Category: NSW News

Water rescue first responders are preparing for a hot and busy summer ahead, as they mark the commencement of the 2023/24 boating season this Labour Day long weekend.

NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have converged on Botany Bay near Sans Souci to highlight the inter-agency cooperation needed to keep waterways safe.

This coincides with a NSW Maritime statewide operation over the long weekend to educate boaters about safety, ensure they meet licencing requirements and check they are appropriately equipped for a safe day on the water.

Predictions of a hot and dry summer have been confirmed with the declaration of an El Nino climate driver, putting water rescue groups on alert for another busy season on the state’s coastal and inland waterways.

Last year, there were 11 boating-related fatalities on NSW waterways and 48 drownings along the state’s coastline.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services and first responders have all the tools they need to keep the marine community safe, including specialised training and the latest technology.

To help lift the capability of rescue services, three new Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis) will soon be operational on Sydney waterways, with two of these to be used on Botany Bay and Port Hacking. These small and maneuverable watercraft will allow for rescues in areas larger vessels cannot reach, such as those close to the coastline.

The boating season launch coincides with the conclusion of National Safe Boating Week, which this year highlighted the importance of wearing the right type of lifejacket and knowing how to maintain it.

For the latest water safety informationlaunch

More information on boating in NSW

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This long weekend marks the start of what we expect to be a very busy season for our personnel and volunteers. We urge people to act responsibly and look out for each other in and around our waterways so we can all enjoy and make the most of a safe boating season.”

“Seeing Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Maritime, NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW join forces on Botany Bay today provides an opportunity to recognise the people working tirelessly to keep us all safe on the water, and we ask the community to also prioritise safety while having fun this summer.”

“Each team has different strengths, capabilities and areas of focus, but we are all united when it comes to safety on NSW waterways.”

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:

“There’s nothing better than a hot summer day out on the water but it’s important that we stay safe while having fun.”

“I know the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command will be working around the clock this summer to help keep our waterways safe and I thank them for the important work they do.”

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:

“We’re calling on all skippers to check their vessels and safety equipment. Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so it’s crucial to give them a proper once over before heading out on the water.”

“We still see too many boaters without a lifejacket. Sadly, all five boating deaths this financial year were people not wearing a lifejacket. Our message is simple – service your lifejacket, take your lifejacket, and wear your lifejacket – it can only save you if you wear it.”

NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Acting Superintendent Siobhan Munro said:

“We know that when the temperatures rise, the community flocks to our waterways so we are putting people on notice that police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and any dangerous and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

“We will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits. Our goal is to get you home safely.”

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said:

“Marine Rescue NSW is coming off its busiest year on record with volunteers completing more than 4,500 rescue missions across the state.”

“Always wear a lifejacket and log on with Marine Rescue NSW, if you don’t return as planned, we will initiate a search.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

“We are headed for an extremely hot and dry summer and are expecting a major surge in numbers on beaches and waterways this season.”

“Swim between the flags, make sure you supervise your children, wear a lifejacket where it’s necessary, and if you do that, we’ll have a great summer and keep everyone safe.”

Experienced corporate executive, councillor and former NSW Deputy State Director, Richard Shields, has been appointed as the NSW Division’s State Director.

Party Member for almost three decades, Richard brings extensive political and corporate experience to building successful state and federal Liberal campaigns. He has worked as an advisor for former federal Ministers Andrew Thomson and Senator Helen Coonan in the Howard Government, and headed up government relations for the Insurance Council of Australia and the Westpac Group.

Richard is also an experienced campaigner, working on numerous successful local, state and federal election campaigns.

“Since my first taste of political and campaign success as the President of the UNSW Liberal Club, I have been committed to the success of the Liberal Party,” said Mr Shields. “It is an honour and a privilege to lead the professional wing of our Party.”

“I bring to the role decades of political and campaign experience, and I look forward to using this experience to assist our Party in winning the next federal and state elections.”

“Labor’s failure to develop a plan addressing cost of living crisis and deal with the significant economic challenges facing NSW and Australia make the next federal and state elections winnable.”

“I look forward to working with the President, Jason Falinski to continue building our Party, and with the help of our members identifying future political candidates that best represent our diverse community.”

Chris Stone thanked the NSW Liberal Party Members and MPs for their support and encouragement over his years with the NSW Division.

“My years working for the NSW Liberal Party have been some of the most satisfying in my career,” Mr Stone said. “I am grateful for the incredible opportunities that I’ve had and the relationships that have been forged in the heat of campaigns.”

“As State Director I have had the honour of contributing to the victories of governments that have changed our state and our nation for the better. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve and support our Party Members, which is a particularly treasured part of my role.”

NSW Liberal Party President Jason Falinski said Richard Shields is an experienced and incredibly capable campaigner who will be able to take the organisation in a positive direction.
 
“The Party is in great hands with someone of Richard’s calibre, someone who has both the political experience and the ability to successfully deal with organisational challenges that face all large political parties.”
 
Mr Falinski also offered deep thanks to the outgoing State Director Chris Stone for his outstanding and dedicated service.
 
“On behalf of all Members of the NSW Division, I cannot thank Chris enough for the magnificent job he’s done in often challenging circumstances. He has been a devoted servant of the Liberal Party, and we continue to value his sage advice and look forward to his continuing involvement with the Party.”
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman congratulated Richard Shields on his appointment as the NSW State Director.

“I have known Richard for many years,” Mr Speakman said. “As the Parliamentary Party holds the Minns Labor Government to account over its numerous broken promises, I look to Richard’s strong effort leading the Party secretariat to support this work.”

“I would also like to thank Chris for his tremendous work over the years for our Party. His multiple state and federal campaign victories for our Party will not be easily equalled.”
 
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Duttton welcomed Richard’s appointment and thanked our out going State Director.
 
“We need a strong Party organisation in the lead up to the next federal election; with Richard leading our team in NSW, we will be ready to campaign on our vision for a better Australia under a Liberal government.”
“He has big shoes to fill, and I thank Chris Stone for all of his work for the Liberal Party as an adviser, campaigner and indeed State Director.”

Expressions of interest are now open for Aboriginal organisations to apply for the next round of Community and Place Grants.

$10 million funding for the grants, to deliver immediate and tangible on-ground activities to support Closing the Gap, were confirmed in the first Minns Labor budget handed down on Tuesday 19 September.

In launching the grant round, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said Aboriginal controlled organisations could apply for up to $250,000 in funding for new programs, infrastructure, equipment and vehicles.

“Aboriginal organisations know what their communities need to thrive and that is why this grants program is so important,” Mr Harris said.

“It gives Aboriginal communities a direct say and direct access to funding to make tangible differences on the ground.

“We know that to close the gap, Aboriginal people must determine, drive and own the desired outcomes in partnership with government and that is exactly what this program is all about.

The Closing the Gap NSW Implementation Plan 2022– 2024launch commits to drive tangible change against all 5 Priority Reform areas and 17 Socio Economic Outcome targets agreed in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Community and Place grants support communities to deliver locally led solutions. $10 million in funding is available in this round.

Applications will be assessed via a 2-step process:

• Stage 1: EOI from Monday 2 October to 30 October 2023. EOI applications will be assessed for eligibility and program alignment, with applications being approved to provide a full application by AANSW Deputy Secretary.
• Stage 2: Full applications from 4 December 2023 to 29 January 2024.
• Projects must be delivered between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. 

Closing the Gap is a top priority for the Minns Labor government. The first Minns Labor government budget delivers $1.5 billion in targeted programs across the whole of government to Close the Gap and empower Aboriginal communities across NSW.

“We know that when Aboriginal people have a direct say on issues that affect them, we get better outcomes, and that is what we intend to do in government,” Mr Harris said.

Details of the grant program can be found at Aboriginal Affairs NSW: Grantslaunch.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability handed down its final report yesterday.

The NSW Government is reviewing the report, its findings and recommendations.

The final report, which has been made public today, makes 222 recommendations covering a wide range of issues and systems to strengthen the rights and inclusion of people with disability.

Since 2019, the royal commission held 32 public hearings, examined 837 witnesses, and received more than 10,000 submissions.  

The Department of Communities and Justice and the Disability Council NSW are co-convening a forum with stakeholders from the disability sector on October 23 to discuss the royal commission’s findings.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington will attend the forum.

The NSW Government’s formal response to the royal commission’s final report will be provided within the next 6 months.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Over the past 4 years, the royal commission has shone a light on the serious abuse, exclusion and injustice that people with disability face across our society.

“The fact that so many people with disability came forward to speak with the royal commission shows that these issues are far too common, and we all have to do better.

“The NSW Government is grateful to every person with disability, their families and communities, who shared their stories with the royal commission.

“We want to honour everyone’s contribution to the royal commission by carefully and methodically considering each of the 222 recommendations.”

Today we honour and remember all the people of the NSW Police Force who have died in the line of duty.

September 29th holds special significance across Australia and the Pacific as National Police Remembrance Day.

It is a day to reflect and pay tribute to the bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protect, serve and keep their communities safe.

No new names have been added to the NSW Wall of Remembrance this year, but we pause to remember Constable Matthew Joseph Arnold and Constable Rachel Clare McCrow of the Queensland Police Force and Constable Anthony Woods of the Western Australia Police Force who died while performing their duties in the previous 12 months.

We pay our respects to 14 serving members of the NSW Police Force who have passed away in the previous 12 months and remember the 275 names already inscribed on the Wall.

The annual National Police Remembrance Day service was today held at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain.

Premier, Chris Minns and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley attended alongside Acting NSW Police Commissioner, Dave Hudson, Lieutenant-Governor of NSW, His Excellency the Honourable Andrew Bell and other distinguished guests.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Police Remembrance Day is a reminder to the entire community of the dangers police officers face every day.

“We owe police a great debt of gratitude and we pay tribute to all the officers we have lost.

“Today is not only about honouring the officers who have died but also showing our support to all serving officers.  We thank you for your commitment to serve our community.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We can never forget those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

“The NSW Police Force do an outstanding job day in, day out. They have a tough job but do it with such dedication, compassion and commitment and for that we thank them.”

“Our thoughts go out to the grieving families of our fallen officers. The scale of their loss is difficult to conceive but the NSW Police family is there to support them.”

Acting NSW Police Commissioner Dave Hudson said:

“Each year on 29 September, we pause to remember these officers for their courage and selfless dedication to protecting the community.

“We also pay our respects to the families, friends and colleagues left behind, who will forever mourn the loss of their loved one.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The NSW Government has partnered with 2 giants of medical research, The Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to form a strategic partnership and cardiovascular research hub in south western Sydney.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris, who attended the launch, said the aim of the new hub is to make a life-saving impact where it’s needed most, driving changes, and boosting heart disease research.

“This new collaborative hub, the first of its kind in Australia, will be a vital tool in boosting NSW’s reputation as a global centre of innovative heart disease research,” Mr Harris said.

“The hub will enable research to progress faster and deliver new treatments and medications that will improve the lives of people living in southwest Sydney, who have higher risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as well as people living right across Australia.”

This innovative hub made possible with strong support from South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) and UNSW Sydney, will significantly boost heart disease research and accelerate future scientific breakthroughs in a region with the highest heart-related hospital admissions in the state.

The partnership will see a new Chair in Cardiovascular Research established by the Ingham Institute, the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, SWSLHD and UNSW Sydney. The goal is to appoint a world-class academic clinician-researcher, to be based at Liverpool Hospital, who will drive new research to improve the substantial burden of cardiovascular disease in south western Sydney.

The chair will provide academic and clinical leadership, foster excellence in collaborative cardiovascular research, innovative teaching, and clinical care. The partnership will also see the development of a team of researchers that will be based at the Ingham Institute, a world-class centre for clinical trials. The research team will have direct access to the expertise and cutting-edge technology of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said the establishment of the hub reinforces Liverpool as a fast-growing centre for innovation and research in health.

“The work being done at Ingham Applied Medical Research is game-changing and this partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute will save lives in south-west Sydney.

“The NSW government has committed $150 million over 10 years to support cardiovascular research. As part of this investment, $8.7 million has been allocated to 9 research projects involving expert multidisciplinary teams from several research institutions. Three of these grants include research teams from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and the Ingham Institute.

“Investment in medical research is critical for driving scientific discoveries and supporting the development of innovative therapies to improve health outcomes for all Australians and I am proud to be a part of a government that sees that.

“By attracting quality researchers from interstate and overseas, we are boosting the NSW economy, attracting larger proportions of national research funding to the state, and making NSW the premier state for heart health research in Australia.”

Nearly 40 years after the lights were switched off at White Bay Power Station, the iconic building will once again energise Sydney – this time as an arts, cultural and community hub.

Starting with next year’s Biennale of Sydney, the White Bay Power Station will open its doors to the public with a program of short-term events and activations.

From March next year, the public will have the opportunity to explore this historic industrial masterpiece at the 2024 Biennale of Sydney.

The Biennale of Sydney is one of the largest international contemporary art festivals, showcasing artists from NSW, Australia and across the globe. The first Biennale of Sydney was held in 1973, making the event one of the longest running of its kind.

White Bay Power Station will be the first location to open during the three-month Biennale of Sydney, taking place from 9 March until 10 June 2024.

The Biennale of Sydney will announce program highlights on 31 October 2023.

The reactivation of the former power station is the first big move in the urban renewal of Bays West.

Encompassing Rozelle Bay, White Bay and Glebe Island, the Bays West precinct is set to become an area of innovation and sustainability for living, working and recreation.

After decades of sitting derelict, the NSW Government, through Placemaking NSW, has undertaken extensive remediation and conservation works to make the state heritage listed building ready for the 21st century and beyond.

All works have been completed in line with the site’s Conservation Management Plan and the building is now at a stage where it can be repurposed as a space for the community to enjoy.

The community will be invited to have its say on the long-term use of the power station in coming months.

Find out more about White Bay Power Stationlaunch

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“White Bay Power Station is a unique site. It has as much potential to amaze and inspire global arts audiences as any settings for leading Biennales of the world from Venice to Sao Paolo – with free admission for all.

“The power that this site will now generate is that of creativity.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“White Bay Power Station was powering Sydney’s trams and dominating the harbour skyline long before the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House captured our attention.

“While planning is underway for its future use, we are taking this opportunity to let the community immerse themselves in the site, through a program of events and activations.”

Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW Anita Mitchell said:

“Placemaking NSW is delighted to have secured Biennale of Sydney as the first free public activation at the site.

“The opening of White Bay Power Station is the first step in the transformation of the Bays West precinct in line with the Bays West Place Strategy.”

Chief Executive Officer of Biennale of Sydney Barbara Moore said:

“We are presenting some of the best contemporary art from around the world and across Australia at the first major event at White Bay Power Station from 9 March to 10 June 2024. Admission is free.

“For 50 years, the Biennale of Sydney has brought people together to think and talk about the world we live in, infusing art into the very fabric of Sydney and rejuvenated public spaces across the city.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns today announced changes to the NSW Ministry that will boost the government’s focus on skills, domestic manufacturing and the importance of TAFE to regional NSW.

Former Minister in the previous Labor Government and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, will today be sworn in as the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education.

Minister for Finance and Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos MLC, will be sworn in to the new, additional portfolio of Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement.

The changes to the ministry underscore the NSW Government’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and build the pipeline of skilled workers to drive productivity and jobs in NSW.

As part of the 2023–2024 Budget, the government has committed $9.8 billion to build new and upgraded schools and other educational facilities. The budget also included an additional $112.0 million to meet the TAFE funding shortfall and 1000 extra apprentices across the NSW Government by 2026 at a cost of $93.5 million.

The new portfolio of Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement will drive the return to domestic manufacturing and building things here again, using government procurement power to boost local jobs.

The 2023–2024 Budget will kickstart this effort with $43 million for 7 new Australian-made Parramatta River Class ferries and $71.1 million to return Freshwater Class ferries to the Circular Quay-Manly route.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The appointment of highly experienced former Minister Steve Whan to cabinet will ensure another strong voice for regional NSW at the centre of government.

“Steve has represented all communities, but particularly rural and regional NSW, with distinction throughout his career as a former Minister for Rural Affairs, Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Small Business.

“He will bring his considerable skills and experience to helping rebuild TAFE and the VET sector after decades of under-funding.

“As Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos has been critical to getting waste and debt under control and shaping a budget that will deliver for the people of NSW.

“I have asked Courtney to step into the highly important area of boosting domestic manufacturing and to end the exodus of jobs and ideas offshore.”

Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement and Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“From February 2011 to February 2023, NSW lost 71,000 manufacturing jobs.

“We need to build things here again and we need to build things that work. Around the globe, countries are focused on rebuilding their local capacity. This includes with direct spending through government procurement, but also getting the policy settings right to encourage broader investment.

“I am excited to be working with my new ministerial colleague, Steve Whan, on end-to-end policy and delivery solutions to boost skills, jobs and local manufacturing.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“I am honoured to be appointed to this important portfolio that is not just a key part of the delivery of education in NSW but is critical to the skills and jobs pipeline in our state.

“I know that across NSW, local TAFEs are an integral part of the fabric of regional communities.

“I want to be their champion and see those campuses and institutions get the respect, resourcing and prominence they deserve.”

The toll-free M12 Motorway has passed a major construction milestone, with over a third of construction completed and groundwork underway on 14 of 17 bridges across the project.

The M12, which was recommended as a high priority project by Infrastructure Australia, forms part of a wider Western Sydney roads upgrade as the NSW Government gets on with the job of delivering the critical roads the community needs.

Co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, the motorway will link the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek to the wider Sydney motorway network, Elizabeth Drive and the Northern Road and open up a key future jobs zone for Sydney.

The next stage of work will focus on completing the majority of earthworks and pouring 52,000 tonnes of concrete.

Around 2000 locals from Liverpool and Penrith and 526 young people (under 25), are employed on the delivery of this project, many of who will have opportunities to keep working in the area as upgrades like Elizabeth Drive get underway.

The budget has prioritised new spending on vital arterial roads across Western Sydney, with a wider focus than the mega infrastructure projects and toll roads of the former government.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to infrastructure investment, with $29.1 billion to be spent over the coming 4 years.

Overall, the NSW Government will invest $2.4 billion in Western Sydney as a part of the Connecting Sydney Roads program to accommodate population and employment growth.

Almost $430 million is earmarked to be spent in 2023–24 alone.

Projects funded across Western Sydney will help ease traffic flow and improve journey times including to and from work, or the school run by fixing our local roads.

Metropolitan Roads projects by area:

Western Sydney Airport precinct

• $200 million for Elizabeth Drive safety initiatives and corridor enabling works
• $50 million for the Fifteenth Avenue Transit Corridor linking Bradfield and the Western Sydney International Airport to Liverpool
• $106 million over 4 years towards the M7–M12 Integration Project: Delivering the M7–M12 Interchange, the Elizabeth Drive Connection to the M12 and the Westlink M7 Widening (State and Federal funded).

South-West Sydney

• $45.4 million in 2023–24 for the ongoing delivery of Spring Farm Parkway Stage 1 and to continue planning for Spring Farm Parkway Stage 2 corridor
• $3.4 million in 2023–24 for Appin Road Improvements (Federal funded)
• $1 million in 2023–24 to continue planning for the Picton Bypass corridor
• $1.5 million for school crossings across Camden.

Western Sydney (Penrith and surrounds)

• $54 million in 2023–24 towards Mulgoa Road, Stages 1, 2 and 5
• $7.6 million in 2023–24 for Mamre Road, M4 Motorway to Erskine Park Road.

North-West Sydney

• $100 million for Pitt Town bypass
• $15 million for The Driftway roundabout, Londonderry, upgraded with improved flood resilience as a key access road to New Richmond Bridge which will be a $500 million upgrade when complete
• $100 million over 4 years for Bells Line of Road Safety Upgrades.

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The 2023–24 NSW Budget has delivered on our commitments to Western Sydney.

“We are working on building and upgrading the roads now before the next phase of growth in this area and ahead of the first flights touching down at Western Sydney Airport.

“The M12 is an important part of the infrastructure strategy to ensure Western Sydney International has effective transport links from day one, so progress on bridge building is a very positive project milestone. 

“This project is creating more jobs in Western Sydney for workers in Western Sydney west and will help drive economic opportunities across this region.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“The NSW Government has committed to delivering for Western Sydney with the infrastructure investment in the 2023–24 NSW Budget.

“By committing to upgrades at Elizabeth Drive, Spring Farm Parkway and Fifteenth Avenue, the NSW Government is going to deliver a real benefit to the community in Leppington that will improve travel time and allow people to get to work, school and through the day in a much more efficient manner.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“Western Sydney is our city’s population basket with over 2.5 million people living here.

“It’s critical that we have the investment in our roads to improve access, liveability for our community in Penrith. 

“The works on the Northern Road and Elizabeth Drive and will improve access for motorists and public transport users alike in our community.” 

The NSW Government has signed a $45 million funding agreement to build the Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub on Kooragang Island, to assist emissions-intensive industries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.

The project, led by Origin Future Fuels (Origin) with funding from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, will be a regional cornerstone of the hydrogen industry, accelerating NSW’s shift towards clean technologies and net zero.

The Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub will produce green hydrogen through electrolysis (splitting water), which can be used to store energy and as a feedstock in industrial processes. The hub will initially deliver approximately 55 megawatts of electrolyser capacity by 2026, with an aim to scale up to over 1 gigawatt of capacity over the next decade.

The hydrogen produced by the hub will be used by industry, with the majority going to Orica’s nearby ammonia manufacturing facility to help decarbonise its operations. Hydrogen will also be made available to transport customers through onsite and satellite refuelling stations.

The project will deliver up to 150 direct (construction and ongoing) jobs, and up to 65 indirect construction jobs in the Hunter.

Orica’s co-located Tertiary Abatement Plant at Kooragang Island has this month reached a milestone, abating the equivalent of 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This is equal to removing 150,000 cars from NSW roads.

The plant, which is funded by the NSW Government and has financing from the Commonwealth’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation, will abate the equivalent of more than 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, reducing emissions from Orica’s nitric acid manufacturing plant by 48%.

The NSW Government is committed to growing the hydrogen sector as a future industry for NSW. The state has previously approved $28.5 million for the Illawarra Hydrogen Technology Hub and $35.8 million for the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project in Moree.

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said:

“A green hydrogen industry in NSW has the potential to support 10,000 new jobs and add $6.4 billion in gross state product.

“The Hunter area is one of NSW’s leading industrial regions that contributes $50 billion to NSW’s gross state product and has a critical role to play in our state’s clean energy transition.

“Projects like the Hunter Valley Hydrogen are vital to decarbonising the industrial sector as we work towards a net-zero future.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in clean technologies which will create new jobs, business opportunities and allow NSW to become a clean energy superpower.”

Background information:

• Hydrogen molecules can be used to store energy and as an industrial feedstock. Hydrogen is derived primarily by splitting water (electrolysis) or by reacting fossil fuels with steam through a process called steam methane reformation.
• A small fossil-fuel based hydrogen industry already exists in NSW, however it releases emissions. This hydrogen is used as an input into a number of industries such as ammonia production, which is used to produce fertiliser and explosives.
• To encourage industrial decarbonisation, the NSW Government is supporting the establishment of a hydrogen industry that is produced using renewable energy.
• This low-emissions hydrogen represents an opportunity to decarbonise existing industries that use hydrogen as a feedstock and as a new renewable fuel in other sectors.
• This will enable decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors where electrification is not an option. These sectors include steel making, ammonia production, industrial high temperature heat applications and heavy vehicle and shipping transport sectors. These hard-to-abate sectors account for around 18% of NSW’s annual emissions.
• Hydrogen is a critical decarbonisation opportunity to support NSW to reach net-zero by 2050.