Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is investing an additional $23.9 million to fast-track thousands of new homes in regional areas, as part of a package to support local councils to deliver infrastructure and strategic planning to support housing growth.

From today, councils outside of Greater Sydney can apply for funding through round four of two key programs:

• Low Cost Loans Initiative – up to $20.9 million available to help councils deliver critical infrastructure like roads, parks, and enabling infrastructure to support new housing by covering 50 per cent of interest costs on loans.
• Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund – up to $3 million in grants to support local planning projects that unlock new housing and improve affordability.

Grants under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund range from $20,000 to $250,000, supporting work such as housing strategies, masterplans, development control plans, and infrastructure contributions.

Housing supply pressures have impacted regional NSW, making it harder for people to buy or rent a home.

In 2024, the Minns Government set new housing targets for housing delivery across the state, including a target for regional NSW of 55,000 homes by 2029.

The projects funded under these programs will make sure the homes delivered are supported by enabling infrastructure such as water and sewer infrastructure, stormwater drainage, new local roads, kerb and gutter and footpaths.

To date, the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund has invested $11.25 million across 60 projects in 49 councils, supporting plans that will help deliver new homes across regional NSW.

The Low Cost Loans Initiative has helped to support nearly 60,000 homes and deliver $262 million in local infrastructure projects in regional NSW – with the NSW Government contributing $8.2 million in interest subsidies to date.

Examples of previous successful projects include:

• $239,239 Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund grant to Byron Shire Council to assess affordable housing options around Byron Bay’s central business district.
• $111,041 interest reimbursement through the Low Cost Loans Initiative to Griffith City Council to fund $13 million worth of infrastructure for 62 new homes.
• $2.98 million in interest reimbursement under the Low Cost Loans Initiative to Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council for the $86 million Ellerton Drive Extension.

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

Applications for both programs close on 12 December 2025. To apply, visit NSW Planning.

For more information, visit Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund and the Low Cost Loans Initiative.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We know infrastructure unlocks housing, and this investment is about making sure regional NSW has the roads, water, sewerage and community facilities it needs to support housing growth.

“The Minns Government’s planning reforms such as the Housing Delivery Authority and NSW Housing Pattern Book are gaining popularity in regional NSW, this initiative will support that housing growth.

“By backing councils to deliver these projects sooner and at a lower cost, we’re helping to deliver more homes for people who want to live, work and stay in the regions.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional NSW is growing fast, but without the right infrastructure, homes can’t be built. This investment will help councils deliver the water, sewer, drainage and local roads that are essential to unlock housing.       

“We know housing supply is one of the biggest challenges facing regional communities. By supporting councils to deliver enabling infrastructure sooner and at a lower cost, we’re helping families, key workers and young people find a place to call home in the regions.”

While patients wait longer for surgery and staff are stretched to breaking point, the Minns Labor Government has once again chosen spin over substance.
 
Instead of owning up to its failures, Labor’s latest press release rewrites history and takes patients for fools, by distorting the truth to distract from a health system under strain.
 
The facts speak for themselves:

• The backlog of 18,000 overdue elective surgeries came at the end of the global COVID pandemic when NSW operating theatres were shut.
• The former Coalition Government invested $408 million in the 2022-23 Budget to slash that backlog, and it worked. The number of overdue surgeries plummeted under our plan, continuing into Labor’s first year.
• Labor failed to reinvest or manage patient flow, which is why we’ve seen a new spike in backlogs under Labor. There have been no COVID shutdowns or lockdowns, just failure.
• Desperate to play catch up, Labor has thrown $200 million in December 2024, $23 million in June, and now $30 million today.
• Pre-COVID, overdue surgery lists remained stable and low – never rising above 1,000.

This morning’s so-called announcement isn’t about patients. It’s about politics.
 
Chris Minns and Ryan Park are hiding from scrutiny. Labor refuses to commit to an inquiry into the Western Sydney Local Health District, despite mounting evidence of dysfunction, overworked staff, and unsafe conditions for patients.
 
In Ryan Park, Paul Scully and Anna Watson’s own region, the Illawarra, the results speak for themselves:
 
Only 17.9% of emergency department patients at Wollongong Hospital and 38.2% at Shellharbour Hospital were admitted or transferred within six hours, compared with the target of at least 80%.
Fewer than half of patients at Wollongong Hospital were discharged within four hours.
At Shellharbour, only 71.6% left within four hours.
In Wollongong’s Emergency Short Stay Unit, only 48.7% were treated and admitted within four hours, when the target is at least 60%.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this morning’s media stunt was a classic Labor distraction.
 
“This is a desperate attempt by Labor to shift blame for their own failures. They’ve had three budgets and two and a half years and still can’t get their act together,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said our hospitals are under pressure, and our nurses, doctors, and paramedics are doing everything they can.
 
“They’re the heroes holding a broken system together while Labor spins. Patients are waiting in pain while Chris Minns and Ryan Park play politics,” Ms Sloane said.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said Ryan Park can’t even fix hospitals in his own backyard, so it’s no surprise he’s ignoring the rest of NSW.
 
“Our hospitals in the regions are running on fumes while Wollongong-based ministers issue press releases. People out here aren’t asking for luxury wards; they just want a doctor who isn’t three towns away and an ambulance that shows up before it’s too late. Labor’s turned its back on regional NSW,” Mr Singh said.

The Minns Labor Government is providing $5 million in funding to support downstream businesses who have been impacted by the moratorium on timber harvesting within the proposed boundary of the Great Koala National Park.

The new Forestry Industry Supply Chain Program will offer help of up to $100,000 to a downstream business that relied on impacted timber mills so they can meet increased operating costs.

The eligible businesses usually source their hardwood or wood by-products from one of the impacted sawmills. They will now be able to apply for assistance to cover the cost differences of sourcing similar products from a new supplier, including for an increase in freight costs.

Downstream businesses could include specialised, operations that process timber into finished or semi-finished goods, such as furniture manufacturers.

Eligible businesses could also include businesses that use sawdust for biomass energy generation, or use eligible wood by-products such as wood chip, wood shavings, and sawdust.

The NSW Government is working closely with the impacted mills businesses, workers and the broader industry on immediate costs and impacts, while progressing their long-term options and ensuring appropriate support for workers.

Immediate support already being offered to affected workers and their families includes:

• Business Continuity payments flowing to impacted mills to ensure workers are being paid while further support is being finalised
• The Rural Financial Counselling Service providing free and independent financial counselling to businesses
• Training Services NSW providing advice on training to bridge skills gaps and helping to identify suitable job opportunities
• TELUS Health services providing 24/7 confidential mental health and financial counselling services to affected workers and their immediate family.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million to a Community Grants package which will provide support to small businesses and the community on the Mid North Coast, creating new jobs and investment. Further details will be announced soon.

The NSW Rural Assistance Authority is administering the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Program. Applications will open on Tuesday 7 October 2025 and close on 8 December 2025, or when available funding is allocated.

For further information about the Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program, including eligibility and guidelines, go to www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our Government’s priority has been supporting the impacted mills and their workers, and now we have more details on those businesses operating downstream of the mills we have been able to develop this program of support for them.

“When we announced the proposed boundaries and moratorium for the new park we stated we would provide financial assistance to impacted businesses and this supply chain support program is a demonstration of that occurring.

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

“We are delivering on our election promise to create the Great Koala National park and ensure future generations can see these most precious of species in the wild.

“We are also delivering on our promise to work together to ensure no one is left behind. This decision will ensure downstream small businesses are supported as they search for new opportunities.

“There will also new opportunities created for tourism and small business under a $6 million package that we will develop in consultation with local communities to grow jobs and investment as the Great Koala National Park is established.

The NSW Government will enhance trade and investment opportunities with Singapore through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on innovation and the green economy.

The MoU between Investment NSW and Enterprise Singapore – a statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry – was signed today in Sydney, coinciding with Singapore Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong’s visit to Australia, and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The MoU will focus on sectors including energy, urban development, technology and transport, and will facilitate commercial partnerships between NSW and Singaporean companies, investors and entrepreneurs.

Key benefits of the MoU include:

• Encouraging investment from Singapore businesses into New South Wales.
• Enhancing NSW’s role as a home for Singapore startups and high-growth companies.
• Attracting innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists from Singapore to NSW’s innovation districts including Tech Central.
• Enabling NSW exporters to become early-movers in high-growth Southeast Asian markets.

The MoU aligns with the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which emphasises government-to-government relationships and maintaining strong formal agreements in priority markets.

Partnerships like this, which focus on Southeast Asia’s technological advancements and economic growth, provide a strong foundation for the NSW Government’s longstanding relationship with the region to expand and deepen.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“This deal reflects our commitment to building deeper economic ties with Singapore through practical, forward-looking collaboration.

“It will help unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses in one of Southeast Asia’s investment hubs and fast-growing innovation sectors.

“This is a priority market replete with longstanding and likeminded trading partners.

“By working together, we’re strengthening our collective competitiveness, and creating new investment pathways for the future.

“The Australian Government has done a fantastic job strengthening our national relationship with Singapore, clearing the way for important agreements like these.”

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said:

“This agreement is a strategic step in delivering the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, with a clear focus on continued international engagement to drive innovation, sustainability and commercial outcomes.

“It will enable NSW companies to scale into new markets and attract Singaporean talent and investment into our state.

“We’re proud to partner with Enterprise Singapore to turn shared ambition into tangible growth.”

Enterprise Singapore Managing Director Cindy Khoo said:

“Over the years, Singapore enterprises have grown their presence in NSW, leveraging the state’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and push for decarbonisation, alongside the strong support of our partner and government networks in the market.

“With this latest partnership, we look forward to unlocking even more commercial opportunities and progress in areas of green economy and innovation. 

“I am confident that Singapore companies will make good partners, contributing expertise that can complement and support NSW businesses’ in their growth ambitions. These include providing proven innovative solutions and bringing with them relevant experience in Southeast Asia that can help open doors for NSW businesses to expand into the region.”

The Minns Labor Government’s ongoing statewide property audit has identified a further seven government-owned sites with the potential to deliver more than 600 new homes as part of its Building Homes for NSW program.

All sites identified as part of the land audit are first offered to Homes NSW and Landcom, the NSW Government’s developer.

Among the latest tranche of government-owned sites, three are in Greater Sydney and four are in regional centres.

In the Northern Tablelands region, Homes NSW are investigating the former Duval High School site in Armidale which has the potential for over 100 new social, affordable and market dwellings to support regional growth driven by the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The site at Valla Beach, north of Nambucca Heads and close to the Pacific Highway, could yield more than 160 new dwellings. With sites at Boolaroo in the Lake Macquarie region and Broken Hill capable of delivering 190 new homes.

Among the newly announced Greater Sydney locations, the site at Whalan in the Blacktown local government area currently comprises lots which may support more than 120 new homes. Other sites in North Kellyville and Prairiewood could collectively provide around 19 new dwellings.

The Prairiewood site in particular is suited to low-rise housing using the Government’s recently announced NSW Housing Pattern book, which offers high-quality architect designs supported by a 10-day planning approval pathway to make it faster and more affordable to design and build a home.

The specifics of housing delivery including the quantity and types of homes for all newly announced property audit sites will be available once due diligence, planning and regulatory approvals are complete.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“We are continuing to tackle the state’s housing crisis head-on, these new sites, delivering more than 600 homes, continues our strong response to the housing supply crisis.

“The property audit program is delivering a steady pipeline of new housing development opportunities on unutilised surplus government land, to help address our critical shortage in housing supply.

“While stimulating housing supply in our urban centres is critical, we have also been able to identify key sites in regional cities such as Broken Hill and Armidale to deliver much needed housing to our regional communities.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As the land audit continues to unlock land for new homes, the Minns Government is identifying sites that suit the NSW Housing Pattern Book designs and their 10-day approval pathway so builders can get straight on with building.

“As we tackle our housing supply challenges, we want to make sure there are homes that are well-designed, sustainable and adaptable to a range of lifestyle choices.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Our land audit is delivering real results. Approximately ten thousand potential homes identified in just over a year shows the scale of what is possible when government gets serious about housing supply.

“We are making sure surplus public land is put to work for the community, not left sitting idle. Every one of these sites has the potential to deliver hundreds of homes where they are needed most.

“This is about more than numbers. From Armidale to Broken Hill to Sydney’s west, these projects will mean more people can afford to live near work, near family, and with the security of a roof over their head.

“Whether it is social housing, affordable rentals or market homes, we are determined to build every type of housing people in NSW need. That is the only way to tackle the housing crisis and give people a fair shot at a secure home.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking concrete steps to address the housing affordability and availability crisis across New South Wales. Today, Premier Chris Minns visited Albury to inspect the progress of the $12.8 million East Albury Housing project, which will deliver safe, modern homes for approximately 40 older residents before Christmas.

This project will include 14 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, providing vital affordable housing for the community.

In addition, planning approval has been granted for another 27 homes in North Albury, offering safe and well-located accommodation for over 40 residents. Located near bus stops serving Lavington and Albury, this development will feature 17 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, along with 19 car parking spaces, two internal lifts, landscaping, and fencing.

These projects form part of the Minns Government’s historic $6.6 billion investment to create a fairer and more accessible housing system across NSW by significantly boosting supply. Over the past year, the Government has delivered 1,711 new social and affordable homes, the largest increase in government-built public and community housing in over a decade.

This commitment contrasts sharply with the previous Liberal-National Government, which oversaw a dramatic reduction in public housing, decreasing from 110,805 homes in 2014 to just 95,765 in 2023. Between 2017 and 2021, their tenure saw only 2,257 new social homes built, while 3,269 properties were sold off or removed during that period.

The Minns Government remains dedicated to delivering more affordable and accessible housing for all New South Wales residents.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Housing affordability and availability continue to be the biggest challenges facing families and young people across the entire state, no matter where they live. 

“Our government is committed to reversing this trend by investing in new supply and cutting red tape to get things built faster. 

“While there’s still more work to do, it’s fantastic to see this project nearing completion, ensuring that 40 people will have safe and secure housing just in time for Christmas.”

Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness said:

“We announced the start of this project in November last year and here we are today proudly standing in-front of 24 brand new social housing properties which will give approximately 40 older residents a safe and secure place to call home.”

“These new social housing projects in Albury are an important step forward in our work to address the shortage of affordable homes.

“Projects like this are about giving residents stability, security, and a place to call home. Our government is committed to doing just that through significant investment and real action on the ground.”

Today is a day for compassion. It’s a day to remember innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza, and to stand together as Australians in our shared hope for peace.
 
The Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, were despicable acts of terror that shocked the world with their brutality and barbarity. The grief for the worldwide Jewish diaspora remains deep, and the later suffering of Gaza civilians is undeniable. Both communities deserve understanding, not hostility.
 
The Sydney Opera House is a symbol of unity and creativity It should never be used as a backdrop for division or protest. It belongs to every Australian, no matter their faith or background.
 
New South Wales is a place where people of all faiths and backgrounds live side by side. What makes us stronger is our willingness to listen, to be respectful if we disagree and to protect one another from hate.
 
There is no place in our state for anyone who glorifies terrorism or celebrates violence. We can condemn terror while showing compassion for those suffering in conflict.
 
I call on all community and faith leaders to speak with calm and decency. The words we use matter. They can divide, or they can heal.
 
Australians have always believed in fairness, tolerance and respect. On this difficult day, we should live those values, together.

Some of the biggest names in Australian netball will hit the court in the Illawarra this weekend for the Netball NSW Masters State Titles, hosted at the Illawarra Netball Association’s Indoor Sports Centre.

Australian Diamonds greats will headline a star-studded player list, joined by NSW Premier League athletes including Emily Keenan. Together, they will showcase the talent, experience and passion that makes the Masters competition one of the highlights on the Netball NSW calendar.

For the Illawarra, excitement is building with the home association fielding two teams, ready to test themselves against defending champions Eastwood Ryde and strong challengers from across the state, including Newcastle, Manly Warringah, Gosford, Shoalhaven and Port Stephens.

“Masters is such a special event because it’s not just about competition, it’s about connection – teammates who’ve shared so much of their careers coming together again. We know the standard will be high, but we’re excited to test ourselves against some of the best netballers in the state,” said Bec Bulley, former Australian Diamond, NSW Swifts and GIANTS player.

“Eastwood Ryde is proud to come into the tournament as defending champions. Our team has a long history together and we are really excited to hit the court again and get our connections firing,” Emily Keenan, former NSW Swift and Eastwood Ryde Premier League athlete said.

“We’re looking forward to coming up against some tough competition, seeing how we can respond and having plenty of fun along the way.” 

With every team playing each other once across the two-day tournament, fans can expect fierce competition, old rivalries reignited and new stories written as the best of the best come together in the Illawarra.

“Illawarra has a proud netball history and it’s really special to bring an event like this to our home court. Having two teams representing our association will add to the atmosphere and give the local community plenty to cheer about,” said Vanessa Sturman, President and Representative Coordinator of Illawarra District Netball Association.

Event Details:
11–12 October 2025
Illawarra Netball Association – Indoor Sports Centre

Teams: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown City, Eastwood Ryde, Gosford, Great Lakes, Hastings Valley, Illawarra (two teams), Manly Warringah, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Shoalhaven.

For detailed Team Lists, visit here.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has made a determination today for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists across New South Wales to receive a 10 per cent attraction and retention allowance for a period of 12 months.

This allowance comes on top of the 10 per cent abnormal duties allowance already paid by NSW Health to all Staff Specialist Psychiatrists.

The NSW Government has always committed to upholding the decision of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and will now deliver this wage rise for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists. 

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a clear mandate to scrap the Coalition’s unfair wages cap and restore the Industrial Relations Commission as an independent umpire for public sector workers.

The Commission noted in its decision that this was a special case distinct from other pay cases. This is important as the Government had been clear from day one that it could not look at any industrial dispute in isolation from other pay offers, which is why it could not meet the immediate pay rise demands of Staff Specialist Psychiatrists.

The NSW Government and the Doctor’s union, ASMOF, both referred this matter to the IRC to ensure a fair, evidence-based, and independent determination of wages for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists. 

Staff Specialist Psychiatrists play a vital role in delivering frontline mental health care and supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. 

The Minns Labor Government is committed to a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for all workers, consistent with our Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy.

NSW Health will now work with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation and Staff Specialist Psychiatrists to implement this interim decision immediately. 

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I respect the decision of the Industrial relations Commission. This decision goes a long way to address the recruitment and retention issues for our Public Health psychiatrists.

“We have reformed the IRC to ensure it is empowered to resolve these matters independent of a government-imposed wages cap. This decision today demonstrates the system works.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“After 12 years of wage suppression, we can now deliver a meaningful wage increase to our Staff Specialist Psychiatrists in recognition of the crucial work they do.

“Our psychiatrists are a valued part of the health system and we now look forward to working with them to strengthen mental health care across our state.”