Rail passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time today due to industrial action. Plan ahead and check the latest updates before travelling. Allow extra travel time and see the news story for further information.
Inquiries are continuing into a crash in the Hunter region which resulted in seven people being taken to John Hunter Hospital this morning.
Emergency services were called to Bromage Road, Abermain, shortly after midnight (Sunday 16 February 2025), following reports of a crash involving multiple people.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found a 2003-model blue Subaru Liberty AWD sedan was driving east when it hit two parked vehicles, a white LDV and a champagne-coloured Mazda 6. The AWD then struck 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 has been 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 has been treated for a foot injury and released.
• The driver, an 18-year-old man, is being treated for facial injuries and remains in hospital under police guard.
A crime scene was established and specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigations Unit (CIU) have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
An investigation has commenced following a pedestrian crash in the state’s Hunter Valley.
About 12.05am today (Sunday 16 February 2025), emergency services were called to Bromage Road, Abermain, following reports of a crash.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told a vehicle was allegedly performing a burnout in front of a crowd when it lost control – crashed into a parked vehicle – which hit onlookers.
The driver, an 18-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and taken to hospital for further assessment where he remains under police guard.
Two children – aged 5 and 6 – were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Five adults were also injured and were taken to hospital for further treatment.
A crime scene was established and Crash Investigations Unit have commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The Albanese Government is supporting a $95 million upgrade of Papua New Guinea’s Kimbe Port to improve freight services and resilience to climate change, while fostering economic growth and creating local jobs.
The upgrade is financed by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), and will involve the demolition and reconstruction of wharf structures and the rehabilitation of existing facilities.
This project forms part of the broader AIFFP-funded PNG Ports Infrastructure Investment Program, which aims to strengthen connectivity and supply chain efficiency across Papua New Guinea.
The program, developed in partnership with the PNG Government, will also upgrade Oro Bay, Daru, Lae and Kavieng facilities.
Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract by PNG Ports Corporation Ltd for Kimbe Port Marine improvement works.
The Kimbe Port upgrade is supporting local jobs via local construction companies and supply chains, with a minimum target of 30 percent expenditure on local content.
The works are scheduled to begin in early 2025 and conclude in 2026.
More information can be found on the AIFFP project page.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
“Since the Albanese Government was elected, we have made the Pacific, including our relationship with Papua New Guinea, a priority.
“Through this project, and the broader Ports Program, we are responding to PNG priorities, and helping our neighbour become more economically resilient and secure.
“Australia is a trusted partner for major infrastructure projects in the Pacific, with transparent investment to support high quality construction and utilising local labour to create jobs and support the local economy.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:
“The Albanese Government has been working hard with Pacific nations to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
“With more than 90 per cent of internationally traded goods in Papua New Guinea transported by sea, maritime infrastructure is critical.”
“Pacific countries look to us first to support their development and economic needs. Australia is proud to support the re-development of Kimbe Port, particularly as PNG marks the historic milestone of 50 years of independence.”
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Torres Strait Treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea, which entered into force on 15 February 1985.
In addition to defining the maritime boundaries between Papua New Guinea and Australia, the Treaty protects the ways of life of traditional inhabitants in the Torres Strait Protected Zone.
The Treaty’s unique provisions allow Torres Strait Islanders and Papua New Guineans from Treaty Villages free movement across borders for traditional activities, such as traditional fishing, cultural and religious ceremonies, social gatherings and trade.
It is particularly important to reflect on the Treaty’s success this year as we look forward to marking the 50th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence in September.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
“The Torres Strait Treaty recognises the kinship between our two countries and our people, reflecting the deeply important relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea as neighbours, friends and equals.
“We will continue working closely together to advance our shared interests and ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:
“The arrangements in the Treaty are a reflection of the thousands of years of engagement and cultural connection that exist between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“Australia remains committed to the Torres Strait Treaty, and its assurance to empower our First Nations people and preserve their traditions, as the longest continuous culture on earth.”
The Greens have slammed the Prime Minister’s announcement today that he will cave in to the Tasmanian salmon industry by weakening Australia’s environment laws if re-elected. The Greens will stand up for the environment and community this election against vested interests.
Nick McKim is Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania:
“Labor has backed in the profits of foreign salmon-farming corporations over Tasmania’s environment and the survival of the Maugean Skate.
“Australia’s environment laws are already too weak. To water them down even further to underpin corporate profits is an outrage and a betrayal.
“The Greens will fight any attempt to erode the protection of Australia’s environment with everything we’ve got.
“This will play very badly for Labor at the election, because right around the state Tasmanian communities are fighting to defend their coastlines from pollution and privatisation by industrial salmon farms.
“Tasmanians have always voted for the environment, and will do so in even larger numbers after this shocking environmental sellout.”
Australian Greens Spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“The Prime Minister has bulldozed environment laws and his Environment Minister, again. Last week it was caving in to the fossil fuel industry, today it’s the multinational salmon corporations.
“It is clearer than ever that Labor is too weak to stand up to vested interests and protect the environment and native species. They simply can’t be trusted to do the right thing, by the law or by nature.
“Instead of applying the law, the Prime Minister has told industry he will change the rules to suit them at the expense of the community and the environment. This is not leadership, this is a weak capitulation.
“Whether it’s protecting our marine ecosystems, native forests or koalas, neither Labor or Mr Dutton can be trusted – they will sell out to the corporations every time. Only the Greens in balance of power can save our native species and force Labor to act.”
The Minns Labor Government has secured a multi-year pay deal with TAFE NSW teachers, benefiting nearly 9,000 teaching staff. Over 90 per cent of teaching staff, backed by the NSW Teachers Federation, voted to accept the government’s 10.5% baseline pay offer, higher than ever offered under the former government.
This comes after a decade long wages cap by the former Liberal-National Government that left thousands of teachers underpaid and in insecure employment.
Nearly two thirds of NSW Public sector workers and their union have now signed wage agreements with the NSW Government.
The deal, which delivers on the Government’s election commitment to rebuild TAFE NSW, consists of:
Additionally, the Government will undertake reforms within 12 months to remove TAFE NSW from the former Government’s “Smart and Skilled” competitive market, a key recommendation of the NSW VET Review.
This means TAFE NSW will no longer compete with the private training providers for funding and instead will have a more predictable annual budget.
These changes will slash red tape and give teachers more time to focus on the actual teaching of students.
In addition, the Minns Labor Government has transitioned more than 1700 casual teachers and delivery support staff from the beginning of this semester into permanent roles, providing long-overdue job security and stability for staff who have endured years of uncertainty.
80% of the TAFE NSW teaching workforce now enjoy greater job security, ensuring a stable, experienced workforce to deliver training in priority industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:
“This pay agreement with TAFE NSW teaching staff reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s industrial relations framework is working.
“It recognises not only the important service our teachers and educators provide but acknowledges and rewards their efforts.
“This is a good step forward but there is always more work to do to ensure we have the best public service in the world.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
“I’m delighted that the TAFE NSW teaching staff have agreed to the Government’s offer, recognising their contribution to the state. Our teachers are on the front line of delivering the skills education to fill shortages in our critical industries and we value them.”
“We’ve heard from teachers that they want to see reform in TAFE NSW, and alongside the increase in pay, this agreement builds on reform by no longer requiring TAFE NSW to compete with private training providers for funding.
“Removing TAFE NSW from the competitive (Smart and Skilled) market was a key recommendation of the Government’s VET Review. It will result in a major reduction in administrative burden for TAFE NSW, but more importantly it enhances the recognition that TAFE NSW is the core provider of vocational training in NSW.
“Funding certainty and a stable and secure vocational training workforce are crucial to meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers across several critical industries NSW communities rely on every day.”
NSW Teachers Federation President, Henry Rajendra said:
“The Federation enthusiastically welcomes the strengthening of TAFE NSW, with more than 1700 teachers transitioning from casual to permanent role starting earlier this term.
We also commend the removal of the constraints of the contestable funding market on TAFE NSW, and the introduction of a new three-year enterprise agreement that delivers solid pay increases to some of the most essential educators in NSW.
“These are a clear demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding a strong and stable TAFE NSW.
“As the heart of the vocational education and training sector in Australia, TAFE NSW is critical to delivering the education and skills for our students, communities and economy across NSW.
“TAFE NSW has a proven track record of excellence, delivering dependable public education that meets individual, industry and community needs.”
The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure the New South Wales farmers and agriculture industry are safeguarded into the future with the appointment of Alison Stone as the state’s first statutory Agriculture Commissioner.
Committed to during the state election and legislated last year, the Commissioner will provide independent advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations to the NSW Government on agricultural matters, including productivity, land use conflict and food security.
Commissioner Stone has over 40 years of experience across primary industries equipping her to provide informed advice to the NSW Government on future proofing this vital industry.
This experience has included 25 years as a farmer, policy experience across Land, Natural Resources, Foresty, Heritage and Wildlife Roles and experience in disaster resilience, response and recovery having led the codesign process for the Disaster Wise Communities Network.
Further, the Commissioner served on the NSW Government’s cornerstone Regional Advisory Council, the Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Council and the Commonwealth Government’s Forest Industry Advisory Council.
As Agriculture Commissioner, Ms Stone will serve an initial three-year term with work to include:
The appointment of the state’s first Statutory Agriculture Commissioner is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to ensure regional communities and farmers can thrive. This work has included the following:
NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
“The Minns Government has delivered another key election commitment by ensuring farmers and the agricultural sector has a dedicated and independent Agriculture Commissioner to advise me and the Government on best options for matters such as land planning in regional NSW.
“Ms Stone’s extensive career across both the public and private sectors has made her a respected leader in agriculture and the Government is endorsing her for this role because she has a proven track record of resolving complex and contentious issues in areas such as land management reform.
“With 25 years of hands-on experience as a livestock farmer, she also understands the realities of rural life and the challenges faced by our farming communities.
“The appointment of a statutory Agricultural Commissioner marks an exciting new chapter for agriculture in NSW, and I look forward to working alongside Ms Stone to champion our farmers, protect valuable agricultural land, and build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.
Ms Alison Stone, endorsed to be the first statutory NSW Agriculture Commissioner said:
“Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and my role is to collaborate with government, landowners and industry leaders to drive tangible, on-the-ground outcomes and practices to ensure NSW has a strong and prosperous agriculture sector.”
“NSW’s primary industries sector is one of the most diverse in the country, with a wide range of agricultural commodities and farming systems. While this presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth and innovation.
“One of my key priorities is helping government to protect and support our agricultural land, ensuring productivity remains on the government’s agenda alongside its priorities for renewable energy and housing.
“I am honoured to be endorsed by the NSW Government for the first statutory Agriculture Commissioner and to work alongside Minister Moriarty and the farming sector to build a more resilient and prosperous future.
The Minns Labor Government and wind farm developer WestWind Energy Pty Ltd have signed a lease agreement to help facilitate a wind farm with up to 201 turbines on Crown land in south-west NSW.
WestWind Energy is aiming to construct the wind farm over a 2-3 year period from 2029 to 2032, subject to planning approvals and community consultation.
The project has an estimated capital expenditure of $3.8 billion and will have an installed capacity of up to about 1,000 megawatts with an annual energy production of approximately 3,400 gigawatt-hours, capable of powering up to 700,000 homes.
The project will also include up to three battery energy storage systems with a total of 1500 megawatt hours storage to provide a more secure and consistent supply of electricity.
The proposed Lake Victoria Wind Farm, could support up to 375 jobs during construction and up to 70 ongoing jobs once completed to maintain the infrastructure and manage ongoing operations of the facility.
Crown Lands has negotiated the agreement for a special purpose lease which would provide WestWind Energy with an initial 25-year lease with two 7-year options to extend the lease a further 14 years.
The lease agreement allows WestWind Energy to progress planning for its proposed Lake Victoria Wind Farm, would be located about 30 kilometres north-west of Wentworth near the Victorian border.
The project is listed on the NSW Planning website to be assessed as a State Significant Development once a development application is lodged.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Lake Victoria Wind Farm proposal has the potential to deliver major economic investment, well paid regional jobs and more green energy for NSW.
“The Lake Victoria Wind Farm is a significant clean energy initiative that can play a vital role in powering our economy for generations to come.
“The rental income will be reinvested into the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to provide grants to maintain and improve Crown reserves across the state, such as regional showgrounds, war memorials and community sporting grounds.”
Communities in Scone, Muswellbrook, and Dungog will benefit from a $750,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.
The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.
Projects for the Upper Hunter region include:
Hunter New England Local Health District is planning to complete these projects in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.
“The Regional Minor Works Program will allow Hunter New England Local Health District to expand the size of the ED at Scone, create a more comfortable space for palliative care patients and their loved ones at Muswellbrook and boost the availability of key health worker accommodation at Dungog.
“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”
Labor Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:
“This Government’s committed to investing in regional, rural and remote healthcare.
“Being in or caring for a loved one in Palliative Care can be incredibly difficult, so the $250,000 investment in the palliative care space at Muswellbrook will be very welcome.
“The Emergency Department expansion at Scone will assist the hard-working staff there in providing the best possible care to the Upper Hunter community”
Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape:
“These investments continue our District’s goal of improving healthcare for regional areas, and we look forward to sharing updates with the local communities about each project as they progress.”
