foster a truly innovative and creative New South Wales. I am pleased the Minns Labor Government is supporting the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Parramatta campus.

“Western Sydney is a truly dynamic region, bursting with creativity. Having quality arts and music education here provides a great opportunity for young people to explore their creative skills and pursue a creative career.”

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be safer this bushfire season thanks to ongoing Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA) training for specialist paramedics in the region.

This regular HARA training includes off-road, beach driving and operating the various safety features to ensure our highly trained special operations paramedics are prepared to act in the toughest environments.

The fleet of eight new HARAs was launched by Minister for Health Ryan Park in October 2024 as part of a $14.8 million package to optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The HARAs are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, and have a burn-over crew protection system which sprays water over and around the vehicle to keep it cool.

NSW Ambulance carefully planned and modified the vehicles with enhanced safety features to ensure they can withstand harsh environments.

External flammable components were replaced with fire-resistant materials and critical vehicle infrastructure has been wrapped in fire-retardant material so they will not melt or burn in a bushfire situation.

The exoskeleton of the vehicle has been reinforced to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

The all-terrain vehicles were carefully designed by the NSW Ambulance team with a range of specific features, making them world-first vehicles that optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort. 

The HARAs are strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Bomaderry, Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra and Wagga Wagga, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park: 

“NSW Ambulance HARAs are the first of their kind in the world and are proving to be an invaluable resource during natural disasters like fires and floods.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they are at their most vulnerable.

“These vehicles have been built to withstand harsh environments, allowing the highly skilled paramedics who operate them to swiftly, and safely access patients in difficult terrain and conditions.

“As summer approaches, it’s vital to plan ahead for natural disasters – and that includes residents undertaking their own bushfire risk assessment and preparing a survival plan to save our emergency services for those who need it most.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:

“We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal on the South Coast, to give our residents access to world-class frontline care when they need it the most.

“The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have faced their fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it’s comforting to know that NSW Ambulance paramedics can access patients during these difficult times.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney:

“These vehicles are an incredible asset to our communities, making it possible for paramedics to help people in some of the most difficult situations. 

“I want to thank the hard-working paramedics and other front-line workers who keep our communities safe during bushfire season and year around”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These vehicles are a massive investment in NSW Ambulance’s capability, and ensure our staff have access to the latest technology and ground-breaking assets.

“The HARAs are equipped with enhanced safety features and include a multi-agency communication system, enabling us to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

“Now that the 2025/26 bushfire season is officially underway, NSW Ambulance is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered $500,000 in grant funding to equip older people from diverse backgrounds with the skills required to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.

This year, the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program will support over 70 community colleges and libraries across the state to deliver free or low-cost training sessions for seniors.

More than 156,000 participants have been involved in Tech Savvy Seniors since the program was launched 12 years ago.

The program has a strong track record of supporting seniors to gain confidence with technology in terms of accessing online services, developing scammer awareness, and connecting with loved ones through social media channels.

Key objectives of the program include:

• Improving digital literacy by giving older people the basic tools to use a computer, laptop or smartphone.
• Closing the digital gap, acknowledging that many people find technology intimidating and require support to become more comfortable users
• Bringing communities closer together – the digital platform is an essential tool to increase engagement with families, close friends and community groups.

Training is available across all skill levels and various languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Ukrainian. This ensures the program is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state’s diverse ageing population.

Tech Savvy Seniors supports a key focus area of the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy 2021–2031, which aims to help older people stay informed, safe, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

The Tech Savvy Seniors program is delivered in partnership with Telstra. For further information on Tech Savvy Seniors and where to access training, please go to nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/tech-savvy-seniors

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors grew up in a very different time and can encounter challenges with digital tasks like online banking, appointments and staying in touch with loved ones.

“Tech Savvy Seniors empowers older people to overcome the technology gap and become better connected to their social network and community.

“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in their communities no matter when or where they were born.”

Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Cr Christine Kay, said:

“We are proud to be able to offer the Ku-ring-gai community pathways to safely and confidently participate in the online world.

“Running Tech Savvy Seniors in English and other languages helps us make sure more in our community can access the support they need.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to put young people at the heart of decision making for issues impacting them with twelve passionate young leaders from across NSW appointed to the 2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

The new Youth Advisory Council will convene its first meeting on the 9^th of November and work directly with the Minister for Youth Rose Jackson on issues which are front of mind for young people across the state including mental health, cost of living, and climate change. 

The appointment of these young leaders follows the establishment of the first dedicated NSW Office for Youth in August this year. 

The Office for Youth is engaging young people on their terms and ensuring their leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government. 

Each year, a dozen young people between the ages of 12 and 24 will be appointed to the YAC, giving them a platform to have their say on government policies, programs, and legislation concerning young people.  

Members of the inaugural Youth Advisory Council represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD members, members living with a disability and members from both regional and metropolitan communities.  

The 2026 Members are:  

• Fayra Petriaton, Tamworth
• Hafsa Faizan, Leppington
• Daphne Hutchison, Wollondilly
• Amelia Hines, Maitland
• Romone Dunlop, Port Macquarie
• Ahmad Chatah, East Hills
• Lara Ristic, Riverstone
• Nathanael Guo, North Shore
• Chloe Richards, Murray
• Josua Relf, Castle Hill
• Keziah Cameron, Epping
• Thomas Norman, Junee  

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to listening to young people – it’s why we established the Office for Youth and it’s why the Youth Advisory Council is so important. 

“When young people are genuinely empowered to shape the decisions that impact their lives, we can create programs that truly deliver real and relevant outcomes for the next generation of New South Wales. 

“I’m excited to work with the new members of the Youth Advisory Council and hear about the issues that are front of mind for them.” 

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoë Robinson said:

“I continue to support the YACs work across the state, ensuring that they are given opportunities to influence policy development.    

“Young people deserve a genuine seat at the table when it comes to the policies, laws, and services that shape their world. The YAC serves as a direct connection to government, amplifying young voices and empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting change across NSW.” 

Passengers who bring converted e-bikes onto Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink or Metro services will face significant fines under new safety regulations which take effect tomorrow.

Anyone caught with a converted e-bike on the network risks fines of up to $1,100 as part of a crackdown on the hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.

The landmark decision by the NSW Government follows growing safety concerns about converted e-bikes – which have been linked to incidents across the rail network and a growing number of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.

Converted e-bikes are regular pedal bicycles that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries, which are more likely to catch fire because of DIY setups, poor wiring, and low-quality or second-hand parts.

Under the new rules, people will not be able to bring a lithium-ion battery from a converted e-bike on a train or metro service whether or not it is attached to the bike.

The carriage of a restricted converted e-bike will carry a minimum penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of $1,100. This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises. 

The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms. It does not extend to concourses, lifts or bike storage areas outside the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will also not be affected.

Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted by this change; however, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely. 

Transport for NSW consulted widely before making the decision to introduce the ban, including with fire services, unions, delivery riders and the public.

As part of a nationwide push to improve safety standards, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have jointly urged the Federal Government to introduce tougher national regulations, on the importation, sale and use of e-micromobility devices, to ensure all products available in Australia are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

The NSW Government continues to promote and enable the use of e-bikes as a safe, accessible and sustainable transport option for people in NSW. They are helping people get around, especially for short trips to and from train stations.

More information about the ban of converted e-bikes on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and NSW TrainLink networks is available on the transportnsw.info website.

Secretary of NSW Transport Josh Murray said:

“These changes are not about limiting mobility – they are about protecting lives and importantly, protecting the continued safe operation of our metro and rail services.

“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a DIY conversion kit. But if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious.

“The fines of up to $1,100 are significant so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules. Don’t use a converted e-bike to avoid a fine.” 

The Minns Labor Government is reforming early learning funding to link state investment to quality standards and direct it to areas most in need of better access to affordable, quality preschool.

As part of its ongoing reforms to the early childhood sector the Minns Government is introducing changes to its $900 million Start Strong preschool program, which forms part of a record $2 billion investment in Early Childhood Education and Care.

To ensure services receiving government funding provide the highest quality care, changes to Start Strong guidelines from 2026 will require services not meeting the National Quality Standard to lift their rating or risk loss of funding.

State government funding will be weighted towards services in regional and remote areas, and many areas that are currently undersupplied.

These reforms are the latest step in a suite of measures the Minns Government is taking to improve compliance with quality standards in the early learning sector in NSW, following our nation-leading legislation that passed NSW Parliament last week and is now law. 

The changes work hand-in-hand with the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority’s policy requiring approved providers to act immediately to address quality concerns.

Under this policy, the regulator can compel approved providers to take immediate action to address quality concerns. Those unwilling or unable to improve will face loss of funding, enforcement action, including possible suspension or removal from the sector.

These changes are consistent with the Commonwealth’s direction to suspend funding for services failing to meet national standards, particularly in relation to child safety and quality.

The Start Strong funding program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure every child in NSW has access to 600 hours of quality preschool education before starting school. This investment also includes:

• More than $60 million to support children with high learning support needs.
   
• Up to $15 million for the 2026 Start Strong Pathways program that funds place-based initiatives to provide early educational supports for children prior to preschool enrolment and supports engagement with families.

In addition to Start Strong funding, early learning services will benefit from further NSW Government programs, including:

• $100 million to help community preschools expand their hours and cater for more children through the Expanding Quality Access Program.
   
• More than $7.5 million to increase participation in the Health and Development Check in Early Childhood Education and Care program.
   
• Up to $7 million in additional targeted equity funding for community and mobile preschools.
   
• $20 million for The Flexible Initiatives Trial which provides grants to services to test and trial new options for families – including extended operating hours or flexible pick-up and drop-off times.
   
• $5 million to support the viability and sustainability of small and stand-alone Early Childhood Education and Care providers through the Building Capability Development Program.
   
• $20 million for the Building Early Learning Places program to assist not-for-profit providers looking to create more spaces for children aged 0-6 in communities with the greatest need.

To support workforce supply and quality over the coming years, the NSW Government is also investing up to:

• $27 million for the Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship program to help 2,000 more aspiring and existing Early Education and Care professionals advance their careers in early learning.
   
• $7 million to support more than 400 early childhood educators to turn their diplomas into degrees with university partners delivering the Early Learning Diploma to Degree program.
   
• $10 million to provide fee-free professional learning courses for more than 4,000 ECEC professionals, in partnership with TAFE NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“We’re introducing important changes for childhood education and care services in NSW to lift standards and improve access to quality preschool education in areas where it’s needed most.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring early learning services in NSW provide the highest standards for our youngest learners and that every dollar of funding directly benefits families who need it most.

“While most early learning services provide excellent care, providers who are underperforming will be required to take swift action to lift their quality standards, or risk losing their funding.

“These changes are the latest step the Minns Labor Government is taking to ensure children in NSW have access to safe and quality early learning and care, as we work to rebuild trust in the sector.”

Students across the Northern Rivers are invited to participate in a unique learning experience that nurtures critical thinking, collective action and creative expression, as part of a region-wide flood preparedness campaign.

The Future Feast in Schools, from Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA), embeds disaster awareness through storytelling, fostering curiosity, connection and creativity.

The learning experience is underpinned by four key regional preparedness steps:

• know your river and your risk
• know the warnings
• have a plan
• look after each other.
   

NORPA is leading the Future Feasts in Schools workshops at Broadwater Public School, Empire Vale Public School, Stoker’s Siding Public School, Main Arm Public School and Palmers Island Public School from October 15 to November 12.

Guided by professional artists in Drama, Dance, and Visual & Video Arts, students engage in handson workshops that explore themes of disaster, resilience, and renewal. Through movement, storytelling, and collaborative performance-making, they draw on their lived experiences and hopes for the future.

The students’ artistic responses will also contribute to a broader regional project, a NORPA major creative work, Dinner Party at the End of the World, a multi-artform work inspired by local responses to natural hazards.

Teachers are also supported throughout with curriculum-aligned resources and opportunities for professional learning alongside experienced artists.

Future Feasts received funding from the Australian and NSW Government through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. It is
also presented in partnership with the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Office.

This program is an example of how the Minns Labor NSW Government is empowering young people to build the skills and traits they need to stay strong, resilient, and ready to face future disasters.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“We recognise, more than ever, the need to harness the skills and voices of young people to be better prepared for disasters.

“This creative learning experience does just that, by empowering students to know the risks, to have a plan and look out for each other as we prepare for future disasters.

“This program shows our young people they have the power to create a more resilient Northern Rivers and build the kind of community they want to live in.

“I thank NORPA for their creative approach to ensuring young people’s voices are heard and for supporting them to be ready for disasters today and in the future.”

NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis said:
“Future Feasts is a chance for students to unleash their imagination on a difficult subject for many people in their community.

“The idea of climate change is often abstract and hard to understand, but this gives young people the chance to express themselves among friends and peers in a creative endeavour and learning environment about very real events and issues that directly affected them and their school.”

Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:
“Dealing with natural hazards is a fact of everyday life in the Northern Rivers, where knowledge of the region and clear and calm thinking are essentials for navigating these turbulent events.

“Future Feasts helps young people to absorb these tools of local life and puts into practice how community can come together to wield them.”

The state’s oldest cultural institutions, the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum, State Library of NSW and Museums of History NSW, have each added a new director aged 18-28 to their boards.

These appointments fulfil one of the key commitments in the Creative Communities policy to ensure the next generation of cultural leaders are at the decision-making table.

Selected through a rigorous Expression of Interest appointment process that received almost 1,000 submissions from nearly 400 candidates across NSW.

The inaugural six Cultural Institution Young Board Member appointees are:

• Dylan Goh – Sydney Opera House: an independent street dancer, producer, and curator with a decade of experience in the creative industries. He is the Australian founder of Palette Session, a not-for-profit experimental dance collective in Sydney and Seoul.
• Elijah Ingram – Museums of History NSW: a Wiradyuri digital artist, filmmaker, and cultural leader based in regional NSW, dedicated to First Nations storytelling, language revitalisation, and youth advocacy. He is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Miil Miil Productions.
• Hamani Tanginoa – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse): a proud Wiradjuri, Dharug, Gooreng Gooreng, and Tongan man, with Kinship connections to Dharawal, Yuin and Dhungutti Country, and currently resides on Dharawal Country, in Campbelltown, NSW. Hamani has a strong background in Community leadership, youth advocacy, and governance.
• Melissa Applin – Australian Museum: an emerging arts and culture professional with a strong foundation in archaeology, museum education, youth leadership and performing arts.
• Vivian Pham – State Library of NSW: a Vietnamese-Australian writer, educator, and literary advocate from Western Sydney, her debut novel The Coconut Children was published by Penguin Random House in 2020.
• Will Cook – Art Gallery of NSW: strategic public relations professional with extensive experience in tourism, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. 

Each member will serve a three-year term. They will each receive training from the Australian Institute of Company Directors to undertake the Foundations of Directorship™ (Public Sector) course. The Advocate for Children and Young People will also support their onboarding process.

The six appointees will also take up a senior membership role in the Creative Youth Network to develop its future priorities. The Creative Youth Network advises key government Ministers directly on issues impacting young people engaged in the arts, culture and creative industries.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“The overwhelming interest, and calibre of candidates is a testament to the important role our Cultural Institutions play in our state.

“I congratulate Will, Melissa, Vivian, Elijah, Hamani and Dylan on their appointments. Our Cultural Institutions, and everyone who loves the arts, will benefit from your ideas and perspectives.

“Young, next generation practitioners and audiences are essential to strengthen NSW’s arts, culture and creative industries for the long-term.

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“Young people are the future of our state’s oldest and revered Cultural Institutions so including them on governing boards just makes sense if we want them to thrive in years to come.

“We are delivering on our firm commitment to ensure the next generation of creative leaders are at the decision-making table, confirming NSW’s position as the national leader in cultural policy. 

“These young directors will bring new life to the state’s six iconic Cultural institutions with their unique insights, expertise and experience.

“We will all benefit from empowering the next generation of leaders to play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the future of arts, culture and science in NSW.

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoe Robinson said:

“I look forward to supporting Will, Melissa, Vivian, Elijah, Hamani and Dylan, who will play a crucial role in shaping and strengthening the future of arts, culture and science in NSW.

“We know that young people are engaging in our cultural and creative industries, and having these incredible young people on these boards will ensure that their peers are represented in the spaces that matter.

“I commend the NSW Government for ensuring the voices and experiences of young people are heard in these spaces, and I look forward to providing ongoing support throughout the onboarding process.”

The NSW Primary Industries have reached a historic milestone, recording an estimated Gross Value of Production (GVP) of $25.5 billion, underscoring the sector’s enduring resilience, ongoing innovation, and its vital contribution to driving the state’s economy.

GVP is a key metric used by the Minns Labor Government to report on the performance of NSW primary industries and has been measured and reported by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) for the past 10 years.

This record figure for the 2024/25 financial year, released today by the NSW Government, marks a 22% increase from last year and is $2.4 billion above the previous record of $23.1 billion set in 2021-22.

Significantly, it is 16% above the 5-year average and more than double the $12.5 billion recorded in 2014-15 demonstrating a sustained growth across all sectors.

The Minns Government is helping build-up and protect the state’s primary industries with $100 million invested over the last year in agricultural research and more than $1 billion in biosecurity systems and programs.

The strong GVP is built on record-breaking performance across key agricultural sectors, including unprecedented red meat and poultry production, exceptional horticulture output, and historic winter crop yield, particularly chickpeas, alongside above-average summer crop results, notably cotton and sorghum.

These outcomes are underpinned by farmer innovation, with producers adopting new technologies, farming practices, and strategies to help boost productivity and resilience.

The record comes despite external pressures from natural disasters, drier seasonal conditions, volatile prices and biosecurity challenges.

Sector breakdown for the Primary Industries portfolio 2024/25 showed:

• Cropping GVP was up 31% to $11.6 billion est. and 14% above the 5-year average.
• Livestock GVP was up 19% to $9.5 billion est. and 18% above the 5-year average.
• Horticulture GVP was up 8% to $3.7 billion est. and 18% above the 5-year average.
• Forestry GVP was up 6% to $468 million est. and 5% above the 5-year average.
• Fisheries GVP is up 4% to $223 million est. (including a forecast $112.6 million from aquaculture) and 7% above the 5-year average.

The Government’s Performance and Data Insights report (DPI) provides an estimate of the GVP for all the major primary industries commodities produced in NSW and an analysis of key drivers of performance for each commodity.

The report is published annually, with 2025 marking the tenth publication. PDI estimates are published in November each year for the previous financial year, and is the most comprehensive data set available for NSW primary industries.

For more information and to access the full report, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) PDI webpage – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/publications/pdi

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“If the State’s primary industry sector was in an Olympic event it would be Gold, Silver and Bronze for NSW farmers, fishers and foresters – this result is outstanding.

“A huge congratulation to the men and women from regional NSW who everyday go to work on the land and in our waterways to build a better and stronger NSW.

“By any measure this is an outstanding result and a testament to the hard work of our farmers, fishers, foresters and producers right across NSW.

“From cropping and livestock to horticulture and fisheries, our primary industries are thriving, and the Minns Government is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people who make that happen.

“We’ve delivered more than $100 million in new funding over the past year to modernise our research capabilities and strengthen biosecurity, upgrading facilities across regional NSW ensuring our producers have the tools and knowledge to adapt and thrive.

“We’re investing in research, biosecurity, and workforce development to ensure NSW remains a powerhouse of clean, green and safe food and fibre production.

“We hope these numbers continue to grow year-on-year, as ongoing improvements in conditions help create more opportunities for success.”

NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin said:

“NSW agriculture has its sights set on producing $30 billion in farmgate value by 2030, and we’re clearly well on the way to achieving this key milestone for our sector.

“Over past year, farmers have faced no shortage of challenges in NSW, but they have managed through extraordinary risks in the landscape, and these results speak for themselves.

“Agriculture is an economic powerhouse that punches above its weight, supporting our rural communities and the state – all while feeding and clothing the world.

“However, the challenges farm businesses face are only intensifying, and our ability to grow food and fibre relies on continued investment into all aspects of our sector, from research and development to biosecurity and beyond.

“Investment in agriculture is an investment that will deliver productivity and dividends back to our communities and will play an important role in improving food security and futures here and around the globe.”

Local State Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This milestone is a win for every rural and regional community in NSW. Our producers are proving that innovation and hard work can deliver extraordinary outcomes.”

“Primary industries are the lifeblood of our towns. Their success fuels local jobs, supports families, and strengthens our communities.”

“Primary producers in Orange and the broader Central West have been instrumental in achieving this outstanding result.

“With thriving industries in sheep and beef livestock, cool climate viticulture, horticulture, and broadacre cropping, the region continues to demonstrate its strength as one of NSW’s most productive agricultural hubs.”

Michael Payten, who operates a 1,200-hectare mixed pastoral and cropping farm at Canowindra, said:

“While input costs are all going up so have our commodity prices, so we’re having a better season than we’ve had for a while.

“The productivity of the farm has been as good as it’s ever been. Our prime lamb prices have been defying gravity and lucerne hay saw a fair price rise too as things dried out a little bit and demand increased.

“This calendar year we’ve bred a record number of lambs. That’s on the back on a few good seasons and keeping our breeding stock in good condition.

“We’ve significantly improved our lambing percentages over the years by tapping into the department’s research in livestock production.

“Our recent participation in the Farms of the Future Agtech Education Program, and the Farm Business Resilience Program has also been beneficial. It just shows you’re never too old to learn something new.”

Sam White, who operates the 2,270-hectare Bald Angus stud in Guyra, said:

“It’s magic up here in Northern NSW at the moment, as conditions continue to improve due to recent rainfall.

“Right now, commodity prices are rising significantly compared to 2023, and the outlook is incredibly promising as we look ahead.

“As southern regions begin to recover from drought conditions, and US herd begins to rebuild, we expect this momentum to continue, further driving beef prices upward.

“We’re currently in a favourable phase of the commodity cycle for both beef and sheep so it’s a great time for the industry.

“We’re seeing amazing prospects as we look ahead. The future is promising for producers.

“We look forward to collaborating with NSW DPIRD as we work together toward a bright future for industry.”

Brandon Armstrong, oyster farmer on the mid north coast and chair of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee, said:  

“Oyster farmers across NSW are encouraged to see the forecasted value in production this financial year. Despite having gone through lots of challenges the past year including the May floods, the industry can recover and thrive.

“The resilience of the industry is amazing, and oyster farmers are pursuing ways to safeguard their businesses through things like flood proof infrastructure, species diversification, hatchery technology, and supply chain innovation.

“We are gearing up for a good Christmas season to provide oyster lovers with high quality sustainably produced seafood.

“We are working collaboratively with NSW DPIRD on the Aquaculture Vision Statement released in 2024, that is to see the industry value double by 2030. We’re looking forward to opportunities to work together with the Department on key priorities identified in the Vision Roadmap to help us reach this target.”

Paul Aquilina, who operates in the NSW Prawn Trawl and Estuary General Fishery, said:

“Fishers have been consistently impacted since Covid, especially though the fires and more recently regular floods. It’s been tough for many commercial fishers, but we’ve kept developing our fisheries and working with DPIRD Fisheries.

“We’ve had fee waivers through this time, most recently the to the licence that allows us to sell our product more freely to local consumers. This has supported a lot of small fishing businesses.

“There has also been scientific and managerial support from DPIRD for gear innovation trials to improve the fisheries ecological footprint. This has been awesome for our fishery to help us catch NSW seafood more selectively and sustainably.

“Our future in this fishery is very strong. Given we now have a cost-effective option to sell the product we catch, our prices have improved and more people, seafood consumers and the public, are understanding what commercial fishing provides and how we operate. This has been facilitated by DPIRD Fisheries and other organisations like Ocean Watch, the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.”

AN ELECTED NSW LIBERALS AND NATIONALS GOVERNMENT IN 2027
WILL PRESS GO ON CAMELLIA-ROSEHILL

An elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government in 2027 will press go on the long-delayed Camellia-Rosehill project, ending years of Labor excuses and paralysis that have left Western Sydney families waiting for homes that should already exist.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman will confirm this commitment today at the Business Western Sydney Roundtable Lunch, where he will deliver the keynote address outlining the Coalition’s bold housing and infrastructure agenda to get New South Wales building again.
 
The Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy was finalised under the former Liberals and Nationals Government in 2022 with a clear plan for up to 10,000 new homes, up to 15,400 new jobs, light rail connections, public spaces and an 18-hour entertainment precinct along the Parramatta River. The blueprint was ready for delivery, but Labor has done nothing except delay and obstruct.
 
Since taking office, the Minns Labor Government has buried the project in bureaucracy and left families, businesses and builders in limbo. Housing approvals have fallen sharply, and costs have risen while Labor continues to slug Sydney homebuyers with a $12,000 Housing and Planning tax on every new home. Labor is making it harder, not easier, for families to own a home.
 
An elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government in 2027 will restart the Camellia-Rosehill rezoning immediately, unlock new homes, create jobs and make this long-promised precinct a reality for Western Sydney.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families and frontline workers cannot live in press releases.
 
“Camellia-Rosehill was ready to go but Labor walked away. An elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government in 2027 will press go, build homes, create jobs and deliver for the people of Western Sydney. We will get back to work for the families Labor has forgotten,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said Camellia-Rosehill should already be alive with new homes, cafés and construction jobs but Labor hit pause.
 
“The Liberals and Nationals completed the plan in 2022, and Labor has done nothing since. We will get Sydney building again and deliver homes for first home buyers, renters and frontline workers who’ve been locked out by Labor’s inaction,” Mr Farlow said.
 
At today’s Business Western Sydney Roundtable Lunch, Mr Speakman will also confirm that the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ 2027 plan includes so far:
 
Redeveloping Long Bay Correctional Complex into a new community with up to 12,000 homes supported by schools, parks and transport links.
Delivering the Woollahra Station precinct redevelopment to create more housing and improve local transport connections.
Fast-tracking rezoning across the Newtown/St Peters/Erskineville/Macdonaldtown precinct to unlock up to 15,000 new homes close to jobs, transport and essential services.
Restarting Camellia-Rosehill immediately to deliver 10,000 homes and 15,400 jobs in the heart of Western Sydney.
 
More announcements will follow in the coming months as the NSW Liberals and Nationals set out their plan to get New South Wales building again from 2027.
 
Labor promised a housing revolution but delivered a housing recession. The NSW Liberals and Nationals will press go, deliver homes and make New South Wales work again.