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The Minns Labor Government is boosting connectivity and resilience in Western NSW with up to $15 million funding for runway upgrades and safety improvements to accommodate larger planes.

The Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, was in Bourke today to announce that the Government is working closely with the Bourke Shire Council, Central Darling Shire Council and Edward River Council to future proof access at three priority airstrips.

The funding and work will enable better essential and emergency services access and allow for a greater range of operations at the airstrips. The funding is being made available as follows:

• $4.66 million available to strengthen the runway at Bourke Airport
• $5.76 million earmarked for improving White Cliffs airstrip
• $4.57 million set aside for enhancing Deniliquin Airport airstrip.

The funding is being made available as part of the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund set up to focus on community connection and capacity building, plus improving regional service delivery.

The Airstrip Improvements in Rural and Remote NSW Program aims to improve access to vital health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies in regional NSW, including in times of natural disasters.

Th program will support the three councils to deliver various improvements including increasing runway lengths, plus strengthening and widening to allow larger planes to take off and land safely. The work will also look at potential upgrades to lighting and line markings.

The ability to support larger aircraft will benefit health, community and emergency services, tourism operators, education and training providers and the business sector.

Improved air connectivity will also increase linkages between rural and remote towns, resulting in stronger, vibrant regional communities.

The projects have been informed by a NSW Government initiated statewide audit of rural and remote airstrips, which included consultation with asset owners and aeromedical service providers, to ascertain the priorities for undertaking improvements.

Work on the upgrades is expected to commence during 2025.

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our rural and remote airstrips are a lifeline for regional NSW communities and provide vital access points for health and emergency services, specialist trades and general supplies, including in times of natural disasters.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making access for regional communities better and this investment from our Regional Development Trust Fund is delivering infrastructure to where it is needed and will make real improvements.

“These upgrades at the Bourke, Deniliquin and White Cliffs airstrips will ensure these important assets are well prepared for the future with the ability to accommodate larger planes as fleets change in size and grow to bring more people, goods and trade to regional NSW.

“The Bourke Airport is a critical hub in Western NSW that supports health professionals, emergency services and trades whilst also providing the community with access to commercial flights to Dubbo and beyond.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $5.5 million into the construction of the crisis shelter in Clarence Valley LGA to ensure victim-survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe and secure place to go to when they escape abuse.

Local service provider Momentum Collective will deliver the building project. The refuge will have a cluster of up to six accommodation units, which are expected to open in 2026.

Based on the Core and Cluster model, each unit will be self-contained to ensure the privacy and independence of residents and to allow people to bring their family pet with them to safety.

A ‘core’ area will include open spaces for children to play, as well as private rooms to facilitate access to one-on-one support such as counselling or legal advice.

All spaces have also been designed to be culturally safe and appropriate, so all women and children who come through its doors feel supported to recover from trauma, restore their connection to community and rebuild their lives.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides crisis accommodation and on-site support services to women and children leaving violence.

Once completed, Core and Cluster refuges will house and support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles. We are committed to providing wraparound supports to victim-survivors escaping abuse, as well as strengthening our justice system to make perpetrators accountable, intervening earlier so violence doesn’t escalate, and implementing a primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“A woman fleeing an abusive relationship should not have the burden of worrying about where she and her children will sleep that night.

“No one should have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent situation.This new refuge will provide vital support for women and children in  Clarence Valley, to ensure they have a safe place to go when they need it most.

“This refuge will give women and children the stability and care they need after escaping violence — helping them recover, reconnect and begin rebuilding their lives.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“It’s crucial that we continue to provide culturally safe services and supports for Aboriginal women and children escaping violence, as they may experience multiple and intersecting challenges impacting their experience of violence, and face additional barriers to seeking support and safety.

“This new refuge is one of nine under the Core and Cluster program that are Aboriginal-led to support the safety of Aborignal women and children, so they can turn their mind to rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with the community.

“We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“We know there is a great need for crisis accommodation for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, especially in regional and rural New South Wales. We are working hard to deliver more refuges under the Core and Cluster program as fast as possible.

“Women and children fleeing violent and abusive homes have experienced trauma, and we’re making sure these refuges are designed to help women heal and recover by providing them with independent living spaces and culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, accessible, on-site support.

“We want all women and children to know that they don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship or return to a violent situation because they have no place to go.”

Labor spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“It’s wonderful to see the Core and Cluster model rolled out in the Clarence Valley.

“I want to commend the work of Momentum Collective and Gurehlgam, for the care taken to design a culturally safe place for our community.”  

Dr Tracey Mackie CEO of Momentum Collective said:

“Momentum Collective is on a mission to create inclusive opportunities and positive outcomes for all the people we work with, including women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

“That’s why we’re building this service because we know that when people come through the doors, they will enter a safe place where they will be supported to heal from trauma and build brighter futures.

“In partnership with local, Aboriginal-led Gurehlgam, we have secured a calm, tranquil and nature-rich location on which to create this safe space that supports breaking cycles of violence and empowering individuals to live free from violence and abuse.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

Disaster assistance is now available in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett Local Government Areas (LGAs) following the impact of flooding.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Australian and New South Wales Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

• Assistance for impacted residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

The NSW SES, NSW Reconstruction Authority and other services are out on the ground assessing impacts and providing support. To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“We have seen that flooding has had a significant impact on the communities of Bourke, Brewarrina, and Walgett. The waters may have finally receded, but people still need help.”

“Recovery has a long tail, and it takes time, but the NSW Government will be working with our partners in the Commonwealth to make sure that communities in the Far West are listened to, and that they get the support they need.”

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”

Remote residents of the Far West Local Health District are set to benefit from better access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program thanks to virtual care.

MERIT is a voluntary pre-plea Local Court diversion program that provides access to a range of alcohol and other drug treatment services for 12 weeks while court matters are adjourned. The virtual Program is in the initial implementation stage for people attending Broken Hill, Wilcannia and Wentworth Local Courts.

The virtual care technology adds an important new care option, helping to meet the unique needs of remote and rural communities in Far West NSW by increasing the reach and flexibility of service delivery.

The technology will support these communities with greater access to drug and alcohol treatment programs to ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs.

MERIT provides access to a wide range of alcohol and other drug treatment services, such as care co-ordination, psychosocial support and individual counselling. It can also assist with referrals to addiction medicine specialists and NSW residential rehabilitation services.

The program has been shown to have positive outcomes for participants. Some of these benefits include decreased drug use and associated harms, decreased offending behaviour, improved health and wellbeing and the possibility of a better sentencing outcome.

In Far West NSW, referrals to the MERIT team can be made by calling the Broken Hill Mental Health Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre on 08 8080 1142 and through several sources, including magistrates, legal representatives, NSW Police, service providers working with the defendant or the defendant themselves.

MERIT is an inter-agency initiative of the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, the Chief Magistrate’s Office and NSW Police Force.

The expansion of the MERIT program is part of the NSW Government’s response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug ‘Ice’.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Programs like this can be life changing for an individual as it can direct them out of custody and into health programs tailored to their needs, supporting them to get back on track.

“I am pleased people in Far West NSW will have better access to this important program thanks to the innovative virtual care options.”

Acting Attorney General, Ron Hoenig:

“We know programs like MERIT are helping to tackle substance abuse and reduce reoffending.

“The addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will make it easier for those in regional and remote areas to access this support.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“This virtual care technology means people in Far West NSW now have better access to essential alcohol and other drug treatment services, as part of the MERIT Program.

“Since starting in 2000, MERIT has helped over 27,000 people in NSW, supporting them to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce contact with the criminal justice system. I am pleased the Program is now more accessible to people in Far West NSW as a result of this technology.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

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

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

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

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

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

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

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

Round Three – Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund
Council	Project	Funding	Homes
Central Coast Council	Central Coast Council residential zone review program	$250,000	2558
Griffith City Council	Griffith urban Crown land affordable housing activation business case	$190,000	120
Goulburn Mulwaree Council	Technical studies to inform Goulburn’s CBD and Surrounds Transformation Project	$122,378	4226
Murray River Council	Murray River Infrastructure Strategy for Moama	$99,025	3890
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Port Macquarie planning control review to unlock housing	$200,000	1817
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Local Infrastructure Contribution Plan for Wolumla	$50,380	1096
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Eurobodalla planning proposal for Batemans Bay Urban Renewal Project	$200,000	8000
Singleton Council	Singleton planning control review to accelerate and unlock housing	$120,671	8860
Lake Macquarie City Council	Supporting works for the Lake Macquarie Housing Strategy	$250,000	2849
Port Stephens Council	Port Stephens infrastructure needs analysis	$249,490	11,100
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven Estate Renewal Strategy and Delivery Plan for Nowra (joint project with Homes NSW and Southern Cross Housing)	$250,000	500
Uralla Shire Council	Uralla Growth Management Strategy, LEP review and developer servicing plans for water and sewer	$250,000	208
Inverell Shire Council	Inverell detailed drainage assessment and plans for new residential areas	$220,000	1002
Cobar Shire Council	Cobar Local Housing Strategy	$166,840	TBA
Central Darling Shire Council	Central Darling Shire Local Housing Strategy	$156,335	35
Narrabri Shire Council	Narrabri Development Control Plan update	$47,000	5960
Coonamble Shire Council	Coonamble Shire Urban Housing Strategy	$69,916	60
Gilgandra Shire Council	Gilgandra residential master planning project > Towards 5000	$226,930	481
Orange City Council	South Orange Sewer Servicing Strategy	$164,772	2740
Mid-Western Regional Council	Mid-Western Regional Council housing strategy implementation	$210,000	240
Parkes Shire Council	East Parkes Masterplan and Servicing Strategy	$185,799	980
Dubbo Regional Council	Dubbo Master Plan and Servicing Strategy for Montefiores, Wellington	$250,000	1400
Albury City Council	Albury LEP amendment and toolkit for Thurgoona Growth Precinct	$192,000	23,421
City of Newcastle	Accelerate the place-based master planning for City of Newcastle’s Transport Oriented Development precincts	$250,000	23,591

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

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

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

The new laws make it an offence to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

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

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

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

Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith said:

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

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

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

Chief Industry Affairs Officer Australian Retailers Association Fleur Brown said:

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

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

Coles General Manager Grant Shelton said:

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

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

Kmart and Target CEO John Gualtieri said:

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

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

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

Acting Deputy Secretary SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin said:

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

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

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