Category: NSW News

The Shellharbour Breakwall will soon see its first major repair works in over a decade, following a $4 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.  

The works will ensure the Shellharbour Breakwater can be safely enjoyed by the community again, while preserving an important local heritage landmark for future generations.

The repair work will take place following a heritage design to ensure the integrity and character of the structure is retained while also incorporating safety upgrades, including:

• Repairing the deteriorated concrete crest
• Installing breakwater edge protection where drops exceed 1 metre
• Improving pedestrian access by widening pathways
• Assessing and mitigating risks associated with the rock shelf below sections of the breakwater

Detailed design and planning works will now commence, with construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2027.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Shellharbour Breakwall is a much-loved local landmark, and we’re making sure it can be safely reopened for the community to enjoy.

“The reality is that this much-loved community asset should never have gotten to this state of disrepair. The current state of the Shellharbour Breakwall is a clear result of the former Government’s decade of neglect on regional communities.

“The Minns Labor Government has taken a different approach. Across the state, just like here in Shellharbour, we’ve been cleaning up the Liberals’ mess.

“This investment means we can preserve its heritage while making practical improvements to safety and access.

“I thank the hardworking Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, Shellharbour Council and the local community for their strong advocacy for these repairs.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

“This is a practical investment in a valued community asset that locals have been calling for.

“It means families and visitors will be able to safely enjoy the breakwall again, while protecting an important piece of our local history.”

Acting Executive Director, NSW Maritime, Nicole Watts said:

“This work will involve careful design to balance improved public access with the safety of the community.

“We’ll now move into detailed design and planning to ensure the right solution is delivered for this important coastal asset.”

A bold new future has been set for Sydney Olympic Park, as both a world class sport and entertainment precinct and vibrant community with homes and jobs.

The precinct’s future will be guided by the Minns Labor Government’s finalised Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050. The finalised plan increases the homes planned for the precinct by 2000 so more families can live close to jobs, schools, transport and other amenities.

The Master Plan continues to support the 640-hectare precinct as a vibrant sports and entertainment hub while also delivering a diverse mix of housing, retail and commercial spaces.

Key features of the Master Plan include:

• Building up to 13,000 additional homes to provide a total of 15,000 homes, including up to 20 percent affordable housing on Government owned land and 5 per cent on private land.
• Increasing the capacity for up to 26,000 jobs by unlocking investment in innovation, culture, and commercial precincts.
• Delivering more for families with 10 new playgrounds, 9 new outdoor public spaces and 4 new sports fields.
• Protecting and enhancing 430 hectares of public open space, increasing tree canopy and boosting biodiversity including wetlands and parklands.
• Protecting and celebrating our first nations heritage in the area.
• Providing cultural and recreational opportunities with a cultural centre, library and community hub, and sports and leisure centre planned for the precinct.
• Dedicating land for schools, to support a thriving, inclusive suburb.
• Continuing to support a vibrant night-time economy for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Alongside the Master Plan we’re also working to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct in Sydney Olympic Park to reinforce the precincts evolution into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

This vision will come to life over the next 25 years, the proposed growth aligning with major infrastructure upgrades like Sydney Metro West, the Parramatta Light Rail extension, and infrastructure upgrades such as the state and federally funded upgrade to the Homebush Bay Drive roundabout.

The finalisation of the Master Plan follows extensive public and stakeholder consultation, with changes incorporated based on stakeholder and community input. For more information and to view the final Master Plan, visit https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

To complement the Master Plan we’ve also released new Environmental Guidelines which continue Sydney Olympic Park’s legacy from the ‘Green Games’ as a leader in sustainability. For more information on the guidelines https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better and more vibrant communities right across NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“More than 25 years on from the Sydney Olympics, Sydney Olympic Park remains a world class hub for sport and entertainment and now a growing community while maintaining the legacy of the ‘Green Games’.

“The 2050 Master Plan builds on this, maintaining what we love most about the precinct while guiding growth so the precinct can support up to 26,000 jobs and 15,000 homes by 2050.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government supporting vibrant communities and aligning housing growth with transport and infrastructure capacity so people can live, work and play close to home in a community they choose.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I am thrilled to see the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan finalised and the benefits it will bring for our local community.

“Sydney Olympic Park will be seamlessly connected to major transport infrastructure, including Sydney Metro West.

“The precincts public transport links will be matched with strong pedestrian and cycling connections, so residents and visitors can enjoy easy, sustainable access to jobs, schools, and everything our community has to offer.”

Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO Neisha D’Souza said:

“This is a momentous day for Sydney Olympic Park.

“The Master Plan 2050 is the catalyst for investment and growth – bringing certainty and unlocking opportunity. We’re proudly creating a place that celebrates its history while embracing a future of innovation, culture, and community-first design.”

The Minns Labor Government is hopping into Easter with a bountiful basket of free family fun so everyone can make the most of their time off without breaking the bank.

With cost-of-living and fuel cost pressures front of mind for many households, there’s no need to spend a fortune when the best activities Sydney has to offer are free.

Across Sydney, free events include:

• A Disco on Saturday 4 April, from 3pm to 7pm, at Tumbalong park.
• Friday night Latin Dance classes, from 6pm to 10pm at Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
• Poppy making workshops to honour the Anzacs from 11am to 1pm, from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April, at the always free, Rocks Discovery Museum.
• Sunday morning Yoga at 8:30am and 9:30am at Dawes Point Park under the Harbour bridge.
• Biennale of Sydney at the historic White Bay Power Station which is open for free from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday to Sunday, excluding public holidays until 14 June.
• Family day with Gul Collective people of all ages can join a creative fibre and textile workshop from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 4 April at White Bay Power Station.
• Penrith Beach community day from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday 4 April which will bring the beach to life with a DJ, food trucks and the lure of free ice-creams and hot drinks for the first 300 visitors.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is also running a promotion so one child under the age of 12 gets free entry with any adult ticket purchased ($12 entry for adults, kids under 5 are always free).

Families can also use the break to explore these attractions which are always free:

• Swimming at Marrinawi Cove or Penrith Beach.
• Cycling, strolling, relaxing or picnicking at Sydney Olympic Park’s lookouts, boardwalks or cycle tracks.
• Discovering the fun of Disc Golf at Newington Armory.
• Exploring the world class Botanic Gardens, in the centre of Sydney or in Mount Annan and Mount Tomah.
• Enjoying nature play at Ian Potters Children’s WILD play garden at Centennial Park open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Getting back to nature by walking, cycling and playing at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands.
• Exploring the public art at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on bringing more free and fun events to NSW with activities for the whole family.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is bursting with fun and free family activities this Easter long weekend.

“From craft workshops to discos, art exhibitions and great public open spaces there is something for everyone and their families and friends to enjoy for free.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering for Western Sydney, with Stage 1 of the jointly funded $226 million Mulgoa Road upgrade now complete and Stage 2 underway.

The newly completed Stage 1 works between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road have widened Mulgoa Road to three lanes in each direction, improving access to and from the M4 Motorway and delivering safer, more efficient connections to surrounding retail and residential precincts.

Stage 2 of the works will upgrade the section between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway, targeting a key pinch point to further improve traffic flow and reliability for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor each day. Work is expected to be completed by late 2028.

Around 52,000 vehicles use this section of Mulgoa Road each day, making it a vital link between Penrith, Jamisontown, Glenmore Park and the wider Western Sydney region.

Despite the challenges of working on a live traffic corridor, construction was carefully staged to minimise disruption, with the project delivered ahead of time and on budget.

Crews put over 743,500 hours of work into Stage 1 of the project, with works completed including:

• Widening the road from four lanes to six lanes to increase capacity
• Constructing or relocating 8 kilometres of underground utilities including water, sewer, gas, electricity and telecommunications
• Installing 2,460 tonnes of steel reinforcement
• Pouring more than 6,750 cubic metres of concrete
• Laying over 12,000 tonnes of asphalt
• Upgrading five signalised intersections to ease congestion

The upgrade will also improve bus travel, with new dedicated bus priority lanes on Wolseley Street and Glenbrook Street. A new 3.5-metre-wide shared path along the eastern side and a pedestrian footpath along the western side will also be delivered.

Environmental outcomes were also a key focus, with more than 130,000 tonnes of material recycled during construction. While some trees were removed, the number was reduced by 20 per cent from initial estimates, with more than 450 new trees planted and measures put in place to support local wildlife, including the installation of habitat structures.

A 560-metre-long noise wall has also been delivered to reduce road noise in nearby neighbourhoods.

Further south at Mulgoa, additional safety improvements are also being delivered, including shoulder widening, minor road realignment, and the installation of safety barriers at the intersection of Mulgoa Road and Roscrea Drive.

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

“Mulgoa Road is busy, and the upgrades we’ve completed so far will make a big difference to how cars can flow on and off the M4.

“Thousands of people use this key north-south road through this growing part of Sydney, so these upgrades being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments will make a real difference.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“For far too long, Penrith residents have seen housing development in the local area surge ahead without the critical infrastructure to support it.

“The former Liberal government simply failed to plan for our community’s growth, so having Stage 1 of this long overdue upgrade delivered ahead of time and on budget is an important step forward.

“There’s more work to do, and the Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver the vital road upgrades communities like ours deserve – so residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We know how busy Mulgoa Road is, with around 52,000 vehicles using this corridor every day.

“That’s why this upgrade matters. We’ve widened the road, improved key intersections and delivered safer access, so people can spend less time in traffic and more time where they need to be.

“With Stage 2 already underway, we’re continuing to invest in the connections western Sydney needs as it grows.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“Finally, the Stage 1 improvements to Mulgoa Road which have been greatly anticipated by our community for many years are completed.

“Opening these upgraded lanes, intersections and M4 interchange will make everyday travel safer and easier for people travelling to and across our city.”

Western Sydney’s favourite swim spot, Penrith Beach, is opening for an extra day on the new Anzac Day public holiday and operating with extended hours for the Easter long weekend so people can make the most of the season.

The beach will be the place to be on Easter Saturday, 4 April with free ice-creams and hot drinks offered to the first 300 visitors and a DJ and food trucks set to be on site as part of a community day.

It’s continued to be a popular destination welcoming 118,000 visitors so far this summer and almost 450,000 since opening in December 2023.

While it’s welcomed beachgoers from all over most visitors are local to Western Sydney, including 37 per cent from Penrith, 19 per cent from Blacktown, and 12 per cent from the Hawkesbury LGAs.

Across the Easter long weekend, Penrith Beach will continue to be open daily, with the season now to be extended to include the new Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April.

Importantly trained Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards patrol the beach daily, to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Beyond being a great spot to cool off this summer Penrith Beach has also hosted a number of great free water and sun safety programs.

The free Junior Lifesavers Program was extended due to its popularity, giving 120 local children the chance to learn essential water safety skills from Royal Life Saving experts in a fun and supportive environment.

In partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW, Surf Living Saving NSW and NSW Maritime, about 300 people have also participated in free Community Water Safety Days at Penrith Beach, aimed at increasing confidence and awareness among groups with limited water-safety experience, including newly arrived refugees.

A further 159 people received free skin cancer checks onsite over four days in summer, resulting in 12 people being referred for further health assessment.

The Minns Labor Government has already committed to opening Penrith Beach again during the 2026-27 summer.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“More than 118,000 people visited Penrith beach to cool off this summer, and I’m thrilled we’re extending the season as the warm weather continues. 

“Western Sydney communities deserve to have access to swimming facilities without driving for hours. Your postcode shouldn’t matter when it comes to a free and accessible place to enjoy the water.

“It’s wonderful to see the community continue to embrace Pondi and make it a Western Sydney favourite.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Penrith Beach has become one of Western Sydney’s most iconic summer destinations, and its success highlights how vital it is for Western Sydney to have free, accessible and enjoyable places to swim and relax by the water.

“The Minns Government has introduced a new public holiday this year on the Monday after ANZAC Day so we’re extending the season to include it so beach goers can make the most of their favourite swim spot over the upcoming long weekends.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“Penrith beach has had another amazing season offering thousands of Western Sydney locals a free place to cool off close to home this summer.

“The Minns Labor Government is ending the season with a bang, hosting a community day full of family fun on Easter Saturday and extending the season for the new public holiday on April 27 so we can make the more of our favourite swim spot.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women, investing an additional $500,000 into the Run My Way initiative to help increase women’s participation in running in public spaces.

While there has been a rise in running events and run clubs around the state, new research shows half of all women have experienced harassment while running and most women say their sense of safety influences when and where they run.

To support women’s participation in running, the NSW Government is funding a series of Track Nights events in 2026, which will provide runners with opportunities to train and improve their running in a safe, welcoming community.

Delivered in collaboration with the NSW Office of Sport by Athletics NSW and the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Nights events will guide runners through drills and activities to integrate in their training and discuss findings of a new survey into running habits and safety perceptions.

This new NSW Government survey of more than 5,000 people highlights the significant role safety plays in determining when and where women choose to run:

• 50 per cent of women have experienced harassment on a run, compared to 14 per cent of men
• 70 per cent of women said they have felt unsafe while running, compared to 29 per cent of men
• 95 per cent of women say their sense of safety influences their running habits

The additional $500,000 in funding brings the NSW Government’s total investment in Run My Way to $1.3 million over three years from 2025 to 2027. The investment will be used to expand the number of safety initiatives and on-the-ground programs that are delivered in the next phase of the Run My Way program.

The Run My Way initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Safer Cities program, which is focused on improving perceptions of safety in public spaces, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people.

The $50 million Safer Cities program includes consultation with women and girls about perceptions of safety, along with partnerships with organisations like local councils to test practical initiatives that may improve safety and confidence – such as improved lighting and upgrades to public spaces.

The first Track Nights event was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Wednesday, 18 March and three further events will be delivered in 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park and ES Marks Athletics Track in Randwick.

These sessions are open to everyone and free to participate in. Registrations here: tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club

More initiatives through Run My Way will be delivered over the next 18 months.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Running should be simple – lace up your shoes and go – but for too many women, safety shapes when and where they run.

“These new Track Nights will give runners the chance to try new training techniques, connect and build confidence in a safe and welcoming environment.

“By listening to women and trialling practical initiatives like this, we can learn and test new ways that can help make running safer and more accessible for everyone.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Everyone should feel safe to run in their community.

“This investment is about removing barriers so more women, girls and gender diverse people can get active, build confidence and enjoy sport and recreation.

“Run My Way is an initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s women’s sport strategy, Play Her Way, a four-year plan to facilitate opportunities for NSW women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“These findings highlight a reality many women know too well – safety concerns influence everyday decisions about when and where they exercise.

“Initiatives like Run My Way are helping us better understand those barriers and through our Safer Cities programs take practical steps to address them.

“The Minns Labor Government is working to build a safer New South Wales where women, girls and gender diverse people can feel safe and participate fully in the community.”

Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon:

“Becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major has given us a responsibility beyond race day, to help shape the future of running in Australia.

“Through the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Night Series is designed to bring the running community together, with dedicated sessions that create safe and supportive environments for women, girls and gender diverse runners, alongside opportunities for the broader community to connect and train.

“What we learn here doesn’t stop at the track.  It feeds directly into how we continue to evolve the event and contribute to a more inclusive marathon experience at scale.”

More information about the Run My Way program is available at sport.nsw.gov.au/play-her-way/run-my-way

Runners can register for Track Nights events at tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club

NSW community sport is the winner after the NSW Government awarded $4.49 million through the Local Sport Grant Program.

The funding was awarded to 586 projects that will increase participation in sport and active recreation across NSW.

The Local Sport Grant Program provides grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation.

Grants up to $20,000 were available, with $50,000 available in each electorate.

For further information, including the list of successful projects, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting all people, communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“The Local Sport Grant Program helps us achieve this by providing vital funds to community sporting organisations to invest in facility minor upgrades, new equipment and programs.

“With community sport budgets tight and clubs ever more reliant on volunteers, this funding will mean teams can purchase new jerseys and clubs can host events like gala days or come and try days.

“I congratulate the more than 500 sports organisations across NSW that were successful in securing funding and commend them for their commitment to our collective health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed the Commonwealth’s decision to temporarily halve the fuel excise, after they called for immediate relief for NSW families and businesses. 
 
In contrast, the Minns Labor Government refused to advocate for the reduction and has yet to outline any practical measures at the state level to support drivers facing rising costs. 
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s vague commitment to consider measures down the track and maybe forgo extra GST revenue does little to help drivers now. 
 
“We welcome the fuel excise cut which is something the NSW Liberals and Nationals have consistently called for to support NSW families and businesses as they face rising costs,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“This stands in stark contrast to the Minns Labor Government’s inaction and lack of leadership.” 
 
“After refusing to back the cut, the Minns Government must now be clear about what it will actually do to help NSW drivers.” 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward three measures to provide immediate support, including the fuel excise cut, a fuel cap to lock in prices for 24 hours and free public transport over the Easter long weekend to support families and businesses as well as ease demand on service stations. 
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said with 75 NSW service stations without fuel of any kind it appears the situation is worsening in the regions. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government has been promising to address fuel shortages with fuel companies, but service stations are still running dry and they don’t have any answers,” Mr Singh said. 
 
“Almost two weeks on and there is no clarity on what the Minns Labor Government is doing to help regional communities being hit the hardest by this fuel crisis.” 

Community leaders driving social cohesion and community harmony were celebrated last night at one of the state’s most significant multicultural gatherings.

More than 1,600 guests came together for this flagship celebration of cultural diversity, hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper.

The evening showcased the outstanding contributions of community leaders, announcing the 2026 Multicultural Community Medals winners and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.

A dedicated tribute acknowledged the 15 lives lost in December’s tragic Bondi attack. Ahmed Al Ahmed, one of the many heroes during the attack, appeared on stage and was honoured with a Community Hero Award for his selfless acts of bravery.

The Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations. Among this year’s outstanding recipients:

• The Reverend Bill Crews AM received the Community Harmony Medal for 50 years of service to the most vulnerable, marginalised and diverse communities. His foundation provides more than 200,000 free meals each year to people who need them.
• Ken Habak OAM, received the Lifetime Community Service Medal in recognition of an extraordinary 55 years of volunteer service. Arriving from Lebanon in 1970, Ken became a driving force for his community, founding an Arabic school to support young Lebanese Australians and preserve their cultural
• heritage. He was also chair of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra for 25 years, retiring last year.
• Marta Barany BEM OAM – winner of the Interpreters and Translators Medal. Marta has dedicated her life to supporting new arrivals in New South Wales. Born in Hungary in 1932, Marta migrated to Australia in 1951 and became an interpreter for refugees from the Hungarian Revolution. She helped establish one of the first Community Interpreting Services in the 1960s and later served as an Ethnic Affairs Commissioner in the 1980s, shaping the foundations of multicultural policy in NSW.
• Khushee Gupta took home the ‘Best Report in Multicultural Media’ for her boundary-pushing podcast, Don’t Talk Back. Aimed at younger South Asians, the series tackles topics in their community often considered taboo, with the latest season attracting more than 37,000 YouTube views.

Five individuals were also honoured posthumously through the Multicultural Honour Roll, recognised for their enduring legacy in building a more inclusive, resilient and harmonious NSW.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Multicultural Medals recognise the individuals and organisations who quietly make an extraordinary difference in our communities. Their dedication really does enrich the lives of people across New South Wales.

“They are also a reminder that the social capital that makes our state so strong is built every day – through conversations, connection and the coming together of people from many cultures and faiths.

“My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. You are champions for a harmonious and inclusive NSW.”

Multicultural NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer James Jegasothy said:

“The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an event that so many people look forward to each year.

“Everyone in the room is a hero in their own right. They are proud custodians of their culture and living proof that, with intention and care, we can build a NSW where every person is valued, included and able to contribute.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced 15 data centre projects will progress through the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), as it releases the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper to steer the sustainable development of the sector in New South Wales.

The IDA-endorsed projects are collectively worth $51.9 billion and demonstrate the private sector’s interest in investing and building in NSW.

There are already 90 data centres operating in NSW, with the value of data centre investments in the state growing 65% per year on average over the past three years.

Data centres now account for 12% of all non-residential building investments.

The Minns Labor Government is determined to ensure the NSW economy benefits from this fast-growing demand for cloud storage and the digital economy, while responsibly managing the challenges associated with data centre operations, especially around power and water.

It’s why the Government has today released the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper to provide a principles-based approach to managing the opportunities and challenges of data centre investment for the economic benefit of the State.

The paper’s principles present a framework to guide sustainable and equitable investment that benefits the people of NSW.

Community and industry feedback will help guide decision making, while managing energy and water security, as well as air quality concerns surrounding data centre development.

Today’s announcement follows the IDA’s endorsement of 14 energy projects, collectively worth $34 billion in potential investment, earlier this month. 

These renewable energy and energy security projects will help accelerate the NSW Electricity Roadmap and support the growth of the digital economy.

The rigorous IDA process did not endorse around $40.7 billion worth of proposals related to data centres and technology, considered either premature or overly speculative.

For more information about the Investment Delivery Authority visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/investment-delivery-authority.

Today’s announcement follows and supports the publication this week of the Albanese Government’s Expectations for Data Centres and AI Infrastructure Developers document.

To view the NSW Data Centre Strategy consultation paper visit https://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/expert-advice/nsw-data-centre-consultation-paper/

Written feedback is now being welcomed for the next six weeks.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“New South Wales is a premium destination for data centres but we are only interested in working with proponents who have a long-term commitment to both this state and their social licence.

“The scale of investment endorsed through the Investment Delivery Authority reflects strong private sector confidence in NSW as a home for this digital infrastructure.

“At the same time, we recognise this growth must be managed responsibly. That’s why we’re releasing a consultation paper to inform a Data Centre Strategy that considers energy and water use, infrastructure capacity and the long‑term interests of NSW households and businesses.

“I look forward to engaging with industry, stakeholders and the wider community through this consultation process.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“NSW is a global destination of choice for data centres. In the past year alone, NSW has approved eight data centre projects worth more than $10 billion including the biggest data centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Data centres are important for jobs, data sovereignty and start up creation but we want them to be the best of the best and this consultation paper will help achieve that. 

“By consulting with industry and stakeholders, the NSW Government can support future data centre development that is underpinned by strong planning processes which aligns the development with NSW’s broader infrastructure and environmental priorities.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Data centres are a cornerstone of the modern digital economy, enabling cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other high‑value technology industries.

“Investment in digital infrastructure like data centres is critical to delivering a strong innovation ecosystem, supporting high‑productivity industries and attracting globally competitive investment.

“By releasing the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper, the NSW Government is strengthening the foundations for innovation, skills development and technology‑led growth across the economy.”

DATA CENTRE PROJECTS ENDORSED IN ROUND ONE OF THE IDA:

Proponent	Project	Proposed location
AIMS Capital Management Ltd	Bella Vista Data Centre Campus	Hills Shire Council
Lane Cove DC Alliance	Lane Cove Data Centre Development Project (16-20 Mars Road, Lane Cove West)	Lane Cove Council
Goodman Property Services (Aust) Pty Ltd	Project Atlas Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
GreenSquare DC Pty Ltd	SYD1 (Stage 2)	Hills Shire Council
KNBDC SYD4 Pty Ltd	Mamre Road Data Centre Campus	Penrith City Council
Lehr Consultants International (Australia) Pty Ltd	Glendenning Road Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
Microsoft Datacenter (Australia) Pty Ltd	Honeman Close Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
NEXTDC Limited	S7 Data Centre Eastern Creek	Blacktown City Council
NEXTDC Limited	S4 Data Centre	Fairfield City Council
NEXTDC Limited	NEXTDC S5 Data Centre and Innovation Hub	City of Ryde
STACK Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd	78 Lockwood Road Data Centre	Penrith City Council
Stockland	2 Davis Road, Wetherill Park	Fairfield
Stockland Fife Kemps Creek	Kemps Creek	Penrith
Stockland	Project A	City of Ryde

**NB: One IDA endorsed data centre not listed due to commercial sensitivities**