Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government will help deliver more desperately needed homes for families by fast-tracking buildings that choose to use high-quality, pre-approved designs – speeding up the construction of homes for buyers and renters.

The Government is developing a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for both low-rise and mid-rise (up to six storeys) buildings.

The NSW Government Architect, Abbie Galvin, is leading a process of developing the pre-approved list of designs, alongside established private-sector architects, as well as the community, as part of a comprehensive consultation process.

As part of this process, the Government will launch an international competition, calling on Australian and international architects and architecture schools to design a best-practice Sydney terrace and mid-rise apartment for the 21st century. The winning designs will be included in the pattern book.

Details of the competition will be announced in early 2024.

Developers who choose to adopt the endorsed pattern book designs will have an accelerated approval pathway – meaning builders can get on site faster, and people can move into new homes sooner.

The Minns Government is working hard to change the trajectory on the long-term housing supply crisis it inherited.

NSW has been completing fewer new builds (on a per person basis) than Victoria or Queensland. NSW last year also recorded fewer overall completions than Victoria – despite NSW’s higher population.

The housing supply shortfall is behind Sydney unit rents increasing by 24 per cent over the year to the end of September 2023, along with house rents lifting by 11 per cent.

The development of low-rise and mid-rise terraces and apartments will support density in well-located pockets of Sydney – close to transport, green space, amenities and jobs.

The pattern book will include both low-rise housing (terraces, semis, manor houses), along with apartment buildings of up to six storeys. This signals greater role for low-rise, such as a new generation of Sydney terraces. 

These endorsed designs will be made specifically for Sydney and New South Wales and will include different styles of housing.

The modern homes will be made for NSW’s climate, allow for natural light, and look to include community spaces, allowing residents to still enjoy a barbeque and a makeshift game of cricket or footy, for example.

The Government Architect is leading the process and working with the best minds in the development and construction industry, the planning and architecture profession, and councils.

While this pathway will be attractive for some developers, it will not be compulsory; builders and their architects can still design bespoke developments that will go through the regular approval pathway.

The Government wants the community involved in this process, with the public able to view draft designs and provide feedback.

In addition to the pattern book and design competition for low-rise and medium-rise dwellings, the Government will also help developers of high-rise apartments to get building sooner.

Commencing with well-located places supported by transport infrastructure, the NSW Government will allow developers of high-rise to select a designer from a list pre-approved by the NSW Government Architect. This new process will allow developers to bypass the current requirement to run a design competition, slashing assessment times by between 6-12 months.

This will ensure speed and design excellence, and the Government will later consider this approach for high-rise developments across the state.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government wants to ensure the future homes and apartments of Sydney are world class.

“We want to see building designs that embrace what we love about Sydney and NSW.

“I’ve heard builders and other stakeholders explain some of the long approval times they encounter.

“What I’ve announced today is the start of addressing those delays.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Despite being in the top 30 cities in the world by GDP, Sydney ranks 859th in the world when it comes to density.

“We want homes and buildings fit for 21st century Sydney. And we want them fast.

“This gives developers certainty and will make sure more homes are delivered. 

“Increasing density in well-located and well-connected parts of Sydney is a key part of the NSW Government’s housing plan.

“We want to ensure density is done well, and this package will ensure that happens.”

School leaders and health experts convened today for the Minns Labor Government’s roundtable on the growing issue of vaping in NSW schools.

Delivering an election commitment to host the panel and discuss solutions, the Vaping Roundtable heard first-hand accounts from students, teachers, principals and evidence from health experts and researchers, about vaping behaviour and how it is affecting young people.

The Roundtable also heard about the impact vaping is having on schools, and the role the wider community plays in supporting young people.

Vaping is harmful, especially for non-smokers and young people, with direct health risks including nicotine addiction, nicotine poisoning, burns and injuries from devices exploding, and lung damage, according to a comprehensive systematic review from the Australian National University.

New data shows a third of children aged 14 to 17 have vaped or used an e-cigarette, and 9 out of 10 young people found it easy to access vapes, according to University of Sydney Associate Professor Becky Freeman, who presented to the Roundtable on behalf Generation Vape and Cancer Council NSW.

Representatives from NSW Health, Cancer Council NSW, the Advocate for Children and Young People as well as students and primary and high school principals addressed the panel, with members of the public, independent and Catholic school sectors also represented.

Vaping is a complex, community-wide issue which is having an acute impact on school-aged children. Where there are opportunities for the NSW Government to help, we are determined to have a positive impact.

The Minns Labor Government thanks all the contributors, and will now consider all it heard, including solutions that can be implemented in education settings.

As we chart a path forward, a number of actions have been proposed, including creating a vaping guide to assist teachers and help students trying to quit, updating the curriculum so it better addresses the dangers of vaping, creating an online support platform for students, and building better referral pathways between schools and community services.

This is part of other reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to protect children from the harms of illegal vapes, including $6.8 million invested over three years to crack down on the sale of illegal vapes and to increase support for young people who are addicted to vaping.

The NSW Government’s work will complement other measures introduced by the Australian Government, which includes the commitment to restrict the sale of vaping products.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Today we heard from students, teachers, principals and health experts about the significant concern vaping is causing across the NSW schooling community.

“Vaping among young people is a community-wide issue that is only increasing in its negative impact.

“It is clear from what we heard today than an evidenced-based approach is needed to tackle this problem.

“This is a complex issue and we need to work together as a community to tackle this serious problem.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Vapes can have harmful impacts, especially on young people’s growing brains and bodies and we will continue to crack down on retailers who illegally sell nicotine vapes.

“Ask any parent, and they will tell you that these products are pervasive. We are determined to get in front of this growing public health crisis.

“In the intermediate term, we have ramped up our compliance capacity, while boosting our cessation support for young people. But where we can improve our efforts moving forward, we will, and this Roundtable is critical to bringing together the leading expert advice in tackling the prevalence of vaping.”

Dr Kerry Chant NSW Chief Health Officer said:

“NSW Health is increasingly concerned about the harmful health effects of vaping, particularly for young people.

“Vapes can cause harm to the health and development of young people, including changes to brain development, impaired learning and memory, and may worsen stress, depression and anxiety.

“NSW Health is committed to increasing support to help young people quit vaping. We have developed the ‘Do you know what you’re vaping?’ campaign and Vaping toolkit to increase awareness among young people and provide parents, schools, and health and community services with strategies to protect young people from the harms of vapes.

“NSW Health has also released a new guide to support health professionals and others who work with young people to assist young people to quit vaping.”

The NSW Opposition has slammed the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments for turning their backs on NSW and cutting major infrastructure projects that would improve safety and productivity.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns has failed to stand up to Anthony Albanese and the Federal Labor Government, who have taken the axe to a swathe of significant projects.
 
“Chris Minns must now confirm that his Government will find a way to fund these key projects,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders said the regions will be hit hard by the cancellation of crucial projects like the upgrade to the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Lithgow.
 
“The decision to axe this project, that would better connect Sydney with Western NSW, sends a very strong message to the regions,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“It is abundantly clear that our bush communities are not a priority for the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, and as a result our important legacy infrastructure projects will come to a sudden stop and thousands of regional jobs will be lost.”
 
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said “Western Sydney commuters will be outraged that funding for two of their key road upgrades has been cut, placing a question mark on the future of Mulgoa Road Stage 2 and the M7-M12 Interchange”.
 
“These cuts mean more congestion, less productivity and more pain for commuters and businesses. It’s clear that Chris Minns has turned his back on Western Sydney after promising to invest in transport infrastructure.”
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the move will impact residents, tourists and businesses.
 
“These significant upgrades are needed to provide a safer and more reliable journey for the thousands of residents, commuters and freight operators, including those who travel between Sydney and the Central West every single day,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“This decision is also going to significantly impact the ability to move goods and products out of the regions by road, which will not only make things more difficult but cause safety issues as well.”
 
Labor’s Cancelled Projects:

1. Blaxland Road/Balaclava Road Intersection Improvements
2. Bruxner Highway – Wollongbar to Goonellabah
3. Commuter Car Park Upgrade – T1 North Shore, Northern and Western Line – Kingswood
4. Commuter Car Park Upgrade – T1 North Shore, Northern and Western Line – St Marys
5. Commuter Car Park Upgrade – Woy Woy
6. Great Western Highway Upgrade – Katoomba to Lithgow – Construction of East and West Sections
7. Gwydir Highway Improvements – Planning
8. M7-M12 Interchange
9. Mulgoa Road Stage 2
10. Northern NSW Inland Port – Narrabri
11. Oxley Highway Stage 2 – Planning
12. Remembrance Driveway Corridor Upgrade – Camden Council
13. Southern Connector Road, Jindabyne
14. Sydney to Newcastle – Tuggerah-Wyong faster rail upgrade
15. Toowoomba to Seymour – NSW – Moree Intermodal Overpass
16. Werrington Arterial Stage 2 – Planning
17. Western City Road Transport Network Development – Planning

The NSW Government will next week commence essential remediation work to improve safety and reduce environmental risks at the historic Lake George Mine site in Captains Flat.

Historic mining operations in NSW such as Lake George Mine were not subject to the stringent rehabilitation regulatory requirements in force today.

Under contemporary mining regulations, mine operators are required to submit and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans, lodge security bonds, and progressively remediate sites to limit poor environmental and safety outcomes.

The NSW Resources regulator is responsible for ensuring compliance with rehabilitation plans approved through the planning process.

While it was operative, Lake George Mine was one of the largest base metal mines in NSW. It produced lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold and spanned approximately 100 hectares of legacy mine workings, extending underground to a depth of over 600 metres. The mine operated over several decades, starting in the late 1800s and closing in the 1960s.

Up to $33 million of remediation work at the Lake George Mine will be carried out under the NSW Government’s Legacy Mine Program. The fund includes a total of $107.7 million for high risk historic and abandoned mine sites.

During the work period, the site’s historic mining structures will be preserved to maintain the mining history of the site.

Work at Lake George Mine will commence on 20 November 2023 and be carried out until mid-2026.

Get more information on the Lake George Mine Remediation Projectlaunch.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to safeguarding the environment and protecting local communities, including through the Legacy Mines Program.

“Mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW. Remediating historic legacy mines is an important way that the NSW Government can support local economies and ensure regional communities are great places to live and visit.

“By addressing the legacy of historical mining practices, we are ensuring a better and safer future for our communities.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The further remediation of the Captains Flat mine surrounds reflects the fact that our knowledge of the dangers of this type of site continues to get better. This is a big job and I’m pleased the Government continues to work to ensure community health.

“I am also very conscious of the fact that private landowners in Captains Flat also face considerable uncertainty and potentially high costs as a result of the Government identifying issues on town blocks. I have not forgotten those people.”

NSW has a fully sealed highway road network for the first time in its history following completion of a mammoth $195 million project to bitumen seal two Outback highways.

The historic milestone was reached after crews finished sealing the final 3.9-kilometre section of the Cobb Highway near Halfway Tree between Ivanhoe and Wilcannnia.

Completion of the 132-kilometre total Cobb Highway sealing work follows finishing of the 153-kilometre Silver City Highway sealing in late 2022.

About 150 workers — including engineers, road workers, trainees, apprentices and contractors —   were employed each year on the project which commenced in 2011.

The remote location meant workers had no access to an established base or nearby infrastructure, and they were away from their families for months at a time living in caravans at makeshift camps which were built near highway work sites.

About 700,000 tonnes of crushed gravel and 43,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the Cobb Highway while work crews camped on-site to ensure the work was completed, battling the elements and isolation.

Key features of both highway projects include:

• New drainage structures to combat flooding
• A new bridge at Packsaddle Creek
• A new landing strip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Shannons Creek
• Close consultation with local Registered Aboriginal Parties to preserve and document culturally-sensitive areas such as those near Mount Manara

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The sealing of these Outback highways will improve safety, slash journey times, reduce the risk of fatigue and increase resilience against extreme weather events.

“Importantly, this work also means there will be more reliable access to hospitals, schools and essential services for the communities living in the most remote parts of NSW.

“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government I want to thank all the workers who’ve delivered this project for the incredible legacy they have built for our state.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Prior to being sealed, both highways could be closed several weeks a year due to wet weather and these closures hit residents and businesses hard while cutting access to essential services and isolating interstate road users.

“The sealing of both highways now means the need for road closures has been reduced.

“The highways will also be safer for tourists visiting the Outback who, along with people moving livestock and freight operators, will also benefit from reduced travel times.”

Wilcannia Tourism Association president Bill Elliott said:

“We never thought we’d see the day the Cobb was sealed the whole way.

“It’s felt like a never-ending push to get it done, but it is amazing to have seen this project completed.”

Transport for NSW Works supervisor Kevin Bath said:

“The hardest part is living away from family, but we build bonds while we build the roads and try to make camp life as fun as we can.

“There’s also a great sense of pride amongst the team, working on projects that will directly benefit the communities that we come from.”

Patients across Sydney are set to benefit from a clinical trial that will mobilise potentially life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for those in cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – or ECMO – is a form of heart and lung bypass which provides blood flow and oxygen to the brain, heart and other vital organs.

This allows time to identify and treat the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Until now however, the treatment has only been available within the hospital setting.

Today, the NSW Government is announcing a new innovative clinical trial which will go a step further, making a cardiac bypass machine mobile.

The staffing model of this trial is a world-first, with critical care paramedics working alongside specialist pre-hospital critical care doctors in a dedicated vehicle to treat cardiac arrest patients.

Taking ECMO to the patient can increase their rate of survival and a good neurological outcome by getting them onto the treatment earlier.

For ECMO to be effective, patients must be placed onto the machine within an hour of their cardiac arrest.

Mobilising ECMO has the potential to increase the survival rate of some patients in cardiac arrest from less than 5% to around 30%.

NSW Ambulance has a dedicated clinician working within the control centre who identifies cardiac arrest patients who are suitable for ECMO and notifies the team immediately.

To be placed on ECMO, a patient must be eligible according to specific criteria set up as part of this trial.

The trial is now underway, with 1 vehicle currently operating 2 days per week.

Westmead Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney are participating in the trial by receiving patients that have been put on ECMO by NSW Ambulance.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are embracing innovative, new and effective methods to improve health outcomes.

“Where possible, we want to be able to provide care where and when a patient needs it.

“In instances of cardiac arrest – time is particularly of the essence.

“This world leading initiative can save time to treatment and has the potential to save lives.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I’m thrilled that this exciting and promising trial is being launched in our community, and that Westmead will be a participating hospital.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“Our doctors and paramedics are well-equipped to respond to cardiac arrests within the community, with all of our ambulances fitted out with vital equipment including mechanical chest compression devices and medications.

“This trial will go a step further, taking a cardiac bypass machine out on the road for the first time in NSW.”

The NSW Government is getting behind the ICC Cricket World Cup by announcing special event extended trading hours for venues which screen the finals.

Hotels and registered clubs across NSW will be able to remain open until 4am in the morning instead of the usual closing time for the semi-finals and final of the ICC Cricket World Cup on tonight 15 November, tomorrow 16 November and Sunday 19 November, if they provide a live broadcast for cricket fans.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said major global events like the ICC Cricket World Cup are moments for communities to come together and can provide a much-needed boost for venues across the state.

“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events like this,” Mr Harris said.

“There’s nothing like cheering on the Aussie cricket team and I encourage all members of the community to get down and enjoy the excellent atmosphere and food and beverage offerings at their local pub or club.

“These extended trading hours will help bolster the state’s night-time economy and facilitate a great experience for fans.”

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.”

Extended trading does not apply to takeaway alcohol trading times and individual trading restrictions and other special conditions on a venue’s liquor licence remain in force.

For more information on extended trading, please visit Liquor and Gaminglaunch.

Western Sydney students spent 2 days developing campaigns to address key health issues and presenting them to industry leaders, as part of a 2 day Health Hackathon event at Westmead Hospital.

The Health Hackathon is designed to engage western Sydney’s young people to build skills and career opportunities, while focusing on improving population health.

Over 50 students from 7 local high schools participated in the event, including Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus, Colyton, Erskine Park, Model Farms, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Penola Catholic College and Windsor High Schools.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU), in collaboration with NSW Health, the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program and the NSW Department of Education, co-facilitated the Health Hackathon at Westmead Hospitallaunch on Monday 13 November and Tuesday 14 November.

Established in 1995, PERU delivers innovative community and school-based prevention and health leadership programs, while working with western Sydney schools, universities and other organisations.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said: 

“I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of the school students participating in the program.

“The Health Hackathon gives young people in western Sydney an opportunity to talk about the health issues they are passionate about and how they can make a difference.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This event at Westmead Hospital is a great example of the relationship between Western Sydney Local Health District and local schools.

“It’s fantastic to see our healthcare staff engaging with the next generation to advocate for health and wellbeing.

“The program engages high school students to develop ideas to improve health outcomes.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I want to thank our dedicated staff in western Sydney, who not only work hard in clinical spaces, but also support education programs like the Health Hackathon for Western Sydney communities.

“I am so proud this amazing event is happening right here in our community.”

PERU Director, Professor Smita Shah OAM said:

“PERU prioritises evidence-based prevention programs and interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in WSLHD.

“The Health Hackathon is a crucial step in preparing young minds to tackle future health challenges.”

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Related ministerial media releases

Ministerial media release26 October 2023

$500,000 investment boosts engineering training at TAFE NSW Griffith

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.Ministerial media release18 October 2023

New program taps local talent to ease teacher shortages in high-demand parts of NSW

Local residents in Western and South Western Sydney, Dubbo, Queanbeyan, and the Murray region will be encouraged to take up secondary careers in teaching under a new program targeting areas with high demand for teachers.Ministerial media release15 September 2023

Investment in historic regional school building program

The Minns Labor Government will invest more than $1.4 billion over four years to deliver a massive pipeline of new and upgraded schools for regional NSW.

Related information

• Health Hackathonlauncheast
• Western Sydney Local Health Districtlauncheast

The NSW Government is providing support to Port Stephens oyster farmers impacted by the ‘Queensland Unknown’ (QX) disease, with a $240,000 fee waiver.

In recognition of the cost to the local oyster industry the NSW Government will waive the Fisheries and Food Authority State Levy Fees for 2023 to 2024 for all Port Stephens Oyster farmers.

This announcement follows the detection of QX in Sydney Rock Oysters from Port Stephens in August 2021. While not dangerous to humans, QX disease is deadly for oysters. 

The Port Stephens oyster industry was the second largest oyster producing estuary in NSW, valued at more than $11 million. This fee waiver is intended to provide some relief to the local industry as they navigate how to mitigate the impacts of this disease.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has been working with the Port Stephens oyster industry to support them, including disease surveillance and breeding Sydney Rock Oysters for QX disease survival, as part of the Sydney Rock Oyster Breeding Program (SRO BP).

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I have met with oyster farmers up in Port Stephens and have heard firsthand how devastating QX disease has been for the local industry and the wider community.

“The fee waiver means that everyone will be able to receive some relief, regardless of the size of their production history or income.

“Oysters from Port Stephens remain safe to consume, so I would encourage everyone to support your local oyster farmers this summer by indulging in some delicious oysters.” 

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens has a long and proud history of oyster farming, spanning across multiple generations, but the last few years have been really tough.

“I thank Minister Moriarty for hearing firsthand from our local oyster farmers and responding with much-needed, practical relief.

“I’m hopeful that the fee waiver will help some of our struggling oyster farmers stay afloat and continue to produce the local oysters we all love.”

Get more information about QX oyster diseaselaunch.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman is calling on Chris Minns to stand up to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ensure that NSW doesn’t lose funding for essential infrastructure projects.
 
“The Albanese Labor Government promised a 90-day infrastructure review – and we’re still awaiting the outcome some 200 days later. What’s clear is that Federal Labor are lining NSW up for cuts to infrastructure projects and Chris Minns hasn’t done enough to safeguard our state,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Federal Labor has announced that states will now have to pay for half of new regional road and rail infrastructure projects, an increase from 20% to 50%, adding additional strain to the State Budget and putting at risk the viability of future projects.”
 
“When Labor announced their infrastructure review, we called on Chris Minns to pick up the phone to Anthony Albanese and fight to protect NSW projects. Now it appears that Canberra will send money to Victoria to build their ill-conceived Suburban Rail Loop and projects including the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow will be put at risk.”
 
Labor’s changes to infrastructure funding will see increased congestion and less safe roads, with regional NSW to be hit the hardest. Without this higher level of funding, many regional road projects would never have been approved.
 
These road projects are not only vital for improving the safety of regional roads, but essential if we are to improve national productivity in freight and logistics supply chains.
 
“We need a Premier who will stand up to Canberra on issues like immigration and infrastructure. It’s time Chris Minns’ actions matched his rhetoric and he worked with his Labor mates in Canberra to protect NSW projects. The NSW Opposition will continue to stand up for regional NSW and the many communities who are at risk as a result of Labor’s poor decisions,” Mr Speakman concluded.