The Minns Labor Government has released a draft of NSW’s Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan, which is needed to prevent Greater Sydney running out of landfill. Without intervention, waste collection and disposal services could be severely impacted by 2030, forcing councils to transport rubbish to regional areas or interstate.
Failure to tackle this would drive up the cost of kerbside bin collections and lead to costs for residents and businesses increasing by around 20%.
A slowdown in rubbish collection would also impact critical infrastructure projects, such as new housing developments. It’s estimated that it could cost the economy around $23 billion.
The first chapter of the draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan will consult councils, industry and the community on the next steps to build the infrastructure required across Greater Sydney.
Future chapters are expected to be released later this year and will focus on enhancing recycling infrastructure and addressing the unique waste challenges facing regional and remote NSW.
The release of this chapter lays out how the NSW Government will:
safely manage the waste we don’t recycle and avoid Greater Sydney’s imminent shortfalls in landfill capacity
collect and process increased volumes of organic waste, as source-separated FOGO collections are rolled out across Greater Sydney.
The Minns Labor Government recognises that a state government cannot do this alone. A new Ministerial Advisory Committee will be established to guide the plan’s implementation and advise on local barriers, identify opportunities for investment and report on progress.
This plan follows the NSW Government’s recent mandate of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling. FOGO will reduce the volume of food waste sent to landfill, by diverting up to 950,000 tonnes of each year.
“For too long, state governments have ignored the fact that Greater Sydney is running out of landfill.
“Waste collection is an essential service.
“This draft plan is the first of its kind and is long overdue.
“We can no longer kick this problem down the road. I look forward to working with local councils, industry and local communities to urgently address the problem.”
The dedication and compassion of palliative care health staff and volunteers across NSW is being recognised this National Palliative Care Week (11 – 17 May 2025).
We thank the many staff and volunteers who provide essential care and support to patients and families during the most challenging time in their lives.
The NSW Government is committed to further enhancing palliative care services across the state and has introduced a range of measures to better support patients and their families living with a life-limiting illness.
This includes a $93 million investment in capital works as part of the World Class End of Life Care program, which will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities at five health facilities across the state including Wyong, Westmead, Tamworth, Nepean and Orange hospitals.
The Government is also committed to growing our specialist palliative care workforce, and is employing extra nurses, doctors and support staff, estimated at more than 570 additional full-time equivalent positions by 2026-27.
Last month, the Minns Labor Government announced an additional $2.8 million in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end of life care across the state. This forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.
Twelve local health districts and speciality health networks have received additional funding to strengthen specialist paediatric palliative care and improve the physical spaces where palliative and end of life care is provided.
The NSW Government has also committed $3 million in funding for the End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program, aimed at improving health outcomes for patients, carers and families with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.
Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our palliative care teams who provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients and families in exceptionally difficult circumstances.
“Our specialist palliative care workforce is comprised of doctors, allied health professionals and nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and volunteers.
“National Palliative Care Week is not only an opportunity to increase awareness about the importance of end of life and palliative care services, but also to begin conversations with family and friends about how one might to plan for their future requirements, including their own end-of-life care.”
The NSW Government is investing $15 million in the protection of Snowy Monaro communities, with work to begin on a new state-of-the-art bush fire and emergency management centre in Cooma.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has awarded the construction contract for the new Fire Control Centre (FCC), which will be co-located with an Emergency Operations Centre and aviation facility.
The centre will enable faster coordination and enhance frontline capabilities as emergency management experts are brought together under one roof during times of disaster.
The Snowy Monaro FCC is being developed in response to the 2020 NSW Bushfire Inquiry, which identified the need for upgraded emergency management infrastructure in the region.
Zauner Construction Pty Ltd will soon begin construction, with the project to be managed by NSW Public Works.
The facility will be located on a site adjoining the existing FCC and the Cooma/Polo Flat Aerodrome.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“This new centre will be a vital resource for those on the frontline and provide our volunteers with the best possible infrastructure to assist in firefighting efforts.
“With purpose-built workspaces and training rooms, this facility provides our emergency service personnel with the modern technology they need to protect life and property.
“This investment enhances not just firefighting but also search and rescue capabilities, which are vital in remote and rugged parts of the region.”
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:
“It’s great to see work finally starting on this important new facility. I am aware that it has been many years in the planning and having visited the existing centre many times, I am aware of its limitations.
“Our region has a history of large bushfires, and this centre will provide the facilities, technology and working conditions to ensure that our incredible, dedicated, emergency service volunteers and staff can provide the most effective responses possible.
“I’m very pleased to be a part of the Labor Government making the investment in this facility. It builds on a number of new control centres built in Monaro during my last period as Member for Monaro.”
Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:
“This new centre will not only support day-to-day operations, but also better equip our personnel to manage multi-agency responses to a range of hazards.
“The inclusion of a secure helicopter hangar and crew accommodation will also boost our aerial firefighting and rescue capability across the region, enabling faster deployment and more effective response during critical incidents.”
The first State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has been lodged under the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway, four months after the HDA opened Expressions of Interest.
The new SSDA proposes a 7-8 storey Residential Flat Building with 106 dwellings including affordable housing under the Gordon Transport Oriented Development controls. With planning documents now lodged, the proposal will be on public exhibition in the coming weeks, allowing the community to have their say.
The SSDA comes as the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 16 proposals of state significance, which if approved, could deliver more than 5400 homes, including affordable housing.
Of these proposals, 13 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 are in regional NSW.
The HDA pathway has seen a strong pipeline of proposals, with 102 proposals declared of state significance, which if approved could deliver more than 39,900 homes. Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements have also been issued for 34 proposals.
The Minns Labor Government established the HDA to support the state’s growing role in housing delivery.
Other pathways include the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus scheme which offers proponents additional height and Floor Space Ratio if they maintain 10 per cent of the development as affordable housing for at least 15 years.
Nine of these projects have already been approved, which will deliver more than 1,600 homes plus 440 affordable. There are a further 30 projects currently under assessment creating capacity for more than 6,300 homes and 1,700 affordable.
The Government aims to complete assessments of SSDAs within an average of 275 days, with 90 of those in Government hands.
After a decade of inaction on housing from the previous Government, the Minns Government is working with industry and councils to speed up assessment times, as well as creating new and streamlined planning pathways that mean a proponent can choose between working with a council or the State Government to progress their proposals.
This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers across the state have a place to call home and in the communities they choose.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“This is a significant milestone. Just four months after setting up the Housing Delivery Authority pathway, we’re already seeing major housing proposals progress to the next stage. It shows that when we remove roadblocks and provide clear pathways, industry responds quickly.
“With 102 proposals declared State Significant under the HDA pathway, we’re building a strong pipeline of housing across the state. This momentum is essential to tackling the housing supply and affordability.
“After a decade of inaction under the former Government, we’re not just playing catch-up, we’re setting the pace. From new pathways like the HDA to incentives for affordable housing, we’re making it easier to get good projects off the ground.”
Hundreds of new apprentices and trainees vital to the delivery of essential local services have hit the ground running with councils across the state, thanks to a landmark $252.2 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.
The NSW Government’s Fresh Start program is funding the wages of an additional 1,300 apprentices, trainees and cadets in the local government sector over the next six years.
Councils have now been given the green light to employ 1,008 new apprentices, trainees and cadets this year under the first two rounds of funding.
Hundreds commenced their new roles with councils across the state earlier this year, with more onboarding every month as councils fill roles to coincide with the start dates of a wide range of training programs.
More than 60 per cent of the approved new roles are in regional and rural councils, providing a major boost to regional communities and more job opportunities for people in country towns.
The Fresh Start program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.
Councils have applied for the jobs they need most including 58 more apprentice mechanics, 25 electricians, 146 parks and gardens staff, 82 civil construction apprentices and trainees and 44 early childhood trainees.
47 planning cadets and trainees and 58 in engineering have also been approved, vital to driving local housing approvals and enabling supporting community infrastructure to help tackle the housing crisis.
A 2022 report by the Australian Local Government Association found that 91 per cent of respondent councils in NSW reported skills shortages, with close to 30 per cent reporting shortages in trades such as plumbing, automotive and mechanical work.
Under the Liberal-National Government, councils in NSW have suffered a severe depletion of in-house trade capabilities, with councils resorting to outsourcing core services to contractors.
The sector also has an ageing workforce which is threatening the loss of essential skills and knowledge as workers retire.
The Fresh Start program supports the government’s goal of boosting the number of apprentices and trainees in councils to make up 15 per cent of the local government workforce, to address the growing skills shortage that is slowing down the delivery of homes and community infrastructure.
The program has shown great success with nearly 90 per cent of local government organisations successfully applying for funding.
A third round will be open to councils soon aimed exclusively at apprentices, providing opportunities for hundreds more young people start jobs in councils from January next year.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
“Council staff are out in our communities every day, providing the services we often take for granted.
“This program is a massive boost for local government and for young people looking for a job where they can work in their local community.
“Councils employ more than 50,000 people in NSW, and many council workers who start as an apprentice or trainee go on to have life-long careers in local government.
“It means more horticulturalists to look after our parks, more childcare staff to educate the next generation and more planners to help deliver more homes.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“From Wollongong to Walgett, the Blue Mountains to Ballina, the Fresh Start program is an investment in the future of local government in NSW.
“The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas.
“We’re opening the door for hundreds of young people to learn life-long skills, making sure councils have the workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“The Minns Labor Government was elected on the promise that we would rebuild local services, restore confidence in local education networks and boost local job opportunities.
“It’s pleasing to see the Fresh Start program helping to plug gaps across the local government sector in NSW, including in critical skills shortages areas such as construction and childcare.
“Vocational education and training provides a valuable career path for many young people and there’s no doubt the Fresh Start program will help build a stronger workforce for NSW councils.”
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council in Montreal has found Russia is responsible under international law for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on 17 July 2014.
This is a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones.
The ICAO Council found that Russia breached the prohibition under international law on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and is responsible for the loss of 298 innocent lives, including 38 who called Australia home.
In reaching its decision, the ICAO Council has upheld the fundamental principle that weapons should not be used against civil aircraft.
The Australian Government welcomes the ICAO Council’s decision and urges it to move swiftly to determine remedies for this violation. We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law.
Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives as a result of Russia’s actions, their families and loved ones.
While we cannot take away the grief of those left behind, we will continue to stand with them in that grief and pursue justice for this horrific act.
A third man has been charged as inquiries continue into an alleged kidnapping at Muswellbrook earlier this year.
Shortly before 4am on Friday 21 March 2025, a 25-year-old man was allegedly forced to stop his vehicle on the New England Highway near Muswellbrook by a group of five males in a silver Subaru Impreza.
The man was allegedly removed from his vehicle before he was assaulted and forced into the Subaru, and driven to Tindale Street, Muswellbrook.
Police believe the Subaru remained on Tindale Street for some time, before travelling to the Denman or surrounding rural area.
A short time later, a 35-year-old man was stopped in his vehicle outside the same address in Tindale Street, Muswellbrook, when a Holden Commodore utility crashed into the front of his vehicle.
The 35-year-old man was allegedly approached and threatened by an occupant of the ute, before he drove away without injury. Police will allege that the incidents are linked.
Police later found the 25-year-old man at Muswellbrook railway station with facial injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital. He has since been released.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District were notified and established Strike Force Sanderston to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Following extensive inquiries and a public appeal for information, officers executed search warrants at two homes in Scone and Muswellbrook yesterday (Wednesday 7 May 2025).
During the searches, police allegedly located a replica firearm, electronics, illegal tobacco products, prohibited drugs, and a range of property believed to be stolen.
Two men – aged 34 and 21 – were subsequently arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where they were charged. They remain before the Courts.
On Monday 12 May 2025, detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at Muswellbrook. He was taken to in Muswellbrook police station where he was charged with take person in company with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, stalk/intimidate – intend fear physical etc harm (personal) and sexually touch another person without consent.
He was refused bail to appear before Muswellbrook Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 13 May 2025).
Inquiries into the incident continue under Strike Force Sanderston.
One of the Hunter’s most popular community assets will remain open to the public during vital maintenance work that will improve the safety, longevity and functionality of the Fernleigh Track tunnel.
Originally part of the railway line that transported coal from mines in Lake Macquarie to the port of Newcastle from 1892 to 1991, the tunnel became the highlight of the much-loved cycling and pedestrian path when it opened in 2003.
As part of annual engineering inspections, City of Newcastle identified the need for maintenance to ensure the safety of users and extend the life of the 181-metre-long curved tunnel.
The renewal work will begin later this week and is expected to be finished by the end of June, weather permitting.
Steel mesh will be installed in parts of the tunnel while damaged mortar will be repaired to maintain the stability of the bricks. Weep holes will also be installed in the tunnel to allow for improved drainage.
City of Newcastle’s Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon said the needs of the community have been at the forefront of planning for this project.
“We know how popular the Fernleigh Track and tunnel are with local cyclists, runners and pedestrians,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“The project will provide maintenance for the existing elements of the tunnel and help to reduce future renewal costs, however the biggest priority is to ensure the safety and longevity of the historic site for everyone to enjoy.
“The maintenance will take place between 6pm and 2am, Monday to Friday, to minimise disruptions to daytime users. Additional lighting and temporary fencing will be added to the work area and clear signage will be in place at both tunnel entrances.
“In order to minimise the disturbance to users and residents, access to the tunnel will be maintained, but the usual two-lane pathway will be reduced to a single shared lane within the work zone.
“Pedestrian pathways will be clearly marked 60 metres from the tunnel entrances in both directions and traffic controllers will be on site to safely manage pedestrian and cyclist movements.
“While some noise may be noticeable during work hours because of the use of machinery and equipment, we will make every effort to minimise disturbance throughout the project.”
Other features of the works include the removal of existing graffiti and the application of a new anti-graffiti coating.
For more information on the planned upgrades please visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works
The NSW Government shares community concerns about coastal erosion to parts of the Central Coast, especially with the impacted householders.
In response to a letter received from Central Coast Council, the NSW Government has agreed to meet with Council about the issue in the coming week.
Up to this point the Government has acted on the advice of the Local Emergency Management Committee about the situation, including Central Coast Council, as is required by law.
