Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is teaming up with the Albanese Labor Government to get critical road projects shovel-ready in North West Sydney, signalling a major boost for one of the country’s fastest-growing regions.

A joint investment of $156 million, announced as part of the 2025-26 NSW State Budget, this funding will accelerate planning and development of critical upgrades in the booming suburbs of Blacktown, Rooty Hill, Marsden Park, Schofields and Rouse Hill.

The funding will lay the groundwork for construction projects that will help ease congestion and improve travel times – making it easier for North West families to get where they need to be, safer and faster. 

Projects include:

• $49 million in additional funding for planning upgrades and future duplication along the Richmond Road Corridor from the M7 to The Driftway in Richmond. This takes the total investment to $74 million for one of the region’s busiest and most congested arterials (NSW and Australian Government funded)
• $30 million towards planning the duplication and future connection of Townson and Burdekin Roads in Schofields (NSW and Australian Government funded)
• $27 million to plan the upgrade of Garfield Road West in Marsden Park (NSW and Australian Government funded), adding to the NSW Government’s existing commitment to widen Garfield Road East
• $25 million for enabling works for the upgrade of Toongabbie Bridge (100 per cent Australian Government funded)
• $10 million to plan for critical road infrastructure around the future Rouse Hill Hospital (with a further $10 million from the Australian Government committed), ensuring the precinct is well connected when the hospital opens. Works include:
  • widening Windsor Road between Mile End Road and Commercial Road to three lanes plus a bus lane in each direction
  • upgrading the Windsor Road and Commercial Road, Windsor Road and Mile End Road, and Commercial Road and Caddies Boulevard intersections
  • constructing a shared path on the eastern side of Windsor Road
  • delivering new and upgraded bus infrastructure with dedicated bus lanes along Windsor Road between the existing T-way and Mile End Road.
• $3.5 million to plan for a new Francis Road rail overpass at Rooty Hill (100 per cent NSW Government funded)
• $1.5 million for a major congestion pinch point intersection upgrade at Flushcombe and Bungarribee Roads in Blacktown (100 per cent NSW Government funded).

The North West Sydney growth area, which will be home to around 250,000 people when complete, is one of the fastest-growing parts of Australia, with new housing, schools and hospitals placing increased demand on the road network.

Despite this growth, the former Liberal-National Government focused on mega-projects and drew lines on maps in congested suburbs without providing funding.

The Minns Labor Government and Albanese Labor Government are committing significant funding this year to ensure the next round of construction can get underway – kickstarting critical planning for North West Sydney.

This joint investment of $156 million in new funding is part of a broader roads and transport investment in the 2025–26 Budget, which focuses on ‘must-have’ infrastructure in our suburbs and regions that support liveability and growth—not vanity mega-projects.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is building better communities and are investing to get critical road projects shovel-ready. 

“Roads are essential infrastructure for the growing communities of North West Sydney and that is why we are partnering with the Albanese Government to invest $156 million to kickstart planning for a series of major arterial road projects. 

“Unlike the previous government which focused on mega-projects and ignored the suburbs, we’re investing in ‘must haves’ – congestion busting improvements to roads that are supporting fast growing suburbs.

“This is about new and widened roads, new intersections, roundabouts and safety improvements – all supporting new homes, expanding suburbs and new facilities.

“The Minns Government is stepping up with a plan to build the roads the North West needs. These projects are critical to keeping pace with growth and ensuring our communities remain liveable.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“For too long Western Sydney families have been stuck in congested roads which haven’t kept up with development. This investment reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to getting the basics right.

“Western Sydney roads have been a priority for Deputy Premier Prue Car and the Minns Government, and this boost means hardworking parents in our growing North West suburbs can get home to their families sooner.

“Our 2025-26 Budget builds on the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW and a better Western Sydney—delivering more homes, stronger essential services, and the infrastructure our growing communities need to thrive.”

State Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This funding is fantastic news for Riverstone and the broader North West. Upgrades to Richmond Road, Garfield Road West, Burdekin and Townson Roads will make a real difference to daily commutes and local connectivity.

“The Riverstone community has been left behind when it comes to infrastructure and progress on these projects is long overdue. It’s great to finally have governments investing in the major road improvements we need.”

State Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said:

“Rooty Hill families know how frustrating traffic congestion can be. This investment to plan the upgrade of the Francis Road rail overpass and other local roads shows the Minns Labor Government is listening to our community and delivering the infrastructure we need.”

State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:

“This is a huge win for our community. Areas like Blacktown are growing rapidly, and the intersection of Flushcombe and Bungaribee Roads is a major pinch point. This package ensures we can start the process to deliver the infrastructure our growing area needs, that was neglected for so long under the previous government.”

State Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said:

“After years of being overlooked by the previous government, it’s great to see Prospect and the broader North West receive this critical boost, including upgrading Toongabbie Bridge. This package will help our growing communities stay connected and keep families moving safely.”

Police families across Australia will be honoured this week with the launch of the inaugural National Police Legacy Day, a new annual event dedicated to recognising the vital support provided to the loved ones of police officers who have lost their lives.

Held for the first time on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, the day is being led by NSW Police Legacy in partnership with Police Legacy organisations across the country.

It will include fundraising activities, local events, and blue light tributes, including the illumination of the Sydney Opera House with the Michaelmas Daisy – the symbol of Police Legacy.

National Police Legacy Day is about shining a light on the often unseen but life-changing work Police Legacy organisations carry out.

Since 1987, NSW Police Legacy has supported more than 1,500 legatees through education and career grants, counselling, camps, and personal support – always reminding families that they remain part of the policing family.

Tonight, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with the symbol of National Police Legacy Day.

For more information on how to participate in National Police Legacy Day, visit the NSW Police Legacy website.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Police Legacy organisations provide vital support for families when they need it most.

“Today, we honour Police Legacy organisations and the resilience of our police families.

“Our police officers safeguard our communities – and behind every fallen officer is a family that deserves care and support.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley:

“This first-ever National Police Legacy Day is more than just a date on the calendar – it’s a powerful reminder that behind every fallen officer is a family still living with that loss.

“Today, we come together across the nation to say: we see you, we honour you and we will stand with you – always.

“When tragedy strikes a police family, Police Legacy steps in with strength, compassion and practical support. National Police Legacy Day is our chance to say: you are not alone.

“Every officer deserves to know their family will be cared for if the worst happens. Police Legacy gives that assurance – and National Police Legacy Day celebrates that quiet, vital promise.

“From education to emotional support, Police Legacy walks with families through the hardest times. On June 17, we shine a light on their extraordinary work and the lives they’ve helped rebuild.”

Graduate nurses and midwives are being encouraged to start their careers in Australia’s largest public health system, with applications now open for NSW Health’s GradStart program.

GradStart is an annual, state-wide recruitment process for graduate nurses and midwives, which provides a vast range of employment opportunities across more than 150 health facilities in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote NSW.

Applications for NSW Health’s 2026 GradStart intake opened today (17 June) and close on 30 June 2025. Students are eligible to apply if they:

• Are completing a nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026.
• Will meet all the requirements to be registered as a Registered Nurse or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
• Are an Australian Citizen or hold a visa that allows ongoing full-time employment in Australia.

Candidates may also be eligible for scholarships.

Working in NSW Health provides a large variety of employment possibilities and experiences to start graduate nurses and midwives on their career journey.

GradStart can also provide candidates an opportunity to experience six months of work in a rural setting and six months in a metro setting through the Metro Rural Exchange.

More information on the GradStart program, including details on how to apply, is available on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/employment/gradstart/Pages/default.aspx

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our nurses and midwives are essential to the NSW healthcare system, playing a vital role across our hospitals and health facilities. They care for people throughout every stage of life and are there for patients during their most vulnerable moments.

“By starting your career in the NSW public health system you will have access to comprehensive professional development, a wide variety of clinical experiences and ongoing training and support.

“Graduate nurses and midwives also have the opportunity to work across different locations in our fantastic state, and I hope graduates consider rural and regional settings which offer both a great lifestyle and exciting professional opportunities.”

The Minns Labor Government will deliver a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget — continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW.

This investment in our future includes $2.6 billion that will be spent over the coming financial year alone, to deliver our record pipeline of new and upgraded schools to support growing communities across NSW.

Importantly, every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, honouring the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in Western Sydney.

This budget includes the following additional new schools and upgrades:

New schools

• Emerald Hills – new primary school
• Grantham Farm – new primary school
• West Dapto – new primary school
• Wilton – new high school

Major upgrades

• Newington Public School
• Excelsior Public School
• Thornton Public School
• Rydalmere East Public School
• Rydalmere Public School
• Ermington West Public School
• Asquith high schools
• Bayside High School (provisional name)
• Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Campus

These new schools being funded in the 2025-26 Budget will deliver approximately 140 new classrooms that are estimated to accommodate 2,500 students.

The new school that is being announced for the first time today for Emerald Hills, near Leppington, will open for more than 550 students on Day 1 Term 1, 2028, with facilities including modern classrooms, a multipurpose hall, canteen, library and sports field.

Leppington was one of a number of growth areas within the South-West and North-West growth corridors identified by the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as the top 10 areas for student growth in the state.

The audit found the former Coalition government failed to accurately reflect the rapid population growth in these areas and failed to build the schools to match it.

Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has commenced construction on more than 25 new and upgraded schools for growing communities across NSW, with another 30 set to begin before the end of 2025.

In addition to these, the NSW Government has fast-tracked schools to open in temporary facilities while their permanent facilities are built in Box Hill, Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills.

This has meant that families in growth suburbs like Marsden Park, Leppington, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills were able to enrol in schools years earlier than planned by Liberals and Nationals.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education following a decade of neglect that saw new schools and upgrades promised but never delivered by the former government.

This budget continues to ensure students across NSW no matter where they live can attend a public school close to home, and that these schools deliver a world class education to the next generation.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education and improve student outcomes by addressing over a decade of neglect by the former Government.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re getting on with the job of rebuilding public education by:

• banning mobile phones in all public schools, which has meant reduced distractions in school
• paying our teachers more, which has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since coming to office. That means more teachers in front our classrooms
• this has meant that the number of merged and cancelled classes have been almost halved
• making more than 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“New and upgraded schools are essential, but nothing matters more than having a great teacher in every classroom.

“That’s why we delivered the biggest teacher pay rise in a generation — cutting permanent teacher vacancies by 40 per cent and slashing the number of merged or cancelled classes across NSW.

“This announcement today continues our record investment in public education with new funding for schools in the communities that need them most, fast-growing suburbs that were overlooked for far too long.

“Families in Western Sydney were promised schools that never came under the former government. We’re fixing this — building the schools that these communities need and deserve.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, has invested record funding to build new and upgraded schools across growing parts of NSW that were neglected for too long under the Liberals.

“Our investment also includes new, fee-free public preschools co-located with public schools as part of our commitment to build 100 public preschools across NSW. These will be a game-changer for families in suburbs where access to high quality, affordable early education is scarce.

“For more than a decade, the former Liberal National Government failed to keep pace with population growth in these suburbs and towns. We are fixing that with real investment, building world-class local public schools and early education for families close to home.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I was elected on a commitment of delivering schools for our growing community.

“This new primary school and preschool at Emerald Hills is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in public education – alongside the new Leppington High School, an elective sports stream at Eagle Vale High School, five new public preschools, and four major school upgrades across the Leppington electorate.

“We’re making sure every family has access to quality local schools, close to home.”

In a nod to those who’ve served our country, the Minns Labor Government will expand free vehicle access to national parks in NSW to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget measure will enable more veterans from around Australia to apply for a free pass to enter the 45 national parks in the state where a vehicle entry fee applies.

The pass is currently available for some categories of Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders, and this decision by the Minns Labor Government will ensure all DVA Veteran Card holders are able to apply, including those with a White Card or Orange Card.

It will increase veteran access to our network of national parks and have the added benefit of boosting veterans’ physical and mental health.

NSW has an incredible network of 895 national parks and reserves that conserve close to 10 per cent of the state, protecting unique ecosystems across deserts, Alpine regions, coastal areas, rainforest and Ramsar-listed wetlands.

Only 5 per cent of parks and reserves in NSW have vehicle entry fees. They range from $4 to $12 a day, and up to $29 a day for Kosciuszko National Park in winter. Removing the charge will make it easier for all Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders to enjoy more of these natural wonderlands.

Commonwealth DVA Veteran Card holders will be able to apply for the pass from Monday, 7 July 2025, by visiting https://pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/concession/application.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service also offers discount or concession annual passes for eligible seniors, pensioners and visitors who renew their NSW vehicle registration.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Our veterans have given so much to Australia – this is about giving something small but meaningful back.

“Access to nature can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re proud to reward more veterans with free vehicle entry to enjoy these incredible places.

“The invite to visit the best national parks in the country extends to all those who’ve served our nation – whether you’re from NSW or interstate.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, which are loved by people from within our state, across Australia and internationally.

“The Minns Labor Government is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity, to help all DVA Veterans Card holders enjoy them. This is a small way we can thank veterans for their service.”

Minister for Veterans, David Harris:

“Veterans served in defence of this great land, so it makes sense that they have earnt free access to our beautiful national parks.

“We know that many NSW servicemen and servicewomen carry injuries or mental and emotional impacts from their service, so it is important to make it easier for them to access the restorative powers of our state’s great outdoors.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing a comprehensive $835 million investment to enable development, support job creation and maximise economic growth for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis region.

Spanning 11,200 hectares, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis presents a generational opportunity to create a thriving economic hub which is set to provide thousands of new jobs closer to home for the people of Western Sydney. 

This Aerotropolis package builds on the previously announced $1 billion investment in the first stage of the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade, jointly funded with the Australian Government.

Building Better Communities

Roads are essential infrastructure for the Aerotropolis. Road infrastructure must be in place to not just cater for the growing freight, but to maximise growth.

This year’s Budget includes close to $150 million in additional funding. That is on top of $2.55 billion allocated to existing Aerotropolis roads projects over four years, taking the total commitment to $2.7 billion.

Key new project allocations include:

• $50 million for critical road upgrades across the Aerotropolis, including traffic lights and signals at the Elizabeth Drive and Luddenham Road intersection and a new turning lane at the Mamre Road and Kerrs Road intersection.
• $39 million to plan three key routes – Devonshire Road, Devonshire Link Road and Bradfield Metro Link Road – including a $12.5 million contribution from the Albanese Labor Government.
• $29.6 million for an incident management and response team to deploy rapidly to accidents and traffic delays. The new team will support key routes to and from the airport, along with the broader South Western Sydney road network.
• $30 million for more than 1000 new green directional signs across Sydney directing to the Aerotropolis and Western Sydney Airport.

This builds on major ongoing road projects in the Aerotropolis, jointly funded by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments, including:

• $1 billion for the first stage of the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade between Liverpool and the new airport.
• $1 billion for the upgrade of Mamre Road Stage 2 between Erskine Park and Kemps Creek.
• $800 million for the upgrade of Elizabeth Drive to connect the new airport.
• More than $2 billion for the toll-free M12 Motorway.

More essential services – Western Sydney’s biggest fire station

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing the new location for the Badgerys Creek Fire Station.

Construction of the facility, on Adams Road in Luddenham, is expected to commence later this year, with completion due by late 2026. The station is set to become the largest in Western Sydney.

The Government is also committing to recruiting 52 new firefighters to staff the 24/7 station with a $42.2 million investment, significantly expanding our firefighting strength in the growth corridor and helping deliver on an election commitment to fund 600 additional firefighters.

This builds on the Governments $15.4 million investment last year to deliver the new Badgerys Creek station, including three new fire trucks.

This investment in the 2025-26 Budget is on top of an additional $17 million over two years to help renew the state’s fire-fighting fleet and strengthen our frontline emergency response. 

Investing in water infrastructure to unlock future industry and housing

Sydney Water will invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct in Western Sydney, as part of the largest integrated stormwater scheme in Australia.

The works will support the first precinct to be developed in the Aerotropolis, the 1,020-hectare Mamre Road Precinct, and lay the foundation for the remaining 7,267 hectares of industrial land surrounding the future Nancy-Bird Walton Airport.

The Minns Labor Government has worked with Sydney Water to drive down the cost to developers, giving them certainty and helping them get started with job-creating construction projects.

In March 2023, Sydney Water proposed a bond fee for the Mamre Road Precinct of $1.3 million per hectare. Since then, the Government has worked with Sydney Water to revise the scope, driving down the contribution to $877,000 in the final Development Servicing Plan, released last month.

Under the direction of the Minns Labor Government, this investment will help deliver the critical infrastructure needed to support growth across the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The investment will fund:

• The construction of naturalised channels and waterways (instead of concrete pipes and drains)
• Land acquisition and construction of stormwater capture and harvesting infrastructure in the form of basins and wetlands

This funding is part of our plan to deliver better essential services that people and businesses rely on and to unlock investment to grow our economy, setting NSW up for long-term prosperity.

Premier Minns:

“With billions of dollars now committed, we’re not just talking about building a new airport—we’re creating a connected, thriving region that will delivers job, homes and opportunity for generations to come.

“This funding ensures the right infrastructure is in place to support growth and unlock the full potential of the Aerotropolis.

“Whether it’s new roads, or enabling infrastructure, we’re laying the foundations now to support the Aerotropolis into the future.”

Treasurer Mookhey:

“This Budget makes the critical investments in essential infrastructure to support new growth in Western Sydney.

“We are backing the Aerotropolis precinct with the infrastructure to grow a local economy and create jobs.

“This Budget puts opportunity at the heart of government decisions as we build a better future for NSW.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“Today marks an important investment in safety and resilience for Western Sydney.

“Badgerys Creek Fire Station will play a vital role in strengthening our emergency response in this rapidly developing corridor.

“This investment means our emergency services are prepared to help safeguard the community as the region continues to grow.” 

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This year’s roads Budget includes close to $150 million in additional funding to support the Aerotropolis. We have focused on the must have priorities – new and widened roads, intersections, safety upgrades – that will bust congestion in this growing area.

“We’ll ensure that ahead of the new Western Sydney Airport opening by the end of 2026, we’re building the supporting road network it needs.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering for the people of Western Sydney, after the Liberals and Nationals allowed infrastructure projects in Western Sydney to stall.

“These investments will ensure families and businesses are supported with the services they need to thrive.

“With the new Western Sydney Airport set to open next year, it is vital we continue to invest in Western Sydney, so the area’s potential can be unlocked.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

“This significant infrastructure investment is about getting the basics right so we can build the homes and businesses Western Sydney needs.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM:

“The fire station’s proximity to the airport means it can immediately respond and support aviation firefighters in any emergency.

“It’s also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to firefighter wellbeing through modern design and safety-focused infrastructure.”

Two tower cranes supporting the delivery of the new Shellharbour Hospital will officially be known as ‘Shane’ and ‘Anita Lift’ after being named by two local school students.

The ‘Name the Cranes’ competition received close to 130 creative entries from school children across the region, providing the community’s youngest residents with the chance to engage in the new Shellharbour Hospital.

Seven-year-old Shellharbour Public School student Zoe Green who came up with the name ‘Shane’ and seven-year-old Lainey Anger from Primbee Public School who picked the name ‘Anita Lift’ were announced as the winners of the ‘Name the Cranes’ competition.

The students were today joined by the Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP, for a special presentation on site.

‘Shane’ is the combination of the first two letters of Shellharbour and last three letters of ‘Crane’ together, while ‘Anita Lift’ is a play on words and sounds like ‘I need a lift’ when said fast.

The winning names, ‘Shane’ and ‘Anita Lift,’ will be prominently displayed on the cranes, with both cranes now installed. The two cranes stand at 52 and 45 metres high and can be seen across Shellharbour as they tower over the site and work to build the seven-storey structure.

The successful entries were selected by representatives from Health Infrastructure, BESIX Watpac, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and Savills Project Management.

The new hospital is part of the over $780 million New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project, which also includes improvements to Wollongong Hospital, a refurbishment of Bulli Hospital and a new Community Health Centre on a portion of land at the former Port Kembla Hospital site at Warrawong.

The project is expected to support around 800 direct jobs during construction, with the potential to support thousands of indirect jobs over the life of the project.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

Information and updates on the New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services can be found here: www.shellharbourdevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“This new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services Project represents the significant investment in our region and sets us up for a future where quality healthcare is on our doorstep.

“Congratulations to Zoe Green and Lainey Anger and thank you to all students who submitted a creative entry. It was fantastic to see so many schools embrace the opportunity to help name our new cranes, as we progress construction of the new Shellharbour Hospital.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“It’s great to see the new Shellharbour Hospital progressing, which will transform health services in the Illawarra and will deliver better health outcomes for our local community now and into the future.

“Thank you to everyone who entered the name the crane competition, which is a wonderful way to engage and involve school children in an important project for our community.”

The Minns Labor Government will deliver a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget — continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW.

This investment in our future includes $2.6 billion that will be spent over the coming financial year alone, to deliver our record pipeline of new and upgraded schools to support growing communities across NSW.

Importantly, every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, honouring the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in Western Sydney.

This budget includes the following additional new schools and upgrades:

New schools

• Emerald Hills – new primary school
• Grantham Farm – new primary school
• West Dapto – new primary school
• Wilton – new high school

Major upgrades

• Newington Public School
• Excelsior Public School
• Thornton Public School
• Rydalmere East Public School
• Rydalmere Public School
• Ermington West Public School
• Asquith high schools
• Bayside High School (provisional name)
• Northern Beaches Secondary College Freshwater Campus

These new schools being funded in the 2025-26 Budget will deliver approximately 140 new classrooms that are estimated to accommodate 2,500 students.

The new school that is being announced for the first time today for Emerald Hills, near Leppington, will open for more than 550 students on Day 1 Term 1, 2028, with facilities including modern classrooms, a multipurpose hall, canteen, library and sports field.

Leppington was one of a number of growth areas within the South-West and North-West growth corridors identified by the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as the top 10 areas for student growth in the state.

The audit found the former Coalition government failed to accurately reflect the rapid population growth in these areas and failed to build the schools to match it.

Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has commenced construction on more than 25 new and upgraded schools for growing communities across NSW, with another 30 set to begin before the end of 2025.

In addition to these, the NSW Government has fast-tracked schools to open in temporary facilities while their permanent facilities are built in Box Hill, Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills.

This has meant that families in growth suburbs like Marsden Park, Leppington, Tallawong and Gledswood Hills were able to enrol in schools years earlier than planned by Liberals and Nationals.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education following a decade of neglect that saw new schools and upgrades promised but never delivered by the former government.

This budget continues to ensure students across NSW no matter where they live can attend a public school close to home, and that these schools deliver a world class education to the next generation.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education and improve student outcomes by addressing over a decade of neglect by the former Government.

We know there’s much more to do, but we’re getting on with the job of rebuilding public education by:

• banning mobile phones in all public schools, which has meant reduced distractions in school
• paying our teachers more, which has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since coming to office. That means more teachers in front our classrooms
• this has meant that the number of merged and cancelled classes have been almost halved
• making more than 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contracts permanent.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“New and upgraded schools are essential, but nothing matters more than having a great teacher in every classroom.

“That’s why we delivered the biggest teacher pay rise in a generation — cutting permanent teacher vacancies by 40 per cent and slashing the number of merged or cancelled classes across NSW.

“This announcement today continues our record investment in public education with new funding for schools in the communities that need them most, fast-growing suburbs that were overlooked for far too long.

“Families in Western Sydney were promised schools that never came under the former government. We’re fixing this — building the schools that these communities need and deserve.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car, has invested record funding to build new and upgraded schools across growing parts of NSW that were neglected for too long under the Liberals.

“Our investment also includes new, fee-free public preschools co-located with public schools as part of our commitment to build 100 public preschools across NSW. These will be a game-changer for families in suburbs where access to high quality, affordable early education is scarce.

“For more than a decade, the former Liberal National Government failed to keep pace with population growth in these suburbs and towns. We are fixing that with real investment, building world-class local public schools and early education for families close to home.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I was elected on a commitment of delivering schools for our growing community.

“This new primary school and preschool at Emerald Hills is another example of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in public education – alongside the new Leppington High School, an elective sports stream at Eagle Vale High School, five new public preschools, and four major school upgrades across the Leppington electorate.

“We’re making sure every family has access to quality local schools, close to home.”

The Minns Labor Government will invest over $140 million of new funding to safeguard the future of our states agricultural industry. As part of the Government’s comprehensive plan to build better regional communities this year’s state budget will continue the government’s focus on strengthening the state’s biosecurity program with and primary industries research capabilities.

Prioritising our state’s biosecurity

$100 million in new additional funding will be invested to further strengthen the state’s biosecurity detection, protection and response, bringing the states biosecurity budget to a historic $1.05 billion.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to making investments which grow the state’s economy. Primary industries contribute $20 billion annually to our state, as well as playing an essential role in keeping us fed and clothed, however invasive pests, diseases and weeds pose a significant threat.

This funding will drive the development of a new, sustainable and integrated biosecurity model. It will enable strengthening of surveillance and improve the state’s emergency response capacity in the event of a biosecurity incursion.

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a commitment to prioritise the state’s biosecurity, this funding will build on the work undertaken over the past years, which has delivered:

• the appointment of the state’s first ever Independent Biosecurity Commissioner
• the control management of more than 212,000 feral pigs and 18,000 feral deer
• over 200 workshops with over 5,000 attendees to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to undertake best practice pest control and management
• more than 39,000 one-on-one consultations by Local Land Service biosecurity officers
• the investment of $95 million, more than any other state, to monitor, respond to and eradicate the threat of red fire ants.

Strengthening our state’s research capabilities

$41.2 million will be invested to modernise the primary industry research and development program, including upgrades to digital infrastructure to promote research in emerging areas such as AI assisted farming.

This funding will also support a graduate program to give a pathway to young scientists ensuring NSW has a pipeline of skilled researchers, safeguarding the productivity and efficiency of our state’s agricultural industry into the future.

This builds on the over $60 million invested last year to deliver vital upgrades to seven research facilities, and five emergency response sites across regional NSW, that were neglected by the former Liberal National Government.

These upgrades and additional funding will support the staff undertaking research across the state in vital areas such as, animal nutrition, climate change, aquaculture breeding as well as biosecurity surveillance and responses.

In the face of global challenges, including climate change it is imperative that NSW farmers have the tools to adapt and thrive. This funding will ensure the vital work undertaken at research facilities becomes more strategic, focused and valuable to farmers and producers.

This new research funding is in response to the final report of the Independent Research and Development Review conducted by a panel of eminent scientist and agricultural economists chaired by the former NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane AC.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“We are working hard to build a better New South Wales, by making investments which will grow the economy and set the state up for long term prosperity.

“We know that New South Wales cannot reach its full potential if our state’s farmers and agricultural industry are not thriving and safeguarded into the future.

“I’ve been lucky to meet with many farmers across our state and listen to their concerns, whether it’s feral pigs, deer, weeds or fires ants, all of them have raised the unrelenting threat biosecurity incursions pose.

“That is why we are making this essential investment to ensure that farmers can continue to do what they do best, knowing that the Government has their back when it comes to managing weeds and pests across the state.”

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“These significant budget investments build on the work we have carried out over the last two years to turbo charge the fight against ferals, pests, diseases and weeds.

“Biosecurity is receiving unprecedented attention from our Government due to the increasing risk to our farmers and landscapes. We are standing with our farmers to show them the way on how to deal with these problems and to battle any feral problems head-on to make a real difference.

“We are committed to modernising our research and development effort for primary industries with an additional $41.2 million, so that there has been more than $100 million in new funding over the last year, and it is bringing a stronger, strategic and resilient focus to the future of primary industries.

“Establishing a graduate pathway for young scientists and researchers into our primary industries research program is essential to maintaining a continuous and dedicated specialist workforce driven by purpose and achievement.”