One of the world’s largest land transformations ready to begin in Port Kembla

The Minns Labor Government has enabled one of the world’s largest land transformation projects to get underway finalising the rezoning of BlueScope’s Port Kembla site to pave the way for a new high-tech precinct.

The Port Kembla Land Transformation Precinct, which matches the size of Sydney’s CBD, has been rezoned to deliver a future-focused hub that will support up to 20,000 jobs on top of the more than 10,000 jobs supported by the steelworks, and will help to drive Wollongong’s economic growth for decades to come.

This ambitious transformation began with the state’s first Cabinet-endorsed Working Group and has been finalised in just 7 months since being called in as a state-assessed rezoning in April.

The 200-hectare precinct will attract new industries across advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, sustainability-focused technology, education, creative sectors, data and logistics which will help position the Illawarra as a leader in next-generation industry.

The rezoning received an overwhelming positive response when put on public exhibition with 90% of the 209 submissions providing positive comments about the benefits of the project, including increased economic growth, new jobs, and improved public transport links.

The ongoing operations of the steelworks and the port will continue uninterrupted, with existing infrastructure and transport connections at the site to be leveraged to support new development.

The precinct will be developed in stages over the next 20 to 30 years. Development applications will be lodged for individual sites as these are progressed.

The Minns Labor Government fast-tracked the rezoning through a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal process, recognising its strategic importance for the region and the state.

To find out more, visit: NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is both one of the world’s largest land transformation and the biggest change to Illawarra’s industrial landscape since steelmaking commenced nearly 100 years ago.

“The finalisation of the rezoning enables the precinct to become a hub of innovation bringing up to 20 000 new jobs, new industries and opportunities to Wollongong, shaping our economy for the coming decades.

“This project will deliver major opportunities for not only Wollongong but the entire state and it’s clear the community recognise the importance as their strong community support has helped it move through the planning system in just 7 months.”

BlueScope Head of Property Development Michael Yiend said:

“The rezoning of Port Kembla’s non-operational land is a game-changer for the Illawarra, unlocking new possibilities for investment and development.

“We would like to thank Minister Scully and the NSW Government for supporting this accelerated pathway to rezoning. The community’s positive feedback has played a vital role in shaping the outcome, and we express our appreciation to the community for their support.

“We were overwhelmed to have received over 200 supportive submissions for the project while on public exhibition, with only 4 opposing. It is rare to have this level of alignment and support across industry, government, business and the community.”  

Additional steps to combat modern slavery in NSW Government procurement

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitments to protect human rights in government supply chains by issuing a Ministerial Direction that will require NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos has directed all NSW Government agencies to include modern slavery tender clauses in procurement categories identified as ‘high risk’. It will come into effect next month with a six month transition period, giving agencies time to adjust their procurement processes.

This means that any supplier bidding for high-risk government contracts will need to clearly demonstrate the steps they are taking to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.

It demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to improving procurement practices to address modern slavery.

Model clauses have been designed by the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner as a resource for agencies implementing the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s Guidance on Reasonable Steps. Agencies will have flexibility in how they comply – such as using supplier assessment questionnaires – while ensuring the Direction’s effectiveness.

This reform reflects collaboration between the NSW Procurement Board and the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner. The Minns Labor Government has already delivered significant reforms to protect human rights in procurement, including:

  • Strengthening the Supplier Code of Conduct to clarify expectations on modern slavery and human rights.
  • Rolling out education modules on managing modern slavery risks to more than 4,000 government personnel.
  • Supporting 20 of 22 recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into procurement, including mandating modern slavery clauses and incorporating modern slavery standards into compliance checks.
  • Implementing the Guidance on Reasonable Steps and develop practical tools such as the Inherent Risk Identification Tool.
  • Committing to the establishment of a debarment regime to ban suppliers engaging in serious misconduct from doing business with the NSW Government.

The Ministerial Direction is part of a broader procurement reform agenda that includes increasing the threshold at which government agencies can award contracts to small businesses without going to tender to $250,000 and mandating local market testing for government contracts above $7.5 million.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing modern slavery risks in our supply chains. This Direction is an important outcome of the Government’s ongoing work with the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner.

“The NSW Government spends around $40 billion on goods and services each year. This buying power gives us a unique opportunity to influence supply chains, demand ethical practices, and dismantle systems of exploitation.

“Job creation should go hand-in-hand with ethical sourcing. We want to see new jobs that are sustainable, and supply chains managing the risk of exploitation.”

NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner Dr James Cockayne said:

“This Direction is an important step towards establishing NSW as a model contracting party on anti-slavery issues. It will help NSW Government entities take reasonable steps to manage modern slavery risks in their supply-chains.

“Mandating the Model Tender Clauses for high-risk procurements means that agencies must, from 1 July next year, assess suppliers against the Guidance on Reasonable Steps I issued two years ago.

“I look forward to continuing to work with NSW Government to further progress implementation of this Guidance, including in contracting, in months ahead.”

NSW Liberals and Nationals secure stronger protections for injured workers while stabilising premium

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have secured important improvements to Labor’s Workers Compensation proposals. 
 
The outcome balances three imperatives: affordability for employers, protection for injured workers, and long-term sustainability of the scheme. 
 
Significantly the agreement will see: 
·                 iCare premiums frozen at the current rate for 18 months  
·                 Improved protections for the most injured workers with an additional 12 months of medical benefits and income support and  
·                 Increased funding for return-to-work programs, including retraining, mentoring and specialist case workers  
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said from the outset the NSW Liberals and Nationals mounted a case against Labor’s original plan to cut entitlements for injured workers, particularly those with permanent psychological injuries. 
 
“Our consistent position has been that reform should focus on the front end of the scheme, targeting rorts, inefficiencies, and poor return-to-work outcomes that drive premium increases and productivity losses. That remains our position today,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
However, prolonged uncertainty was no longer sustainable.  
 
“Small businesses and charities should not be heading into Christmas facing unknown premium shocks, and injured workers must have certainty of support and recovery pathways. NSW must also have a sustainable Workers Compensation system,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“As new Leader, my priority was to reset negotiations with the Treasurer to stabilise premiums for business while strengthening protections for workers with psychological injuries,” she said. 
 
“Neither side achieved everything it sought. But this agreement represents a clear and material improvement on the Government’s original position.” 
 
Ms Sloane said the resolved framework delivers stronger protections for the most seriously injured workers, including enhanced return-to-work support and increased access to medical benefits.  
 
The arrangements will remain in place while the State’s Chief Psychiatrist develops a new, clinically robust test for permanent psychological injury. 
 
However, Ms Sloane made clear the Opposition does not endorse Labor’s broader handling of the workers compensation system. 
 
“This agreement resolves immediate instability, but it does not fix the underlying structural weaknesses in the scheme,” she said. 
 
“The Opposition does not support the Government’s overall approach, and we remain committed to pursuing meaningful, long-term structural reform to ensure NSW has a Workers Compensation system that is fair, compassionate, and financially sound.” 
 
“We will continue to hold the Government to account until that reform is delivered.” 
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said this deal is a win for business, and a win for injured workers.  
  
“Small business is the lifeblood of regional NSW, and right now they’re doing it tough. Premiums have increased significantly under the Minns Labor Government, putting pressure on bottom lines,” Mr Singh said.  
  
“The Liberal and Nationals amendments put a firm limit in the legislation, making sure the government can’t approve any rise in premiums. It’s a safeguard for employers and a reminder that affordability must stay front and centre. 
  
“More work is needed to shield businesses from bogus claims, but our amendments give employers some certainty as we head into the Christmas period.” 
 
Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals proposal, the NSW Government has agreed to the following: 
1.               The Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds at 25% (in July 2026) rather than the original 31% proposed by the Government.  
2.               The reasonable management action defence may be triggered where it is the significant cause of injury. 
3.               A legislated restriction on iCare premiums, under which no average premium increases may be approved. Existing premium settings will apply with no additional increase. 
4.               A legislated cap on iCare premiums, which will sunset in 18 months, by which time the Chief Psychiatrist’s report is expected to be completed. 
5.               The Treasurer will be given a regulation-making power to adjust the WPI threshold to present settings below the legislated cap where it is in the public interest. 
6.               The establishment of a new “Return to Work Intensive” year, under which a worker with 
7.               WPI above 20% but below the maximum WPI threshold will receive: 
1.               An additional 52 weeks of medical benefits 
2.               An additional 52 weeks of income replacement at 60% of PIAWE 
3.               Appropriate training, mentoring, and other supports to facilitate a return to work 
8.               Increased funding for return-to-work programs, including retraining, mentoring, and specialist case workers. 
9.               The development of a successor program to Business Connect with a comparable budget, informed by expert consultation.  

Hospital wait times soar to record highs under Labor

Shocking new independent health data shows patients in Western Sydney are suffering the longest waits for treatment since the height of the Covid pandemic.
 
At Westmead Hospital, the number of T2 Emergency Patients (very urgent category) starting their treatment on time has fallen to 25%, the worst result since the height of the COVID pandemic in July 2021.
 
The median wait time from arrival to leaving for all patients at Westmead was 7 hours and 11 minutes- the highest on record.
 
The Bureau of Health Information’s latest report also revealed that across the State the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for surgery rose 64% compared to the quarter prior.
 
The data also shows that the median waiting time from arrival to leaving an Emergency Department for all patients was 3 hours and 54 minutes, the highest on record.
 
Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane said our hospitals and health staff continue to face unprecedented pressures, but Labor has no plan to fix it.
 
“Under Chris Minns, Western Sydney hospitals are going backwards and recording their worst results on record. The Premier needs to stop with the excuses and support the Opposition’s call for an inquiry into Western Sydney health services.”
 
“These escalating wait times, combined with rising surgery backlogs, reflect systematic pressures that require serious, long-term solutions.”
 
“What is most galling about today’s data is it shows that NSW has had record presentations to our hospitals and yet we have a Labor Prime Minister in Canberra who has called on NSW to cut hospital funding and a Premier who has failed to get NSW it’s fair share of hospital funding.”
 
Nationals Leader, Gurmesh Singh, said today’s data reinforced what people in regional NSW already know: under Labor, they are being left behind.
 
“Whether it is Labor’s decision to close Wee Waa Hospital’s emergency department or the fact we’ve seen a 15 per cent increase in the number of overdue surgeries in rural hospitals this quarter, Labor is failing regional communities on health care delivery.”
 
“The data also showed that Coffs Harbour Hospital was experiencing an increase in ambulance ramping with the percentage of patients being transferred from paramedics to ED staff within 30 minutes falling from 89% under the Liberals and Nationals to 75% under Labor.”

Funding boost for Australian-made Ghost Bat

The Albanese Government will invest approximately $1.4 billion to advance collaborative air capabilities, transitioning the MQ-28A Ghost Bat into a fully operational war fighting asset for the Australian Defence Force.

The Government today confirmed a major milestone: the Australian-designed and manufactured MQ-28A Ghost Bat – known as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) – has successfully engaged an aerial target with a live weapon. In a landmark test, the Ghost Bat deployed an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile against an Australian-made Phoenix Jet Uncrewed Aerial Target.

Operating as a loyal wingman to a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat destroyed the airborne target during trials at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

This announcement of additional funding, coupled with the successful live-fire test, reinforces Australia’s position at the forefront of CCA technology globally. The latest investment includes new contracts with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) for six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and the development of an enhanced Block 3 prototype.

The delivery of these additional Ghost Bats will lay the foundation for an operational Air Combat Platform capability within the Royal Australian Air Force. The Albanese Government is investing more than $10 billion on drones over the next decade, including at least $4.3 billion on uncrewed aerial systems.

Investment in uncrewed and autonomous systems is a key priority of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Collaborative combat aircraft like the MQ-28A Ghost Bat deliver asymmetric surveillance and air combat capabilities, increasing the lethality and survivability of existing crewed platforms. 

The Ghost Bat program supports more than 440 high-skilled jobs nationwide, including roles at Boeing Defence Australia and across more than 200 Australian suppliers – 70 per cent of program expenditure is directed to Australian industry.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia is at the forefront of efforts to develop and field autonomous collaborative combat aircraft to provide asymmetric advantage and enhanced fighting depth for existing crewed platforms.

“This landmark demonstration proves the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a world-leading collaborative combat aircraft made and designed in Australia

“The successful weapons demonstration underlines its growing potential to deliver an operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“With Ghost Bat, the future of collaborative air combat is right here, right now. Today’s announcement highlights that Australia is leading the world in the development of collaborative combat aircraft.

“The Ghost Bat transforms a single fighter jet into a formidable team—capable not only of surveillance but also of engaging adversaries. This delivers a vital layer of protection for our aviators who remain our most valuable asset.

“The MQ-28A program is also building a stronger sovereign defence industry and increasing Australia’s resilience with over 70 per cent of this investment remaining on our shores, providing high-tech, high-paying jobs for Australians.”

Building young Australians’ Asia capability through the New Colombo Plan

I am pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2026 round of the New Colombo Plan (NCP), which is supporting record numbers of Australian students to deepen their Asia capability and expertise.

The 2026 round will see a record 328 NCP scholarships offered to Australian undergraduates, an increase of almost 50 per cent from 2025.

The 2026 round will also see 1,247 student grants offered under the new Semester Program, and 1,635 student grants offered under the Mobility Program.

The reforms to the New Colombo Plan that I announced in July this year are now in action. More NCP participants are now developing the skills and capabilities Australia needs to deepen our national understanding of the region, strengthen the ties between our people, and increase engagement with Australian businesses operating in the region.

Importantly, a record number of students will undertake long-term study programs in Asian languages, including Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, Japanese and Vietnamese.

Launched in 2014, the NCP has supported over 56,000 Australian undergraduate students through study, internships and language training in the Indo-Pacific. I look forward to the continued impact of the program as more young Australians develop their Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy.

I extend my congratulations to all the successful students.

Penny Wong

Labor must end their unlawful JobSeeker obligations system after another damning report reveals decisions made without oversight or accountability

Today’s second damning report from the Commonwealth Ombudsman into the administration of the “mutual obligations” welfare system should leave Labor with no choice but to halt all suspensions of Centrelink payments and compulsory activities, The Greens say.

The “mutual obligations” system, familiar to anyone who has been on JobSeeker, forces hundreds of thousands of people to participate in harmful and time-wasting activities which do nothing to help people find work, but cost taxpayers billions in contracts to private providers to administer every year. 

Today’s Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report into the Targeted Compliance Framework (which operationalises “mutual obligations”) found that privatised employment service providers regularly make inappropriate decisions resulting in a high rate of decisions being overturned, that oversight of job service agencies is poor and lacking in transparency, that communications about income support penalties from DEWR are misleading.

The Ombudsman also affirmed the pointlessness of this punishing and costly system, citing evidence that there are not enough jobs for majority of JobSeekers:

“Stigmatisation of unsuccessful job seekers as people who are reluctant to accept employment may contribute to the limited oversight of providers and possible narrow administration of the program, despite the evidence telling us that the majority of the 652,300 current job seekers are in fact unlikely to find ongoing employment no matter how hard they try, given that current unemployment in Australia is close to the natural level of unemployment with respect to the inflation rate.” (p5)

Under mutual obligations, over a hundred thousand income support suspensions are issued by private providers each month, with dismal accountability and at arms length from the government. 321,995 payment suspensions have been inflicted on 205,870 JobSeekers under this system between May and July of this year alone (14:56)

A previous review of the Targeted Compliance Framework conducted in September found that the lawfulness of these payment suspensions cannot be assured (pg7).

In Senate Estimates in October, the Minister for Youth Jess Walsh, representing the Minister for Employment, refused to say she had confidence that the system was operating lawfully (14:52). Yet thousands of decisions to take essential payments away from JobSeekers continue under this system every day.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“Today’s report confirms what any JobSeeker already knows: the ‘mutual obligations’ system is pointless, cruel, and rather than helping people, treats people on income support as disposable.”

“For too long, dodgy companies like Sarina Russo and APM have cashed in millions of dollars on the outsourcing of massive parts of our welfare system.”

“Private job agencies take food off the table of thousands of JobSeekers with almost no accountability, transparency or oversight, and meanwhile Labor doesn’t seem to care if the system is even lawful.”

“Nothing in this report will fix the rotten soul of this system, which grants dodgy private job agencies extraordinary power over people’s lives with no oversight or accountability. The mutual obligations system needs to be abolished.”

“We can’t keep punishing people for not finding jobs which don’t actually exist.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 9 December 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 9 December 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

New Lambton landslip – advocacy for Category D disaster assistance for displaced residents

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to advocate to the NSW Government for a targeted resident assistance package under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to support property owners within the New Lambton landslip Danger Area with rental accommodation. 

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation memorandum of understanding

Council voted unanimously to endorse an updated memorandum of understanding with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation. 

Adoption of Civic Public Domain Plan

Council unanimously endorsed an amended motion to defer the adoption of the Civic Public Domain Plan until funding pathways are clearly identified. Implementation will be contingent on securing external grant funding, and/or budget allocations determined by future resolution of Council. 

Adoption of Planning Agreements Policy

Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Planning Agreements Policy (December 2025). 

Review of Ministerial Investment Order 2011 for councils in NSW

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Chief Executive Officer writing to the Minister for Local Government, the State Member for Charlestown, the State Member for Newcastle, the State Member for Wallsend, and the Deputy Secretary Local Government, calling for a review of the NSW Ministerial Investment Order 2011 to broaden the range of authorised investments available to councils. 

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council voted unanimously to receive City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.

Adoption of finance, property and performance policies

Council voted unanimously to approve the updated Investment and Borrowing Policy, Council Property Lease and Licence Policy and Future Fund Policy.  

Adoption of council policies – Community Grants Policy, Sponsorship Policy and Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy

Council voted unanimously on an amended motion to approve the updated Community Grants Policy, Sponsorship Policy and Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy.  

Notices of Motion 

Hamilton community safety audit 

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion supporting a Hamilton Community Safety Audit in 2026 and other related actions.

Advocacy for changes to the NSW Model Code of Meeting Practice

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to write to the Minister for Local Government, with copies to the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Local Government NSW and the Hunter Joint Organisation, outlining Council’s position and calling for a review and amendment of the Model Code of Meeting Practice consistent with the resolution.

2025 Youth Mock Council

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to congratulate the Newcastle Youth Council for delivering the 2025 Youth Mock Council and commend the students who participated in the event. Council received the Mock Council motions passed during the Mock Council debate, and will share them with the relevant officers, departments and Advisory and Standing Committees for consideration for inclusion in future City of Newcastle initiatives, works and programs.

Condolence and recognition of Mr Neill Pitt of Carrington

Council expressed condolences on the passing of Neil Pitt of Carrington and voted unanimously to request that the CEO commence the process to progress the proposed renaming of the Carrington Bridge (Cowper Street Bridge) as a tribute to Mr Pitt, including early engagement with relevant stakeholders to understand the necessary steps, approvals and criteria for progressing a future naming application.

Supporting recommendations of the State Government public toilet inquiry

Council voted unanimously to write to local Members, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces requesting the NSW Government accept and implement the recommendations of the NSW Legislative Council public toilets inquiry and commit long-term funding to support councils to deliver safe, accessible and inclusive public toilets. 

Strzelecki Lookout safety review and community petition

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion to receive a community petition calling for urgent safety improvements at Strzelecki Lookout and request the Chief Executive Officer to consult with relevant agencies and progress the development and installation of crisis-support signage and undertake an infrastructure safety review of Strzelecki Lookout and the surrounding road corridor.

Local Government NSW Annual Conference 2025

Council unanimously endorsed a notice of motion to write to the newly elected LGNSW President Darcy Byrne, Treasurer Adam Shultz and Board offering our congratulations and reaffirming the City of Newcastle’s commitment to collaborative advocacy through LGNSW.

Update on the status of actions related to commemorative plaques

Council unanimously endorsed an amended notice of motion that the CEO provides an update on progress related to the action points outlined in the approved Council resolution on commemorative plaques from the extraordinary meeting on 14 January 2025.

Drought coordinator and major communications push to support southern NSW communities

The Minns Government’s new Drought Coordinator has hit the ground running and will play a key role in strengthening support for communities in southern NSW most affected by drought.

In addition, the NSW Government is also launching a major direct electronic mail, print, radio and social media campaign designed to ensurefarmers and communities in southern NSW are aware of the drought support available from both the State and Federal Governments.

Ray Willis has stepped into the role of Drought Coordinator and brings extensive experience and local knowledge as the General Manager of Riverina Local Land Services.

By hearing firsthand about local drought impacts and the challenges communities face, he will provide on-ground feedback to government, helping to ensure support meets local needs.

Since being appointed in late November, he has met with several key stakeholders, including Snowy Valleys Council, the Drought Innovation Hub and representatives from the Rural Financial Counselling Service and a range of financial institutions.

Over the coming weeks and months, community members can expect the Drought Coordinator to be travelling across southern NSW, attending local events, convening roundtables, and working closely with service providers to strengthen support networks.

He will also bring together government agencies to improve collaboration and enhance how information on drought support is communicated with communities.

In addition to the appointment of the Drought Coordinator the Minns Government will, over the coming weeks, undertake a major communications campaign focused on ensuring farmers, businesses and locals have a full understanding of both Federal and State drought support available.

The communications will include:

  • Radio and print advertising: A two-week campaign commencing in January to raise awareness of drought support.
  • Social media campaign: Running from 15 December through January and February, highlighting government assistance available to communities.
  • Direct mail outreach: A special edition electronic mailout sent to 7,864 recipients in the Riverina and Murray regions, providing detailed information on drought support and outlining the role of the Drought Coordinator.
  • Local Land Services offices: Drought support flyers available in offices to ensure information is accessible at the community level.

Support available for farmers through the NSW Government includes:

  • Low-interest loans through the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund
  • Farm management tools like MyStockPlanner designed to assist farmers manage variable pasture nutrition, a key challenge in a green drought.
  • On-ground support and advice is available through Local Land Services including the Drought Adoption Officer Program.
  • Better recognition of drought conditions through the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Program.
  • Mental health services such as the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.
  • $41.5 million has been allocated 2025-26 Budget to support research and development, with a key priority to improve climate resilience.
  • Co-funded resilience programs including the Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Program.
  • Access to a range of other online resources through the NSW DroughtHub.

The Drought Coordinator has been appointed for six months initially. However, the role may extend and expand its reach as needed into other parts of NSW as drought conditions evolve.

Those interested in reaching out and engaging with the Drought Coordinator can contact drought@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting rural and regional communities in times of drought and has a wide range of support available for farmers.

“The appointment of a Drought Coordinator is one way we’re making sure that impacted communities have a direct line to government about the challenges they’re facing and how support can better meet their needs.

“Our major communication campaign will also ensure everyone who needs to know is fully across the drought assistance that is on offer.

“Ray will provide regular updates on local conditions, highlight emerging issues and challenges, and share advice based off community experience and local expertise to help shape government decision-making.”

Drought Coordinator Ray Willis said:

“Having a dedicated drought coordinator on the ground to serve impacted regions across NSW is another touchpoint for landholders to access the help they need to get through these challenging times.”

“I look forward to meeting and listening to as many farmers, stakeholders and service providers as possible to hear their perspective of the challenges they face and better inform government of the types of assistance and information required to get them through these dry times.”

Aussie sporting icon Alex Volkanovski to defend Featherweight Title as UFC returns to Sydney

Sydney will take centre stage in February when the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Qudos Bank Arena for UFC 325.

On 1 February, Australian sporting icon, and current and two-time featherweight champion, Alex ‘The Great’ Volkanovski will defend his title in front of his home fans for the first time in a blockbuster showdown against Diego Lopes. The event is expected to sell out and attract fans from across Australia and around the globe.

The third, massive pay-per-view card secured as part of the Minns Labor Government’s multi-event agreement with the UFC comes after the previous two events collectively delivered millions of dollars for the state’s visitor economy.

This highly anticipated event will deliver a major boost to the NSW visitor economy – filling hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars, while showcasing Sydney as Australia’s premier city for world-class sporting experiences to a vast international audience.

Hosting UFC 325 supports the Minns Labor Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which sets an ambitious goal of $91 billion in visitor expenditure. A key pillar of the strategy is delivering a dynamic, nation-leading calendar of major events that drives visitation and supports the jobs and businesses that rely on year-round tourism.

The announcement adds to Sydney’s stellar line-up of major sporting events for 2026, including the United Cup, New Year’s Ashes Test, Sydney Sail GP, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Sydney 500, State of Origin, NRL and NRLW Grand Finals, Rugby League World Cup and the TCS Sydney Marathon Abbott World Marathon Major.

Secured by the Minns Labor Government, UFC 325 will showcase Sydney to the sport’s global TV audience of millions, reinforcing the city’s position as a premier destination for unforgettable sporting experiences.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I am thrilled to see UFC make its return to Sydney for what is expected to be an incredible sell-out event.

“We are laser focused on ensuring we continue to secure a calendar of exclusive, diverse and unmissable events to boost the state’s economy, support local businesses and create more jobs, and that’s exactly what these events do.

“And what better city than Sydney for Wollongong local and Australian UFC legend Alex Volkanovski to defend his featherweight title for the first time on Australian soil.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“It is incredibly exciting that Sydney will take centre stage next February for this blockbuster event, which will draw thousands of fans from across the world and inject millions into the NSW visitor economy.

“UFC 325 will reaffirm Sydney’s position on the world stage as a leading destination for unforgettable, world-class sporting experiences.

“And I know that the whole of NSW will be behind Wollongong’s hometown hero Alex Volkanovski!””