Category: NSW News

Thirteen war memorials across the state will share in $124,239 of funding under Round 1 of the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

The NSW Government established the Community War Memorials Fund in 2008 to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW. Applications opened on Anzac Day and closed on Tuesday 25 July. 

There are more than 3700 war memorials in NSW many of which provide a place for people to gather and remember those who have served from their local community.  

Funds will be awarded directly to local councils, schools and community organisations in 10 electorates spanning metropolitan and regional areas including:

• $10,000 to Bellingen Shire Council for conservation work to the Urunga War Memorial
• $10,000 for the Christ Church War Memorial Gates in Gladesville
• $10,000 to Coolah District Development Group Inc for conservation work to the Coolah War Memorial School of Arts.

Since the establishment of the program in 2008, grants have been provided for a wide range of projects including condition assessments, honour roll repair, war memorial cleaning and conservation work, arborist advice for war memorial trees, security measures for memorials, repairs to war memorial halls and improvements to the accessibility of memorials.

Round 2 of the program opens on Remembrance Day, Saturday 11 November 2023.

For more information and details of the fund go to the Veterans Affairs website.launch

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“Our communities are proud of their military history, and local war memorials are a vital part of our culture enabling us to reflect on over 100 years of our veterans’ service and sacrifice.

“It is wonderful to announce this funding, which will be used to give our war memorials much-needed attention so they can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community.

“I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for eligible conservation work that is needed, after Remembrance Day.”

Mayor of Bellingen Shire Council, Councillor Steve Allan said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will go towards the staged restoration of the Urunga War Memorial.

“Cenotaphs own unique values and hold space to the importance of the history of regional areas both as a community and for individual families.

“They remind us of the sacrifices made by earlier generations to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Council is pleased to be able to undertake conservation works to help protect this memorial for years to come.”

Jeremy King from the Anglican Parish of Gladesville said:

The Christ Church War Memorial Gates in Gladesville will also benefit from conservation work. Mr Jeremy King from the Anglican Parish of Gladesville acknowledged the benefits to the memorial thanks to the funding.

“This funding will help preserve and restore the memorial gates, a significant historical feature of the Gladesville streetscape and a tribute to those who served in the First World War.”

Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2023-2024

Organisation name	Project description	Amount funded
Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney	Christ Church War Memorial Gates, Gladesville	$10,000
Barkers Vale Public School	Barkers Vale District War Memorial	$9450
Bellingen Shire Council	Urunga War Memorial	$10,000
Blayney Shire Council	Millthorpe War Memorial Gates	$8921
Blue Mountains City Council	Wentworth Falls War Memorial	$4950
Coolah District Development Group Inc	Coolah War Memorial School of Arts	$10,000
Mallanganee Hall Public Land Manager	Mallanganee Memorial Hall	$9979
Northlakes High School	Northlakes High School War Memorial	$3500
Shoalhaven City Council	Nowra Soldiers Memorial	$8107
Shoalhaven City Council	Nowra Mafeking Boer War Memorial	$11,627
Shoalhaven City Council	Kangaroo Valley Soldiers Memorial	$15,000
Shoalhaven City Council	Berry War Memorial	$14,905
Tocumwal War Memorial Hall	Tocumwal War Memorial Hall	$7800

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, to lead Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

FRNSW provides rapid response to fire, rescue and other emergencies across NSW, with roughly 7000 full-time and on-call firefighters operating from a network of 335 fire stations.

Commissioner Fewtrell joined FRNSW in 1997 as a firefighter, spending 17 years in frontline crew, station officer and inspector roles. After working in metropolitan and regional units, he progressed to management roles in 2014 and most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations.

He oversaw the FRNSW emergency response to major incidents such as the recent Surry Hills warehouse fire and the Greta bus crash, and played a key leadership role in major disasters such as the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and the 2022 floods.

Along with his extensive operational and leadership experience, Mr Fewtrell also holds a Master of Business Administration.

The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Fewtrell will take up his role as Commissioner from today.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I am pleased to announce Jeremy Fewtrell will be the new Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW.

“Jeremy is a highly accomplished emergency services leader who has dedicated his career to keeping the people of NSW safe with a quarter of a century of service at Fire and Rescue NSW.

“He has shown his leadership and management abilities time and again, both in high-pressure scenarios and in peacetime, and has proven he is ready to take the helm of this critical first response agency.

“I look forward to working with the new Commissioner closely to deliver on the Minns government’s commitment to ensure this vital service is strong and sustainable into the future.”

Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“Fire and Rescue NSW has a proud history of serving the community for 140 years.

“It is an honour, a privilege, and a dream come true to be selected as its next Commissioner.

“My priority as Commissioner is to ensure FRNSW continues to deliver exceptional prevention and emergency response services to the NSW community.

“Every 4 minutes, a FRNSW truck is rolling out the door to an emergency.

“My intention and direction is to ensure those men and women are supported with the best training, equipment and systems from across our organisation to ensure we can deliver on our mission to protect the irreplaceable in the community, whenever and wherever we are needed.”

The NSW Government is continuing to take steps to increase housing supply across NSW as well as boost local domestic manufacturing jobs with approval being granted for the development of an additional BlueScope Steel factory in Western Sydney.

The development of this factory will firm up the supply of BlueScope steel products for the building and construction industry.

With construction completion slated for 2025, the facility is expected to produce approximately 240,000 new Colorbond steel rooftops per year, or 80,000 new steel house frames.

This approval will not only boost housing supply by firming up supply of BlueScope steel products for the building and construction industry, it will also boost the local economy.

The Western Sydney community is set to benefit from more than 300 new job opportunities, with 43 ongoing jobs at the plant. Approximately 258 jobs will be created during the construction process.

With private investment of $320 million, the factory will be built at the existing BlueScope Western Sydney Service Centre on Templar Road, Erskine Park.

For more information visit the BlueScope Erskine Park Metal Coating Line 7 websitelaunch.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is exactly the kind of innovation we want to see in NSW.

“Not only will this factory boost our states domestic manufacturing capability, it will also provide vital materials as we boost housing supply.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This planning approval signifies another step in the right direction for supporting increased housing supply and economic growth.

“The project is a major $320 million investment into the future of domestic steelmaking and will play an important role in supporting housing and infrastructure projects.

“It’s a vote of confidence in NSW, helping to meet current and future demand for the sector, providing the locally sourced materials we need to build homes, hospitals, renewable energy and transport infrastructure.

“The demand will be met with a higher volume of materials able to be sent from Port Kembla to the new factory, which is being built on the existing BlueScope site.” 

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said: 

“After 12 years of neglect by the previous Liberal-National Government, the Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our domestic manufacturing industry.

“This project will create good, well-paid jobs in Western Sydney, with the important multiplier effects they bring.”

BlueScope’s Chief Executive Australian Steel Products Tania Archibald said:

“The NSW Planning Minister’s decision to provide planning approval for this State Significant Project will allow BlueScope to progress the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, metal coating line, the first to be built in over 30 years. 

“Construction of the manufacturing facility will allow BlueScope to better meet the growing demand for steel building and construction products, in particular TRUECORE® steel for light gauge steel framing and feed for the company’s iconic COLORBOND® steel products for roofing and walling applications.

“Our plan is to have the plant commissioned and operational by the end of 2025.”

The NSW Government is investing $200 million over the next two years on developing and delivering major evacuation routes in the flood-prone Hawkesbury-Nepean.

The funding is being rapidly deployed into commencing work on the Pitt Town Bypass, as well as commencing enabling works on Garfield Road East at Riverstone and the Richmond Road – M7 to Townson Road – upgrade.

The Budget 2023-24 allocation of $200 million over two years is part of a larger $550 million spend over ten years on Western Sydney flood roads resilience that includes:

• $100 million for Garfield Road East at Riverstone for widening and duplication works as a key evacuation route
• $100 million on the Pitt Town Bypass
• $285 million for Richmond Road between Townson Road and the M7
• $15 million for The Driftway Roundabout at Londonderry
• $50 million for Hill Road at Sydney Olympic Park to improve localised flooding

Additionally, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation Road Resilience Program has undertaken investigations at several locations along The Northern Road between Richmond Road, Richmond and Dunheved Road, Jordan Springs and Londonderry Road, between Driftway, Richmond and The Northern Road, Cranebrook.

Improvement projects include road shoulder widening, new drainage and bridge structures, road raising, pinch point upgrades and other drainage improvements.

The projects in the Programlaunch will improve the road network, particularly at key low points, so that residents can evacuate from the area safely in the event of a flood.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“We made a commitment to Western Sydney to get flood mitigation right and this initial $200 million will help improve preparedness for the next flood or bushfire event.

“We know the population has increased significantly in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and it is essential we build the roads that cater for the size of the community in good times and bad.

“We cannot pretend evacuations will not be a reality in the future whether it is in response to flood or fire. This funding will make sure roads are fit to help people get out and emergency services can get it in during times of crisis.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to no longer develop housing on high-risk flood plains in Western Sydney.

The Government is today announcing it has rezoned parts of the North-West Growth corridor to ensure NSW does not construct new homes in high-risk areas.

The Government is also releasing the Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, which informed the rezoning decisions.

No more building on high-risk flood plains

We cannot continue to develop and build new residential towns in high-risk areas, and risk putting more people in harm’s way.

Following a rigorous assessment process and review of expert advice on flooding, it has been determined the proposed rezoning and draft plans for Marsden Park North precinct and Riverstone Town Centre will not proceed.

The plans for the West Schofields precinct will partially proceed, subject to strict conditions. 

The three projects fall within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley floodplain and were put on hold in 2020 until further flood risk investigations and evacuation modelling were completed.

It means that, in line with the NSW Government’s election commitment, and in taking a risk-based approach to planning decisions on dangerous flood plains, of the approximately 12,700 new homes previously proposed – but not approved – under the three rezonings, only up to 2,300 will now proceed.

The NSW Government will continue to work closely with councils and other stakeholders to explore suitable land-use options.

Work is also underway to understand where additional housing can be accommodated to mitigate the impacts of these decisions on the housing pipeline. 

Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley

The land-use planning decisions follow the release of Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.

The modelling was undertaken to help make better decisions on emergency evacuations, land use planning and road upgrades in one of Australia’s most dangerous flood risk areas.

The former NSW government commissioned an independent expert inquiry led by Mary O’Kane and Mick Fuller into the preparation for, causes of, response to and recovery from the 2022 catastrophic flood event across the state of NSW.

Key recommendations in the report included revised and updated flood modelling and disaster adaption plans to help resolve rezoning decisions.

This updated modelling has been instrumental in the NSW Government’s consideration of the three planning proposals in Sydney’s North-West Growth Area.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley covers over 500km2 of floodplain in Western Sydney, stretching from Wallacia to Brooklyn and Wisemans Ferry.

It includes land in Hawkesbury, Hills, Blacktown, Penrith, Central Coast, Wollondilly, Liverpool and Hornsby Local Government Areas with more than 140,000 people living or working in the floodplain.

The valley is often compared to a bathtub – one with five ‘taps’ flowing in and only one drain. Between 2020 and 2022, the area flooded six times with some of the largest floods seen in decades.

Sadly, this area has suffered even bigger floods in the past, and the Government must consider the risk of similar floods in the future.

The extreme depth of floods in the valley means that large numbers of people often need to evacuate at short notice before roads out are cut off. It is not possible to shelter in place in these areas.

Adding to the complexity, thousands of vehicles need to evacuate using roads and intersections that were not designed for those levels of traffic.

This technical Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley will be used to reduce the risk to life by informing better planned evacuation routes for flood events, assesses potential road infrastructure options and inform decisions on potential future developments.

While improvements can be made, the flood challenges of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley are not ones that communities can build their way out of.

The report makes clear that the number of people who will be unable to evacuate increases significantly with potential future development and climate change.

Recognising that decisions to limit new homes on the flood plain could raise concerns for small local landowners, the Government has appointed strategic planning expert Professor Roberta Ryan to provide independent community liaison support to help affected landowners them understand and navigate the issues.

Professor Ryan has previously assisted communities in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Orchard Hills on land-use planning matters.

For more information read the Flood Evacuation Modelling report or more about flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valleylaunch

A new focus on disaster preparedness

What is clear, is NSW’s ability to prevent and prepare for disasters has been hampered by ineffective funding, with 97% of all disaster funding spent after an event and only three per cent spent on prevention and preparedness.

It’s part of why the NSW Reconstruction Authority was established in December 2022 with the expanded responsibilities to include adaption, mitigation and preparedness for natural disasters.

As part of that, an historic $121 million has been invested in the last Budget to properly resource the NSW Reconstruction Authority and allow the authority to support communities across the state better prepare for natural disasters including bushfires, floods and storms.

The authority is working on a State Disaster Mitigation Plan and new regional Disaster Adaptation Plan to reduce the impact of floods in the Valley and this tool will also be used to better understand the risks.

Today’s announcement is a key example of the preventative work that will be prioritised to reduce the impacts of natural disasters in the state.

Minister for Western Sydney, Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“Western Sydney residents have borne the brunt of recent disasters including the pandemic and floods in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley.

“By stopping unsafe development in dangerous areas on flood plains, and with our Government’s work to reduce the risk of disasters before they happen, we’re making sure communities across Western Sydney, in areas including Penrith, Blacktown and Riverstone, are finally supported and better protected.

“When we consider new housing areas, we will look at both the potential for those homes to be inundated in floods, as well as the impact more homes will have on the ability of both new and existing residents to evacuate in emergencies.

“We know we can’t stop natural disasters from occurring, but we are committed to doing more to prepare for and prevent the worst of their impacts.”

“This new tool will not only help us better plan for evacuations but it will also make our amazing emergency service workers safer by reducing the risks they face when responding to floods in the valley.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’ve all seen the devastation caused by floods in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley – with homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. We also know these communities will only face more and worse flood risks if things stay the same.

“There’s no simple solution but we are working on a suite of measures which includes this tool to help NSW better prepare for disasters.

“These are hard and complex policy problems – we need to deliver new housing, but it needs to be done safely.

“New developments could impact the ability of both new and existing residents to evacuate safely during emergencies, which puts more lives at risk.

“I’d rather a disappointed landowner confront me over a decision we’ve made to keep them safe, rather than console them when they’ve lost a loved one because of floods.

“We’ve been clear that we will put an end to unsuitable development on dangerous flood plains which puts lives at risk and destroys livelihoods – this model gives us the technical data needed to make those informed decisions and balance competing priorities.”

The NSW Government is ramping up efforts to tackle plastic pollution by inviting the public to have its say on helping to prevent 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste produced each year from causing harm to the environment and human health.

Industry, businesses and the community are encouraged to share their feedback on the ‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’ discussion paper as we move to reduce plastic litter by 30% by 2025, curb the impact of microplastics and align with other states and territories. 

Plastics are an important part of many products we rely on, but not all plastics are essential. Often, they are produced in unsustainable ways to be used only once and then discarded.

Only 12% of plastic waste is recycled and once thrown away, these products don’t disappear. Instead, they pollute the environment, harm wildlife, pose a risk to human health and contribute to climate change.

‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’ identifies and addresses items and materials that:

• are frequently littered or release microplastics into the environment
• contain harmful chemical additives
• are regulated or proposed to be in other states and territories.

Items containing plastic such as lollipop sticks, cigarette butts, bread tags and heavyweight plastic shopping bags are some of the problematic products that could be redesigned or phased out.

Consultation is open for 14 weeks from 29 October 2023 to 4 February 2024.

To participate in the future of plastics, visit NSW Environment Protection Authoritylaunch

All feedback will inform further actions to tackle problematic and unnecessary plastics.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said: 

“By 2050 there may be more plastic than fish by weight in the world’s oceans. Plastic has become so widespread that we are constantly eating, drinking and breathing it in. NSW alone generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year and only 12% of it is recycled.

“We must act. By working together, we can make a real difference and leave the environment in a better state for our children.

“The NSW Government wants to hear your thoughts on what plastic items we should target to minimise harmful impacts on the NSW environment, animals and communities.”

Supercars will race into Bathurst in February for a bumper start to the 2024 Championship series, with a 10-day festival of motorsport at the iconic Mount Panorama.

The Bathurst 500 replaces the Newcastle 500, which will not proceed in 2024, after the City of Newcastle did not approve the 2024 event. The NSW Government had put money on the table for Newcastle 500 to continue in 2024, with support from Supercars, for a one-year extension to allow a longer plan to be finalised.

The NSW Government secured the 2024 Supercars Championship opener for Bathurst as part of Bathurst SuperFest, reinforcing its commitment to major motorsport events and the visitor economy of regional NSW.

The high-octane start to the season will include the annual fan-favourite Bathurst 12 Hour from 16 to 18 February and the Bathurst 500 from 23 to 25 February complemented by a program of public community events throughout the week.

The 2024 Supercars Bathurst 500 is expected to attract more than 18,500 visitors to the region, and generate approximately $11.3 million in visitor spending across the state.

The NSW Government has a long and proud history of partnering with Supercars Australia to deliver a range of motorsport events across the state, which have generated significant economic, strategic and community benefits for NSW.

Discussions between the NSW Government and Supercars Australia regarding the future of the Newcastle 500 are ongoing.

NSW will host three rounds of the 2024 Supercars Championship – Bathurst 500, Sydney SuperNight and Bathurst 1000 – the most of any state.

The 2024 event at Eastern Creek will mark the 75th Sydney SuperNights race under lights at the world-class Sydney Motorsport Park.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham said:

“Supercar fans will get a supersized season opener in February with a huge 10-day festival in Bathurst.

“The NSW Government is pleased to be hosting two rounds at the nation’s home of motorsport, Mount Panorama/Wahluu in Bathurst, including the opening round of the 2024 Supercars season with the Bathurst 500 as part of Bathurst SuperFest.

“The 75th race at the Sydney SuperNight will also be a highlight for motorsport lovers, as local and visiting fans enjoy Australia’s unique motor racing event experience of racing under lights.

Supercars CEO, Shane Howard said:

“The Bathurst SuperFest will give fans close to two-weeks to celebrate some of the best drivers in the world, taking on Mount Panorama.

“Combining two marquee race meetings into the one major event in Summer is an exciting initiative and we can’t wait to see fans fill the mountain and be a part of the action.

“Motorsport events are popular among the public, attract many dedicated fans from outside of the region to our state and provide fantastic broadcast coverage of NSW to domestic and international audiences.

“We thank the NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council for supporting our vision to bring something new to fans.”

The Minns government has today bolstered its plan to support businesses in NSW with the launch of the Service NSW Business Bureau, a leading initiative dedicated to breaking down the barriers to make doing business easier.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will give small business owners a seat at the table with a commitment to tackling unproductive red tape, helping businesses navigate government and boosting growth opportunities.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will make it even easier for businesses to connect with specialised support, with a major upgrade to the Service NSW Business Bureau App. The app will provide businesses with support and a new range of features, including:

• Tracking and saving licences associated to their business and employees in one place
• Booking expert advisors based on their unique business needs
• Viewing voucher payment summaries, transaction reports and bank details.

All with just a few taps.

No matter the stage of their business journey, the Service NSW Business Bureau connects businesses with free, personalised support to understand and access government programs to grow their business, alongside digital tools to manage transactions and licences.

From guidance on government regulations, processes and programs, to one-on-one advice on topics such as business planning, marketing and cash flow, the Service NSW Business Bureau will connect businesses with the support they need.

The NSW Government has begun working on the development of a Charter for Small Business, which will provide a framework for engaging with and supporting small businesses.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will be responsible for oversight of the Charter for Small Business, as well as the provision of advice and recommendations on further actions to support small businesses.

There are more than 840,000 small businesses in NSW which make up 98% of all NSW businesses. NSW small businesses employ 1.8 million people in the private sector, which is around 45% of the state’s private sector workforce.

For more information about the Service NSW Business Bureau, visit the Service NSWlaunch website.

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“I’m passionate about small business. I’ve lived it my whole life and understand how important it is to work with business owners to find solutions which make being in business easier.

“The Service NSW Business Bureau will boost support for small business owners with customised advice, no matter where they are on their business journey.

“Service NSW Business Bureau is there for every small business, there is no wrong door and we will work together to tackle unproductive red tape, break down barriers and build a stronger future.

“Whether it’s getting a business idea off the ground, growth opportunities or support in times of need, the Business Bureau is there for small businesses every step of the way.”

Minister for Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“I know how busy life can get and how precious our time is, which is why Service NSW has developed this enhanced business app to make it easier than ever to access the advice, information and support every small business owner needs, to help them spend more time focused on their business.

“The new Service NSW Business Bureau App brings together support and services that were previously, only available through our website, such as tracking and saving licences and connecting with our Business Concierge team, making the app as nimble and versatile as your small business.

“To have a Service NSW Business Concierge available on your phone and on the go via the business app will be a game changer for small business owners across the state, as well as the people who work for them.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said: 

“Business NSW members across the state say dealing with paperwork is often the most time-consuming, unproductive and difficult part of running a business.

“We see the Service NSW Business Bureau as a way to decipher paperwork and ultimately let mum and dad business owners get on with what they do best – growing their business.

“We welcome the government’s approach to navigating red tape and its commitment to reduce it. It’s everyone’s business to ensure small businesses can go big.

“Providing business support for both winning government tenders and exporting will also play a key role in growing small businesses. What’s good for business is good for NSW.”

The NSW Government has adopted an amendment to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan, which authorises aerial shooting as an approved method of reducing the number of wild horses in the park. The change is essential to protecting the park’s threatened native wildlife and ecosystems.

The amendment allows the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to use aerial shooting in addition to existing control methods – such as ground shooting, and trapping and rehoming – to reach the legally required wild horse population target of 3000 by mid-2027.

The proposal to amend the plan was put on exhibition for community input and attracted 11,002 submissions. Advice from the Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel and National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council was also considered.

Of the submissions that commented on aerial shooting, 82% expressed support for the control method being included in the plan.

Following careful consideration of submissions, Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe has determined the amendment is necessary to help save endangered and vulnerable species and their habitat, protect soil and waterways and conserve cultural heritage.

The minister noted the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee Report, which found effective control of wild horses could be the difference between survival and extinction for up to a dozen threatened species found only in the Australian Alps.

As part of the decision, the NSW Government is releasing a summary of submissions. The Review of Environmental Factors and a carcass management plan will be finalised and released. The 2023 population survey undertaken in October will be peer-reviewed and made publicly available.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will undertake a short, preliminary program that will refine the standard operating procedure for aerial shooting in Kosciuszko National Park. The preliminary program has been developed with input from an independent wildlife veterinarian and RSPCA NSW, which will observe and evaluate.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff are highly trained and undergo rigorous testing to be approved to carry out aerial shooting on a range of invasive species, including deer and pigs.

Read the summary of representations at the Department of Environment and Planninglaunch website.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“There are simply too many wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park. Threatened native species are in danger of extinction and the entire ecosystem is under threat. We must take action.

“I want to make sure our National Parks staff have all the options they need to reach the population target and protect this precious alpine environment.

“This was not an easy decision. No one wants to have to kill wild horses. I have carefully considered all the options, and I thank everyone who took the time to make a submission.

“Aerial shooting, when carried out by highly trained personnel in accordance with rigorous standards, delivers the best possible animal welfare outcomes.

“I know this decision will upset some members of the community. I empathise with those who feel distressed that we must undertake control programs. My commitment is that I will always be open and honest with the community about these matters, without risking safety to visitors and staff.”

Further information

The need to reduce wild horse numbers

In 2018, the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee determined habitat degradation and loss by feral horses as a key threatening process, identifying more than 30 adversely affected NSW and Commonwealth-listed threatened species and communities.

These include the critically endangered southern and northern corroboree frogs, the endangered Alpine she-oak skink, the vulnerable broad-toothed rat, the critically endangered blue-tongued greenhood, and the critically endangered fish stocky galaxias. Soil, waterways and limestone caves are also under threat.

The wild horse population

The November 2022 survey of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park showed an estimated population of 18,814, with a 95% confidence interval of 14,501 to 23,535 wild horses.

The 2023 population survey conducted during October will be peer-reviewed and results will be made publicly available as soon as possible.

Submissions

The proposed amendment to the plan was shared with the community for input, and 11,002 submissions were made by individuals and organisations between 8 August and 11 September 2023.

Eighty-seven per cent of all submissions commented on aerial shooting. Of these, 82% expressed support for aerial shooting being included in the plan. The most frequently raised reasons in support of aerial shooting were:

• inadequacy of existing control methods
• acceptability of animal welfare outcomes
• accuracy of population estimates
• safety of aerial shooting.

For those opposed to aerial shooting, the most common points raised were related to concerns around animal welfare and the accuracy of wild horse population counts.

Authorised control methods for future management of wild horses under the plan

• mustering or passive trapping, followed by rehoming
• mustering or passive trapping, followed by transporting to a knackery or abattoir
• ground shooting
• shooting or euthanising in trap yards
• aerial shooting (additional method now added).

Preliminary aerial shooting program

There will be a preliminary program using aerial shooting as a control method. It has been developed in consultation with an independent wildlife veterinarian and RSPCA NSW.

After the preliminary program and with full consideration of independent animal welfare advice a standard operating procedure will be finalised. It will be followed in any future wild horse aerial shooting programs and remain under ongoing review.

Managing safety

Relevant areas of Kosciuszko National Park will be closed when aerial shooting occurs.

The safety of the community and staff is and will always be primary considerations for any shooting operations.

NPWS will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to threats against its staff.

Managing carcasses

A carcass management plan is being prepared taking account of issues raised by stakeholders and an environmental assessment, and in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority. The plan will be subject to ongoing refinement, as required.

Carcasses will not be left in or close to major waterways or within 400 metres of busy visitor areas such as campgrounds. Carcasses will be moved if necessary to meet the requirements of the carcass management plan.

Protecting the heritage value of wild horses

The plan requires 3000 wild horses to be retained in 32% of the park to protect their heritage value. The proposed amendment to the plan does not change this requirement. Horse riding will continue in Kosciuszko National Park.

The Opal gates are installed and train testing is underway as Waterloo Station prepares to open its doors to passengers next year.

Waterloo is one of eight stations that make up the transformative Sydney Metro City & Southwest line that spans from Chatswood in the north, before heading under the harbour, through Sydney’s CBD and onto Sydenham.

Work at Waterloo, one of the six brand new stations is 95% complete.

The station’s four lifts and seven escalators are commissioned and ready to move passengers between street level and the platforms which sit 25m below ground. The last of the station signs are being fitted to ensure easy navigation for commuters at the brand-new, fully accessible station.

The focus for the 100 workers on site each day will now turn to completing the main station entrance on the corner of Cope and Raglan Streets.

6,000 people an hour are expected to pass through Waterloo Station during morning peak when it opens to the public. It will take pressure off Redfern and Green Square stations and provide fast, safe and reliable journeys to Central in 2 minutes, Barangaroo in 8 minutes and to North Sydney in 11 minutes.

More information about Waterloo Stationlaunch

Jo Haylen, NSW Transport Minister said: 

“World-class metro services will start at Waterloo Station next year making this growing pocket of Sydney more connected than ever before.”

“A metro service every four minutes at Waterloo Station will significantly reduce traffic on our inner-city roads and alleviate pressure at nearby Redfern and Green Square stations.”

“Progress at Waterloo Station is well-advanced, and it is exciting to see what journeys will look like for passengers when transformative metro services start through the city.”