Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is one step closer to delivering a new roundabout at the Giinagay Way Intersection with Valla Beach Road, with construction work already underway on the significant safety improvement.

The decision to construct a roundabout was made following strong community calls and extensive investigations by the Centre for Road Safety after a series of crashes and near misses at the site.

The safety upgrades, comprising a roundabout, gateway entry treatments and permanent vehicle activated speed signs will be in place by early 2026.

These safety upgrades follow the introduction of a 60km/h speed limit on a one kilometre stretch of Giinagay Way on either side of the intersection. This change, along with the introduction of temporary Vehicle Activated Speed signs, has seen a significant reduction of crashes at the site.

Work will be paused over the busy holiday period to avoid traffic impacts on visitors to the region and will recommence on Monday, 12 January to ensure the project is completed before the end of school holidays so as not to affect school bus timetables.

Road users should allow additional travel time from 12 January as traffic control will be in place, with single lane, alternate flow both in and out of Valla Beach

Road and a detour via the Nambucca interchange for southbound motorists on Giinagay Way.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government promised to fix this dangerous hotspot, and now we are delivering the safer roads the people of the Mid North Coast deserve.

“I have visited this site on multiple occasions, and I have heard directly from the community. Following extensive investigations, I am pleased to see Transport for NSW and the Centre for Road Safety getting on with the work and delivering a workable solution.

“A roundabout will make the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way much safer for all road users.

“It’s great to see work starting at this location, which has experienced a number of near misses and crashes including a tragic fatal incident earlier this year.”

Labor spokesperson for Oxley, Anthony D’Adam said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional communities get the road safety improvements they need.

“This intersection has seen far too many near misses and crashes, and I know how important this upgrade is for local residents.

“It is great to see work now underway on a roundabout that will make travel safer through this part of the Mid North Coast.”

The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its new $2.5 million state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The new lung bus has arrived in Gosford to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Tweed Heads, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill and Tamworth.

The new mobile clinic features several innovations including:

• Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging.
• Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance.
• Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care.
• A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.
• Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.

The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service which served the community for nearly 16 years.

That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.

This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.

The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects, following revelations of rising silicosis cases in tunnelling leading up to 2023 and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.

The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be in Gosford at the Hylton Moore Oval Car Park on Wattle St, until Thursday 11 December.

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit:

https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/employer-obligations/lung-screening-service

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“We want to make sure that Central Coast people have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this mobile service directly to our Coast community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“It is fantastic to have the icare Lung Bus here in Gosford. This is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

The Minns Labor Government has released three new draft strategic planning documents which re-align Sydney’s long-term housing and jobs growth planning in line with the state’s landmark reforms and initiatives.

The draft Sydney Plan, new Approach to Strategic Planning Discussion Paper and Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands map out a clear and bright future for Sydney and NSW.

The Draft Sydney Plan once finalised will replace the outdated Greater Sydney Region Plan providing new comprehensive guidance for Sydney’s growth over the next two decades further cementing the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebalance Sydney’s long-term housing growth.

It delivers clear direction on how and where new jobs and homes should be located to make living in the city more affordable while driving the growth of Australia’s largest economy.

Key proposed changes include:

• Better aligning infrastructure to planned growth for both infill and greenfield development.
• Increasing the supply of well-located jobs, by delivering more guidance to councils on employment categories that suit their area.
• Protecting and enhancing the natural environment by bringing contemporary environmental management approaches into the planning process early and delivering more urban greening.
• Making affordable housing contribution scheme’s mandatory for all councils, so every part of Sydney is doing their part to create a more affordable city.

The Draft Sydney Plan is the first of four region plans which will set out the strategic planning directions for all of NSW helping to better enable the Minns Labor Government’s nation leading reforms for a more consistent, coordinated and fit for purpose planning system.

This draft plan underpins our major policy reforms in housing, affordable housing, industrial lands, vibrancy, infrastructure delivery and resilience.

A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paperproposes a new simplified, three-tiered framework for strategic plans, aiming to put an end to what is currently an overly complex and often duplicative system.

The new framework would include:

• A State Land Use Plan to set clear statewide priorities.
• Regional plans to guide growth and infrastructure.
• Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS) to lead local implementation.

The proposed changes will give councils, agencies, and industry across NSW greater certainty moving forward so their effort can be better directed towards work that will have the biggest benefit.

The Statewide Policy for Industrial lands will improve how we plan, secure and manage industrial land across NSW.

It will categorise industrial land as either state, regionally or locally significant, improving how we coordinate, process and manage industrial lands to support job creation and economic growth in key industries.

This policy supports the implementation of the Industrial Lands Action Plan, released earlier this year to boost industrial land supply across the state.

We are seeking feedback on each of these documents until Friday, 27 February 2026.

For more information and to view the draft plans, visit:

• The draft Sydney Plan
• A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper
• Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is updating the outdated 2018 Greater Sydney Plan setting a new direction for the long-term growth of jobs and housing so more people will be able to live, work and play in Sydney.

“This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebalance growth and reshape the planning system so it is fit for purpose and ready to meet today’s challenges.

“It continues to drive Sydney’s economic and residential growth, while also enabling a city filled with the kind of vibrancy that attracts international jobs, knowledge and industry.

“The new Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands adds to this supporting more jobs across the state by strengthening how we plan, secure and manage industrial land across NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government inherited a shortage of serviced and available industrial and employment lands, along with a shortage of homes. The industrial lands policy will help to deliver new land for job-creating investments while making sure that employment land around key infrastructure such as ports and airports is retained for the long-term.”

“I encourage people to have their say on these documents which will provide the long-term certainty for residents, councils, businesses and investors.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced a range of measures and actions aimed at strengthening the governance, integrity and animal welfare standards of greyhound racing industry in NSW.

These measures respond to the findings of the inquiry led by the Hon. Lea Drake, appointed by Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, to address concerns regarding Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).

Acting Commissioner Drake identified significant governance and operational failures within Greyhound Racing NSW under previous management, including deficiencies in procurement and recruitment practices, financial mismanagement, wasteful expenditure and a poor workplace culture.

In response to this report, the Government is taking action to ensure the industry lifts standards and practices by reforming the industry’s operating licence and issuing a Statement of Expectations to the regulator.

New Operating Licence for Greyhound Racing NSW

The NSW Government will issue GRNSW with a new Operating Licence that sets out conditions legally requiring the organisation to address key recommendations of the Drake Inquiry to ensure its operations meet the highest standards of governance and animal welfare, including:

• increasing oversight of greyhound rehoming programs run by GRNSW and third-party groups to significantly improve rehoming pathways, including prioritising domestic rehoming programs where possible
• ensuring sustainable and transparent funding for animal welfare
• improving reporting on greyhound rehoming data
• improving reporting to the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission (GWIC) on greyhound deaths from unknown causes
• ensuring updates to the minimum track standards are actioned appropriately and implemented across all clubs
• improving a suite of internal GRNSW’s policies, Board Charters and Code of Conduct to lift standards around organisational management, human resources, procurement process, financial and human resource management and workplace culture
• setting requirements for reporting by GRNSW on progress with implementing these reforms.

As is required in Section 25 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017, Minister Harris will consult with the industry’s regulator, GWIC, on the updated licence before issuing it to GRNSW.

Statement of Expectations for the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission

While the Drake Inquiry focused on GRNSW, the Government recognises GWIC plays a critical role as the industry’s regulator.

The Minister also today issued the Commission with a Ministerial Statement of Expectations that requires it to undertake key activities to boost greyhound welfare, that must be complied with by 30 June 2026.

The expectations include:

• bolstered reporting and transparency measures around track safety, greyhound rehoming and injuries to greyhounds
• requirements to publish catastrophic injury reporting on a per-track basis
• developing and issuing minimum standards for greyhound kennelling and rehoming facilities
• undertaking analysis of greyhound breeding and whelping rates to support a sustainable industry
• examining avenues to assist GWIC in determining the cause of greyhound deaths, where there are suspicious or unusual circumstances
• reviewing euthanasia policies to ensure best practice.

The Drake Inquiry was extensive and received more than 1,600 public submissions and more than 80,000 documents, as well as conducting 31 days of hearings. Minister Harris also today released the full 722-page report of the inquiry.

The Drake Inquiry report, NSW Government Response and Statement of Expectations issued to GWIC are available at www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/office-of-racing/racing-publications-and-media-releases

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Greyhound racing is an important industry across our state, especially in regional and rural communities where it provides jobs for many people and makes a major economic contribution.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the NSW greyhound racing industry is competitive, responsible and sustainable with the highest standards of governance, animal welfare and integrity.

“A number of concerns and allegations relating to Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) have been raised with me and the Drake Inquiry addressed those concerns.

“This response will introduce a series of reforms and actions to instil a rigorous new operating environment to enable the greyhound industry’s governing body and senior leadership to best meet the high standards we demand.

“I thank the Hon Lea Drake for the comprehensive inquiry she led which identified significant issues relating to GRNSW’s governance, management, culture and greyhound welfare.

“The Drake Report recognises that GRNSW has made progress since the Special Commission of Inquiry into it by Michael McHugh AC QC in 2016 and also since the Drake Inquiry was established, under refreshed management.

“Ms Drake’s report contains a large number of recommendations, which I have used to inform the suite of measures enacted today.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing a new future for Wentworth Park, unlocking 7,300 new homes around the site and delivering much needed multipurpose community sporting facilities for the wider precinct.

Today’s announcement reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to address the housing crisis and build homes close to public transport, jobs and education, while delivering new open space for the community.

The 14-hectare site will remain in public hands to help meet the housing and recreational needs of the growing Ultimo-Pyrmont area, just 1.5 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.

In addition to the new housing and sporting facilities, the Wentworth Park precinct will be immediately adjacent to transport links including a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, an upgraded light rail station at Wentworth Park, a continuous 15-kilometre coastal boardwalk from the Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo, and the Pyrmont Metro station, which is set to open in 2032.

These strategic investments mean this precinct is well-connected and well-suited to deliver the housing young people and families need.

We understand the significance of Wentworth Park to many people.

But our city must adapt to meet the needs of our changing and growing city and this plan ensures new homes, new green space and a shared public asset for generations to come.

The housing our state needs close to jobs and transport

The 3.3 hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex precinct will be converted into community sporting fields and public green space, allowing for the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 2,500 additional well-located homes.

These are in addition to the 4,800 homes already planned or approved nearby, including around 2,000 homes on the old Sydney Fish Market and neighbouring sites, bringing the precinct total to as many as 7,300 new homes..

The Government will work with the City of Sydney to ensure the rezoning is delivered in a timely manner and will step in to undertake a State-led rezoning if required.

The Minns Labor Government can also confirm today that Mirvac has been identified as the preferred tenderer for the old Sydney Fish Market site, with construction 1400 homes including 580 student housing units set to begin by early 2027, subject to planning approval.

Sporting fields for the whole community

When the current greyhound lease expires in September 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to be converted into community sports fields.

Current estimates suggest approximately 20 additional sport fields are required in the city area by 2031 in order to meet the needs of the sporting community.

The new 14-hectare park will also be made available for hosting festivals and community events as a condition of the transfer to ensure the new harbourside parklands can be utilised by the whole community.

Current sporting and community users of Wentworth Park will continue to be accommodated.

Investing in Greyhound Racing

The Government will work with the Greyhound industry to support the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks, with $10 million to be allocated to the Greyhound Capital Grants Program for upgrades to ensure they meet track standards.

Works to transition the Wentworth Park site will begin following expiry of the greyhound racing licence held by the administrator for NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association, in late 2027.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change.”

“But cities change and we have a responsibility to plan for the future.

“Right in the middle of Sydney and connected by rail, light rail, ferries and the future Metro, our plan for the future of Wentworth Park will deliver much-needed new housing while also providing up to 20 new community sporting fields.

“This is more homes, more playing fields and better public spaces, alongside the infrastructure that makes neighbourhoods work. This is homes and community facilities delivered together, not one without the other.”

“This is how we build a fairer and more balanced Sydney. By creating new housing in well-serviced areas, instead of pushing growth to places without the transport and infrastructure to support it.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Wentworth Park has a long and proud history, and today we’re securing its future for the next generation. This plan keeps land in the public hands and delivers new homes, new sporting facilities and new open space for a community that is growing fast.

“Our city is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure people can live near the jobs, education and transport they rely on. We’ll continue working closely with the City of Sydney to deliver this rezoning in a timely way, and we’re ready to step in with a State-led rezoning if it’s needed.

Minister for Lands and Property and Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We have been clear from the outset that we need Wentworth Park to have greater utilisation and community activation of this central complex, and that is exactly what today announcement will unlock.

“Today’s announcement builds on our strategic vision for the area. We have completed the new Sydney Fish Markets, we are delivering a new ferry stop, we are delivering an upgraded light rail station, we are delivering the Metro West, and today we are delivering the final piece of the Blackwattle Bay puzzle.

“Not only are we unlocking thousands of homes and much needed community sporting facilities, we are laying the groundwork and ensuring we have the community infrastructure to deliver a vibrant precinct for everyone.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The transition of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex site to new, enhanced open space and community recreation uses is an exciting new chapter that marks the end of an era for inner city greyhound racing that has taken place there since 1932.

“The NSW Government continues to support a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity that balances tradition with community expectations.

“Greyhound racing is a valuable contributor to regional communities supporting thousands of jobs. While the curtain may be closing for greyhound racing at Wentworth Park, we will work with the industry to improve other tracks and ensure the sport safely continues into the future, including by enhancing the Capital Grants Program for track upgrades, with a further $10million investment.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are providing up to $70 million in funding for councils, organisations and businesses to support economic adjustment in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.

Under a joint agreement, the Australian Government is providing funding to invest in Basin communities across NSW through the Sustainable Communities Program.

The funding aims to minimise potential socio-economic impacts of environmental water recovery under the Basin Plan.

The $70 million Economic Development and Infrastructure Round is the next phase of the Minns Government’s plans to support communities across the Riverina and Murray regions which may be vulnerable and exposed to water purchasing being undertaken by the Australian Government.

The funding will provide grants from $750,000 to $10 million for projects that create new economic opportunities and reduce barriers to workforce participation, enabling people to continue to live and work locally after water recovery.

The funding aims to minimise the impacts of water recovery by creating and supporting jobs and new industries, encouraging innovation and delivering critical infrastructure that helps people to live and work locally.

Projects eligible for funding as part of the $70 million program could include:

• infrastructure that unlocks industrial developments and new opportunities for agriculture
• economic infrastructure and upgrades to support industry such as new processing facilities or logistics hubs
• infrastructure to support workforce participation including childcare or other community services.

This latest round will target 12 Local Government Areas:

• Balranald
• Berrigan
• Carrathool
• Edward River
• Federation
• Griffith
• Hay
• Leeton
• Murray River
• Murrumbidgee
• Narrandera
• Wentworth

The $70 million Economic Development and Infrastructure Round follows the Early Investment Round of $16.3 million announced in August 2025, which provided initial stimulus to support investments in exposed and vulnerable communities.

Projects supported by the initial funding included $4 million to expand the capacity of Ravensworth Feedlot to 75,000 head of cattle, $4 million for Barooga Sports Club to upgrade the Bullanginya Precinct, and $493,110 for Carrathool Shire Council to upgrade infrastructure at Hillston Caravan Park.

Applications open on Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 12pm and close Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 12pm.

The Economic Development and Infrastructure Round has been designed using feedback from extensive consultation with NSW Southern Basin communities. The insights will also inform the design of future rounds under the NSW Sustainable Communities Program.

Further support for businesses and industry, as well as community-led and Aboriginal initiatives will be available in 2026.

For more information on consultation outcomes and updates on funding under the NSW Sustainable Communities Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/scp.

To apply for the Economic Development and Infrastructure Round, visit www.nsw.gov.au/scp.

To learn more about the Australian Government’s Sustainable Communities Program, visit https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/programs/open/sustainable-communities.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This is about giving Southern Basin communities the funding and support they need to begin a new chapter — one where local economies can diversify, industries can grow, and families and workers can look ahead to new opportunities with confidence.

“We’re encouraging agriculture and other businesses to expand into new markets and make the most of the millions of dollars available to help create jobs, drive innovation and build long-term economic strength.”

“While the NSW Government does not support water buybacks, we are continuing to support these communities.”

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said:

“The Albanese Government is proud to support local communities adapt and diversify their economies through the Sustainable Communities Program.

“This program delivers a record Commonwealth investment in community support under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the focus on economic development will deliver long term benefits.

“Healthy river systems are essential for strong, resilient communities. We’re committed to restoring our rivers while ensuring regional communities are supported along the way.”

The largest formwork arch in the Southern Hemisphere has been manoeuvred into place inside the Westmead metro station cavern.

The latest construction milestone comes as the Minns Labor Government today reveals a budget review of metro projects has exposed funding blackholes and delivery bungles of the former Liberal-National government.

At Westmead, an 82-hour operation saw work crews jack and winched the temporary arch into position with millimetres to spare.

Once the structure was in place, the team completed a 1,941-tonne concrete pour to create the cavern’s 2.5-metre-thick walls.

It took almost 12 months of careful planning to get the 21-metre arch in place.

Metro funding review

The Minns Labor Government is injecting an additional $2.4 billion into the Sydney Metro build, with a record investment of $60 billion delivering 25 new stations and three new lines.

Building three metros at the same time, instead of consecutively, has placed additional pressure on costs, and makes projects compete with each other.

The additional investment is also necessary after construction cost escalations, scope changes, design changes and significant cost pressures.

A major budget baseline review has found the Liberals failed to properly budget for metros, including:

• Tunnelling packages awarded to private contractors that blew out by $500 million but were not disclosed to the NSW public.
• $540 million of enabling works for over-station developments left unbudgeted despite being part of the original scope of works as announced.
• A redirection of $110 million from the Metro West budget to pay for the Eastern Creek Speedway that left an unfilled funding gap.

As a result of the new budget baseline, Metro West is now estimated to cost $27-$29 billion to complete to its 2032 timeframe.

The Metro Southwest conversion is now expected to cost $22-$23 billion while Western Sydney Airport Metro faces legal claims from its private sector delivery partner Parklife which may increase total costs by more than $1 billion.

The protracted dispute may push out the timeline for the opening date. When we have an announcement about an opening date we will update the public.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering three metros and 25 new stations – on top of the 21 stations delivered by the former government.

Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project, a program of more than $60 billion investment in new metro rail. These city-shaping Metro projects are vital infrastructure for Sydney but managing them responsibly within budgets and timeframes is essential to their viability.

After inheriting the largest debt ever handed from one government to another, we’re limited by what we can afford, what taxpayers can afford, but we will not privatise government assets.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Delivering major projects must be backed up with real money, not false promises like the ones left behind by the former government.

“Our detailed review has identified cost overruns, budget blackholes and the infrastructure equivalent of robbing Peter to pay Paul – or in this case draining a rail construction budget to build a speedway.

“When it comes to delivering metros, any budget announced by the Liberals needs to be doubled to be believed. They must now explain how building five more metros at the same time as they have promised will not lead to the same result.

“Labor is delivering the largest ever metro program – 25 new stations across three new lines – all without more asset sales and privatisation.

Narrandera is on the path to safer and more reliable water after receiving $908,000 in funding from the Albanese Government to develop a full business case for a new state of the art water filtration plant.

This will outline the critical plans and preliminary design for the proposed Narrandera Water Treatment Plant project, paving the way for the construction phase, pending future funding and approval.

This project is a key priority for the region, aimed at securing a clean and sustainable water supply for residents and businesses for generations to come. It could help to diversify the water supply by reducing the reliance on groundwater and investigating river water options.

The current Narrandera water supply draws from bores drilled in the 1960s and is treated with chlorination to make it drinkable.

This system faces several challenges that compromise the quality and reliability of the town’s water supply, including high iron and manganese levels often exceeding Australian Drinking Water Supply Guidelines. Its current location on a floodplain also makes it susceptible to contamination events.

Narrandera Shire Council will match the Australian Government contribution, provided through the National Water Grid Fund, with the full business case anticipated to cost up to $1.82 million and take approximately 20 months to complete.

A full business case is a vital step in enabling governments to make informed water infrastructure investment decisions that are guided by the best evidence available, including a cost benefit analysis.

the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

“We’re pleased to be backing this project and supporting Narrandera’s planning for better access to more reliable water so the community can continue to thrive for generations to come.

“It’s great to see all levels of government working together to deliver lasting outcomes that will ensure regional communities have the essential services they deserve.”

the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

“It is fantastic to see the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund putting nearly $1 million on the table to help strengthen water security for the 5,700 residents of Narrandera.

“By working closely with the Australian Government and local councils, we are delivering projects that are tailored to the needs of each community to give them access to safer, more secure water over the long term.”

the Mayor of Narrandera Shire Council Cr Neville Kschenka:

“This is great news for Narrandera and will allow us to move forward with the planning required to deliver a project that is essential for our long-term water security.

“A new water treatment plant would future-proof our water supply and be a vital asset for generations to come, and this funding puts us on the path to making it a reality.”

Patients in Southern NSW will be able to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home as part of the Minns Labor Government $31.4 million expansion of the Hospital in the Home program.

The Hospital in the Home program helps ease pressure on busy emergency departments and reduces a patient’s length of stay in hospital, all while ensuring people can continue to receive safe high-quality care from home.

From December 2025, Hospital in the Home is being rolled out across the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn and Queanbeyan regions, helping Southern NSW patients to potentially avoid a visit to the ED and reduce long stays in hospital.

The program will be further strengthened by new wearable monitoring technology, helping clinicians to remotely track vital signs such as breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate in real time.

This innovative technology will support early intervention, with clinicians able to identify when a patient’s condition changes.

Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley communities will be part of a further expansion in the future.

Led by a dedicated medical officer and nurse practitioners, the new model will support the recovery of paediatric, palliative and aged care patients with a range of clinical conditions including cellulitis, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and urinary tract infections.

Expanding access to hospital care at home and leveraging new digital technology across Southern NSW, is another step forward to improving access to flexible, safe and appropriate health care across the state.

Treating more people from the comfort of their own home is part of a range of measures the Minns Labor Government is embracing to relieve pressure on our busy emergency departments including:

• $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
• $100 million in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals preventing more than  114,000 ED presentations;
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place; and
• empowering GPs to prescribe ADHD medication; and pharmacists to treat non-complex conditions.

This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to recruit more healthcare workers; and deliver more hospitals and beds, more quickly.

The Liberals planned to cut staff and refused to introduce ratios; failed to deliver enough hospitals and beds to meet the growing needs of the community; and tried to privatise acute public hospitals.

People in the community interested in finding out whether Hospital in the Home care may be suitable for them, are encouraged to speak with their general practitioner or treating health professional, who can help determine eligibility and coordinate a referral.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This is exactly the kind of modern, patient-centred care we want to see across NSW. This model ensures people get the care they need sooner, and with better support, while also helping to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

“The Hospital in the Home program gives people access to high-quality treatment without leaving the comfort and safety of their home, while easing pressure on our busy hospitals.

“By pairing clinical expertise with innovative technology, like the new remote monitoring tools, we are ensuring we can deliver safer, more flexible healthcare.”

Health and Regional Health, Dr Michael Holland:

“This expansion of Hospital in the Home is a major boost for patients and families across Southern NSW. It gives people access to safe, high-quality care without the stress and cost of travelling or spending extended periods in hospital.

“As someone who has cared for patients in our region for many years, I know how important it is to provide treatment that is close to home, culturally appropriate and flexible. Hospital in the Home allows patients to recover in comfort while still receiving the clinical oversight they need.

“This model strengthens our local health system. It reduces pressure on emergency departments, improves patient flow and supports better outcomes for paediatric, palliative and aged care patients. It is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering practical, modern healthcare which improves solutions for regional communities.”

Margaret Bennett, Chief Executive, SNSWLHD:

“This model ensures patients in our district receive equitable, timely and high-quality care across Southern NSW.

“The continuous delivery of vital sign data means our clinicians can intervene earlier and more precisely, reducing avoidable admissions and keeping hospital beds available for more acute cases.”

Summa Stephens, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Community and District Services at SNSWLHD:

“This model is all about giving people the right care, in the right place. Patients recover better when they’re in a familiar environment, and this service allows us to deliver hospital-level treatment while keeping them connected to home and family.

“We’ve been planning this model for two years, and we’re excited to roll out a district-wide HITH model and service that’s fit for purpose for Southern NSW. It’s medically led and supported by remote home monitoring.”