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The Minns Labor Government has together with the City of Canterbury-Bankstown unlocked more than 15,000 new homes after finalising planning controls in Punchbowl and Wiley Park Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precincts.

The new controls enable more housing on the doorstep of new Sydney Metro stations at Punchbowl and Wiley Park, which are set to open later this year.

Key features of the precinct plan include:

• revitalisation of Punchbowl and Wiley Park’s main streets, with new homes, shops and services
• new and improved public open spaces and pedestrian links
• up to 3 per cent affordable housing for developments of more than 200 sqm
• building heights between 6 and 18 storeys
• floor space ratios between 0.7:11 to 5.5:1

A strong pipeline of development is underway across the Transport Oriented Development precincts with almost 19,000 homes the planning system including more than 1700 already approved.  

The Minns Labor Government introduced the TOD program in May 2024 to deliver more affordable, well-designed, and well-located homes near train and metro stations across NSW.

The program is expected to unlock more than 170,000 new homes over the next 15 years.

For more information about the Transport Oriented Development program, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a great outcome which will enable thousands of new homes close to transport, jobs and services, where people want to live.

“The Minns Labor Government’s Transport Oriented Development program is going full steam ahead to deliver more homes from the Illawarra to the Hunter with almost 19,000 homes already in the planning pipeline including more than 1700 which have already been approved.

“It’s great to see councils such as City of Canterbury Bankstown taking up the challenge of planning for the homes we need and delivering a plan that goes above and beyond for the community.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“We are investing in new infrastructure including the Metro and Bankstown Hospital, as well as planning for new homes near jobs, services and improved public transport, to create a future that will allow our community to thrive.

Importantly, this plan will increase access to affordable housing, create opportunities for more open space and support local growth in a way that keeps people connected. It’s about ensuring more families have the opportunity to live close to everything they need, in a place they are proud to call home.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“The inner south west is one of the fastest growing areas in NSW which is why the Minns Labor Government has invested in the Metro and the Canterbury Hospital and is now unlocking 15,000 homes.

“This gives people the opportunity to live close to jobs, family and community and more people will now call this vibrant area home.”

The NSW Government has formally advised Shoalhaven City Council of the steps required if it wishes to change the trigger level for opening Lake Conjola to the ocean.

Council currently has a Crown land licence to cut a channel to the ocean to reduce flood risk when lake water levels reach 1.2 metres AHD (Australian Height Datum) or where the level exceeds 1.0 meters AHD and heavy rainfall is forecast.

Council also has the right to open the channel as emergency works under section 191 of the Local Government Act 1993 should it consider works as necessary and effective to mitigate a flood emergency.

However, Council has requested an exemption to open the lake at 1.02 metres AHD in the absence of imminent heavy rainfall. The NSW Government is ready to assess any revised proposal

If Council wants to change when the lake is opened, it is able to do so but must first revise its own Entrance Management Policy, and undertake a Review of Environmental Factors, before applying for a licence amendment.

Undertaking proper environmental assessments before opening lakes to the ocean is critical to avoid environmental damage and protect against flooding.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government stands ready to assess any revised proposal Council brings forward.

“However, proper planning processes must be followed before the I can grant an amendment to the existing licence conditions.

“That’s why Crown Lands has advised Council that the correct pathway is to revise its Entrance Management Policy, undertake the required environmental assessment, and then apply for a licence amendment.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Community safety remains the priority and Shoalhaven City Council has emergency powers under the Local Government Act to open the lake to the ocean if there is an imminent flood risk.

“At the same time, outside emergency conditions, decisions about opening Lake Conjola need to be based on science, safety and environmental responsibility, so I encourage Council to undertake the required steps advised by Crown Lands to formally amend its licence.”

The Minns Labor Government is supporting the extraordinary contribution of carers across the state with applications now open for the NSW National Carers Week Grants program.

Not-for-profit organisations and local councils can apply for a share of $220,000 in grant funding to support initiatives with a focus on bringing carers together, strengthening social connection and increasing recognition of the vital role carers play.

Last year, more than 7,800 carers attended events and activities funded through NSW National Carers Week grants across 71 LGAs.

This year, grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 will support initiatives run around National Carers Week from 11 October to 17 October 2026.

Examples of suitable initiatives include social gatherings, wellbeing or cultural events, workshops and creative activities designed in partnership with carers and tailored to local needs.

Applications from organisations working with carers from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, including Aboriginal carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, LGBTQIA+ carers, young carers, older carers and carers in regional and rural communities.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 25 May 2026 with successful applicants to be announced in July.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-national-carers-week-grants-2026

Grant enquiries can be directed to the Department of Communities and Justice at carerstr@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Minister with responsibility for carers Jodie Harrison said:

“New South Wales is home to more than 958,000 carers who work hard providing support to their friend or loved one with a disability, serious illness or frailty.

“Carers deserve to feel valued for the essential work they do – and we know recognition leads to better mental health and wellbeing outcomes for them.

“These grants empower local organisations to work alongside carers to deliver meaningful activities that reflect what carers enjoy and need.”

A new generation of homeowners is seizing the opportunity to secure a future in the Northern Rivers, with young families dominating the bidding at Lismore’s third flood buyback auction of the year.

Overnight, 35 registered bidders gathered at the Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah to compete for 10 homes from South, North, Central, and East Lismore, as well as Girards Hill. The event saw a 100% clearance rate, with homes selling for between $14,000 and $132,000, with a combined value of $400,000.

Since December 2024, 160 properties have been offered for sale through this innovative program, which has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing pathways.

Auction highlights included:

• 213 Casino Street, South Lismore: $14,000
• 7 Frank Street, South Lismore: $38,000
• 14 Tweed Street, North Lismore: $40,000
• 11 Coleman Street, Central Lismore: $132,000
• 163 Ballina Road, East Lismore: $35,000
• 1 Cathcart Street, Central Lismore: $41,000
• 144 Dawson Street, Girards Hill:  $21,000
• 153 Dawson Street, Girards Hill: $26,000
• 219 Molesworth Street, East Lismore: $17,000
• 99 Crown Street, South Lismore: $36,000

All homes sold were originally purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority under the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, a joint initiative of the NSW and Australian Governments. Successful bidders are required to relocate the dwellings to flood-safe land within 11 months.

All proceed from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.

To find out more about the Program go to nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“It is heartening to see so many young families securing these homes, providing them with a tangible pathway to homeownership while ensuring we keep our people and their energy right here in the Northern Rivers.

“This program is a uniquely Northern Rivers solution to housing that is setting a benchmark for the rest of Australia, proving that we can move residents out of harm’s way without losing the heart of our community.

“By choosing relocation over demolition, we are delivering a sustainable and innovative outcome that preserves our local housing stock and gives these buildings a second life in a safer location.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Executive Director Adaptation and Resilience Division Jane Holden said:

“The Lismore auctions are part of our commitment to relocate and reuse buyback dwellings wherever possible, as we progress the removal of households from areas of high flood risk.

“These homes are part of the community’s shared history, and this program is about giving them a second life.

“It was encouraging to see bidders come well-prepared, engaging with relocation contractors and local councils in advance, with strong interest from young families and first-home buyers seeking a pathway to a safer future.”

The Minns Labor Government is urging motorists to continue using FuelCheck while travelling this long weekend as NSW Fair Trading pushes its statewide fuel transparency compliance inspections into the most remote areas of the state.

Service stations in Cobar and Lake Cargelligo have been the most regional sites targeted in the latest compliance inspections, with around 70 retailers left in neighbouring regions on NSW Fair Trading’s radar for inspection.

NSW Fair Trading inspectors have now visited more than 2,300 petrol stations and issued over 210 fines from Manly to Moree, covering 94 per cent of the state.

More than 750 petrol stations have also been re-inspected after displaying ‘red flag’ behaviours, such as receiving fines or multiple consumer complaints.

Around 70% of all fines have been issued in regional NSW, with the Southern Tablelands & South Coast, Central West and Riverina seeing the highest number of price mismatches.

In the Snowy Mountains, a service station flagged through the Bowser Busters program was found displaying diesel at $3.00 per litre on its fuel price signage, while advertising $1.96 per litre in the FuelCheck app, a discrepancy of $1.04 per litre.

In Walgett Shire, an inspection at a 24-hour unmanned service station identified the site was not displaying required fuel price signage, limiting consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions.

Further inspections in the Upper Murray region identified two service stations selling diesel without any fuel price signage. One of these sites was also found to have a price discrepancy of 25 cents per litre for diesel between the price of $3.24 advertised on FuelCheck and required pricing of $2.99.

Those who fail to meet their obligations face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, with court penalties of up to $110,000. Stations that have already been fined have been warned to be extra vigilant as NSW Fair Trading has the ability to pursue a higher penalty before the Courts for repeated breaches.

As thousands hit regional highways for the long weekend, drivers are encouraged to take advantage of FuelCheck’s Bowser Busters feature to directly report fuel price mismatching and help target compliance activity in communities where it is needed most.

Bowser Busters is working – with everyday motorists now acting as NSW Fair Trading’s eyes and ears on the ground, almost 100 desktop compliance fines have been issued for price mismatches reported by the public.

To explore FuelCheck and become a Bowser Buster, please visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“These inspection and compliance numbers show that as cost-of-living pressures ramp up, the Minns Labor Government will not back down.

“As our robust re-inspection regime continues, we’re calling on every motorist in the state to report regional and metropolitan service stations that are taking them for a ride.

“This is all part of the Government’s commitment to improve fuel transparency in NSW by injecting $2.2 million to upgrade and maintain FuelCheck, conducting record numbers of compliance inspections and encouraging consumers to report unfair fuel prices.

“My message to service stations remains clear: do the wrong thing and you will be caught.”

NSW Fair Trading Executive Director of Consumer Affairs Andrew Floro said:

“Our NSW Fair Trading inspectors have worked tirelessly to cover off NSW petrol stations and ensure they are doing the right thing at the bowser.

“We are continuing to call motorists to report on price discrepancies as it leads to real enforcement outcomes. Especially in rural areas that are harder to access.

“Ahead of the long weekend, NSW Fair Trading will continue targeted inspections and compliance action, ensuring motorists travelling to regional and rural NSW can rely on FuelCheck when planning their journeys.”

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating housing delivery in regional communities providing $12.3 million in financial support to councils which will help unlock more than 9,800 new homes through the latest round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI).

The funding will help bring forward six enabling infrastructure projects across five regional councils which will enable housing growth.

From road upgrades to water and sewer systems and community facilities the funding will help build better communities right across NSW.

Recipients include:

• Wollongong City Council – $3.2 million towards the $28 million upgrade of West Dapto Road, from Yard Street to Darkes Road, accelerating delivery of 1500 new homes in Council’s West Dapto Urban Release Area.
• Port Macquarie-Hastings Council – $7 million towards the $152 million Cowarra Water Treatment Plant, supporting more than 5300 new homes.
• Cowra Shire – $932,800 towards a $10 million upgrade of Cowra Aquatic Centre, including a new 50-metre outdoor pool, two new filtration and water treatment systems, and upgraded electrical systems and amenity to support new housing demand.
• Greater Hume Shire – $354,300 towards a $2.8 million Jindera Sewer Treatment Plant augmentation, supporting 260 new dwellings.
• Orange City – $398,600 towards a $2.4 million upgrade of the Molong Road intersection, enabling 1,200 new residential lots.
• Orange City – $433,000 towards a $2.6 million upgrade of the Northern Distributor Road and Clergate Road Intersection, enabling 1,300 new residential lots.

The competitive grants program was open to all 95 regional councils to help deliver critical infrastructure that will accelerate new housing supply. Under the LCLI, the NSW Government covers 50 per cent of interest costs on eligible loans.

This brings the NSW Government investment to $31.3 million for the Low Cost Loans Initiative, supporting the delivery of $792 million worth of essential infrastructure across NSW. For more information, visit: NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re helping councils deliver the infrastructure that supports more new homes by cutting borrowing costs and accelerating the delivery of roads, water and sewer infrastructure that communities rely on.

“By supporting infrastructure that growing communities need, we’re creating more opportunities for people to live and work in regional NSW.

“We’re working with councils to support sustainable growth and to give regional communities the confidence to plan for the future.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding is about making it easier for councils to deliver the essential services and infrastructure that regional communities need to grow.

“With many regional families struggling to find affordable homes to rent and buy, the Low Cost Loans Initiative is supporting more housing choice in areas where it’s needed.

“By supporting councils to bring forward these projects, we’re helping ensure regional NSW remains a great place to live and work.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering another long overdue school upgrade for regional NSW, with Gillieston Public School’s major redevelopment reaching a major construction milestone.

The Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison MP, inspected Gillieston Public School today following the topping out of the new three-storey school building.  

Surging demand for public education in Maitland left Gillieston Public School bursting at the seams under the Liberals and Nationals, with most of the school’s students learning in demountable classrooms.

Once the work is complete all the school’s 24 demountables will be replaced with 32 modern permanent classrooms and three support classrooms.

The upgrade will increase the permanent capacity of Gillieston Public School, which currently has only two permanent classrooms, by more than 650 students, future-proofing the school for further growth.

Additional redevelopment work includes a new outside of school hours care facilities, a covered outdoor learning area, upgraded sports facilities, as well as a new library, school hall, and canteen.

The school will also benefit from a co-located fee-free public preschool, as will nearby Tenambit Public School.

Work is underway on the delivery of both these new co-located public preschools, which will accommodate up to 200 children per week between them.

The upgraded school and the two public preschools will open from Day 1, Term 1, 2027 as the Minns Labor Government continues its work to rebuild public education across NSW.

The new public preschools are part of the government’s commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.

This is part of a record $9 billion investment in new schools and upgrades, including $2.1 billion for regional NSW, giving our children access to a world class public education, right where they live.

The Minns Labor Government has also delivered the biggest pay rise in a generation to attract the best teachers and keep them in the classroom, resulting in teacher vacancies falling to the lowest level in 12 years, halving the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW schools.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver better schools and more teachers to give our kids the world class education they deserve.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This is a major investment in the future of public education for Maitland families, providing local students with the world class facilities they deserve.”

“For far too long, the Gillieston Public School community was neglected by the Liberals and Nationals.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the tireless advocacy of local MP Jenny Aitchison, have listened to the community, and students can look forward to learning in their new classrooms from the beginning of next year.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:  

“This is great news for families in Gillieston Heights and right across Maitland.

“The Hunter is growing quickly, and communities rightly expect the essential infrastructure to keep up – including great local public schools.

“For too long, families at Gillieston Public School had to make do with temporary classrooms and overcrowding. This upgrade is about giving them the permanent, high-quality facilities they deserve.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:  

“It’s no secret that Gillieston Heights is a rapidly growing suburb, and the public school has been bursting at the seams for over a decade.

“This redevelopment would not be happening without the strong advocacy of the school community. We’ve been calling for upgrades to this school for years.

“This is a much-needed upgrade, that will ensure this fantastic school can continue to serve this community well into the future.”  

Gillieston Public School Principal Lauren Fernando said:

“It’s exciting to see our upgrade underway. Our students are looking forward to modern, permanent classrooms and facilities.  

“This upgrade is going to make a big difference to our students, our staff and our whole school community.” 

The latest ABS Taxation Revenue data confirms what families and businesses across New South Wales already know: under Labor, taxes are going up and households are paying the price. 

Under the Minns Labor Government, a disturbing trend of runaway tax increases has emerged. Between the 2022-23 and 2024-25 financial years, NSW has endured the highest per capita state and local government taxation growth of any jurisdiction in the country of 15.7 per cent, compared to 6.7 per cent growth across all levels of government.   

		22-23	23-24	24-25	22-23 to 24-25
		$	$	$	% change
State and local government
	New South Wales	5,519	6,005	6,383	15.7%
	Victoria	5,810	6,367	6,605	13.7%
	Queensland	4,746	5,060	5,481	15.5%
	South Australia	4,307	4,689	4,956	15.1%
	Western Australia	5,303	5,598	5,933	11.9%
	Tasmania	3,651	3,985	4,153	13.7%
	Northern Territory	3,424	3,604	3,839	12.1%
	Australian Capital Territory	5,555	5,494	5,725	3.1%
	Average	5,266	5,692	6,023	14.4%
Commonwealth government		23,475	24,083	24,652	5.0%
All levels of government		28,705	29,735	30,633	6.7%

The 2025-26 NSW Budget Half-Yearly Review confirms that under the Minns Labor Government, every tax is going up with land tax revenue increasing by more than 47 per cent, transfer duty revenue up nearly 45 per cent, and payroll tax surging by over 20 per cent since the 2022-23 budget year. 
 
NSW Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the figures expose a clear pattern: higher taxes, rising cost of living, and a government that keeps taking more. 
 
“Since the Minns Labor Government was elected, NSW has taken the mantle of the State with the fastest growing taxes. That’s not something to be proud of, it is a burden families are feeling every single day.” 
 
“There is barely a tax that has been spared. Whether you’re buying a home, running a business, or just trying to get ahead, Labor is taking more.” 
 
“Labor has no plan to help the families of NSW, but has a plan to continue growing taxes with the Half-Yearly Budget Review predicting taxation will hit nearly $60 billion by the 2028-29 financial year – a more than 50 per cent increase on the yearly tax burden the people of NSW faced under the last year of the Coalition Government.” 
 
“At a time when people are cutting back, the Minns Labor Government is cashing in.”