New designs for $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital unveiled

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled new designs showcasing the $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, with the community invited to view and provide feedback.

The artist’s impressions of the state-of-the-art health facility include the main entry of the hospital, a new internal access road, drop off and pick up area, and green spaces. The design also showcases the ‘care arcade’, which will house retail and café spaces and other services for consumers, families and visitors.

The Rouse Hill Hospital will cater for the growing healthcare needs of North West Sydney communities now and into the future.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for main works construction of the new Rouse Hill Hospital is now on public exhibition, and the community is invited to have their say on the project. Community consultation will happen over coming weeks.

The SSDA is available to view here

Feedback can be provided until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 10 December.

The Liberals promised and failed to deliver Rouse Hill Hospital at three elections – with no plans to include an emergency department, birthing services, or rehabilitation services.

The final scope for the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital development delivered by the Labor Government is expected to include:

  • an Emergency Department and primary access clinic
  • comprehensive birthing services including birthing rooms and a maternity inpatient unit
  • inpatient beds and day surgery services
  • short stay medical assessment services
  • pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
  • outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics and renal dialysis
  • virtual care and hospital in the home services
  • prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine

The new hospital design, which includes a multi-storey car park, has been carefully future-proofed allowing for the growth and delivery of future health services.

Planning and design for new hospital is being guided by ongoing community feedback, including new comprehensive birthing and maternity services boosted by an additional $210 million committed to the project by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

An early works contractor is expected to be appointed in the coming months, and these works will be carried out to prepare the site for construction of the new hospital.

For more information visit Rouse Hill Hospital project.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“This is a hospital that the Liberals failed to deliver. The Minns Government is now getting on with the job of building the health services communities in North West Sydney need.

“With the State Significant Development Application now on exhibition, we are one step closer to making the health facility a reality.

“The new designs show the Minns Government’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art hospital that will service the growing North West Sydney community for generations to come.

“More hospitals, more beds, lower wait times. It’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Rouse Hill Hospital will provide vital health services for North West Sydney’s growing community.

“With increasing density in the region it’s crucial we get the delivery of this hospital right, so I encourage the community to have their say on the detailed designs.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering homes, jobs and infrastructure together for North West Sydney where the Liberals and National failed.

Attorney-General and Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland

“I am delighted that families in North West Sydney are now one step closer to having the high-quality public hospital they deserve, close to home.

“I look forward to the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continuing to work together to deliver the best quality health services to support our growing community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby

“Having the SSDA on public exhibition is a clear indication the Minns Labor Government is going to deliver the Rouse Hill Hospital after more than a decade of false promises and fake sod turnings under the Liberals which did nothing more than make our community frustrated and cynical.

“This is a tangible step forward for the Rouse Hill Hospital and a clear sign the Minns Labor Government will live up to our promise to build the Rouse Hill hospital.

“Approval of the SSDA is the final step towards getting construction underway for the Rouse Hill hospital. I congratulate the Minister for Health for his commitment to provide Sydney’s North West Growth area with a healthcare facility designed to meet the needs of our growing population”

Labor Spokesperson for Kellyville Peter Primrose

“The former Liberal Government promised us a hospital, but all we ever got was temporary fencing with tattered plastic bunting. Now funding for our new Rouse Hill Hospital has been approved, and the planning and design work is being finalised so construction can begin.”

NSW opposition welcomes passage of planning system reform bill

The NSW Opposition has welcomed the passage of the Planning System Reform Bill 2025, recognising the need for a modern, faster and fairer planning system to help address the housing crisis that continues to put pressure on families, renters and first home buyers across the state. 
 
To improve the legislation the Coalition worked constructively with the Government to move and support amendments in response to concerns from the community about transparency, community consultation and the assessment of large-scale non-residential projects. 
 
While cost of living remains the biggest challenge for households under Labor, both federally and at a state level, the housing crisis is just as urgent. It affects young people trying to buy their first home, families looking to upgrade, and renters struggling to find a place they can afford. 
 
This reform began when the Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman, Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders, and Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow wrote to the Premier and the Minister for Planning in December 2024 offering bipartisanship and cooperation to get meaningful reform done. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals first tried to deliver changes like these back in 2013, when the Coalition’s Planning Bill 2013, introduced by then Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard, sought to simplify planning approvals, speed up housing supply, and create a more transparent system.  
 
That reform was blocked in the Upper House by Labor, the Greens and the Shooters Party, who teamed up to frustrate progress and run scare campaigns about overdevelopment.  
 
The NSW Opposition welcomes this Bill 12 years later because housing supply matters, but it’s not enough to pass legislation. The real test will be delivering affordable homes in the right places, backed by schools, roads and public transport, with urgent addressing of record state government taxes and charges and ramping up the supply of skilled labour. 
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this is a reform that should have happened years ago.  
 
“We offered bipartisanship last December because housing is too important for politics. Our priority is to make it easier for anyone to find a home, not harder through more red tape or delay,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said regional areas need fast-tracked solutions to help deliver on the demand they are seeing. 
 
“Housing is in short supply across regional NSW and we need a system that supports the growth and prosperity of our towns and cities, along with the infrastructure to match,” Mr Saunders said.  
 
Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow said the Coalition first tried to fix this system in 2013.  
 
“We welcome the passage of the Bill, but the real measure will be delivery, homes on the ground, not headlines in a press release,” Mr Farlow said.  
 
Between now and the 2027 election, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to unveil a series of new housing, infrastructure and planning policies to get NSW moving again, making home ownership achievable, making renting fairer, and helping every generation to find a place to call home. 

Labor sides with the greens to block tougher protest laws

The Minns Labor Government has today chosen politics over public safety. When the NSW Opposition moved to suspend standing orders to debate stronger protest laws, Labor teamed up with the Greens to shut it down. 
 
This was a chance to act on laws that would have stopped extremist and repeat protests, protected families and businesses, and backed our police. Instead, Labor has once again taken the easy option. 
 
The Minns Labor Government is on the go-slow train. They are tired, small target, and running out of steam. Like Thomas the Tank Engine, they are full of smiles for the cameras but going nowhere fast. 
 
They said they were reviewing protest laws. They said they would act. Yet in less than six months, we have seen a second neo-Nazi protest outside Australia’s oldest parliament while Labor sits on its hands. Today’s performance from the Leader of the House, Ron Hoenig, looked more like his TikTok content than serious leadership.  
 
After the vote was lost, Labor’s Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali, brushed it off as an “interruption”. That “interruption” was a plan to give police the power to order masked protesters to unmask or leave, to stop extremists using disguises to avoid accountability, and to make repeat protest organisers contribute to policing costs. 
 
It says everything about how out of touch this government has become. When issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.  
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government is asleep at the wheel while extremists and repeat protesters march through Sydney.  
 
“Twice in six months we’ve seen neo-Nazis take front up at Parliament and still Labor does nothing. NSW needs a government that stands up for the public, not one that hides behind the Greens,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said it’s time that the Minns Labor Government stopped sitting on its hands. They should support our laws which would stop this terrible community division being played out on our streets. 
 
“Our bill would give police the power to unmask violent protesters and to stop repeat offenders from hijacking our streets. Labor blocked these changes being advanced through the Parliament. That says it all,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this government had a choice today.  
 
“They could back the police or back the Greens. They chose the Greens. NSW deserves leadership, not excuses,” Mr Coure said.  
 
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said Labor had a chance to show they stand with the men and women who keep this state safe, and they blew it. 
 
“When you side with the Greens instead of the police, you show exactly where your priorities are, and it’s not with the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.  

Households pay the price for Labor’s energy failures

The NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party has supported and continues to support a target of net zero emissions by 2050, with a sensible path to affordable, reliable and clean energy for businesses and households.
 
The Minns Labor Government is bungling the rollout of the electricity infrastructure roadmap to get there, leaving regional communities frustrated and forgotten and everyone paying skyrocketing energy prices.
 
The Parliamentary Liberal Party will continue to work, including with our NSW Nationals colleagues, on policies that deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for businesses and households across NSW. 

Appeal to locate girl missing from Toronto

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Lake Macquarie area.

Phoebe Munoz, 13, was last seen leaving a school on Field Avenue, Toronto, about 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 12 November 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Phoebe’s welfare due to her age.

Phoebe is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 150cm to 155cm tall, of thin build, with medium length blonde hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing a blue school uniform and has braces.

Phoebe is known to frequent the Toronto area.

Premier Chris Minns under fire over conflict of interest and non-disclosure

Questions have arisen over the Premier’s conduct and non-disclosure of his potential conflict of interest surrounding prison law changes and the influence of an immediate family member.

ICAC regulations require disclosure of conflicts of interest where immediate family members may influence and stand to benefit from the decision made by Cabinet members. The regulations also require self-recusal from cabinet deliberations where the conflict could influence the decision making process. Greens MP Sue Higginson has written to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) outlining concerns.

The cabinet deliberations in question concern the Minns Labor Government’s proposed laws in response to an investigation by the NSW Ombudsman that found Corrective Services had overseen years of maladministration and unlawful conduct of employees applying the incorrect burden of proof when applying disciplinary action against prisoners. The Premier’s new laws include provisions to make maladministrative and unlawful findings retrospectively lawful, meaning in certain circumstances Corrective Services staff will not have to resolve the unlawful findings identified by the Ombudsman.

Greens MP, Spokesperson for Justice and Solicitor Sue Higginson said:

“The Premier has a conflict of interest, which it appears he has not disclosed, constituting a breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct and our integrity and corruption safeguards. We need to understand if his conflict has infected the Government’s significant change of direction on laws relating to Corrective Services NSW. The Premier is influencing laws that directly impact the work that his brother does, and whistleblowers within Corrective Services have signalled that the Premier’s brother is part of the drive to change the laws,”

“The disclosure requirements in the Independent Commission Against Corruption Regulations are critical to Cabinet deliberations to prevent decisions being infected with bias, and to ensure that significant changes to the law are not being influenced by close relationships. Disclosure is not a token gesture, it is a substantive aspect of accountability in decision making,”

“The change to prison laws would retrospectively absolve maladministration and unlawful behaviour in prisons that has been revealed in a damning Ombudsman investigation and are being driven by the Public Services Association (PSA) leadership. The Premier’s brother has been both an industrial officer and now lawyer for the PSA directly dealing with issues of prison misconduct,”

“The laws have been developed directly between the Premier’s Office and the PSA leadership, despite the Minister for Corrections having responsibility for these matters, the Premier has knowingly exercised his power despite or perhaps because of his conflict of interest,”

“Premier Chris Minns disclosed on 2GB radio his conflict of interest, he said “My brother is the union’s lawyer, so I know this issue back to front. He works on it every single day,” he told broadcaster Ben Fordham. “Around the Christmas table, and around the family table, he tells me … exactly what’s going on.”

“The Premier is pursuing outcomes that are contrary to the recommendations of the independent Ombudsman and inconsistent with human rights and the fair administration of justice. If these laws are passed they will increase the risk of Aboriginal deaths in custody,”

“The Premier must disclose and register his conflict of interest. The proposed laws and the significant changes they will make should now face objective scrutiny. They should be the subject of public inquiry so all relevant stakeholders and experts can be heard, not just the PSA leadership. These laws will impact significantly on people who are in prison and right now one third of the prison population are First Nations people,”

“I want to be clear, there are no aspersions being cast over the Premier’s brother, he’s doing his job. This is about the Premier of NSW and the integrity of our political system, we can’t have Premiers thinking and acting like they are above the law”.

Senate report recommends huge investment in environmental restoration, voluntary buy-back scheme for fishing licences, and a new disaster declaration and framework for climate events

The parliamentary inquiry into the toxic algal bloom in South Australia has today handed down its report.

The key recommendations include the federal government leading the development of a new national framework to respond to climate induced ecological events, and a review of the definitions relating to national disasters to ensure events like the toxic algal bloom are covered.

The unanimous report also recommends substantial funding to be directed to urgent and sustained environmental restoration, research and monitoring programs.

A Job Keeper style support program is recommended to help impacted individuals and businesses along the coast. The Senate report recommends a voluntary buyback scheme for fishing licenses and a targeted tourism recovery fund.

On the health impacts of the toxic algal bloom, the report makes it clear that the community requires and expects the Government to deliver clear, timely and science backed health advice.

Quotes attributable to Chair of the inquiry Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for South Australia and Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“South Australians are bearing the brunt of one of the worst climate induced events in our nation’s history. We are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to responding, preparing for and mitigating the worst of the climate crisis.

“This inquiry has laid bare just how ill-prepared both the state and federal governments were for this type of ecological and economic disaster.

“South Australians should not be left to deal with the cleanup of this disaster on our own. The unanimous report from the committee has called for more coordination and support to be led by the federal government in the case of such climate induced events.

“A $500 million Marine Environment Restoration Fund, funded by the federal government is required to drive urgent, large-scale recovery in South Australian waters: restoring reefs, regenerating seagrass, and helping coastal ecosystems heal.

“Government must deliver timely, clear and scientifically informed health advice issued to the South Australian community. As we come into summer it is essential that South Australians know if it is safe to be at the beach.

“The toxic algal bloom has been a devastating climate disaster that has decimated South Australia’s environment and industry and deeply impacted our community. This inquiry has been an important way for South Australians to have their voices heard in Canberra.

“The pressure created by community voices through this inquiry has seen both state and federal governments put significant funding on the table to address the issues caused by the algal bloom.

“We don’t know how long the algal bloom will persist but we do know that there is going to be an ongoing need for funding and support from the federal government. South Australia will need assistance in the management, clean up and recovery efforts for our environment, industries and community, potentially for years to come.”

Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 28 October) Tuesday 11 November 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting (items adjourned from 28 October) of Tuesday 11 November 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Adoption of council policies

Council endorsed an amended motion to adopt the updated Housing and Heritage Policies. 

Astra Aerolab engagement report

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Astra Aerolab Surveys Research Report prepared by Communica and Taverner Research Group.

Notices of Motion 

Land dedication to City of Newcastle 

Council unanimously endorsed a notice of motion that City of Newcastle write to the Minister for Health, Roads, Regional Transport, and Member for Wallsend to dedicate the remaining bushland parcels surrounding Rankin Park to Jesmond Bypass and the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct to City of Newcastle, to enable their long-term protection and management as public bushland assets.

Celebrating pride and visibility in the heart of Hamilton

Council voted to endorse an amended notion of motion to include permanent public art ‘Pride crossings’ as continuous footpaths along Beaumont Street near Hamilton Railway Station as a planning project in City of Newcastle’s 2026-2027 proposed Capital Works Budget.

Potential job losses and plant closure at Molycop

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to write to the State Government urging it to align all contracted fleet maintenance with its stated objective of local procurement. City of Newcastle will also write to the Federal Government Industry Minister seeking the ongoing development and ratification of measures that will ensure fair competition for Australian manufacturers, support for local manufacturing and the protection of local manufacturing jobs.

Celebrating the success of New Annual festival 2025

Council voted unanimously to formally recognise the success of the 2025 New Annual festival and its contribution to Newcastle’s cultural life, community, connection and creative economy.

Community engagement in City of Newcastle

Council voted to endorse a notice of motion acknowledging the importance of Council’s community engagement practice in quality decision-making and in building and maintaining our communities’ trust in Council. 

Protecting public land at Warabrook 

Council voted unanimously to endorse a notice of motion to write to the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, the Member for Newcastle, the Member for Wallsend and the Shadow Minister for the Hunter to request that the sale of land at Warabrook be halted and ownership transferred to City of Newcastle for preservation as public-owned land.

Newcastle Jets victory at the Hahn Australia Cup

Council voted unanimously to write to the Newcastle Jets to congratulate them on winning the Hahn Australia Cup.

Twenty-one more buyback homes up for auction in the Northern Rivers

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build momentum in the sale and relocation of buyback homes across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first six auctions.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build momentum in the sale and relocation of buyback homes across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first six auctions.

An additional 21 houses have been released to the market in two auctions being held in Murwillumbah and Lismore in November. 

To date, 106 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated off the high-risk floodplain by the new owner.

The next release of homes is part of the commitment to reuse and relocate as many flood-affected homes as possible.

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah will auction 11 houses at the Murwillumbah RSL Club, starting at 6pm on November 11. This will be followed by a PRD Northern Rivers auction of 10 houses at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah on November 17 from 5.30pm.

Among the Tweed homes being auctioned are several properties that had been renovated by their previous owners, retaining their period charm, including stained glass windows, timber flooring and high ceilings.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain and helping other homeowners to undertake resilience works to protect and mitigate the impact on their properties from future flood events.

Under the program, more than 930 offers have been made to buyback homes in the highest risk areas, with over 720 settled to date. A further 620 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. Our target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.

The program plays a critical role in reducing the number of people living in harm’s way by permanently moving families out of the most flood-prone areas. This not only protects lives and property but also supports the long-term sustainability of Northern Rivers towns by rebuilding in safer locations.

A full list of the houses for auction is found below and more details on the November 11 auction, including photos can be found at NSW Reconstruction Authority Homes released for purchase.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“These auctions are a powerful sign of progress, proof that our region is rebuilding with heart and hope.

“Every home that’s relocated represents a family starting fresh in a safer place and a piece of our community’s story being preserved for the future.

“This program is not just about moving homes, it’s about honouring the past, supporting renewal, and building a stronger, safer Northern Rivers for generations to come.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“The strong turnout at these auctions shows how much the community values the chance to give these homes a second life.

“We’re proud to continue this momentum and will keep releasing homes while community interest remains strong.”

$9 million boost to repair and strengthen Wisemans Ferry Road

Communities along the Hawkesbury River and Central Coast are one step closer to safer and more reliable travel, with the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments confirming an extra $8.99 million for critical repair and resilience works on Wisemans Ferry Road at Greengrove.

The road, which was badly damaged by floods and storms in recent years, has been the focus of extensive landslip remediation since 2024. This new funding brings the total joint investment to $37.35 million, under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The investment includes:

  • $28.89 million to restore the road and embankments damaged by floods and landslips.
  • $8.46 million from the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package to strengthen the road so it is more resilient to future natural disasters.

Central Coast Council is delivering the works, with contractors already active across more than 40 landslip sites between Spencer and Gunderman.

Works at Greengrove will begin in 2026, with full completion expected by late 2026, weather permitting.

This latest funding will ensure the road, a vital link for local residents, businesses, tourists and freight, can better withstand the impacts of severe weather and keep communities connected.

Further project information can be found on Central Coast Council’s website.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is partnering with state and local governments to not only repair roads damaged in natural disasters, but to build them back better and more resilient to future events.

“This additional funding will help to ensure Wisemans Ferry Road provides safer and more reliable journeys for locals and visitors to this area in the years to come.

“We are committed to ensuring Australia’s regional communities have roads they can rely on, which is why these projects are so important.”

the Member for Robertson, Dr. Gordon Reid:

“Wisemans Ferry Road is a critical local artery for communities along the Hawkesbury River, linking them to jobs and educational opportunities, and providing access to other goods and services.

“The additional $8.99 million being announced today together with the initial funding will help Central Coast Council ensure the road is not just restored to its former state but is better able to withstand future challenges.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Repeated severe weather events have clearly shown how important it is to make sure our key regional roads are not just fit for purpose, but resilient to inevitable future natural disasters.

“Wisemans Ferry Road provides essential connections for communities in the region, and this additional funding will allow Central Coast Council to go even further in ensuring the road can better cope with landslips and significant rain events.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

“Thousands of residents and visitors to the region rely on Wisemans Ferry Road every day

“This work will enable them to feel confident the road will be safer and can deal with bad weather better than before.

“I am pleased at the level of commitment from all levels of government in this investment and work to improve conditions for all users of a crucial artery of our growing region.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“It’s great to see the three levels of government working together to build back better on the Central Coast.

“Roads connect communities to each other and essential services. We need to ensure they are fit for purpose now and into the future and this boost in funding will do just that.”

Gosford MP Liesl Tesch:

“With the increasing threat of significant weather events, we know Wisemans Ferry Road is likely to face increasing weather-related challenges in the future.

“It is so important to invest not only in restoring the road, but in improving it so that when natural disasters do occur, our critical infrastructure can cope, and normal life can resume more quickly.

“I welcome this additional funding on behalf of our local community who I know have long been advocating for this work.”

Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna:

“Wisemans Ferry Road is a vital connection for many of our river communities and we know how tough it’s been with all the damage from storms and floods.

“This extra $8.99 million in funding is a big win – it means we can keep pushing ahead with repairs and make the road stronger and safer for the future.

We’re working hard to get things back on track and we really appreciate the community’s patience while we get the job done.”