NSW Budget delivers veterans free access to National Parks

In a nod to those who’ve served our country, the Minns Labor Government will expand free vehicle access to national parks in NSW to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget measure will enable more veterans from around Australia to apply for a free pass to enter the 45 national parks in the state where a vehicle entry fee applies.

The pass is currently available for some categories of Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders, and this decision by the Minns Labor Government will ensure all DVA Veteran Card holders are able to apply, including those with a White Card or Orange Card.

It will increase veteran access to our network of national parks and have the added benefit of boosting veterans’ physical and mental health.

NSW has an incredible network of 895 national parks and reserves that conserve close to 10 per cent of the state, protecting unique ecosystems across deserts, Alpine regions, coastal areas, rainforest and Ramsar-listed wetlands.

Only 5 per cent of parks and reserves in NSW have vehicle entry fees. They range from $4 to $12 a day, and up to $29 a day for Kosciuszko National Park in winter. Removing the charge will make it easier for all Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders to enjoy more of these natural wonderlands.

Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders will be able to apply for the pass from Monday, 7 July 2025, by visiting https://pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/concession/application.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers discount or concession annual passes for eligible seniors, pensioners and visitors who renew their NSW vehicle registration.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Our veterans have given so much to Australia – this is about giving something small but meaningful back.

“Access to nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re proud to reward more veterans with free vehicle entry to enjoy these incredible places.

“The invite to visit the best national parks in the country extends to all those who’ve served our nation – whether you’re from NSW or interstate.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, which are loved by people from within our state, across Australia and internationally.

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity, to help all DVA Veterans Card holders enjoy them. This is a small way we can thank veterans for their service.”

Minister for Veterans, David Harris:

“Veterans served in defence of this great land, so it makes sense that they have earnt free access to our beautiful national parks.

“We know that many NSW servicemen and servicewomen carry injuries or mental and emotional impacts from their service, so it is important to make it easier for them to access the restorative powers of our state’s great outdoors.”

New residential drug rehab program launched for Hunter New England youth

Young people in the Hunter region and across NSW have access to a new, intensive alcohol and other drug rehabilitation service, with the official launch of Palm Youth Rehab by the Ted Noffs Foundation (Noffs) in Newcastle.

Palm Youth Rehab is a three-month, residential withdrawal management and rehabilitation program specific to adolescents aged 12 to 17. Taking a holistic, harm-reduction approach, the program supports young people through complex trauma, alcohol and other drug use, and behavioural challenges, helping them safely move forward in their lives.

The new rehabilitation service was funded as part of the Government response to the Ice Inquiry, which aimed to address treatment gaps and improve health and social outcomes, particularly for young people, and people in regional and rural areas. Almost $13 million over four years has been invested in the new service, including capital funding.   

Delivered by a multi-disciplinary team trained in trauma-informed care, the program includes individual counselling, group work, family support, education and vocational training, life skills, recreational activities, and in-reach medical care provided by the local health district.

Noffs is one of Australia’s largest providers of youth alcohol and drug treatment services, with a proven track record of reducing drug dependency, crime, and mental health challenges in young people across the country.

The new service operates under the Palm therapeutic community model, which empowers participants to take an active role in the day-to-day running of their community, developing accountability, decision-making skills, and social connection.

Young people are supported beyond the program, with up to three years of post-residential case management offered in their community.

Referrals can be made by general practitioners, health professionals, community workers, family members, and young people can also self-refer. An intake worker is available during business hours to support the process.

For more information or to make a referral, contact Palm Youth Rehab by Noffs.

Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park:

“This new residential rehabilitation program reflects our commitment to delivering targeted, evidence-based support for young people across the state.

“It’s about providing safe, structured care that addresses the root causes of alcohol and drug use, and gives young people the tools to build a healthier future.

“The team at Noffs are known for their dedicated and empowering rehabilitative support, this program will deliver holistic, trauma-informed care and make a tangible impact on the lives of young people in our community.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“This new rehab service is a fresh start for young people doing it tough. With real care, evidence-backed support and a safe space to heal, it’s where recovery begins – a chance to reset, rebuild and rediscover what they’re capable of.

“What makes this place special is the people. Peer workers who’ve lived it, professionals who genuinely care and a team that really gets it. It’s a space where young people can feel connected, understood and hopeful again.

“At the end of the day, it’s about giving young people a place where they feel heard, supported and ready to make real change – something the NSW Government is proud to back.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp: 

“The Ted Noffs Foundation are performing vital work across the country, and I welcome this new program in Newcastle.

“By providing a holistic approach to rehabilitation, Noffs can provide long term and meaningful support to vulnerable young people as they move forward in their lives.”

HNELHD District Manager Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services, Kylie Whitford:

“We’re proud to be working with the Ted Noffs Foundation to deliver this vital service for our young people. Through a collaborative model of care, we can provide early, effective, and compassionate support for those experiencing significant challenges.”

“This initiative supports our broader goal of improving access to mental health and alcohol and other drug services across the district, especially for vulnerable populations.”

Matt Noffs, CEO of Ted Noffs Foundation:

“International research done by UNSW has proven that our Youth Rehab significantly reduces drug problems, violent crime and even hospitalisations. We’ve done this for decades and the more treatment we have, the safer and healthier NSW becomes.”

“Most of the young people in our programs have gone through significant trauma in their lives. The reason why we are a large provider of treatment for young people in Australia is that our program replicates a positive family environment and it’s based on over 20 years of evidence and experience.”

“While the core of our work focuses on drugs, crime and suicide, the reason we are successful is because we deal with the underlying trauma. We provide a safe space and help the young people we work with to become productive members of society.”

“The NSW Government have made a significant commitment toward regional areas that are struggling with issues related to young people, drugs and crime. This goes a long way and we are incredibly grateful.”

Buses replace some trains

Wednesday 18 June

  • From 8am to 1pm, buses replace trains between Newcastle Interchange and Telarah or Muswellbrook.
  • The 08:29 Newcastle Interchange to Dungog will not run. Catch the 08:48 Newcastle Interchange to Telarah train and change at Maitland for a bus towards Dungog.
  • Buses also replace the 10:02 Dungog to Newcastle Interchange service.
  • Replacement buses for trackwork may be affected by driver shortages. We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur.
  • Plan your trip before you travel for up-to-date real time information. You can also subscribe to planned trackwork alerts.

Bus routes
1HU Newcastle Interchange, all stations to Telarah and return
4HU Maitland, all stations to Dungog (in that direction only)
7HU Warabrook Station to University shuttle bus
15HU Maitland, all stations to Muswellbrook (in that direction only)
19HU Dungog, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)
28HU Muswellbrook, all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all stations to Beresfield, Warabrook, all stations to Newcastle Interchange (in that direction only)

NSW Budget delivers major upgrade for Thornton Public School

Maitland students will soon be enjoying new play space and modern classrooms as the Minns Labor Government delivers a multimillion-dollar upgrade for historic Thornton Public School in the 2025-26 Budget.

The major upgrade for the school, which dates back to 1919, will include a new, state-of-the-art building with 16 new contemporary classrooms, a new library, new student and staff bathrooms, additional parking and a covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

Due for completion in 2028, the upgrade will expand the school’s capacity and help cater for the population boom in the local area.

Maitland is one of the fastest-growing areas in NSW, with significant population growth underway southeast of the Maitland city centre. In the Thornton and Chisholm communities, the number of students has already increased from 2,100 in 2018 to 3,000 students in 2025. It’s expected these areas will expand by close to 9,500 people in the coming years.

Despite this rapid population growth, the Liberals and Nationals denied Thornton Public School needed an upgrade, saying the school was dealing with temporary “fluctuations” in enrolments in 2022.

After 12 years of mismanagement and neglect by the Liberals and Nationals, the Minns Labor Government is building a better a better NSW.

We are providing the essential school infrastructure that young families rely on, giving our children a head start and setting our state up for long-term prosperity.

As part of our long-term plan, the Minns Labor Government is delivering better public school facilities for families across the Hunter region.

This includes delivering a new public school and high school at Huntlee, a new high school for Medowie, major school upgrades at Newcastle High School, Hunter River High School and Irrawang High School, and a full redevelopment of Gillieston Public School in Maitland, which will deliver a new co-located public preschool.

These upgrades are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment over four years to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“In recent years, the community in and around Thornton has rapidly grown – but the Liberals and Nationals denied this school needed an expansion.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and the tireless advocacy of Jenny Aitchison, have listened to the community, and I am delighted to announce we will deliver this long-awaited major upgrade for the Thornton Public School community.

“This new project, as part of the Minns Government’s budget, demonstrates our commitment to continue delivering the vital school infrastructure that Hunter families need.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a huge win for our community. This area is growing rapidly, and our schools need to grow, too. This upgrade ensures our kids have the learning environment they need.

“This is about future-proofing education in one of NSW’s fastest growing areas.”

Thornton Public School principal Stuart Wylie said:

“Our school community is thrilled to see this project get the green light. We are rapidly growing, and this upgrade will make a real difference to our students and teachers.

“We’re excited to see our school evolve to meet the needs of our growing community while keeping learning on track every step of the way.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Glendale

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter region.

John Littler, aged 50, was last seen on Labulla Parade, Glendale, about 7:40pm on Sunday 15 June 2025.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified yesterday (Monday 16 June 2025) and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family members hold serious concerns for John’s welfare as he lives with medical conditions which require medication.

John is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of solid build, with short grey hair and a grey beard.

He is known to frequent Redhead Beach and Nobbys Beach/break wall.

Elder abuse on the rise

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP today announced her support for the Relationship Australia NSW policy paper, and the calls for action it champions to support the 15% of older people aged 65+ who are abused and lack support services.

Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina

“There is a disgraceful head in the sand approach to the care and support for older people who are suffering abusive treatment. Reforms that ensure that funding and support services are available and accessible are essential when at least 15% of older people experience abuse.”

“As NSW Greens spokesperson for Older People, and a regional MP, I am happy to support the Relationships Australia NSW policy paper’s calls for action on the growing crisis of elder abuse.”

“It’s time to shine a light on the struggles that older people are facing. Every Australian should have access to support and with 28% of people 60+ living outside of Sydney, due consideration for the challenges to access that the regions face should be accounted for.”

“Funding, research and protections are needed right now to ensure that our elders are afforded dignity and respect.”

“50% of young adults under 30 are living at home. This changing dynamic within our family units sees the risk of elder abuse quietly rising in our own households.”

“Coercive control laws, and strong protections in Enduring Power of Attorney arrangements are vital, in conjunction with accessible services that speak to marginalised communities and the 3 in 10 seniors in NSW living beyond the reach of Sydney’s services.”

“Access is not a buzzword. 50% of older people 65+ are living with a disability. When you combine that statistic with those living regionally, the numbers are very grim indeed.”

Attorney General confirms plans to strengthen the right to discriminate on final day of Darwin Pride

Background

Attorney General Marie-Claire Boothby yesterday announced changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act to weaken protections against discrimination and reinstate some employer’s right to discriminate on the basis of race, sexuality, gender, religious beliefs and other factors. She referred to it as “restoring balance” to anti-discrimination laws, and said it was part of the Finocchiaro Government’s push to restore our ‘Territory lifestyle.’

This announcement coincided with the concluding day of the 40th annual Darwin Pride, where the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies met to celebrate visibility and activism. Our hearts go out to the many members of our community who will face needless, preventable discrimination as a result of these changes.

Racial discrimination in particular is on the rise, fuelled by dog-whistle political rhetoric and policies that target and impact Aboriginal communities, particularly young people.

The NT Greens call on the Attorney General to release the list of stakeholders she consulted with before making these changes, and to abandon these needless, counterproductive reforms. 

During Estimates today, the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner confirmed that his office does not support the proposed changes to the Act and that he had advised the Attorney General to not proceed with the amendments announced today. 

Kat McNamara MLA, Member for Nightcliff

“Let’s be clear, the reintroduction of 37A is not about religious freedom, it is about allowing discrimination of teachers and students on the basis of their sexuality and beliefs. Discrimination should have no place in the Territory.”

“We learnt in Estimates today that the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner strongly opposes the proposed changes to the Anti- Discrimination Act and yet the CLP Government is recklessly proceeding regardless. Consultation is meaningless if you do not listen to the expert feedback provided.”

“The fact that the Attorney General thought it was appropriate to make this announcement on the final day of Darwin Pride shows careless arrogance, deep ignorance, or both.”

“The Attorney General says this is part of restoring our ‘iconic Territory lifestyle.’ The idea that being able to vilify members of our community is part of our lifestyle is both offensive and ridiculous.”

“These changes will embolden individuals and organisations to discriminate.”

Nic Carson, Acting Convenor of the Northern Territory Greens

“The NT Greens stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community, our multicultural community, our First Nations community, our community living with disability, and others who will face needless discrimination as a result of these changes.” 

“This demonstrates the CLP’s ignorance about the scale and impact of discriminatory practice and hate speech in the NT. Rather than shutting it down, they want to create space for more or the behaviours that produce systemic discrimination in the Territory.”

“What the CLP sees as ‘harmless jokes’ are the tip of the iceberg. Beneath them are layers of prejudice, exclusion, and discrimination that are an underlying cause of deaths in custody, gender inequality in workplaces, anti-trans narratives, and over-incarceration of First Nations people.” 

“There are people in our community being shut out of employment, shut out of accessing public amenity and patronage, due to their gender, age, sexuality, disability, racial background, and other factors. This has to stop.”

Newcastle Museum exhibition highlights history of German-speakers in the Hunter

Margarete Ritchie was just three years old when she and her family left Austria in 1955 to make a new life on the other side of the world. 

Their journey across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to Australia is just one of the stories woven into the rich tapestry of memory in Newcastle Museum’s new exhibition, Heimat in the Hunter, which opens to the public tomorrow. 

Heimat in the Hunter exhibition at Newcastle MuseumHedy Fairbairn, Associate Professor Julie McIntyre, Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Julie Baird, Dr Sacha Davis, Tim Crakanthorp and Dr Jaime Hunt take a look at the new Heimat in the Hunter exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum tomorrow.

Developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle and drawing on the academic research of Dr Sacha Davis, Dr Jaime Hunt and Associate Professor Julie McIntyre, the free exhibition reveals the history and experiences of German-speakers in the Hunter region. 

German is the tenth most common language other than English spoken in Newcastle and the Hunter. 

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said exhibitions such as Heimat in the Hunter offer a valuable insight into the history of our city. 

“It is important to share and preserve stories of the communities and residents who have made Newcastle what it is today,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“I commend the work of Newcastle Museum and the University of Newcastle on this wonderful exhibition, which will hopefully promote better understanding of the city’s many migrant community experiences.”

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said partnerships between Newcastle Museum and research institutions like the University of Newcastle offer new ways to connect the public with contemporary historical research.  

“This is a history not just of German-speaking migrants, but of courage, creativity and connection, where objects become anchors for memory, cultural continuity and the migrant experience,” Ms Baird said. 

Heimat in the Hunter brings together humble objects, images and interviews that reveal extraordinary stories and the importance of home and connecting world events to our shared local stories.” 

The exhibition showcases items from the Museum’s collection as well as treasured family heirlooms generously loaned by members of the community. 

Margarete’s story is brought to life through the remarkable travel album created by her father, Franz Ranzenbacher, which is filled with descriptions and photographs of their journey as well as a hand-drawn map of their migration route. 

Travelling with her mother, father and eight-year-old sister, Margarete set off from Genoa aboard the MS Aurelia and sailed through the Suez Canal to Columbo in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), before docking in Fremantle and then finally Sydney, where they caught a train to the Greta Migrant Camp. 

“I am quite honoured to have my parent’s quest to make a good home for their family in Australia, far from the turmoil in Europe in the early to mid-1950s, included in this exhibition,” Mrs Ritchie said. 

A beautiful wool dinner suit tailored by Franz Schwaller helps tell the story of Viennese migrant Ernst Baumwald, who left war-torn Europe in 1939 to make a new life in Newcastle. 

With strict limitations on what he could bring with him, Ernst arrived in Australia with little more than some clothing, a collection of German-language engineering books and his precious slide rule, which are among the items loaned to the exhibition by his daughter Hedy Fairbairn.   

“Ernst was a civil engineer and spent the larger part of his working life at Newcastle’s State Dockyard. He was responsible for the design of the turntable on the Southern Hemisphere’s first drive-on-drive-off passenger ship, Princess of Tasmania,” Mrs Fairbairn said. 

“Two vital items came with him from Vienna: his technical books/manuals and his slide rule. He relied on those books all his working life. Every calculation and computation for his design work was made with that slide rule. Later in life he purchased a pocket calculator, but the slide rule was never truly replaced.”   

University of Newcastle Discipline Lead for History, Dr. Sacha Davis, said German-speaking migrants form an important element in the rich history of the Newcastle and Hunter region.  

“Their experiences on the one hand are individual and specific, and on the other hand speak to the story of migration to the region more broadly. Yet German-speaking migration to the region has frequently been overlooked,” Dr Davis said.  

“The great strength of this exhibition has been the passionate and generous involvement of the community in the telling of these stories.” 

Visitors to the exhibition are also encouraged to share their stories via a QR code as part of the University of Newcastle’s current research project, German as a Heritage Language and Culture in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, led by Dr Hunt. 

This exhibition has been supported by the NSW Government, through Create NSW, the University of Newcastle Copley Bequest Pilot Research Fund, and the Australian Linguistic Society. 

Heimat in the Hunter opens on Tuesday 17 June and will be on display until Sunday 21 September.

Four times the fun as City of Newcastle begins $750,000 playground upgrades

Work will begin tomorrow on a new playground and half-court basketball area at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland as part of City of Newcastle’s annual Playground Replacement Program.

Playgrounds at Morpeth Road Reserve at Waratah West, Johnson Park at Lambton and Stockton Pool will also be replaced as part of a $750,000 investment to provide improved recreational opportunities for families across the local government area.

Artist's impression Beauford Avenue ReserveAn artist’s impression of the new playground and half-court basketball facility being built by City of Newcastle at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the Playground Replacement Program has upgraded, replaced or improved 28 popular recreational areas since 2018.

“We know parks and playgrounds are an integral part of life in Newcastle,” Ms Duffy said.

“City of Newcastle has invested more than $14 million into playground projects across Newcastle during the past seven Budgets as part of our commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community. 

“Additionally, the draft 2025/26 Budget features $10 million for the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace, which will be the city’s first regional level playground, with $750,000 also included for the local playground renewals.

“The four playgrounds chosen as part of this year’s Playground Replacement Program will receive new equipment such as nest seat swings, climbing structures, a variety of slides, rubber softfall and inground trampolines.

“Work will begin at Maryland tomorrow and over the next few weeks we’ll carry out demolition, drainage improvements, concreting and sandstone elements to get the site ready for the equipment as soon as possible.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said it’s important to consider the needs of all users when designing playgrounds.

“We aim to deliver enhanced and accessible playspaces for children right across the city,” Ms Winney-Baartz said.

“We’ve incorporated inclusive play elements into each location, as well as challenging play components such as slides and bridges.

“Beauford Avenue Reserve Playground and Stockton Pool Playground will have new paths added to ensure everyone can access the facilities.”

The playground at Stockton Pool is due to be replaced by the time swimmers return to the facility in September, in addition to new barbecue shelters.

Morpeth Road Reserve and Johnson Park playgrounds are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Major infrastructure package to support Western Sydney Aerotropolis growth

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing a comprehensive $835 million investment to enable development, support job creation and maximise economic growth for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis region.

Spanning 11,200 hectares, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis presents a generational opportunity to create a thriving economic hub which is set to provide thousands of new jobs closer to home for the people of Western Sydney. 

This Aerotropolis package builds on the previously announced $1 billion investment in the first stage of the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade, jointly funded with the Australian Government.

Building Better Communities

Roads are essential infrastructure for the Aerotropolis. Road infrastructure must be in place to not just cater for the growing freight, but to maximise growth.

This year’s Budget includes close to $150 million in additional funding. That is on top of $2.55 billion allocated to existing Aerotropolis roads projects over four years, taking the total commitment to $2.7 billion.

Key new project allocations include:

  • $50 million for critical road upgrades across the Aerotropolis, including traffic lights and signals at the Elizabeth Drive and Luddenham Road intersection and a new turning lane at the Mamre Road and Kerrs Road intersection.
  • $39 million to plan three key routes – Devonshire Road, Devonshire Link Road and Bradfield Metro Link Road – including a $12.5 million contribution from the Albanese Labor Government.
  • $29.6 million for an incident management and response team to deploy rapidly to accidents and traffic delays. The new team will support key routes to and from the airport, along with the broader South Western Sydney road network.
  • $30 million for more than 1000 new green directional signs across Sydney directing to the Aerotropolis and Western Sydney Airport.

This builds on major ongoing road projects in the Aerotropolis, jointly funded by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments, including:

  • $1 billion for the first stage of the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade between Liverpool and the new airport.
  • $1 billion for the upgrade of Mamre Road Stage 2 between Erskine Park and Kemps Creek.
  • $800 million for the upgrade of Elizabeth Drive to connect the new airport.
  • More than $2 billion for the toll-free M12 Motorway.

More essential services – Western Sydney’s biggest fire station

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing the new location for the Badgerys Creek Fire Station.

Construction of the facility, on Adams Road in Luddenham, is expected to commence later this year, with completion due by late 2026. The station is set to become the largest in Western Sydney.

The Government is also committing to recruiting 52 new firefighters to staff the 24/7 station with a $42.2 million investment, significantly expanding our firefighting strength in the growth corridor and helping deliver on an election commitment to fund 600 additional firefighters.

This builds on the Governments $15.4 million investment last year to deliver the new Badgerys Creek station, including three new fire trucks.

This investment in the 2025-26 Budget is on top of an additional $17 million over two years to help renew the state’s fire-fighting fleet and strengthen our frontline emergency response. 

Investing in water infrastructure to unlock future industry and housing

Sydney Water will invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct in Western Sydney, as part of the largest integrated stormwater scheme in Australia.

The works will support the first precinct to be developed in the Aerotropolis, the 1,020-hectare Mamre Road Precinct, and lay the foundation for the remaining 7,267 hectares of industrial land surrounding the future Nancy-Bird Walton Airport.

The Minns Labor Government has worked with Sydney Water to drive down the cost to developers, giving them certainty and helping them get started with job-creating construction projects.

In March 2023, Sydney Water proposed a bond fee for the Mamre Road Precinct of $1.3 million per hectare. Since then, the Government has worked with Sydney Water to revise the scope, driving down the contribution to $877,000 in the final Development Servicing Plan, released last month.

Under the direction of the Minns Labor Government, this investment will help deliver the critical infrastructure needed to support growth across the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The investment will fund:

  • The construction of naturalised channels and waterways (instead of concrete pipes and drains)
  • Land acquisition and construction of stormwater capture and harvesting infrastructure in the form of basins and wetlands

This funding is part of our plan to deliver better essential services that people and businesses rely on and to unlock investment to grow our economy, setting NSW up for long-term prosperity.

Premier Minns:

“With billions of dollars now committed, we’re not just talking about building a new airport—we’re creating a connected, thriving region that will delivers job, homes and opportunity for generations to come.

“This funding ensures the right infrastructure is in place to support growth and unlock the full potential of the Aerotropolis.

“Whether it’s new roads, or enabling infrastructure, we’re laying the foundations now to support the Aerotropolis into the future.”

Treasurer Mookhey:

“This Budget makes the critical investments in essential infrastructure to support new growth in Western Sydney.

“We are backing the Aerotropolis precinct with the infrastructure to grow a local economy and create jobs.

“This Budget puts opportunity at the heart of government decisions as we build a better future for NSW.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“Today marks an important investment in safety and resilience for Western Sydney.

“Badgerys Creek Fire Station will play a vital role in strengthening our emergency response in this rapidly developing corridor.

“This investment means our emergency services are prepared to help safeguard the community as the region continues to grow.” 

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This year’s roads Budget includes close to $150 million in additional funding to support the Aerotropolis. We have focused on the must have priorities – new and widened roads, intersections, safety upgrades – that will bust congestion in this growing area.

“We’ll ensure that ahead of the new Western Sydney Airport opening by the end of 2026, we’re building the supporting road network it needs.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering for the people of Western Sydney, after the Liberals and Nationals allowed infrastructure projects in Western Sydney to stall.

“These investments will ensure families and businesses are supported with the services they need to thrive.

“With the new Western Sydney Airport set to open next year, it is vital we continue to invest in Western Sydney, so the area’s potential can be unlocked.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

“This significant infrastructure investment is about getting the basics right so we can build the homes and businesses Western Sydney needs.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM:

“The fire station’s proximity to the airport means it can immediately respond and support aviation firefighters in any emergency.

“It’s also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to firefighter wellbeing through modern design and safety-focused infrastructure.”