16 News

The NSW Government has hit a major milestone in the flood recovery of the Northern Rivers, officially acquiring 18.5 hectares of high-ground land in North Lismore, as part of the $100 million Resilient Lands Program. 

The site will provide 85 land lots to enable construction of social, affordable, and private housing—all located above the 2022 flood line.

Project Highlights:

• Priority Access: 76 land lots to be made available for Resilient Homes Program participants, giving flood-impacted residents the first opportunity to relocate to safer ground.
• Social & Key Worker Housing: Homes NSW will construct 24 social dwellings and provide four land lots for affordable key worker housing.
• Integrated Community: The precinct will sit alongside the new Rivers Secondary College Richmond River High Campus, set to open in 2027.
• Economic Boost: The nearby Lismore Showground is receiving a $4.7 million upgrade to support major regional events like Primex, further anchoring the precinct’s recovery.
• Timeline: Development application approvals are in place and preparatory work has commenced, with land expected to be available for sale in mid-2026, with home relocations beginning in early 2027.

The development is a collaborative effort between the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Homes NSW, ensuring the new neighbourhood is well-connected to schools, transport, and green space while respecting the cultural heritage of the Widjabul Wia-bal people.

For more information go to nsw.gov.au/resilientlandsprogram

Minister for Housing, Rose Jackson said:

“By securing this land, we are delivering on our promise to provide safe, diverse, and affordable housing for the people of Lismore.

“This isn’t just about blocks of land; it’s about providing a fresh start for families on ground they can trust.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Acquiring this land is a huge win for the North Lismore community.

“We know how much it means to people to stay connected to their neighbours, their schools, and their community, but with the peace of mind that comes from being on higher ground.

“This is about building a secure, connected future for North Lismore.”

The Minns Labor Government has given the green light to begin construction of the main works on the second stage of Parramatta Light Rail, a project which will eventually connect Sydney’s second CBD with Sydney Olympic Park.  

Fulfilling a Labor election commitment, construction will begin in early 2027 on the new 10-kilometre route that will link Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Olympic Park over 14 light rail stops.  

The project runs through one of the fastest-growing areas of Sydney and will provide the transport infrastructure to support new housing going in, particularly around Wentworth Point which has developed without sufficient public transport links.  

The former Liberal government promised more than a dozen times to proceed with Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 but never managed to get a single shovel into the ground.    

In the coming weeks, the NSW Government will begin procurement for the next phase of construction works – known as Stage 2a - from Camellia to Wentworth Point.

This phase of new work is expected to create more than 2000 construction and other jobs in Western Sydney. 

Main Works will deliver: 

• 4.5kms of track 
• a new bridge linking Camellia and Rydalmere 
• nine new stops 
• an expanded Stabling and Maintenance Facility 
• additional light rail vehicles.

With funding to date of $3 billion, Stage 2 will link to the existing Parramatta Light Rail system which carries up to 90,000 passengers a week.  

Along with the procurement of the Main Works contract, the project will now focus on early works, site investigations, detailed utility designs, and commencement of property acquisitions.  

Major construction is already underway on the first phase – the enabling works for Stage 2, which includes the construction of piles that will hold the first new public and active transport bridge crossing of the Parramatta River in more than three and a half decades.  

Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has accelerated planning and finalised the business case for Stage 2, which has already secured Federal Environmental and NSW Planning approvals.  

For more information: nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail.   

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“Labor committed to delivering the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail system and today we open the way for construction works to begin via the main works contract, which will shortly go out to tender.  

“Linking Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park will provide a much-needed public transport link that was so often promised under the former Liberal government but never delivered, despite the rapid population and housing growth that has made this part of Sydney such a fast-growing area.  

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery of transport infrastructure that keeps up with the housing development Sydney needs and gives people – particularly those who have moved into Western Sydney – a viable alternative to sitting in a car in traffic.”   

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:  

“Giving the green light to begin construction of Stage 2a Main Works will boost Western Sydney’s economy and support the new housing hubs at Melrose Park, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and the Carter Street precinct.

“Expanding the system to Sydney Olympic Park will be another game-changer for jobs, leisure and, importantly, to provide public transport to some areas that have never had it before.  

“Parramatta Light Rail’s first year of operation has improved connectivity in our area, giving local residents and visitors to our city another transport alternative to jumping in the car.”

Parents of more than 600,000 babies born across NSW have benefited from receiving the popular Baby Bundle, a package given to them following the birth of their child.

The NSW Government Baby Bundle is provided to every baby born in NSW and contains essential items for new parents to support their baby’s health and development.

Since the Baby Bundle initiative began in January 2019, more than 600,000 have been provided to families in public and private hospitals across NSW, or directly to homes for NSW babies born at home or interstate.

Valued at $329, the Baby Bundle has been updated with new products, important information, and educational resources to support parents as they begin their exciting journey.

The Baby Bundle includes a sleeping bag, change mat, muslin wrap, two books, bath book, first aid kit, baby hat, breast pads, baby toothbrush, and a selection of NSW Health printed resources that complement the Blue Book.

The new Bundles have been distributed to hospitals across NSW from mid-November 2025.

The majority of suppliers are small and medium Australian-owned businesses, and all products meet Australian product safety standards.

The Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government’s $157 million parenting package, including more midwives and child and family health nurses, investment in testing and treatments for children’s diseases, and practical and emotional support to parents.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The first 2000 days of a child’s life are the most important to set them up for success. The Baby Bundle is a valuable resource that ensures parents have what they need from the very beginning.

“More than 600,000 new parents have already received the much-loved Baby Bundles since the initiative launched in 2019.

“We know there are many expenses when a new baby comes along, so this Bundle is our way of supporting families during a special time by helping to alleviate some cost pressures.”

Maria Bulmer, Divisional Director of Women’s and Children’s Health at St George Hospital:

“The updated Bundle will include new additions to help parents as they start their exciting journey, including a nursery rhyme book, bath book and baby hat for the first time.

“The Baby Bundle pack gives parents the information and support tools they need to ensure they are providing the most optimal care to support effective child development.”

Tennille Lockhorst, a Registered Midwife at St George Hospital who recently had her baby boy, Killian at St George:

“As a new mum and a midwife, I have experienced first hand the value of these Baby Bundles, which are lifesavers for young families.

“Any new parent will tell you that a lot of resources are required to raise a child, and this new Baby Bundle is a big help.”

Construction of a new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital is now complete, as the Minns Government works to improve access to mental healthcare across New South Wales.

The purpose-built unit, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, will provide specialist mental healthcare to young people aged 12-17 years in the Penrith and Blue Mountains region.

The unit’s design is the result of thoughtful collaboration with young people, their families, and carers, ensuring the environment is able to provide the best care to meet their unique needs. It features:

• 10 single bedrooms with ensuites.
• Light-filled communal areas and secure outdoor courtyards.
• Specialized clinical spaces, including a sensory room and a media room.
• Learning and recreational spaces to help young people maintain their routine.
• A dedicated carer’s suite, recognizing the vital role families play in recovery.

The new unit is expected to be operational by mid-2026, with final preparations underway to ensure the facility and staff are equipped and ready to support patient care.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in mental health services across the state to ensure that everyone in New South Wales has access to life-saving support.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said: 

“This is more than just new beds in a hospital – it is a dedicated recovery space for young people in their most vulnerable moments. It’s so important to have a dedicated and supportive space for young people and their families to access specialised, age-appropriate mental health care that is tailored to their needs.

“The new Nepean Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit will bring care closer to home for people in the Nepean and Blue Mountains regions and will strengthen the network of youth focused mental health services for Western Sydney.

“The completion of the new Unit at Nepean Hospital marks a key milestone in the NSW Government’s commitment to improving access to high-quality mental health services across the state.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I am incredibly grateful that families in Penrith and the Nepean Blue Mountains region will soon have access to specialist care close to home.

“Designed in collaboration with young people who know what a healing environment looks like, the Unit offers tailored spaces and programs that foster comfort, connection and recovery.

“Supporting the mental wellbeing of young people and the clinicians and staff who care for them is a key priority for this Government. I am excited to see the finished facility in the coming months.”

Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Mental Health, Matthew Russell:

“With the establishment of this new Unit, we continue to grow and strengthen mental health care options for young people in the District.

“Created in partnership with young people and their carers, this new Unit shows our dedication to providing mental health care that is flexible, compassionate, and family-focused.”

As Hunter kids get ready to head back to school next week, the Minns Labor Government is today announcing better school bus connections – ensuring a growing population of local families have the services they need for the school run.  

From the start of Term 1, 2026, students across Maitland and Newcastle will benefit from new and upgraded school bus services. These services have been introduced to meet rising demand, reduce overcrowding and get kids to school, and home again, safely, smoothly and on time. 

The improved services rolled out on 27 January 2026, giving families the confidence that transport is in place and working as students return to the classroom. 

In Maitland, the improvements to the bus services have gone beyond the school gate. The local community is also enjoying better weekend public transport, with Route 185 – connecting Largs and Maitland via Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights and Lorn – boosted with extra Saturday services and brand-new Sunday services.  

These changes reflect the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to practical, community-focused transport solutions that support families, get our students to and from school, and make regional life even better across the Hunter. 

The changes include:  

• A new route 2802 service will connect students directly from Maitland High School to High St Maitland, where it will become a new 185 service connecting students and the broader community to Lorn, Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights and Largs.  
• An altered 1471 service will connect Maitland Christian School and Hunter Valley Grammar School students with Chisholm.  
• An altered 2396 service will replace route 0342 for Tenambit Public School students 
• An altered 0342 service will no longer service Tenambit Public School and will now service Maitland Grossman High School, getting students home to Metford earlier.  
• Route 185 Maitland to Largs and Gresford via Lorn and Bolwarra, will receive three additional Saturday services and eight additional Sunday services   

In Newcastle, students attending Merewether High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts in Newcastle will benefit from enhanced school bus services. 

The changes include the introduction of two new services:

• Route 2337 (Morning): This new morning service will travel from The Outlook Estate, through Nikkinba Ridge in Fletcher and Wallsend, before continuing to Merewether High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts.
• Route 6300 (Afternoon): The afternoon service will operate from Merewether High School and Hunter School of Performing Arts, travelling via Wallsend and Nikkinba Ridge in Fletcher, and terminating at The Outlook Estate. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:  

“Maitland is growing, and our transport services need to grow with it. I’m delighted to see new and improved bus services being introduced for our community, because good public transport here isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s essential. 

“For families and students, the school run is part of everyday life. These new bus services mean a more reliable trip to and from school, less overcrowding and fewer pressures during peak times – helping students arrive ready to learn and get home safely at the end of the day. 

“The additional weekend services in Maitland are another big win, giving our whole community more flexibility to get where they need to go – whether that be a sports game, visiting friends and family or simply ducking to the shop. The benefits of frequent and reliable public transport cannot be understated.”  

Acting Minister for the Hunter, Paul Scully said:  

“Maitland and Newcastle’s bus services need to keep pace with the changing needs of the community. We know how critical reliable public transport is, especially for our kids, which is why taking a close look at our bus networks really matters. 

“Today’s announcement follows the rollout of improved bus services across Cessnock and surrounding suburbs, making sure the Hunter is ready as schools return next week. 

“Getting children to school safely and on time is non-negotiable. Education matters and it’s central to the Hunter’s future.” 

Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery said:  

“Families across Newcastle and our region know how important reliable school transport is – it’s about getting kids to class safely, on time and without unnecessary stress on parents. 

“Newer estates like Nikkinba Ridge and growing communities around Wallsend and Fletcher need transport that keeps pace. The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job – adding services where they’re needed and making sure no student is left stranded.” 

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:  

“Frequent and reliable bus services relieve pressure on students and their parents. Getting to school on time gives students a strong and focused start to the day, ready to learn and succeed. 

“Increasing our school bus fleet not only keeps our children safe on their way to and from school but is an investment in the whole community by reducing traffic and lowering our city’s emissions. 

“Newcastle and the wider Hunter region is a growing area and the Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting that growth with the needed infrastructure.” 

NSW Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:  

“Across the Hunter, families rely on school bus services to get their kids to school safely and on time, particularly in growing and regional communities where public transport options can be limited.” 

“Better school bus connections don’t just support students, they support working families and help take pressure off local roads during peak times.” 

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering practical transport solutions that respond to real community needs across the Hunter and Upper Hunter.”  

For further information about new school bus services, families are encouraged to visit https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip   

The Minns Labor Government is delivering close to $10 million to plant around 24,000 trees which will green our streets and reduce the impacts of urban heating across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Hunter, and Central Coast.

The Greening our City grants have been awarded to 28 projects and will provide 47,000 square metres of biodiverse understorey planting, transforming streets, parks, and public spaces into cooler, greener environments.

We’re supporting councils to grow tree canopy cover, help reduce urban heat, and boost biodiversity so neighbourhoods are more liveable and climate resilient.

Most trees will be planted in areas with low canopy cover, with three-quarters of plantings going to sites that currently have just 10-20% coverage. These will cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality, and support communities in areas that need it most.

Research has shown that shaded surfaces may be 11-25°C cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded surfaces.

Across Greater Sydney, 28 projects will deliver nearly 12,000 trees and 35,000 square metres of understorey planting. In the Cumberland Local Government Area funds will be used to create green corridors and reduce heat in low- and mid-rise housing areas, while Tahmoor Park in Wollondilly will be significantly greened with a carefully planned design featuring local species.

This fifth round of the Greening our City grant program was expanded to Illawarra-Shoalhaven, the Hunter, and Central Coast.

Seven projects in these regions will receive over $2.4 million to plant more than 12,000 trees and 13,000 square metres of understorey planting including:

• Increasing canopy across the Cessnock Local Government Area in five suburbs and townships, enhancing public green spaces.
• Greening Lake Macquarie’s corridors through tree canopy planting in urban heat-vulnerable hotspots, to improve liveability and biodiversity.
• Greening Shoalhaven’s carparks by increasing tree canopy in town centres, creating shelter and shade in high-traffic areas to mitigate urban heat blackspots and enhance local biodiversity.
• Greening Wollongong through a data-informed approach, with street and park tree plantings, understorey vegetation, and tiny forests to improve climate resilience.

The program has awarded $35.1 million to 131 greening projects across Greater Sydney, building climate resilience, improving air quality, and connecting communities with nature.

A full list of successful applicants is available here.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government investing to build better communities right across the state.

“The Greening our city program, which we have extended, is delivering 24,000 trees across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Hunter and the Central Coast. That’s 6000 more trees than New York’s Central Park.

“It will deliver beautiful public spaces where people can relax and play and critically it helps to reduce urban heat, creating cooler, more liveable communities.

“Each of these grants will make our towns and cities cooler, greener, and more enjoyable places to live, work and travel.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals say the work of the nation-first parliamentary inquiry into data centres must be grounded in a clear understanding of the extraordinary economic and social opportunity presented by artificial intelligence, and the critical infrastructure required to power it.
 
Data centres underpin artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, health systems, financial services and government service delivery, all of which can directly improve outcomes for NSW citizens.
 
Concerns around water use, energy demand and environmental impacts are real, immediate and must be managed responsibly, but they should not be weaponised as a pretext to halt or discourage investment in the digital infrastructure that will power the next generation of jobs and productivity growth.
 
“Artificial intelligence will define economic growth, productivity and public service delivery for the next generation,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Data centres are not optional, they are essential infrastructure if NSW wants to lead, not follow.”
 
“If NSW sends a signal that it is uncomfortable with building the infrastructure needed for AI, global capital will simply go elsewhere,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“That means fewer jobs, less innovation, and worse outcomes for citizens.”
 
Shadow Minister for the Environment, the Hon Jacqui Munro MLC said, “What we know is that the government is struggling to get the settings right on critical digital infrastructure. It is jeopardising our chance to have an honest and ambitious public conversation about how we lock in prosperity.”
 
“This inquiry is our chance to have a much-needed public conversation on AI, resources and the public good, where the government has failed to lead.”
 
What is increasingly apparent is the lack of ambition from the NSW Labor Government when it comes to artificial intelligence and the digital infrastructure that underpins it.
 
“An ambitious government would be asking how AI can make our hospitals smarter, our energy system more efficient, and our public services more responsive,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Instead, Labor appears far more comfortable talking about constraints than opportunity.”
 
The Coalition believes the work of this inquiry should be framed around a simple question: how do we maximise the benefits of AI for all of NSW, while managing impacts sensibly and transparently?
 
 That requires:
recognising AI as a core economic and productivity driver;
supporting investment in energy and digital infrastructure with clear, stable policy settings; and
ensuring environmental safeguards are evidence-based and fit for purpose.
 “This is not about slowing progress,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“It’s about getting the settings right so NSW can lead the nation in artificial intelligence, attract investment, and deliver better outcomes for people.”
 
NSW has the opportunity to be a national leader in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. That requires clear-headed policy, not ideological resistance to growth.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have today celebrated the completion of construction on the new 10-bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Nepean Hospital.
 
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Mitchell said the co-designed unit is a huge win for the local community, particularly young people who need specialist care.
 
“The new facility will allow our mental-health workforce to provide care and better support for young people and their families closer to home,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
Announced, funded and planned in 2019 as part of the former Coalition Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, the unit includes 10 single bedrooms with ensuites, specialised clinical spaces, learning and recreational spaces, and a designated carer’s suite.
 
Mrs Mitchell expressed disappointment at the lengths the Minns Labor Government had gone to in politicising this announcement and claiming credit for it.
 
“Mental health is too important for political spin. The community deserves honesty about who did the work, and more importantly, transparency about what comes next,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“With demand for mental health services continuing to grow, particularly for children and young people, the Minister needs to answer a simple question – what is the plan?”
 
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health Susan Carter said today’s announcement was lacking any sense of vision for mental health in NSW.
 
“Since coming to office, the Minns Labor Government has failed to announce any new major mental health infrastructure commitments of its own,” Ms Carter said.
 
“Where is the innovation, where is the long-term strategy, and where are the new investments to ensure the system can meet future demand?”
 
The new unit is expected to be operational by mid-2026.

The Minns Labor Government has quietly walked back a core election commitment to the people of Western Sydney, confirming it will only proceed with a partial section of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, rather than delivering the line in full as promised.

Today’s announcement and media reporting confirm that Labor will now build Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 in two stages, with no funding certainty, timetable or completion date for the full line.

This decision will leave families and workers in Wentworth Point and the Olympic Park precinct waiting years longer for the public transport they were promised before the last election.

Before the election, Labor made a clear commitment to the people of Western Sydney to deliver the full Stage 2 line and provide certainty for some of the fastest growing communities in NSW.

Instead, Western Sydney is today being given spin, excuses, and half a light rail line. But don’t take our word for it, here is what Labor said:
Chris Minns, then-Opposition Leader, on 6 January 2023 :
“We need to get this right. We want to make sure that we’re putting in infrastructure for the fast growing western suburbs of Sydney. This is a key announcement as part of our jigsaw puzzle for this fast growing part of New South Wales, and if we’re elected, we will complete this piece of transport infrastructure for Western Sydney.”

Chris Minns, as Premier, on 3 June 2024:
“People moved into the area with the promise of infrastructure that never arrived. The NSW Labor Government is now delivering.”

Jo Haylen, then-Shadow Minister for Transport, on 6 January 2023:
“Labor will deliver the public transport that these rapidly growing communities need. We won’t leave Parramatta with half a light rail service, because it must connect to Sydney Olympic Park…”
 
Donna Davis, then-Labor Candidate for Parramatta, on 6 January 2023:
“We already have over 14,000 people living in Wentworth Point, one of the most densely populated suburbs within New South Wales. But the public transport there is appalling.”

Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said the Minns Labor Government’s announcement represents a clear breach of faith with Western Sydney.

“Chris Minns looked the people of Western Sydney in the eye and promised the full Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project,” Ms Sloane said.

“Now Labor is delivering only part of the line, with no certainty on when, or if, the rest will be completed.”

“This is the same old Labor: saying what they think people want to hear before an election, then walking away from those promises after the votes are counted.”

Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, Monica Tudehope, said this walked back election promise shows how Labor has failed the people of Western Sydney.

“The people of Western Sydney deserve clarity and confidence, not to be left stranded waiting for infrastructure that may never arrive,” Ms Tudehope said.

“This is another example of Labor not being able to build the projects our growing city needs.”

“Announcing only part of a light rail line, while leaving workers, families and communities in Wentworth Point and Olympic Park in limbo, is an embarrassment.”

“Labor must come clean about when, or if, the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will actually be delivered.”