Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is investing $350 million in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), with twenty-two ACCOs winning new contracts to deliver improved supports to vulnerable families under a reformed Family Preservation program, following extensive co-design with Aboriginal communities. 

Family Preservation services offer intensive family support to prevent children entering foster care by strengthening family connections, building parenting skills and creating safe home environments.

Under a complete redesign of the program, over 4000 at-risk families each year will benefit from increased access to high-quality therapeutic services and a range of intensive supports across NSW. The previous program was fragmented, with families often referred into supports that didn’t match their needs.

The new Aboriginal Family Preservation program was developed in close partnership with AbSec over two years, alongside Aboriginal families, communities and ACCOs. This landmark investment aims to reduce overrepresentation of Aboriginal children, who make up over 46 per cent of children in out-of-home care.

These reforms are part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader $900 million investment in a redesigned Family Preservation service system, with a further 30 non-government organisations funded to support vulnerable families.

For the first time, Family Preservation services will now be delivered based on data reflecting community need. Five-year contracts will ensure each organisation can support a stable workforce, deliver quality services and achieve better outcomes for families across the State.

The redesigned program and new services commence from 1 July 2026, with successful providers listed on the Department of Communities and Justice website.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said:

“Our Family Preservation reforms empower Aboriginal communities to deliver Aboriginal-designed, Aboriginal-led services that help keep Aboriginal children with their families.”

“This is the first time in our State’s history where the funding going to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in any child protection program actually reflects the clear need amongst Aboriginal families.”

“This is a historic reform to the NSW child protection system aimed at reducing the unacceptable and entrenched overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, representing self-determination in action.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on our commitment to empower Aboriginal organisations who have been telling us they are best-placed to support their communities and families. By investing in ACCOs, we are strengthening our Closing the Gap commitments and delivering real support that reflects those voices.”

AbSec CEO, John Leha, said:

“The NSW Government’s commitment to invest in Aboriginal Family Preservation through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is a critical step forward. It reflects a growing recognition that Aboriginal people and communities hold the knowledge, cultural authority and lived expertise needed to design and deliver the most effective supports for our children and families.”

“Sustained, community-led funding to ACCOs strengthens self-determination, builds culturally responsive services, and helps keep Aboriginal children safe, strong and connected to family, community and culture. We welcome this commitment and look forward to continued partnership to ensure investment translates into meaningful outcomes on the ground.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice, Michael Tidball, said: 

“These reforms deliver a clearer, more consistent Family Preservation system so families get the right support, when they need it. A central part of this work is our partnership with AbSec and Aboriginal communities to create a framework designed by and for Aboriginal families. For the first time, ACCOs will lead the design and delivery of intensive, culturally grounded supports that keeps children safe at home and connected to culture. These changes will deliver better outcomes for children across NSW.” 

Primary producers across the Northern Rivers are reaping the rewards of the $5 million Northern Rivers Agricultural Drainage Reset Program jointly funded by the Albanese and NSW Governments.

Damaged drainage systems at 77 farm sites have been cleared out and repaired to reduce the impact of future flooding as part of the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, announced following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

Vegetation and sediment were cleared from key drainage outlets, restoring water flow across low-lying agricultural land to stop water from pooling and damaging valuable crops. The work supports recovery for Northern Rivers primary producers across the sugarcane, horticulture, rice, soybeans, beef and dairy industries.

Led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in partnership with the NSW Soil Conservation Service, eligible sites were assessed and prioritised to ensure the greatest benefit for flood impacted communities. Ballina Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council, Rous County Council, and Tweed Shire Council participated in the program.

Wardell cane grower Gordon Lowrey is enjoying one of his best years on his family’s property after participating in the $5 million pilot program across the Northern Rivers farmland drainage.

For more than 80 years, the Lowreys have grown cane south of Ballina and the rebuilding of the drain on his farm ensures water from a typical heavy fall is off the lowest part of his property within 12 hours. 

Building on these learnings, the NSW Government has already established a new Drainage Reset Program to address drainage issues following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is also jointly funded by the DRFA. Works are expected to commence in the coming months across affected local government areas.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said:

“Both levels of government were delivering practical support helping people get back on their feet and for Northern Rivers farmers, restoring drainage is one of the quickest ways to protect crops, stock and livelihoods.

“This jointly funded investment with the NSW Government has repaired and cleared drainage at 77 farm sites, helping reduce the impacts of future flooding and supporting recovery after the devastating 2022 floods.

“Programs like this show what’s possible when we all work together to back our producers with on-the-ground works that strengthen resilience and keep regional economies moving.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

“Our agricultural community provides significant economic and social benefit to our region, and their resilience since the 2022 floods has been incredible. By working closely with growers and local leaders, we identified that cleaning and restoring drainage networks was the essential first step in helping the whole community move forward.

“This $5 million investment is about giving our farmers the confidence to plant again. Seeing the results on properties like the Lowreys’ in Wardell proves that when we get the technical work right, the benefits ripple out across the entire region.

“I’m proud that we didn’t just ‘fix’ the problem and walk away. We have used this success to establish a permanent Drainage Reset Program, ensuring we now have a proven blueprint ready to protect our agricultural heart whenever disaster strikes.”

“I have stated that the barriers that prevented our farmers from clearing their drains previously should not happen again and we have proven that it can be done.  I have further stated that this work belongs in the Disaster Adaptation Programs (DAP) with one currently underway in the Northern Rivers.”

Cane Grower and Consultant to the NSW Canegrowers Associations, Mick O’Connor said:

“The drain cleaning program has delivered real benefits for both farmers and the river system. By restoring the drainage network to its intended function, water can now move off cultivated land more efficiently before it loses oxygen and degrades in quality.

“This is a win for farmers through improved productivity and healthier soils, and a win for the river as better-oxygenated runoff replaces the poor-quality water that can occur when drainage outlets are not maintained.”

Richmond River Cane Growers Association chairman Geoff Pye said:

The program has had a positive impact on the local environment. With the drainage system now being restored, highly productive floodplain land is once again contributing to both the local economy and the health of the broader environment.

“The program highlights how a well-maintained drainage network can support productive agriculture while also improving water quality outcomes for the river and the wider community.”

The Minns Labor Government has joined with Business Sydney to launch a new report highlighting the growing economic and social contribution of social enterprises and outlining how government and business procurement can help unlock their full potential.

Released today at Business Sydney’s Social Enterprise: Unlocking Life Changing Economic Power event, the report shows around one-third of Australia’s social enterprises are based in NSW, contributing almost $9 billion to the state economy in the year to June 2025, while creating jobs and training opportunities for people facing the greatest barriers to employment.

The launch comes as the Minns Labor Government is implementing a series of procurement reforms designed to drive local economic development and create more jobs for NSW workers and businesses, that will create new opportunities for social enterprises.

These reforms include establishing a Local Jobs First Commission to support local industries, and introducing an ‘If not, why not’ mandate requiring NSW Government agencies to engage with local NSW suppliers before going to tender for projects worth more than $7.5 million.

Social enterprises are businesses that trade with a social, cultural or environmental purpose. They operate across a wide range of industries, from construction, cleaning and hospitality to technology, logistics, training and design, combining commercial success with a commitment to people and the planet.

By engaging social enterprises through procurement policies, the NSW Government is supporting inclusive economic development that delivers financial value alongside measurable social and environmental impact for local communities.

This approach aligns with the NSW Performance and Wellbeing Framework, which recognises the importance of considering social, wellbeing and economic outcomes alongside the performance of government services.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos will today address social enterprise and business leaders at Business Sydney’s event to formally launch the report. The report includes a five-point plan to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the sector, alongside case studies demonstrating the impact of social enterprises across NSW.

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou welcomed the NSW Government’s leadership in recognising social enterprises as a valued and growing part of the state economy.

The report highlights that social enterprises reinvest an average of 27 per cent of their revenue into social and environmental impact, with 43 per cent of jobs going to people facing the greatest barriers to employment. It also points to research showing how governments can achieve cost savings when investing in social enterprises through procurement.

The event provides an opportunity to recognise the significant contribution social enterprises make to the NSW economy and to encourage more businesses to include them in their own procurement policies.

To view the report, visit the Business Sydney website

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos said:

“Social enterprises deliver genuine economic and social benefits for communities across NSW.

“By joining with Business Sydney to launch this report, we are highlighting the important role social enterprises play in creating jobs, strengthening communities and driving inclusive economic growth.

“Many of these organisations are deeply connected to their local communities, reinvesting profits back into services, training and employment opportunities for people who need them most.

“The Minns Labor Government is using the weight of government procurement to drive better outcomes for NSW, which means more local jobs, stronger supply chains and more inclusive growth.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaousaid

“The Government’s Local Jobs First Commission and its “if not, why not” mandate for government agencies to engage with NSW suppliers before going to tender for projects valued at more than $7.5 million could also benefit social enterprises.

“It is just as imperative that businesses give due consideration to engaging with social enterprises by making them part of their supply chain procurement policies.

“We would like to see businesses follow the government’s lead in recognising social enterprises as one of the most innovative and inspiring sectors of the business community.

“With 4,000 social enterprises in NSW contributing $9 billion to the state economy, our state is the leader in this growing sector.

“Social enterprises give vulnerable groups in the community to find work and career opportunities that might not otherwise exist, and we must do everything possible to help them prosper.”

The Minns Labor Government is relieving pressure on the busy Westmead Emergency Department by creating a dedicated unit for patients experiencing heightened distress or aggression.

It’s another step from the Minns Labor Government to improve mental healthcare in New South Wales, create safer environments for staff, and reduce wait times at emergency departments.

The Coalition’s failure to build critical health infrastructure like Rouse Hill Hospital or implement safe staffing levels for nurses has contributed to the pressure on Western Sydney hospitals, including Westmead.

The Minns Labor Government is slowly undoing this by delivering much needed infrastructure and rebuilding the health workforce.

The new purpose-built unit within Westmead ED will provide a secure, therapeutic environment designed to support patients experiencing acute distress.

In the past five years, Westmead has seen a 31 per cent increase in presentations where a patient is experiencing mental health or behavioural related issues.

There’s also been a significant increase in aggression towards frontline health staff in the Western Sydney Local Health District.

These issues may be related to substance abuse and can be exacerbated in a busy emergency department environment.

The new 6-bed unit will be a quiet space with less stimulation, better suited to patients who are at risk of becoming agitated or aggressive. It aims to:

• Improve safety for patients and staff.
• Lower ED wait times and reduce disruption to other patients.
• Improve outcomes and reduce length of stay for these patients.

Similar models of care at Nepean and Prince of Wales hospitals have resulted in reduced need for sedation and restraint, as well as a reduction in the length of stay and time to be seen in EDs.

Construction will begin in August with the new unit expected to be completed in early 2027.

The unit will complement the Westmead Integrated Mental Health Complex which is currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027.

The Minns Labor Government invested a record $3.1 billion on mental health in the 2025-26 financial year and is investing in more staff and more hospitals to reverse the Coalition’s legacy of staff cuts and hospital construction failures which devastated the health system.

The Government is building Rouse Hill Hospital with an emergency department and birthing services, which the Coalition promised at three elections but failed to deliver on, leaving Western Sydney missing a much-needed new hospital.

It’s also investing in more beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals after the Coalition failed to build enough beds.

The Government is also recruiting 237 additional nurses in Western and South-Western Sydney as part of delivering safe staffing ratios and saved 228 nurses from the region that the Liberals planned to cut.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing in more security for hospitals including the roll out of more safe assessment units to more safely care for patients experiencing heightened distress, as well as recruiting over 160 more security personnel since taking office. 

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are focused on delivering more beds and recruiting more staff to meet the increasing pressure on our hospital system.

“The failure of the Liberals to deliver enough beds and their refusal to recruit enough staff has caused significant strain on Western Sydney’s hospital system.

“Added to this, we are seeing increasing behavioural issues among patients which presents a security and safety concern for staff and other patients.

“This new acute behavioural assessment unit will create a safer environment for both staff as well as patients experiencing heightened distress.

“It’s part of a broader range of measures we are undertaking to improve safety and security in our hospitals.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“Our nurses and clinicians who work at Westmead ED have told us they are seeing more and more patients who become aggressive or violent and it’s making their job harder.

“Some patients don’t deal well in the loud, busy environment of an emergency department, it can cause them to behave in a way that puts the safety of our staff and other patients at risk.

“That’s why we’re building a new, specialist unit to divert these patients away from the ED waiting room, improving outcomes for them and for our staff.

“It’s just one of steps we’re taking to build a better public health system and relieve pressure on EDs. We’re also building a network of Safe Havens and Medicare Mental Health Centres so that people experiencing mental health concerns have another place to go other than the ED.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The new unit is an important addition for mental health care in Western Sydney – and one of the state’s busiest hospitals at Westmead.

“Patient and staff safety are critical to the design this new space. Care will be delivered by experts and emergency clinicians trained in deescalation, mental health and drug health.”

NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, General Secretary, Michael Whaites:

“We welcome the creation of a dedicated, purpose-built unit in Westmead ED in order to combat the rising violence and aggression our members are experiencing.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when we come together to find solutions to make hospitals safer for staff and patients, while ensuring the community has access to quality, timely care.

“We are proud of our members’ ongoing advocacy and grateful for the collaborative approach that has delivered this outcome.

“This specialised unit will strengthen hospital safety, improve patient outcomes, and is a strong investment into the future of our public health system.”

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are continuing to deliver better roads for the Illawarra, with work soaring ahead on the $405 million Mount Ousley Interchange project.  

The new interchange between Princes Motorway and Mount Ousley Road will improve connectivity, safety and efficiency for those travelling through the region.

Sixteen pre-cast concrete girders, each 15 metres long, now form the structure that will connect Mount Ousley Road over the heavy vehicle bypass.

A further twenty girders, ranging from 17-25 metres in length will make up the new shared path over the southbound access road.

In an effort to inspire the next generation of civil engineers and construction workers, over 40 engineering and STEM students from the University of Wollongong and Keira High School were invited on-site to watch the girders being lifted into place.

Crews will now progress the construction of these bridges with deck formwork and building of the bridge deck, shared path, approach slabs and concrete parapets.

Recent night closures of the M1 Motorway have seen extensive work carried out in the corridor, including:

• pavement construction connecting the new safety ramp to the existing Princes Motorway
• construction of new sign gantries to indicate the location of the new heavy vehicle safety ramp
• drainage works to ensure that the motorway is safe to drive on during wet conditions.  

The new safety ramp, which opened in the early hours of this morning, provides a safe area for trucks and buses to gradually come to a stop if they experience brake failure while descending Mt Ousley.

Designed in line with the highest standards, the ramp features concrete barriers and a gravel base for the vehicles to gently sink into causing them to slow and stop.

The ramp is 220 metres long and five metres wide and has been designed for a B-double up to 26 metres in length. An access road has also been constructed for maintenance of the ramp and vehicle recovery.

The Mount Ousley interchange project is on track for completion in 2028.

More information is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/mountousley

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said:

“This is a significant investment in the Illawarra, improving safety and reliability on one of the region’s busiest highways.

“With key bridge structures now in place and the first heavy vehicle safety ramp now open to traffic, welcome progress on the project is now visible for all to see.

“This is an important investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor governments that will keep people and freight moving safely and efficiently in and out of Wollongong.”

NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira, Ryan Park said:

“This is an important milestone for a project that will deliver safer, more reliable journeys across the Illawarra.

“Mount Ousley is the front door to Wollongong, and this interchange will make a real difference to how people and freight move through this corridor each day.

“We’re getting on with delivering the infrastructure our growing region needs.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully said:

“This project is building real momentum, and you can now clearly see the scale of what’s being delivered for Wollongong and the wider Illawarra.

“The new interchange will improve connectivity for motorists, freight and active transport users, while making this key gateway safer and more efficient.

“This is a critical upgrade that coupled with the Minns Labor Government’s recent $270 million commitment to improve roads near the port will support the Wollongong and the Illawarra’s growth for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a complex project on one of the Illawarra’s most important road corridors, and it’s good to see this next stage coming together.

“With the first heavy vehicle safety ramp now open, we’re putting in place a safer option for truck and bus drivers coming down Mount Ousley.

“If something goes wrong on that descent, drivers need somewhere safe to go. That’s exactly what this ramp provides.

“More than 50,000 vehicles use this route every day, including a lot of freight, so safety has to come first.

“This new interchange will deliver safer, more efficient journeys for motorists across the Illawarra.”

Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes said:

“We are working hard across all levels of government to ensure that our local road corridors are safer and more reliable.

“The opening of the new heavy vehicle safety ramp is an important step forward for safety on Mount Ousley, and it is great to see yet another element of this monumental project start to benefit the community.

“I again want to thank the community for their patience and understanding while these major works are ongoing – as the gateway to the Illawarra, this intersection is hugely important for our entire region.

“We’re focused on delivering a safer and more accessible interchange for the benefit of local people, industry and visitors alike. 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to extend the Tripoli Way, with the release of the final designs for the transformational project.  

This milestone comes after the Minns Government invested a further $20 million towards the project in August last year, bringing the total NSW Government investment in the project to over $40 million.

With the designs now completed, Shellharbour City Council is progressing through the tender process with preferred contractors for the main construction works.

The release of the design follows years of detailed planning, technical investigations and consultation on one of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects, which has been on the books since 1961.

Set to ease congestion through the main streets of Albion Park and Calderwood, the extension of this road will future proof the area, as more houses are built in the growing region.

Key design features include:

• A two‑kilometre road corridor
• A 30‑metre bridge over Hazelton Creek
• Three signalised intersections
• Four traffic lanes between Terry Street and Moles Street
• Two traffic lanes between Moles Street and Broughton Avenue
• Connections to the Illawarra Highway delivered in collaboration with Transport for NSW

Construction is set to begin later this year, with the project expected to be completed in late 2028.

More information about the Tripoli Way extension is available at: https://letschatshellharbour.com/tripoli-way-extension-project

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

“This is a significant milestone, and one that brings us one step closer to delivering infrastructure that will service communities like ALbion Park and Calderwood now and into the future.

“As more and more people choose to call the Illawarra home, The Minns Government is investing in the infrastructure we need to support this growth.

“This project will ease congestion and take pressure off our roads while ensuring our region remains well connected.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a great day for the communities of Albion Park and Calderwood.

“For twelve years, the former Government neglected communities like Albion Park and Calderwood. These communities have been waiting too long for the essential infrastructure they need to thrive.

“This is a story that growing communities across regional NSW know all too well. The Minns Government has been working to fix the Liberals’ mess, building better roads for regional communities across the state.

“Since coming into Government, we’ve invested over $40 million in this project, working with Shellharbour City Council to ensure this critical piece of infrastructure is built.

“I want to thank one of this project’s strongest advocates, Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, for her ongoing advocacy to drive this project forward.

“It was her advocacy during the 2023 election and 2025 by-election that has helped secure $40 million in NSW Government investment for this project”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“This is a major step forward for our community, and our people in Albion Park, Calderwood and Tullimbar have been waiting a long time to see.

“I understand the impact of congestion and pressure on our roads, and this project is about fixing that and making everyday trips safer and easier.

“As our community continues to grow, it’s critical we deliver the infrastructure to match. The Tripoli Way extension will help ease congestion, support local jobs and keep our region moving.

“I’ll keep advocating to make sure this project is delivered and that our community gets the infrastructure it deserves.”

Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, Chris Homer said:

“The new Tripoli Way Road is one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects and it will improve safety, reduce congestion in Albion Park and Calderwood.”

“The extension will ease congestion at key choke points, reduce pressure on local streets and make it safer and easier for people to move across the city, while supporting a more accessible and connected Albion Park town centre while also supporting the housing crisis through the delivery of infrastructure for homes.”

The Shellharbour Breakwall will soon see its first major repair works in over a decade, following a $4 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.  

The works will ensure the Shellharbour Breakwater can be safely enjoyed by the community again, while preserving an important local heritage landmark for future generations.

The repair work will take place following a heritage design to ensure the integrity and character of the structure is retained while also incorporating safety upgrades, including:

• Repairing the deteriorated concrete crest
• Installing breakwater edge protection where drops exceed 1 metre
• Improving pedestrian access by widening pathways
• Assessing and mitigating risks associated with the rock shelf below sections of the breakwater

Detailed design and planning works will now commence, with construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2027.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Shellharbour Breakwall is a much-loved local landmark, and we’re making sure it can be safely reopened for the community to enjoy.

“The reality is that this much-loved community asset should never have gotten to this state of disrepair. The current state of the Shellharbour Breakwall is a clear result of the former Government’s decade of neglect on regional communities.

“The Minns Labor Government has taken a different approach. Across the state, just like here in Shellharbour, we’ve been cleaning up the Liberals’ mess.

“This investment means we can preserve its heritage while making practical improvements to safety and access.

“I thank the hardworking Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, Shellharbour Council and the local community for their strong advocacy for these repairs.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

“This is a practical investment in a valued community asset that locals have been calling for.

“It means families and visitors will be able to safely enjoy the breakwall again, while protecting an important piece of our local history.”

Acting Executive Director, NSW Maritime, Nicole Watts said:

“This work will involve careful design to balance improved public access with the safety of the community.

“We’ll now move into detailed design and planning to ensure the right solution is delivered for this important coastal asset.”

A bold new future has been set for Sydney Olympic Park, as both a world class sport and entertainment precinct and vibrant community with homes and jobs.

The precinct’s future will be guided by the Minns Labor Government’s finalised Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050. The finalised plan increases the homes planned for the precinct by 2000 so more families can live close to jobs, schools, transport and other amenities.

The Master Plan continues to support the 640-hectare precinct as a vibrant sports and entertainment hub while also delivering a diverse mix of housing, retail and commercial spaces.

Key features of the Master Plan include:

• Building up to 13,000 additional homes to provide a total of 15,000 homes, including up to 20 percent affordable housing on Government owned land and 5 per cent on private land.
• Increasing the capacity for up to 26,000 jobs by unlocking investment in innovation, culture, and commercial precincts.
• Delivering more for families with 10 new playgrounds, 9 new outdoor public spaces and 4 new sports fields.
• Protecting and enhancing 430 hectares of public open space, increasing tree canopy and boosting biodiversity including wetlands and parklands.
• Protecting and celebrating our first nations heritage in the area.
• Providing cultural and recreational opportunities with a cultural centre, library and community hub, and sports and leisure centre planned for the precinct.
• Dedicating land for schools, to support a thriving, inclusive suburb.
• Continuing to support a vibrant night-time economy for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Alongside the Master Plan we’re also working to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct in Sydney Olympic Park to reinforce the precincts evolution into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

This vision will come to life over the next 25 years, the proposed growth aligning with major infrastructure upgrades like Sydney Metro West, the Parramatta Light Rail extension, and infrastructure upgrades such as the state and federally funded upgrade to the Homebush Bay Drive roundabout.

The finalisation of the Master Plan follows extensive public and stakeholder consultation, with changes incorporated based on stakeholder and community input. For more information and to view the final Master Plan, visit https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

To complement the Master Plan we’ve also released new Environmental Guidelines which continue Sydney Olympic Park’s legacy from the ‘Green Games’ as a leader in sustainability. For more information on the guidelines https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better and more vibrant communities right across NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“More than 25 years on from the Sydney Olympics, Sydney Olympic Park remains a world class hub for sport and entertainment and now a growing community while maintaining the legacy of the ‘Green Games’.

“The 2050 Master Plan builds on this, maintaining what we love most about the precinct while guiding growth so the precinct can support up to 26,000 jobs and 15,000 homes by 2050.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government supporting vibrant communities and aligning housing growth with transport and infrastructure capacity so people can live, work and play close to home in a community they choose.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I am thrilled to see the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan finalised and the benefits it will bring for our local community.

“Sydney Olympic Park will be seamlessly connected to major transport infrastructure, including Sydney Metro West.

“The precincts public transport links will be matched with strong pedestrian and cycling connections, so residents and visitors can enjoy easy, sustainable access to jobs, schools, and everything our community has to offer.”

Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO Neisha D’Souza said:

“This is a momentous day for Sydney Olympic Park.

“The Master Plan 2050 is the catalyst for investment and growth – bringing certainty and unlocking opportunity. We’re proudly creating a place that celebrates its history while embracing a future of innovation, culture, and community-first design.”

The Minns Labor Government is hopping into Easter with a bountiful basket of free family fun so everyone can make the most of their time off without breaking the bank.

With cost-of-living and fuel cost pressures front of mind for many households, there’s no need to spend a fortune when the best activities Sydney has to offer are free.

Across Sydney, free events include:

• A Disco on Saturday 4 April, from 3pm to 7pm, at Tumbalong park.
• Friday night Latin Dance classes, from 6pm to 10pm at Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
• Poppy making workshops to honour the Anzacs from 11am to 1pm, from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April, at the always free, Rocks Discovery Museum.
• Sunday morning Yoga at 8:30am and 9:30am at Dawes Point Park under the Harbour bridge.
• Biennale of Sydney at the historic White Bay Power Station which is open for free from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday to Sunday, excluding public holidays until 14 June.
• Family day with Gul Collective people of all ages can join a creative fibre and textile workshop from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 4 April at White Bay Power Station.
• Penrith Beach community day from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday 4 April which will bring the beach to life with a DJ, food trucks and the lure of free ice-creams and hot drinks for the first 300 visitors.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is also running a promotion so one child under the age of 12 gets free entry with any adult ticket purchased ($12 entry for adults, kids under 5 are always free).

Families can also use the break to explore these attractions which are always free:

• Swimming at Marrinawi Cove or Penrith Beach.
• Cycling, strolling, relaxing or picnicking at Sydney Olympic Park’s lookouts, boardwalks or cycle tracks.
• Discovering the fun of Disc Golf at Newington Armory.
• Exploring the world class Botanic Gardens, in the centre of Sydney or in Mount Annan and Mount Tomah.
• Enjoying nature play at Ian Potters Children’s WILD play garden at Centennial Park open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Getting back to nature by walking, cycling and playing at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands.
• Exploring the public art at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on bringing more free and fun events to NSW with activities for the whole family.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is bursting with fun and free family activities this Easter long weekend.

“From craft workshops to discos, art exhibitions and great public open spaces there is something for everyone and their families and friends to enjoy for free.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering for Western Sydney, with Stage 1 of the jointly funded $226 million Mulgoa Road upgrade now complete and Stage 2 underway.

The newly completed Stage 1 works between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road have widened Mulgoa Road to three lanes in each direction, improving access to and from the M4 Motorway and delivering safer, more efficient connections to surrounding retail and residential precincts.

Stage 2 of the works will upgrade the section between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway, targeting a key pinch point to further improve traffic flow and reliability for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor each day. Work is expected to be completed by late 2028.

Around 52,000 vehicles use this section of Mulgoa Road each day, making it a vital link between Penrith, Jamisontown, Glenmore Park and the wider Western Sydney region.

Despite the challenges of working on a live traffic corridor, construction was carefully staged to minimise disruption, with the project delivered ahead of time and on budget.

Crews put over 743,500 hours of work into Stage 1 of the project, with works completed including:

• Widening the road from four lanes to six lanes to increase capacity
• Constructing or relocating 8 kilometres of underground utilities including water, sewer, gas, electricity and telecommunications
• Installing 2,460 tonnes of steel reinforcement
• Pouring more than 6,750 cubic metres of concrete
• Laying over 12,000 tonnes of asphalt
• Upgrading five signalised intersections to ease congestion

The upgrade will also improve bus travel, with new dedicated bus priority lanes on Wolseley Street and Glenbrook Street. A new 3.5-metre-wide shared path along the eastern side and a pedestrian footpath along the western side will also be delivered.

Environmental outcomes were also a key focus, with more than 130,000 tonnes of material recycled during construction. While some trees were removed, the number was reduced by 20 per cent from initial estimates, with more than 450 new trees planted and measures put in place to support local wildlife, including the installation of habitat structures.

A 560-metre-long noise wall has also been delivered to reduce road noise in nearby neighbourhoods.

Further south at Mulgoa, additional safety improvements are also being delivered, including shoulder widening, minor road realignment, and the installation of safety barriers at the intersection of Mulgoa Road and Roscrea Drive.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said:

“Mulgoa Road is busy, and the upgrades we’ve completed so far will make a big difference to how cars can flow on and off the M4.

“Thousands of people use this key north-south road through this growing part of Sydney, so these upgrades being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments will make a real difference.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“For far too long, Penrith residents have seen housing development in the local area surge ahead without the critical infrastructure to support it.

“The former Liberal government simply failed to plan for our community’s growth, so having Stage 1 of this long overdue upgrade delivered ahead of time and on budget is an important step forward.

“There’s more work to do, and the Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver the vital road upgrades communities like ours deserve – so residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We know how busy Mulgoa Road is, with around 52,000 vehicles using this corridor every day.

“That’s why this upgrade matters. We’ve widened the road, improved key intersections and delivered safer access, so people can spend less time in traffic and more time where they need to be.

“With Stage 2 already underway, we’re continuing to invest in the connections western Sydney needs as it grows.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“Finally, the Stage 1 improvements to Mulgoa Road which have been greatly anticipated by our community for many years are completed.

“Opening these upgraded lanes, intersections and M4 interchange will make everyday travel safer and easier for people travelling to and across our city.”