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Shadow Minister for the Environment, James Griffin MP, has slammed the Minns Labor Government for presiding over an environmental catastrophe, following the release of data showing a 40% surge in land clearing across New South Wales in 2023.

According to the 2023 NSW Statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS) released yesterday, 66,498 hectares of native vegetation were cleared last year – a 40% increase from the previous year, and the equivalent of 237 Sydney CBDs or four Royal National Parks lost in 12 months.

Mr Griffin said the Minns Labor Government has betrayed conservation and communities across New South Wales.

“What we’re seeing is environmental vandalism on a scale comparable with palm oil deforestation in Indonesia. This Labor Government came to office promising reform, and two years later they’ve delivered nothing but excuses and inertia,” Mr Griffin said.

“Labor campaigned in 2019 and 2023 on curbing land clearing yet clearing has exploded on their watch. They campaigned on this issue and have delivered absolutely no solutions.”

Mr Griffin said, “The State of the Environment Report earlier this month was a shocker, the Great Koala National Park is a farce, there are no aquatic reserves or marine conservation ideas to speak of, and clearly the environment doesn’t really matter around the Minns Cabinet table”. 

Labor’s inaction contrasts with the forward-looking initiatives of the previous Coalition government – conservation initiatives such as those aimed at: 

• The establishment of NSW’s first Natural Capital State Accounts – a nation-leading framework to measure, value and protect the state’s ecosystems in economic decision-making.
• Major investments in koala habitat corridors and private land conservation agreements.
• Strengthened data systems for land cover monitoring and vegetation mapping.
• And an ambitious push to integrate biodiversity metrics into infrastructure planning.

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

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From 12.01am Thursday 31 July to 6am on Saturday 2 August 2025, travel will be free on all Sydney Trains, Airport Link, and Sydney Metro services.

Opal gates and readers at Opal enabled train and metro stations will be turned off during this fare free period meaning customers will not need to tap on and tap off.

Passengers traveling on NSW TrainLink regional rail services who purchased a ticket from 12.01am Thursday 31 July to 11.59pm on Friday 1 August will be refunded but must have booked a ticket to secure their seat to travel.

However, passengers on all other services including bus, ferry, and light rail must tap on and off as normal as fares will continue to be charged.

For more information see the news article.

Netball NSW is proud to announce the athletes selected in the 2025 Regional Emerging Talent Team, part of the broader Emerging Talent Program that identifies and supports the next generation of netball stars across Regional, Metro, and First Nations pathways.

Twelve athletes from across New South Wales have been named in this year’s Regional Team, recognised for their skill, dedication, and potential to progress to Netball NSW’s underage 17/U and 19/U State Teams.
Recognising the tyranny of distance, additional travel and accommodation costs, and the commitment required from regional families, Netball NSW is deeply committed to breaking down barriers and nurturing talent from across the state.

“This program gives our regional athletes the opportunity to step into a high-performance environment and see what’s required at the next level,” said Mardi Aplin, General Manager – Performance and Pathways at Netball NSW.

“By bringing them into Sydney for training, we’re able to provide the same quality of coaching, education, and support as their metro counterparts-ensuring an even playing field and a clear pathway to future success.”

Throughout the five-week program, the regional athletes train as part of a 36-athlete performance cohort, coming together for a mix of on-court sessions and off-court education. These sessions are led by Netball NSW’s top coaches and performance staff and are designed to expose athletes to the intensity, preparation, and mindset required at the elite level.

Regional athletes receive targeted support tailored to their specific needs and challenges. This includes training in performance analysis, helping them learn how to review and self-assess their own games at home; education in nutrition and recovery strategies, especially relevant for those who travel long distances to train and compete; access to physiotherapy and injury-prevention resources; and structured workshops in high-performance behaviours designed to build habits for success both on and off the court.

Bringing regional athletes to Sydney ensures they are immersed in a true high-performance training environment, while still being able to connect with teammates and coaches from their home areas.

“While they wear different colours during the tri-series tournament, all Emerging Talent athletes train and grow together,” said Aplin. “It’s not just about skills on the court, it’s about building the confidence, resilience, and behaviours needed to thrive in our sport.”

Athletes in the Regional Emerging Talent Team were identified through a range of talent ID platforms, including Senior State Titles, Regional Academies of Sport, and previous state trials.

The program not only supports athletes but also contributes to long-term talent identification for Netball NSW’s state teams, ensuring that regional athletes are front and centre as selectors look toward future state and national squads.

“We know that talent is everywhere – and this program is about making sure opportunity is too.”

2025 Netball NSW Regional Squad

ATHLETE FULL NAME NETBALL ASSOCIATION 1ST 2ND
Ava Francisco Dubbo GD WD
Chloe Eyles Charlestown GA GS
Emma McCallum Lakeside C WD
Eve Power Newcastle GD WD
Gemma Humphery Illawarra District GA GS
Isabella Christian Illawarra District WD C
Jade Stringer Lakeside GA WA
Molly Brownell Maitland GS GA
Molly Stephen Wagga Wagga WA C
Paiton Cook Newcastle WA C
Skye Hutchison Barellan & District GK
Sophie Lockyer Illawarra District GK GD

Head Coach: Linda Macleod, Dubbo Netball Association
Assistant Coach: Charli Wright, Armidale Netball Association
Apprentice Coach: Alex McNeil, Illawarra Netball Association

The new AUKUS defence agreement made public today between the United Kingdom and Australia cannot hide the core failings of AUKUS. With AUKUS under threat from the US review, this agreement is a step back into the 20th century and further distances us from our neighbours. It makes clear the need for an inquiry into AUKUS.

The detail in the treaty makes clear that Australia is at the bottom rung of AUKUS, with the UK making all critical decisions on the design of the yet-to-be-built AUKUS nuclear submarines, and Australia once again funnelling money and little more.

The 50-year deal has little new detail and is largely a virtue signal to the US seeking the Trump administration’s support for the failing AUKUS deal.

The UK defence budget and industry are in disarray. Since 1972 the UK has made it clear it does not have a meaningful role in defence matters “East of Suez” and the decades since its economic and military reach has only diminished.

This deal also makes clear that Australia will be responsible for high, low and intermediate nuclear waste from UK submarines in Australia, with the limited exception of spent nuclear fuel. The deal will also see Australia “waive all claims for liability” on the transfer of AUKUS nuclear submarines.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said:

“The Albanese Government has already committed to giving the UK a $5 billion down payment on AUKUS. Of course, the UK is committed to AUKUS; they have found a sucker in Australia.

“With this latest round of AUKUS the Albanese Government is making it clear they would rather handcuff Australia to an erratic bully in the US and a dying empire in the UK than work with our neighbours to have a peaceful and stable region.

“Signing Australia up to a 50-year agreement with the UK like this is an expensive distraction for Australia’s defence and security planners. Think of the message being sent to our region as we invite the UK back, half a century after our neighbours finally saw them sail away.

“These decisions are seemingly being made on the fly and just highlight the urgent need for inquiry into the AUKUS to pull Australia back from this reckless and expensive nuclear folly.”

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The Minns Labor Government has today announced more than $930,000 of funding to improve and promote recreational fishing across the North Coast region ensuring money from the Recreational Fishing Trusts is spent on the ground supporting local anglers.

The funding is part of the Minns Government’s plans to build fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.

The North Coast fishing community will see the benefits of new fishing infrastructure, with some $310,000 of grants awarded towards the construction of facilities including:

• $280,000 for new accessible fishing platforms at Tumbulgum Village and Terranora Creek
• $11,987 for a new fish cleaning table and shelter at Wooli Terrace Boat Ramp

Young people and students on the North Coast will soon be able to learn important life skills and enjoy the benefits of casting a line, with $36,000 funding approved for:

• $7,510 to establish new fishing sessions for Banora Point High School students
• $7,500 for fishing for wellbeing primary school programs at Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Cudgen Public Schools
• $4,000 for resources for the new “Coastal Explorers” initiative for learning support classes at Maclean High School
• $8,300 for Sawtell Public School recreational fishing for sport each week
• $9,600 for Byron Youth Service Inc’s ‘Tight Lines’ fishing and mentoring program

A further $586,000 over the next two years has also been allocated to the community partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW to improve 40 waterways across the North Coast and the state.

The funding, from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, demonstrates how licence fees are invested to boost recreational fishing in NSW, through new fishing infrastructure and programs to promote the well-being benefits of getting outside and casting a line.

The North Coast grants are part of some $2.4 million in funding to be allocated in the latest round of grants.

These grants are in addition to the NSW Government’s Get Hooked program which allows primary and secondary schools to incorporate recreational fishing subjects in their curriculum.

In 2024/25, more than 415,000 recreational fishing licences were issued, with all revenue raised reinvested into programs and projects that support and grow recreational fishing activity and the environment for vibrant fish habitats.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support projects that promote and build recreational fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.

“These grants are about making sure money from the Recreational Fishing Trust is funnelled back to on-the-ground activities and is supporting the fishers who are out wetting a line.

“Whether it’s a new fish cleaning tables or accessible fishing platforms for people with disabilities, these infrastructure projects make a real difference to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can enjoy recreational fishing.

“It’s great to see programs funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust are helping young people experience the health, social, and emotional benefits of fishing.

“As someone who understands the joy and relaxation fishing brings, I’m thrilled to see licence fees being invested back to fund so many great ideas.

Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“Spending time by the water is something many in our region treasure — so it’s great to see funding towards projects that will improve recreational fishing on the North Coast and help our local community get the most out of our stunning waterways.

“By investing in better fishing facilities from Tweed to Port Macquarie, these Recreational Fishing Trust Fund grants will make fishing more enjoyable for everyone, from families to seasoned locals.”

“There is no doubt that recreational fishing can have a powerful impact on well-being and these grants will help more North Coast youth experience those benefits in the short term and for years to come.”