16 News

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA), set to speed up the delivery of well-located homes to NSW.

The newly established HDA will help deliver the homes that young people, families and key local workers need – a major reform which will streamline the development of major housing projects.

The HDA will lead a new State Significant Development (SSD) pathway and State Significant Development with a concurrent rezoning process for major residential developments.

The EOI process will remain open with proposals submitted to be reviewed monthly, giving industry ongoing opportunities to have their proposals considered.

Established on the 19th of December, only a month after it was announced, the HDA includes Simon Draper, Secretary of the Premier’s Department; Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; and Tom Gellibrand, CEO of Infrastructure NSW. 

Before a proposal is recommended to be declared a State Significant Development project, the Department will assess it against criteria that meet the objectives of this EOI process, which are: 

• Identify high-yield housing proposals by focusing on known high-yield types of residential accommodation.
• Identify housing projects that can be assessed and constructed quickly by focusing on more compliant, major housing proposals that can commence construction quickly.
• Drive quality and affordable housing by focusing on housing development proposals that are well-located, have enabling infrastructure and contribute to affordable housing supply.
• Complement the State Significant Rezoning Policy by providing a potential pathway for major housing proposals that are seeking concurrent rezoning.

This new assessment pathway will reduce the number of large complex Development Applications (DA) councils are required to assess each year, freeing up resources for councils to assess less complex DAs faster.

Delivering well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, and this pathway will streamline the assessment of these projects.

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

For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever to tackle the housing crisis and encourage developers to build and boost housing supply and overall affordability.

“The NSW Government will do everything possible to build a better future for NSW so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing $40 million to upgrade key intersections in Gilgandra to make them safer for heavy vehicle drivers and locals.

Four existing intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street, where they intersect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, will be upgraded to increase freight productivity, reduce travel delays and improve safety.

The Australian Government is contributing $32 million towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $8 million.

The upgrades will be designed to open up bypass access for all heavy vehicles and reduce the number of heavy vehicles passing through the Gilgandra CBD.

Currently, some larger heavy vehicles are unable to use Gilgandra’s heavy vehicle bypass because these intersections can’t be safely navigated, meaning some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles need to travel along the Castlereagh Highway (Miller Street) through the town centre.

The NSW Government has carried out preliminary investigations to determine the requirements for each of the key intersections and is currently consulting with Gilgandra Shire Council and other key stakeholders to refine the proposed improvements.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept designs for the proposed intersection upgrades are expected to be placed on display for public feedback by late 2025.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“These intersection upgrades will be really significant for both Gilgandra locals and the truckies who transport goods through and around the town.

“We’re proud to partner with the NSW Government on strategic investments like this that make our roads safer and more efficient.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Right across regional NSW, we are building better road and transport infrastructure.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Gilgandra Shire Council, the local community, the heavy vehicle industry and other interested stakeholders to deliver the freight, safety, efficiency and amenity objectives of the project.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“This $40 million investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our roads.

“These upgrades will improve traffic flow and road safety, as well as deliver long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“This investment will be warmly welcomed by the Gilgandra community. Taking heavy vehicles out of the main streets of town will improve safety, make the town more liveable, decrease wear and tear on the roads and generally improve the efficiency of truck routes in the area.

“It’s good to see both levels of government recognising the strategic importance of the Gilgandra Shire and the benefits that unlocking more investment in our regional network will bring.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence:

“The upgrades we’re investing in will improve safety for truck drivers, pedestrians and all other road users.

“I am pleased to see this important work progressing and look forward to hearing what the community thinks of the proposed upgrades.”

Today over 250 Elvis Presley fans, many dressed in blue suede shoes, are climbing aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express embarking on the seven-hour pilgrimage to the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

During the 365km train service, passengers will engage in a little less conversation as they’re treated to singalongs and live performances by Elvis tribute artists, and taking in the beautiful scenery through the Blue Mountains and central western NSW farming country.

The Parkes Elvis festival runs from, January 8 – 12 and is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of TheKing with over 350 events, many with free entry. Since the first event in 1993 the Parkes Elvis, this regional festival has grown to attract around 25,000 people and injects $11 million into the local economy.

The Minns Labor Government is backing the Parkes Elvis Festival through Destination NSW event funding, the Transport for NSW Open Streets program and the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express service.

Events like the Parkes Elvis Festival are a key part of Minns Labor Government’s plan to grow the NSW visitor economy by supporting communities to host events that reflect the local character and create authentic experiences that attract visitors and drive expenditure for local businesses.

Tourism Research Australia figures from the year ending September 2024 show regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion (49%) of the overall NSW visitor economy. A key strategy for continuing growth in regional tourism is supporting events like the Parkes Elvis Festival.

In 2024/2025 Destination NSW is investing in more than 85 regional events, including:

• Tamworth Country Music Festival
• Great Southern Nights
• Bluesfest
• Narooma Oyster Festival
• Mundi Mundi Bash
• Bathurst 1000
• Deni Ute Muster
• Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko

In October the Government released its review into the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and committed to a new 2035 target of $91 billion in annual expenditure, a 40% increase on the previous goal. The review projected that regional NSW tourism will account for $44 billion of that 2035 state-wide target.

For more information about travelling to events in regional NSW with NSW TrainLink go to https://transportnsw.info/regional or call 13 22 32.

John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism said:

“The Parkes Elvis Festival is a cracking example of a NSW regional town doing its own thing and creating a multi-decade success story that attracts thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world.

“Regional communities will play a vital role in growing our state’s visitor economy. Of our 2035 $91 billion growth target, regional NSW will attract a very large proportion of that spending.

“Visitors Can’t Help Falling In Love with regional NSW which is why the government is backing towns like Parkes to host events that put their communities on the map and drive expenditure for local businesses.

“The Elvis Express is one of the most scenic and hilarious train journeys in the country. We wish all the hound dogs a great trip.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said:

“The NSW Government is very proud to provide a fun-filled transport option for Elvis fans heading to the festival. The NSW TrainLink Elvis Express offers fans the chance to immerse themselves in Elvis culture from the moment they board.

“This event is a key tourism event in the Central West and it’s great to support it through our regional rail services.

“The festival’s global reach and the enthusiasm it inspires highlight the power of regional tourism to bring people together while supporting local communities and businesses.”

Independent Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP said: 

“Now in its 32nd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival has grown beyond founders’ Bob and Anne Steele’s wildest imagination, and it’s now a permanent fixture in our state’s marquee event calendar.

“NSW Trainlink’s Elvis Express is unique element of the festival, and this themed travel service enriches the experience for those travelling by rail from Sydney to attend this 5-day event.”

TrainLink Chief Executive, Roger Weeks said:

“Passengers can enjoy the live entertainment all while travelling in comfort, with access to amenities such as air-conditioned carriages, comfortable seating, our buffet car service and onboard toilets.”

Elvis Express Driver, Peter White said:

“The Elvis Express is truly a one-of-a-kind journey because it’s not every day that you’re at the helm of a train filled with hundreds of passengers singing, laughing, and dressed like Elvis.

“The atmosphere is always ‘next level’ especially when you come into Central, and you see everyone from all over the world and from different backgrounds dancing and enjoying themselves.

“I absolutely love this time of year because as someone who was born and raised in Parkes, I really enjoy the atmosphere that both the festival and the train bring to our community.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Council Neil Westcott:

“The Parkes Elvis Festival continues to go from strength to strength, and we are excited to be presenting an action-packed 354 shows throughout the five days.

“There is also a lot of excitement building as thousands head down to Parkes Railway Station to welcome the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure public schools across New South Wales are great places to learn and work, with tradies subbing in for teachers and students in classrooms to work on 1,200 vital maintenance and upgrade projects, across more than 800 public schools over the summer break.

This is part of the NSW Government’s historic $1.08 billion investment in minor works, which includes $600 million to deliver essential school maintenance projects.

These annual projects are essential for ensuring that schools are fit for purpose.

This year, NSW schools will see more than 3.4 million square metres of buildings painted and 46 Sydney Cricket Grounds worth of new floor coverings to be installed.

Work undertaken over this summer has included:

• $180,000 in carpet and vinyl flooring upgrades at Kensington Public School
• $3,000,000 to create a new special education learning unit at Lismore Heights Public School
• $730,000 to upgrade the science labs at Morisset High School
• More than $345,000 to upgrade metalwork classrooms at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College
• $655,000 to demolish an aging Covered Outdoor Learning Area and replace it with a new facility at Terrigal Public School
• $237,000 to re-landscape and improve the school oval at St Helens Park Public School
• $221,000 to upgrade and refurbish the library at Sir Joseph Banks High School

While hundreds of schools will return to completed maintenance work on Day 1, Term 1 2025 there is still much more to be done.

The former Liberal National Government committed to clearing the school maintenance backlog, but instead allowed it to balloon.

As students and teachers head back to school in 2025, the Minns Labor Government will continue work to ensure that no matter the postcode, every family across the state has access to a quality, free public education with high quality, fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

Building, maintaining and improving essential services like public schools is part of our plan to build a better NSW.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“We are committed to ensuring that NSW public schools are quality places to work and learn.

“They may not be the most exciting upgrades, but they are essential to keeping our schools safe and running smoothly.

“We know there’s still work to be done, but it’s fantastic that hundreds of schools will be returning on day one to completed works.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Our public schools are key to building better communities, and we are continuing work on our commitment to keep our schools and equipment in the good condition that our communities deserve.

“Since being elected, we have been working on a comprehensive plan to invest in and rebuild public education in NSW.

“This is not just about building new schools in communities where they are needed, but also ensuring that our schools are kept at a high standard with up-to-date facilities.”

Music enthusiasts can leave their car behind and catch public transport to the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival, which kicks off next Friday.

NSW TrainLink has a seven-day-a-week train service between Sydney and Tamworth, as well as train connections to the north to Armidale and Moree, which have daily coach connections to Tenterfield and Inverell.

There are also NSW TrainLink coach connections several times a week to major regional hubs including Port Macquarie and Dubbo.

As well there are local regular route bus connections around Tamworth, there is a special Festival Express bus service, and rural bus connections out to Quirindi, Manilla and Bendemeer.

NSW TrainLink Acting Chief Executive Jasmin Streimer said alongside the other travel options such as driving and flying, Transport for NSW is proud to play a key role in connecting thousands of music lovers to Tamworth each year, helping boost tourism and the local economy.

“Public transport offers people the chance to get to the festival and experience its incredible energy with convenience, comfort and affordability,” Ms Streimer said.

“Whether it’s for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, another regional event event or at any time of the year, travelling with NSW TrainLink is a chance for people to sit back and enjoy the journey and take in the beautiful scenery.

“For many people it is a convenient option that takes the hassle out of long-distance driving and the need to find parking.

“They arrive right in the heart of the action at Tamworth railway station and as an added bonus, as part of the festival activities, some rising Australian country musicians will perform at the station.”

“It’s a truly unique and memorable welcome to Tamworth and gives visitors a taste of the festival the moment they step off the train or coach,” Ms Streimer said.

More information about Transport for NSW public transport train, coach and bus connections to Tamworth can be found at transportnsw.info/tamworth-station

Bookings on NSW TrainLink train and coach services can be made online at transportnsw.info/regional-bookings or by calling 13 22 32.

Festival goers can  search specially designed regular route bus services operating around town to key concert locations during the festival period in Tamworth via Trip Planner by going to transportnsw.info/routes/bus and searching ‘Tamworth’.

The Festival Express service c is delivered by Buslines Tamworth. Route maps can be viewed and downloaded from the Buslines Tamworth website.

The 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival runs from 17-26 January.

The next round of the Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy (TOD SEPP) sites are coming into effect in the New Year.

Housing affordability is the single largest cost of living concern for people of NSW with the impacts being felt across the state, whether it be students, workers, young families or people looking to downsize later in life.

These reforms are just one part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to confront the housing crisis by speeding up the planning system, investing in social and affordable housing, and reforming NSW rental laws.

Belmore and Lakemba

Belmore and Lakemba TOD SEPP sites will be finalised in mid-January delivering more homes than the TOD SEPP planning provisions.

Detailed planning to guide future development around Belmore and Lakemba train stations has been submitted to the Minns Labor Government to enable new residential flat-buildings and shop top housing within walking distance of public transport.

The City of Canterbury-Bankstown has confirmed their masterplans for Belmore and Lakemba to create capacity for more than 18,000 new homes across the two TOD SEPP sites. The final dwelling capacity will be analysed through the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) review and validation of the masterplan.

The City of Canterbury-Bankstown has planned for this growth by taking up the Minister of Planning and Public Spaces’ challenge of completing its own masterplanning to go above and beyond the TOD SEPP provisions. These are the second and third sites that Council has completed within the required timeframes, the first being Canterbury station in October.

Belmore and Lakemba will now be transformed with capacity for new homes, along with additional open space, strategic site linkages and increased affordable housing to be kept in perpetuity.

A new place-based approach will be applied to each precinct to preserve important aspects of each suburb’s unique character while embracing change. Tailored height and density limits will apply to key strategic areas chosen by Council so that there is an adequate transition for the CBD’s building height and scale.

This planning approach led by Council will allow each precinct to leverage new employment, community infrastructure and transport opportunities.

The Department is now assessing Council’s plans with new SEPP planning controls to come into effect once amendments are made to the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

View the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s proposed plans for Belmore and Lakemba.

The Department will now review and validate Council’s plans to ensure they meet the Government’s expectations. It is expected that the planning controls for Belmore and Lakemba will be completed in early 2025.

Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville

Inner West Council are in the process of undertaking a comprehensive LEP review. Once those plans are submitted to the Minns Government, if they go above and beyond the TOD SEPP controls, Council’s plans will supersede the TOD SEPP.

The Minns Government is awaiting Council’s submission of masterplanning for the Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville TOD SEPP sites.

If council does not complete the strategic planning within the agreed timeframe, the TOD provisions will be applied in mid-January allowing Development Applications to be lodged under the Minns Labor Government’s policy.

The TOD SEPP controls will remain in place until Council submit their own plans.

For more information visit Transport Oriented Development | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has always acknowledged that local councils should do strategic planning for their area if they are willing to.

“Belmore and Lakemba stations have both been selected as TOD SEPP sites due to their location on the soon to be upgraded Sydney Metro Southwest line and they have infrastructure that would support additional housing growth.

“These precincts were identified as great locations to deliver new housing alongside significant transport upgrades.

“Future residents in these precincts will be well connected with rapid new transport connections to the city and existing heavy rail links to Lidcombe and western Sydney.

“NSW needs more homes and a broader range of housing types to make sure every individual from young people to retirees can find a home to suit their evolving needs.”

With the Boxing Day sales launching today, NSW Fair Trading is encouraging shoppers to be savvy about their rights before they hit the stores or start clicking ‘add to cart’.

Every consumer has the right to purchase products which are safe, fault-free, and fit for purpose under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and if a product doesn’t meet these standards, customers are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund—even during the festive sales shopping season.

Whether you’re splurging on a luxury gift, or hunting for a Boxing Day bargain, consumer rights don’t take a holiday during the shopping season, and these rights apply equally to full-priced and sale items.

NSW Fair Trading has already handled more than 6,300 complaints this year about defective or unsatisfactory products, ranging from broken gadgets to poor-quality purchases.

To avoid adding to this tally, shoppers should stay informed and prepared.

Common refund and return pitfalls to remember:

• No receipt, no refund? – Not necessarily. Proof of purchase doesn’t have to be a paper receipt. Bank statements, digital invoices, or an email invoice can support your claim.
• Change of mind? – While many retailers do offer refunds or exchanges just because you changed your mind, retailers aren’t legally required to, so check their policy first.
• Sales stock rights? – Discounted items aren’t ‘lesser goods’. Sale items are still covered by the same refund rights as full-priced ones, unless the fault was disclosed upfront.

Tips for savvy festive shoppers:

• Check the return policy – Policies differ between retailers, particularly for change-of-mind returns. Some stores offer flexibility, while others stick to stricter rules.
• Inspect before you buy – Whether in-store or online, examine the product details carefully to avoid surprises. For online purchases, ensure the seller has a clear returns process.
• Keep proof of purchase – Snap a photo of your receipt or save your digital confirmation. This could save you a lot of hassle.

For more information about consumer rights or to lodge a complaint, visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Nobody wants to play refund roulette over the holidays, and knowing your rights before you shop can help you avoid disappointment during the festive shopping season.

“Consumer rights don’t take a holiday when it comes to repairs, replacements, or refunds, and these rights apply equally to full-priced and sale items.

“If you unwrap a faulty gift or discover your sale bargain doesn’t meet expectations, don’t let the discount stop you from asking for a repair, replacement, or refund – the Australian Consumer Law protects you no matter what the price.

“A little extra effort upfront, like reading return policies and keeping your receipt, can save you from a big headache later on.”

More free summer fun is on the way, with activities and events for the whole community to enjoy.

The NSW Government’s free summer activities include live music, outdoor cinema, markets, fitness classes, and cultural celebrations held across Sydney’s iconic public spaces.

Family-friendly fun is on the menu during the school holidays, with opportunities to play, explore, and discover together. Learn more about the history of Sydney at The Rocks Discovery Museum, get to know our native plant species at the Botanic Gardens, or become a Junior Lifesaver at Penrith Beach.

Feeling active? Join a yoga session, run club, or pickleball competition, take a dip in the harbour at Marrinawi Cove, or visit one of the many stunning parks and nature trails across the Greater Sydney Parklands.

Top it all off by coming together to celebrate notable cultural festivals, with events marking New Year’s Eve, Lunar New Years, and Holi all in the calendar.

Free activities to explore this summer:

Barangaroo

• Barangaroo Run Club – Run club for runners of all levels with tips and support from experienced trainers on Friday mornings, 7.15am – 8.15am
• Yoga on Country – First Nations inspired yoga sessions on Wednesday lunchtimes at 12.30pm
• Pickleball – Pickleball competition with trainers and equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes 12.00pm – 2.00pm
• Swimming at Marrinawi Cove – Head to the sparkling waters of Barangaroo’s idyllic harbour coves to take a free access dip in the crystal-clear waters

Darling Harbour

• Darling Harbour Run Club – Run club for runners of all levels with tips and support from experienced trainers on Monday mornings, 7.15am – 8.15 am
• Rhythm n Bubs – Interactive musical performance for bubs and carers on Wednesday mornings, 10.30am – 11.15am
• Kids Yoga at Darling Quarter – Let out your inner mini-yogi with this weekly 30 minute session to help kids connect with their body, breath and mind. Fridays 10.30am and 11.30am

The Rocks

• The Rocks Laneway Cinema – Movies on Wednesday evenings 7.00pm with a free registered ticket
• The Rocks Yoga Under the Bridge – Free yoga lessons on Sunday mornings, 8.30am and 9.30am
• The Rocks Discovery Museum – A free family friendly museum that tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present, 10am – 5pm daily

Botanic Gardens Sydney and Domain

• Daily guided walk – Explore the Garden and its remarkable history, botany, and wildlife on an unforgettable 1.5-hour guided walk. 10.30am – 12.00pm daily (by donation)
• Alchemy of a Rainforest Exhibition – Explore a vibrant tapestry of life! Step inside this immersive, sensory exhibition featuring spectacular rare and unusual tropical and subtropical rainforest plants. 10.00am – 4.00pm daily (by donation)

Parramatta Park

• New Years Eve – Parramatta’s much loved NYE fireworks display and concert is back for another year of family friendly fun. This year the event is bigger than ever, with more ways to celebrate including a dedicated family zone featuring DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, amusement rides, roving characters and more. Tuesday, 31 December, 5.00pm – 9.30pm
• Sydney Symphony Under the Stars, Sydney Festival 2025 – Gather your friends, family, set up a picnic and enjoy an evening of orchestral highlights that concludes with a dazzling fireworks finale. Saturday, 18 January 2025

Penrith Beach

• Bootcamp on the beach – Kickstart your summer fitness with exciting sessions and guest trainers most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in January
• Wildlife Wednesdays – Learn more about turtles, snakes, birds, ochre and how to be a Wildlife Warrior with educational programs by visiting Sydney Zoo staff. 8, 15, 22 and 29 January 2025.
• Learn to Swim – Promoting water safety awareness and teaching essential lifesaving skills, these half day events will focus on beach and inland waterway safety, lifejacket usage, dryland rescues and CPR. 30 January, 27 February, and 22 March 2025
• Junior Lifesavers – One for the kids! Master essential water safety skills and practice lifesaving and rescue techniques with exciting games and scenarios – all in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Suitable for ages 5 -12 years. Saturdays from 1 February until 5 April 2025
• Cultural Celebrations – Mark the Lunar New Year with a Kite Festival on Saturday, 9 February 2025, get active with a Valentines Day Fun Run for the Heart Foundation on Saturday, 15 February, and join in the celebrations for the Holi Festival with a colour run on Saturday 23 March 2025

Fernhill Estate

• Fernhill Estate Walking Trail – 2.6km self-guided weekend walking trail giving the community a look at one of western Sydney’s most beautiful estates. Open Sundays from 10am – 12pm and 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

• Australian PlantBank tours – Find out how New South Wales flora are stored for preservation and for future plant security of threatened species and genetic diversity. 11.00 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 1.00 Saturdays and Sundays (by donation)

Metro North West

• Public Art Sydney Metro North West trail – Walk the trail and view the varied artworks in pockets along the Sydney Metro North West line. Open anytime

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitments to great public spaces, we are offering free entertainment for the whole community.

“This summer there is great fun in some of Sydney’s most iconic locations for families to enjoy without breaking the budget in a time when we know many people are doing it tough.

“We’re building better, more connected communities, with everything from large events like New Year’s Eve to weekly fitness classes to keep people moving.”