Housing Delivery Authority fast tracks 6,400 new homes

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared eleven housing proposals State Significant Development (SSD) creating capacity for 6,400 new well-located homes, following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

The proposals were recommended for State Significance following the first meeting of the HDA, which was established by the Minns Labor Government to speed up assessment timeframes, with the option of concurrent rezoning and assessment, rather than being assessed by councils.

The HDA has received over 160 expressions of interest (EOIs) since it invited proposals in mid-January 2025. This meeting examined the first 28 proposals received.

Some applicants submitted proposals that are already well progressed along another, more suitable assessment pathway. These have been advised that they are on the right pathway for their proposal.

The HDA has resolved to meet fortnightly to consider further EOIs in a timely manner.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will now provide clear advice and guidance to HDA applicants on the next steps to take with their development proposal.

In some cases, this advice includes recommending an alternative planning pathway for major housing projects that may require a concurrent rezoning but do not satisfy the criteria of the HDA pathway.

High-quality housing projects that have detailed plans submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval and deliver affordable housing were given priority by the HDA, to set a clear benchmark for future EOI submissions.

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

The HDA builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

·       The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.

·       The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs.

·       The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.

·       $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning. 

·       $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters. 

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said: 

“These changes that we have implemented are making it easier and faster to increase housing supply near existing infrastructure, critical to delivering thousands of much needed homes for young people, families and workers.

“This new authority that is fast tracking the approval of new homes is a major but necessary change to cut through the red tape and delays that have haunted the NSW planning system for well over a decade.

“This is an important step that is helping to deliver thousands of new homes for those who need them, but we know that work does not stop here to increase housing supply.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is reforming the planning system to deliver more market and affordable housing across NSW because everyone having access to a home – either to rent or buy – is a foundation of social and economic participation.

“The Housing Delivery Authority not only encourages new housing proposals by asking for expressions of interest, but it also allows existing proposals to receive fast track consideration by being assessed by the State rather than the local Council.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to streamline the planning system to create more homes. In just the first meeting, we have the potential for 6,400 homes. That is thousands of families, workers and grandparents finding a home.”

New laws make it criminal to incite racial hatred in NSW

The NSW Government will introduce legislation to Parliament today to confront hate speech and antisemitism by establishing a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred.

The Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 responds to recent disgusting instances of antisemitic conduct and hate speech, and makes clear that inciting racial hatred has no place in NSW.

The legislation will make it a crime to intentionally and publicly incite hatred towards another person, or group of people, on the grounds of race. The bill will establish a new section, 93ZAA of the Crimes Act 1900, with a maximum penalty for an individual of two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $11,000, or both, while corporations can face fines of $55,000.

The proposed offence will contain the following elements:

  • It must be a public act;
  • The public act must incite hatred;
  • The incitement to hatred must be intentional; and
  • The intentional incitement to hatred must be on the basis of race.

To ensure the implied freedom of political communication is protected, the new offences have been drafted to apply to specific conduct.

The new section includes an exception for directly referencing religious texts during religious teachings.

Criminalising the incitement of racial hatred is the latest measure taken by the NSW Government to respond to acts of racial violence and hatred. Other actions include:

  • Introducing a new offence in the Crimes Act to ensure people of faith can attend their place of worship in safety and provide police with associated move on powers;
  • Introducing a new offence in 93ZA of the Crimes Act directed to the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue or place of worship, Jewish school or the Sydney Jewish Museum;
  • Amending existing graffiti offences to make it an aggravated offence to graffiti a place of worship; and
  • Ensuring that hatred or prejudice as motive for an offence will be an aggravating factor on sentence regardless of the presence of other motives.

The Minns Labor Government also increased funding for the NSW Engagement and Hate Crime Unit, the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants (led by Multicultural NSW), and the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program.

This package of measures helps crack down on the recent escalation of troubling graffiti, racial hatred and antisemitism in the community.

It also builds on the work of the NSW Police Force, with Operation Shelter conducting more than 300 proactive patrols daily, while Strike Force Pearl has doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.

With these reforms, the NSW Government is sending a clear message about how seriously it takes racial hatred and antisemitism.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Racial hatred and antisemitism have no place in our society, and we are making it clear with this law.

“These are strong new laws because this disgraceful behaviour must stop.

“NSW is a multicultural state. The people of NSW already stand against racial hatred, and we are making it criminal with this law.

“While this package confronts recent antisemitism, the new laws will apply to anyone, preying on any person.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Racial hatred is unacceptable – and under this new legislation, it will be a crime to publicly and intentionally incite racial hatred.

“It is important for members of our community to be protected from conduct that causes them to fear for their safety, or to fear harassment, intimidation or violence.”

Four bridges taking shape on Singleton Bypass

Singleton’s largest ever road infrastructure project is progressing well, with piling and pier work now underway on four bridges on the Singleton Bypass.

The eight-kilometre bypass will divert the New England Highway from travelling through Singleton, avoiding five sets of traffic lights and removing about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre.

It will ease the passage of freight, improve safety and congestion, and deliver time savings for the 26,000 motorists who use this section of the New England Highway each day.

The project includes the construction of six bridges. The project reached a major milestone last week when the first girder was placed on the longest bridge– a 1.6-kilometre section on Doughboy Hollow floodplain.

Work is also well underway on bridges located at the southern connection, the crossing of the Hunter River and the crossing of the New England Highway at Gowrie. Piling and construction of piers will continue across the project for about three months.

A total of 435 girders, 207 piles and 161 pier columns will be put in place over the next six months to form the bridges, while other work is continuing across the project for the relocation of utilities and major earthworks.

The Singleton Bypass will feature eight kilometres of new highway, with a single lane in each direction, a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the New England Highway at the southern and northern ends of the bypass and at Gowrie Gates.

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting. It is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments, with the Commonwealth contributing $560 million and the New South Wales Government contributing $150 million.

For further information visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/singleton-bypass-new-england-highway

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

“It’s fantastic to see the biggest road infrastructure project in Singleton’s history starting to take shape.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress as part of this great partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

“The project is also giving the local economy a welcome boost by supporting more than 1,300 jobs during construction.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Well done to the project team and its contractor, hitting the ground running with major construction starting last September.

“Bridge building is an important step, and motorists will soon begin to see the magnitude of the bypass taking shape before their eyes.

“The Singleton bypass will improve the lives of people living and working right across the Hunter region through safer journeys, shorter travel times and more efficient freight transport.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“It’s wonderful to see the progress of the Singleton Bypass, which will benefit so many people who live in, work in, and visit our region.

“This is just the start of transformative work for this project, with bridge columns coming out of the ground and the start of girder installation, which will continue over the coming months.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress.”

State Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal:

“When the bypass is built motorists will avoid five sets of traffic lights in Singleton’s CBD and it’ll remove about 15,000 vehicles a day from the town centre — improving safety, slashing travel times and increasing efficiency for all road users.

“Well done to the Transport project team and all the staff for their hard work on building this game-changing project.”

New Sydney Fish Market’s iconic floating roof now complete

The new Sydney Fish Market has reached a major milestone with the final roof panel installed on top of the 200-metre-long floating roof canopy, forming the iconic building’s crowning glory.

With the unique and spectacular roof now completed, Sydney’s skyline is set to change forever with this new architectural marvel, just as the Opera House did when it was built in 1973.  

This marks a pivotal moment in the project, as the focus shifts from structural work to internal finishes, bringing the building one step closer to construction completion.

The roof’s supporting structure is comprised of 594 timber roof beams – with the longest beams up to 32 metres in length – and was completed in December 2024.

Combined with over 400 roof panels, the roof weighs a staggering 2,500 tonnes. The roof requires some finishing touches including waterproofing, which will follow in the weeks ahead.

Since construction began, the project has provided a major boost to the local economy with delivery partner Multiplex awarding more than $670 million in contracts to Australian suppliers for services including maritime piling, steel reinforcement and installation of the roof cassettes.

The new Sydney Fish Market will offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and community spaces, including fresh seafood market, restaurants, and a seafood school. The new market will create a dynamic hub for both locals and tourists, celebrating Sydney’s reputation as a global seafood destination.

The new Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, which will unlock a connected waterfront promenade from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo, 1,100 homes on the old fish market site and more than 6,000 square metres of public space, improving pedestrian and cycling links.

The project is also supporting over 700 jobs during construction, and a further 700 jobs once operational.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The revamped market will be truly spectacular, offering a world-class, authentic seafood for an expected 6 million annual local and international visitors – ensuring it remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on offer in our harbour city.”

“Excitement around the new Sydney Fish Market is growing every day as this spectacular new building, now with a completed roof, comes to life at the head of Blackwattle Bay.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Today marks a significant milestone with the completion of the roof at the new Sydney Fish Market, a testament to world-class engineering and design.

“The roof not only enhances the market’s aesthetic with its magnificent wave-like form now in place, but also the environmental sustainability of the building.

“It is incredibly exiting to have reached this stage in the build and start work on finishes. We’re on the home stretch now and getting closer to being able to set foot in the new Sydney Fish Market, which will be an icon for Sydney and a destination for all.”

NSW Regional Director Daniel Murphy at Multiplex said:

“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our construction team and partners. We can’t wait to see visitors enjoying this impressive building when it opens to the public.”

One Nation to abolish excise on alcohol served at venues

One Nation will abolish the excise on alcohol served at licenced venues as part of its plan to put more money in Australians’ pockets and support small businesses struggling under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.

Party leader Senator Pauline Hanson said the hospitality sector had felt the impact of the cost-of-living crisis more than most.
“Everyday we see pubs and restaurants across the country – some of them historic venues which have operated for decades or longer – being forced to close their doors because so many Australians can no longer afford to have a night out,” Senator Hanson said.

“They’re also being crippled by increased operating costs – energy bills, rents, insurance, council rates and state government regulations. Many of them rely on casual employees, but Labor’s IR changes mean that many of them can’t risk employing casuals anymore.

“One Nation’s policy will abolish the alcohol excise on drinks served in these businesses. This will not apply to take-away alcohol, however our policy also includes freezing the biannual increase in the excise on all alcoholic beverages.”

Senator Hanson said one of the more disturbing impacts of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis was the increase in drinking at home, which was fuelling higher rates of domestic violence.
“Our policy will help to reduce that,” she said. “We also see how Australians struggling to make ends meet are experiencing increased mental health issues. Having a schooner with mates at the pub, or socialising with friends at restaurants and other venues, has always been how many Australians spend their leisure time. Labor’s cost-of-living crisis has taken this option away from them.

“Abolishing the alcohol excise for hospitality venues is just one of many ways One Nation’s plan will put more money in Australians’ pockets. We hope to give venues a lifeline, a real shot in the arm, and enable Australians to again enjoy a night out without it breaking the budget. Our policy will also assist our brewers and our emerging world-class micro-brewery sector, which is being hit hard by government taxes too.

“One Nation puts Australia and Australians first.”

Hazard reduction burn in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will undertake a hazard reduction burn with support from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) in Tomaree National Park on Wednesday 19 February, weather permitting.

The 3-hectare burn next to Boat Harbour Drive will take advantage of a small window of optimal weather conditions.

By reducing the risk of wildfire, the burn will help protect the Boat Harbour community as well as natural assets in Tomaree National Park.

Firefighters will conduct a low-intensity burn to minimise any impacts to the environment and threatened species, including koalas, which have previously been recorded in Tomaree National Park.

The burn will take place in bushland near Blanch Street, Andrew Close, Emerald Close and Harbour View, with close neighbours receiving written notification. The burn is expected to take a day, while smoke and ground patrols may continue for up to a week pending weather.

Boat Harbour residents should be aware that smoke could carry across most of the suburb

Any motorists using surrounding roads are reminded to be aware of potential smoke hazards, to drive to conditions, and obey traffic management that will be in place.

Public access to a small area of Tomaree National Park will be closed while the burn is underway and will remain closed until firefighters have ensured there are no embers or trees in danger of falling. Check the NPWS website’s Alerts page for updates.

NPWS may conduct more burns in the Port Stephens area in the coming weeks, weather permitting.

People with asthma or who are susceptible to respiratory problems are advised to keep clear of the area or stay indoors with the windows shut.

The NPWS hazard reduction program for 2025 is focused on essential burns to protect park neighbours, park and catchment assets and park values.

All burns across NSW are coordinated with the RFS and FRNSW to ensure any impacts to the community, including from smoke, are assessed at a regional level.

Details on specific burns will be made available in advance on the Rural Fire Service website, Hazards Near Me app, and on NPWS Alerts website.

For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning, visit NSW Health or the Asthma Foundation. For up-to-date information on these, and other, planned hazard reduction activities, visit the Rural Fire Service.

Man charged following crash – Abermain

A man has been charged following a crash in the Hunter region which resulted in seven people being taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

About 12.05am yesterday (Sunday 16 February 2025), emergency services were called to Bromage Road, Abermain, following reports of a crash involving multiple people.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told a sedan was driving east when it hit two parked vehicles – another sedan and an SUV – causing the SUV to impact with a group of people.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated seven people at the scene, with one airlifted to John Hunter Hospital and the remainder taken by road ambulance.

  • An eight-year-old girl remains in hospital with suspected internal injuries, while a 10-year-old girl was treated for minor injuries and released.
  • Two women, aged 25 and 31, also remain in hospital, with the older woman being treated for a head injury.
  • Two men, aged 24 and 25, were also taken to hospital; the younger man has a fractured leg while the older man was treated for a foot injury and released.
  • The driver, an 18-year-old man, was treated for facial injuries and has since been released from hospital.

A crime scene was established, and specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigations Unit (CIU) commenced an investigation into the crash.

Officers spoke with the driver after he was discharged from hospital earlier today (Monday 17 February 2025).

Following inquiries, his license was suspended, and he was charged with six offences:

  • Cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle (two counts)
  • Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous
  • Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous
  • Driver not wear seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened
  • Use light vehicle not comply with tyres standard

He was issued a court attendance notice to appear before Kurri Kurri Local Court on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Appointment of High Commissioners and Ambassadors

Today I announce the appointments of eight highly qualified individuals to lead Australia’s posts in Rarotonga, Suva, the Holy See, Wellington, Koror, Port Moresby, as well as Australia’s engagement with the UN in Geneva and our international work on counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

Australia is investing in all arms of national power to advance Australian interests and values in our region and the world – to keep Australians safe, to ensure our economic strength – and today’s appointments will bolster these efforts.

I thank the outgoing ambassadors and high commissioners for their important contributions.

Albanese Government uses forced deportations to Nauru to whip up fear and division on migration

The Albanese Government announced today it will force people in Australia to Nauru after bribing the country with an undisclosed amount of money.

The Albanese Labor Government, at the end of last year, worked hand-in-hand with Peter Dutton’s Coalition to push through the most extreme anti-migrant and anti-refugee policies Australia has seen in a generation.

One of these laws has allowed the Labor Government to bribe countries, like Nauru, to take up to 80,000 people who currently live in Australia. Once they arrive in Nauru, the law gives them no protection from being jailed or returned to the country they fled in fear of persecution.

An Australian offshore detention centre has operated in Nauru for over a decade. Along with a detention centre that previously operated in Papua New Guinea, Australia’s so-called ‘offshore processing regime’ has been directly linked to 14 deaths, including a murder by guards.

In January this year, the UN Human Rights Committee found, in two cases brought by people held in offshore detention, that Australia is responsible for people transferred offshore under the existing regime.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Immigration and Multiculturalism, said: “The Albanese Government’s attempt to run to the right of Dutton is cruel and wrong in principle, but it also won’t work politically.

“This posturing by Labor doesn’t build their brand, all it does is legitimise Dutton’s brutal rhetoric on migration and citizenship.

“No one is in immigration detention because they have committed a crime. They are in immigration detention because of a visa issue.

“Today’s announcement entrenches a two-class legal system where you can be subject to arbitrary detention and forced to a country you have no connections to because of where you were born.

“Dozens of other countries face far more pressing immigration issues than Australia, yet no other country has decided to bribe other countries to take people without any regard for human rights.

“What we are seeing is the Albanese Government picking and choosing who gets human rights. When you start picking and choosing who gets human rights, it takes us down a divisive and dehumanising path.

“The Albanese Government has shown no interest in standing up to Dutton and protecting multiculturalism in Australia. When it comes to migration and refugees they have no red lines.

“Make no mistake, history has told us what will happen next: people will die, families will be separated, and the major parties will still blame migrants for problems they created.”

Urgent inquiry needed into political interference at Creative Australia

The Greens have called for an urgent independent inquiry into Creative Australia’s shock decision to revoke Australia’s selection to the Venice Biennale, 6 days after awarding the commission to artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Micheal Dagostino.

Citing the capitulation to political pressure, Greens spokesperson for the Arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for a full and frank inquiry into the crisis that has now engulfed Australia’s art world and put into question the integrity and independence of the Creative Australia Board.

 The Senator has vowed to hold the agency and Minister to account at the upcoming Senate Estimates, scheduled for Tuesday 25 February, and believes a specific Senate hearing is warranted.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for the Arts:

 “It’s an appalling capitulation that has plunged arts policy in Australia into crisis.

 “It has undermined the entire integrity and credibility of the newly formed Creative Australia. Succumbing to political pressure from the Murdoch media and conservative politicians has brought the nation’s premium cultural institution into disrepute.

 “Artistic expression must be free from political interference and intimidation. To allow this censorship of artistic thought and expression is to allow an attack on the very values of freedom and peace that are the lifeblood of our democracy.  

 “To award the submission to two of Australia’s great creative minds, only to revoke it 6 days later after political interference sets a dangerous precedent, not just in the art world but for all of our public institutions.

 “This is nothing short of an international arts embarrassment for Australia.

 “There must be a full and frank inquiry into how this decision was made, who was involved and how much it has cost the Australian taxpayer.

 “What role did the Minister for the Arts, or any other members of government have in this cancel-culture calamity?

 “The cancellation of the commission must be reversed, and the original contract with Mr Sabsabi and Mr Dagostino must be upheld.

 “Senate Estimates can’t come soon enough. The agency has failed to stand with the arts community and the public deserves to know the full story.”