Category: NSW News

A comprehensive review of the state’s vocational education and training (VET) sector has kicked off today with the launch of public consultation around the state.

The launch of the VET Review delivers on a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government to rebuild TAFE.

The Reviewlaunch will address how to put TAFE at the heart of a thriving VET system in NSW. It will also identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement in skills development and training and look at ways of attracting, retaining and supporting the VET workforce.

The expert Review panel, comprising chair Dr Michele Bruniges AM, The Hon. Professor Verity Firth AM and Jason Ardler PSM, will embark on a series of roundtables and a regional tour to ensure it is hearing all voices and seeing the breadth of VET provision across NSW.

The first roundtable will run in Tamworth today at the Bush Summit, bringing together community leaders and policy makers to discuss challenges and opportunities facing regional and remote communities.

Further roundtables will be held in Wollongong, western Sydney, Dubbo, Cobar, Hunter/Central Coast, Ballina, and Albury throughout August and September.

The expert panel will also visit Coffs Harbour, Moree, Moruya, Bega and Sydney during the regional tour in September.

The panel has launched a discussion paper that will guide the consultation, posing questions to prompt feedback and engagement across four key themes:

• Boosting student success
• Placing TAFE NSW at the heart of the system
• Delivering VET in NSW
• Preparing VET for the future

Consultations will also focus on five industry areas:

• Primary industries
• Care economy
• Manufacturing, construction and engineering
• Educators
• Digital

The consultation period will be open to the public, who can take part in a ‘Have Your Say’ survey or make a written submission in response to the discussion paper through an open submission process.

Stakeholders can learn more about the Reviewlaunch, the consultation approach, read the discussion paper and share their experiences.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Prue Car, said:

“A strong TAFE makes for a strong VET Sector, better skills and an economy better prepared for the future.

“One million learners enter the NSW VET Sector every year through more than one thousand registered training organisations. Getting this system right is vital for our State.

“We’ve made a commitment to rebuild TAFE and fix the system. TAFE is the country’s leading provider of vocational education and must be at the heart of a future workforce that is highly skilled and competent. We must secure TAFE’s future to boost future opportunities for the community.

“We want to hear every voice, from industry leaders to past and current students, educators, employers and other key stakeholders to discuss their concerns and insights.”

“Listening to the people at the heart of the vocational education and training sector will equip us with the tools to deliver the best results for our learners and the economy.”

Chair of the VET Review panel Dr Michele Bruniges AM said:

“Public consultation is key to informing the Review’s recommendations about how to improve equitable access to VET and support for learners across the state.

“The Review is looking at everything that creates a vibrant VET sector in NSW and what needs to be done now to help address skills shortages.

“Stakeholder consultation is critical to make sure we put in place the right settings to attract, support and retain our valuable VET teachers, while providing students and trainees with the best possible opportunities to achieve rewarding outcomes.

“As a panel, we particularly want to hear your practical ideas and solutions to the challenges we have outlined in the discussion paper.”

The Minns Labor Government will overhaul the former government’s changes to casino taxes to prevent The Star Sydney turning into an unviable operation.

The new arrangement will see the introduction of a ‘transitional’ levy for the next 7 years. Star will be required to pay more tax on its poker machines as its gaming revenue rises until the new duty regime commences from 1 July 2030.

Changes to the table game rates will proceed as proposed in December 2022.

Star will also be required to protect more than 3000 jobs at The Star for the next 6 years as it transitions to a sustainable business model.

Under the revised approach:

• Transitional tax arrangements on poker machines will apply until 1 July 2030.
• The final poker machine duty rates will then be set to the same effective rates as in Victoria.
• If The Star’s financial performance before 1 July 2030 is stronger than assumed in its forecasts, adjusted rates will result in the government collecting more taxes.
• The Star will be legally bound to maintain more than 3000 jobs between now and 2030.
• The Star will participate in the NSW cashless gaming trial, with 50 poker machines and eight gaming tables in high traffic areas to go cashless by 31 October 2023.
• All gaming machines at The Star will be cashless by 30 August 2024.

The overall casino duty rates are expected to generate $2.7 billion over 10 years from The Star, more than $529 million than would be generated under the existing rates.

The increased casino duty rates are forecast to raise an additional $54 million over four years compared to current casino duty revenue. 

The NSW Government and The Star will finalise the agreement over the next few weeks.

The agreed jobs guarantee will be overseen by the United Workers Union and monitored closely by the government.

The government will seek agreement with Crown to ensure parity on table gaming rates with The Star. If the government is unable to reach an agreement with Crown, it has the option of legislating changes to table gaming duties.

The Minns Government has been in talks with The Star since being sworn in after the March election.

The negotiations for this successful result have been led by Ron Finlay AM, one of Australia’s leading infrastructure and governance specialists.

Mr Finlay has provided advice and services on major projects to the NSW, Tasmanian, Victorian and Federal Governments as well as to major private sector owners.

He also serves as the independent chair on the WestConnex board.

The former government had made the surprise announcement in December 2022 of a planned hike on poker machine duties at The Star to match rates applied in Victoria.

The Star said this posed a significant threat to its business.

It was later revealed Mr Kean had not consulted with The Star on the plan.

Subsequently, The Star announced a $1.3 billion write down on 23 February 2023 indicating they were in financial difficulty.

As well, the former government failed to legislate the increases as required, despite writing an anticipated $360 million in subsequent revenue into the budget.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government has listened to workers, unions and management and has negotiated an agreement that will protect the jobs of thousands of workers while also seeing The Star pay more duty.

“The previous government’s casino duty hike was unrealistic, poorly developed and put thousands of jobs at risk. It was announced without consultation or consideration for the viability of the business and the thousands of workers they employ.

“The advice I received from NSW Treasury is that absent this agreement, if the Government proceeded with the announced rates, The Star would be unviable.

“The Star now also has an opportunity to demonstrate that it has an ongoing role to play in the NSW business community.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen has been accused by the Opposition of showing remarkable arrogance, as she defends the appointment of Josh Murray as Secretary of Transport for NSW.

“Despite the Government making integrity in politics a key election commitment, we’ve seen a string of broken promises and now a breathtaking case of jobs for the boys which the Government has tried to cover up,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said.

“Labor argued against releasing key documents that would shine light on Mr Murray’s appointment. The Premier must explain why he thinks it’s ok for a Minister to handpick a candidate and manipulate a recruitment process to get her way – is this an acceptable standard in the Minns Labor Government?”  

It has been revealed that Mr Murray was not shortlisted for the position until Minister Haylen’s Chief of Staff added Mr Murray’s name prior to his appointment by the Minister.

“The new Minister met with Mr Murray within days after taking office and then appointed her underqualified Labor mate to one of the most senior public sector roles in NSW,” Shadow Transport Minister Natalie Ward said.

“When trying to defend her decision to overlook multiple qualified candidates, Minister Haylen arrogantly declared that she could have appointed him without even conducting a process –this is a government handing out jobs for the boys.”

“If this Government is going to have any credibility when it comes to integrity in politics, then the Premier and Minister Haylen must front up and explain how this appointment was allowed to happen.”

Despite Labor’s attempts to withhold key information, documents will be presented to Parliament next week.

With reports today that the Government is granting an exemption for increased BASIX standards for contracts signed before October 1, Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has re-iterated the calls of the NSW Opposition for the Government to defer the introduction of increased BASIX standards for twelve months in line with other States.

“Industry and the Opposition have called on the Government to defer the implementation of increased BASIX standards for twelve months, in line with other States, because both Industry and the Government are simply not ready for this to roll out on 1 October” Mr Farlow said.

“Reports that the Government will exempt contracts signed before 1 October from the higher standards is half-baked and simply won’t address this fundamental problem.”

“A twelve-month deferral will allow supply chains sufficient time to adjust and for the most cost effective solutions to be achieved for purchasers and it would bring NSW into line with other States and not jeopardise home construction in NSW.“

“The DIY tool from the Department of Planning is still not available to industry to be able to properly cost and design the right materials to comply with the regulation with the increased standards seven weeks out from the Government’s planned implementation.”

“The feedback from industry is clear – if these changes are implemented on 1 October they will threaten the supply of housing and add significant additional costs to purchasers at a time when they’re already being impacted by the largest interest rate rises in a decade.”

“The construction industry has seen costs escalate by more than 12% in the last year, if these changes are implemented on 1 October, purchasers will be footing additional bills that they simply can’t afford, all at a time when the Government has just introduced a new tax on the construction of new homes.”

“This is in addition to some first home-buyers having to foot additional stamp duty costs of up to $66,000 on median priced houses as a result of Chris Minns’ repeal of the First Homebuyers Choice scheme.”

“The Opposition remains committed to the Sustainable Buildings SEPP but call on the Government to defer its implementation to ensure these reforms will be achievable and not jeopardise new homes in NSW,” Mr Farlow said

An innovative tree carving technology pioneered by Transport for NSW has so far provided 1500 new homes for animals across the state.

The Habitat Hollows program is being used to offset habitat loss from road projects from the Snowy Mountains to Sydney and the North Coast.

The program creates sustainable homes within trees for hollow-dependent birds, bats, reptiles and mammals, replicating the cavities in trees that can take 70 to 120 years to form naturally.

The Hollowhog carving tool used in the program was designed and developed by a passionate environment officer within Transport for NSW and is being manufactured in Emu Plains.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Trees that have hollows carved into them are not harmed and what’s better is that we have already passed 1500 new homes for animals in habitat that is nearby roads projects.

“New and upgraded roads do result in tree removal and some habitat loss, we don’t pretend otherwise, but this program has so far ensured new living spaces for many native Australian species that have been observed using the hollows. It is great to watch night vision of native animals using these hollows as their home.

“The carving tool is the first of its kind in the world and ensures we don’t have to wait up to seven decades or more for tree hollows to form naturally. Replicating hollows by carving into the tree without causing any damage is a game changer for supporting biodiversity.”

Penrith MP Karen McKeown said:

“Compared to traditional nest boxes that sit outside the tree, carved hollows are there forever, require less maintenance, and are used by a broad range of wildlife, including gliders, microbats, owls, possums and parrots. It’s fantastic that Hollowhog is manufacturing right in Emu Plains.

“My community has been affected by the removal of some large old trees during the upgrade of Mulgoa Road but it is heartening to know that this area is also a location where Habitat Hollows is making a difference.

Find out more about Transport for NSW’s Biodiversity Guidelineslaunch

A welcoming light-filled atrium and calming colours inspired by the three rivers surrounding Tamworth are among the highlights of the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, with the latest designs unveiled today.

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said new artist impressions showcase the detailed designs for the new 37-bed unit, which have been developed following extensive consultation with staff, consumers, carers, community members and the local Aboriginal community.

“This is a project close to the hearts of the Tamworth community and it’s exciting to be able to share the latest designs that have been shaped by their input. Community insight is invaluable and we want to ensure that we’re incorporating as much feedback as we can,” Ms Jackson said. 

“We look forward to welcoming the community and staff to information sessions being held this month where they will have the opportunity to view the designs in-person and speak with the project team.

“The NSW Government is investing in building a modern, purpose-built health facility to help deliver better outcomes for our regional communities. Listening to locals and creating facilities based off their feedback is a vital part of this process.”

The new mental health unit, which will replace the Banksia Mental Health unit, will be built on two levels and include direct enclosed access to the hospital via a new walkway. New staff offices will occupy the third level.

The first level comprises the main entrance lobby for direct access to Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Services, and stair and lift access to the adolescent, adult and older persons’ mental health inpatient beds and facilities.

The new mental health unit will provide services for children, adolescents, adults and older people. It will include:

• Four adolescent inpatient beds
• 20-bed adult area, as well as five adult high-acuity beds
• Eight-bed older persons’ area
• Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Services

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said Aboriginal wayfinding will provide culturally sensitive support for the Aboriginal community to move around the building.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people through active engagement to design and deliver culturally appropriate and welcoming health facilities,” Ms Jackson said. 

“The project team has done an amazing job, actively listening to our community and incorporating feedback in the design to ensure this facility provides a unique connection to the local community and culture.” 

Early works for the project are underway, including new carparking which will create an extra 44 public car parking spaces across the hospital campus.

Main construction works are expected to start later this year and the new building is scheduled to open by 2025.

The new Tamworth mental health unit is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million State-wide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

The next community information sessions will take place on: 

Wednesday, 9 August 2023
Tamworth Hospital – Main Entry 
11.00am-1.00pm 

Find out more about the Tamworth Mental Health Unitlaunch

Three digital games studios from Sydney will travel to Germany this month as part of the Australian stand at the world’s largest gaming event, Gamescom 2023. 

Chaos Theory Games, Epiphany Games and Sweaty Chair will join 1,100 international businesses for the first time to exhibit at the week-long event from August 21.

Selected by the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) and supported by Screen NSW, the NSW team will attend Europe’s leading trade fair for the games industry from August 21.

With cosplay events, e-sports tournaments, congress panels and a developer conference, the annual event is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors to Cologne.

Each year since 2009, the world’s biggest and smallest players meet on-site or digitally to network – think special reveals, exclusive industry news and game premieres.

NSW Arts Minister John Graham today officially launched IGEA’s Australia Plays 2023 research paper, authored by Professor Jeremy Brand, into our love affair with digital games.

NSW Arts Minister John Graham said:

“Almost one in five of Australia’s digital games workforce is based in NSW, contributing $136.1m to the state economy.

“The sector is as much about creative expression, graphic design, computer engineering, musical composition, and performance as it is about the fun it gives to a huge audience.

“This will be an unforgettable experience for each of the NSW studios who will get the chance to make valuable contacts and discover the latest in gaming technology and innovation to help grow their business.”

Chaos Theory Games Executive Creative Director Nico King said:

“We are looking to grow the original IP side of our business and see Gamescom as a vital platform to help achieve this.

“We recently launched our first original IP, Crab God: Mother of the Tide, so want to connect with players, partners, and publishers at Gamescom. We also have an unannounced VR game that we will be showing to publishers and platform holders.

“We are dedicated to showcasing how games can serve as a vehicle for meaningful change and hope to inspire others to join us in our mission.”

Epiphany Games CEO Morgan Lead said:

“Australia is geographically isolated so for small studios like ours this is one of the key marketing and engagement activities of the year.

“We have a skilled team working hard on our new titles with plans to grow further and double our revenue.

“By attending Gamescom we can introduce our new game to a large number of people, receive feedback and further deepen ties with publishers and partners from around the globe.”

Sweaty Chair CEO Brian Zou said:

“We cannot wait to introduce our new game that we are working on with MasterTingus and promoting Australian talent to a global stage.

“We want to create deeper ties within the industry, understand the market better, seek out funding and find out more collaboration opportunities in Europe.”

NSW emergency services are getting ready for a potentially dangerous bushfire season with a multi-agency training exercise at the State Emergency Operations Centre at Rural Fire Service (RFS) headquarters at Homebush in western Sydney.

The 2-day exercise is designed to help keep communities safe and is part of a range of initiatives underway to ensure emergency services are prepared and working together to ensure all available resources are ready to respond during bushfires.

Exercise Alinta involves more than 120 participants responding to simulated fire activity across NSW, applying procedures and operational systems responsible for deploying firefighters and aircraft, fire warnings and information sharing to help protect communities.

It is part of a broader program the Minns Government is implementing to ready NSW emergency services for the bushfire season, including a $10 million boost for mobile hazard reduction crews and deployment of a new Chinook water-bombing helicopter to assist in aerial firefighting efforts.

Specialist staff from the RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry, Education and Transport for NSW will participate in the collaborative exercise at Sydney Olympic Park.

Exercise Alinta takes place ahead of an expected return to fire conditions this summer, and a week after the start of the Bush Fire Danger Period in 6 Local Government Areas in the state’s north.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our emergency services are planning ahead so they will be ready to respond in what could be a challenging bushfire season, coming hot on the heels of 3 years of high rainfall and vegetation growth.

“Days like today are an important opportunity to fine tune the skills and processes necessary to protect the people of NSW, from public warnings and resource deployment to aircraft coordination and logistics.

“The community should be reassured that our frontline services are preparing to swing into action should it be needed, coordinating a major response effort from our world-class State Emergency Operations Centre.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Exercise Alinta is based on real-time weather experienced during the 2019–2020 bushfire season, putting staff to the test against some of the most difficult conditions ever seen in NSW.

“Our rural fire and emergency services are among the world’s best at tackling bushfires. Simulations like this help us prepare so that when bushfires occur our crews including volunteers are well supported to protect communities across the state.

“It’s imperative we prepare ourselves for any emergency as best we can. A re-creation of events and simulated exercise now, will help at the time when the bushfires are here for real.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:

“This exercise will demonstrate the diverse nature of our work and the many skills required to coordinate major incidents.

“It’s been 3 years since the devastating fires which saw many NSW communities impacted by fire, and with a return to hot and dry conditions this summer, we’re getting ready for the increased risk – and it’s important that the community gets ready too.”

Find out more about the Bush Fire Danger Periodlaunch.

Young people in regional NSW will enjoy free cultural, creative and performing arts workshops during the upcoming Spring and Summer holidays, through the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program. 

Thirty-one workshop providers will share in $680,000 to deliver inspiring programs from Bega to Byron Bay and Broken Hill, providing young people (aged 12-24yrs) with opportunities to learn new skills, express themselves through performing and creative arts, and connect with culture.  

A wide range of workshops – including dance and physical theatre, drama, storytelling, music, and Aboriginal arts and cultural programs – will take place in 25 towns across regional NSW during the upcoming 2023 NSW Spring holiday (25 September – 6 October 2023) and Summer holiday (20 December 2023 – 29 January 2024) breaks. 

Now in its second year, the Create NSW Holiday Break Program, delivered in partnership with the Office of Regional Youth, is designed to increase regional participation in arts and culture and promote equity for all young people in NSW. Since it began the program has engaged hundreds of young people to spark their imagination and express their creativity. 

The 2023/24 program includes $200,000 funding targeted to four Aboriginal creative and cultural programs, to strengthen deep cultural connections between Aboriginal young people and their Elders and cultural knowledge holders and to keep culture strong in communities. 

Minister for the Arts John Graham said: 

“It is important the arts are available to everyone, regardless of postcode. The Holiday Break Program is about equity in access to the arts no matter where you live in NSW. These workshops can build confidence and instil a lifelong love of the creative and performing arts. 

“Creative expression and connection with culture has a powerful and positive impact on young people. This program has been life changing for young people, giving them access to high-quality creative programs led by professionals, while removing the barriers of access in terms of distance and cost. 

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said: 

“The Create NSW program is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program, providing young people across regional NSW with opportunities to connect, learn new skills and have fun during the school holidays.

“We know how expensive it can be for parents and carers to find things to do during school breaks so it’s important that the events and activities on offer are free to help ease some of that financial pressure for regional families.”

“The activities are designed to cover a broad range of interests. Every young person in regional NSW should be able to access fun and engaging activities regardless of where they live. We want to help remove barriers for young people in regional locations who want to try new things.”

Holiday Break Program First Nations Projects recipient – Lorrayne Fishenden, Managing Director, 2 Rivers (Project Title: Embracing the Dreamtime) said:

“The funding that has been granted to our team is an incredible opportunity. The programs we will deliver have been designed to help young people explore what it means to be their best selves, with guidance from some of the most inspiring cultural leaders around. 

“With figures like Mark Atkins, Buddy Knox, Nardi Simpson, and Nate Weatherall on board, we are confident that the youth who participate in our programs will come away with a newfound appreciation for the arts and a deeper understanding of their own cultural identity.

“Our hope is that this program will be a catalyst for change, inspiring young people to pursue their passions and explore the many different pathways that are available to them. From taster sessions that allow them to dip their toes in the water, to more in-depth workshops and mentoring opportunities, we want to provide a range of options that will help them to grow and develop as artists and individuals. With this funding, we are excited to see what the future holds for our team and the community.”

Holiday Break Program recipient – Jonathan Christley, General Manager, Circus Monoxide (Project Title: Newly Arrived Circus) said:

“Newly arrived migrants and refugees who are learning English often have multiple barriers to participation in the arts. Circus has been used in refugee camps overseas to help young people deal with trauma, frustration, and isolation. Our program aims to provide a positive social experience where they can express themselves through their bodies. 

“The Holiday Break Program allows us a fully supported opportunity to engage with newly arrived teenagers and offers them a way to express themselves and develop their skills. We’re delighted to be able to deliver this training through the Holiday Break Program.”

For more information about art and cultural funding opportunities available through Create NSW visit create.nsw.gov.au.

The 2023/24 Create NSW Holiday Break Program recipients are:

Barwon/Broken Hill/Far West

Spring Holidays

•Broken Hill: Drama Workshops: The House That Dan Built Incorporated – Write It, Sing It, Animate It ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Dareton: First Nations Workshops: Barkindji Maraura Elders Environment Team Ltd – BMEET Cultural Arts Youth Program ($50,000)

Central Coast

Summer Holidays

•Gosford – Music Workshops: Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Inc – Music 4 Life Summer Camp ($20,000)

• Wyong – Drama Workshops: Central Coast Arts Limited – Play at The Art House – Holiday Program ($20,000)

Central West

Spring Holidays

•Lithgow – Storytelling Workshops: Blue Mountains Artists Company – Greater Blue Mountains Creative Arts Network Podcasting Workshop ($10,000)

• Mudgee – Storytelling Workshops: Cr Sam Paine – Zine Machine ($10,000)

Hunter

Spring Holidays

•Lake Macquarie – Drama Workshops: Tantrum Youth Arts Co-op Ltd – Tantrum Youth Arts presents ‘Making Theatre!’ ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Lake Macquarie: Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: Flipside Dance Inc – Next Gen! Youth Program ($20,000)

New England

Summer Holidays

• Tamworth – First Nations Workshops: 2 Rivers Pty Ltd – Embracing the Dreamtime ($50,000)

Northern Rivers/North Coast

Spring Holidays

•Ballina: Storytelling Workshops: Queer Family Inc – Rainbow Creatives Junior ($10,000)

•Byron: Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: – Spaghetti Circus – Youth Circus Holiday Camp ($20,000)

•Murwillumbah – Music Workshops: Tweed Shire Council – Supertonic Songwriters – growing young contemporary musicians in the Tweed ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Murwillumbah: Storytelling workshop – Poets Out Loud SLAM CAMP ($10,000)

• Yamba: Dance workshop – Angourie Dance Youth Project – Angourie Dance Youth Project will present Summer Holiday Program 2024 ($20,000)

Orana

Spring Holidays

•Dubbo – Dance Workshops: Dubbo Ballet Studio Spring Workshop ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Warrumbungle – Drama Workshops: Orana Arts Inc – Outreach Theatre Camp with ATYP ($20,000)

•Wellington – Music Workshops: Wellington Information and Neighbourhood Services Inc – WINS Youth Songwriting and Recording Project, ($20,000)

Riverina

Spring Holidays

•Griffith – First Nations Workshops: Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation – Ngumbaaydyil Spring Holiday Youth Cultural Camp ($50,000)

•Wagga Wagga – Drama Workshops (18-24yrs): Voices of Women – Young Women’s Wollundry Riverina Drama Camp ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

• Wagga Wagga – Dance and Physical Theatre Workshops: Wagga Wagga City Council – Summer Circus Camp ($20,000)

•Albury – First Nations Arts and Cultural workshop – Giilanyaldhaanygalang Pty Ltd – Albury Wodonga First Nations Youth Ngumbaaydyil ($50,000)

Southern Tablelands

Spring Holidays

•Queanbeyan: Dance and Physical Theatre Workshops: High Kix Pty Ltd – Spring in your Step II ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Goulburn – Drama Workshops: Goulburn Mulwaree Council – Voices of the Big Empty – Regional Youth Drama Camp ($20,000)

•Yass: Music Workshops:  Hume Conservatorium of Music Ltd – Regional Youth Music Workshop & Camp ($20,000)

Southern Highlands/Illawarra

Spring Holidays

•Bowral- Music Workshops: Vocal Muster Academy Ltd – 100% Home Grown Youth – Vocal Muster and Highland FM ($20,000)

•Shellharbour – Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: Precarious Inc Circus Monoxide – Newly Arrived Circus ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Bombaderry – Drama Workshops – Nic Nac Theatre Company (JE Gallenca & AM McDonald) – Acting for Screen ($20,000)

•Bowral: Music Workshops: Music River Road Interactive Learning Pty Ltd – Tune into the Music ($20,000)

South Coast

Spring Holidays

•Bega – Storytelling Workshops: Bega Valley Shire Council – Funhouse Zine Holiday workshops ($10,000)

Summer Holidays

•Bega – Storytelling Workshops: FBi Radio – All The Best Audio Storytelling Workshops ($10,000)

•Bega – Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: FLING Physical Theatre Inc – FLING Regional Youth Arts Explosion 2024 ($20,000)

More than 130 affordable homes could be on the way for North Ryde, following the NSW Government’s approved changes to Landcom’s development plans at Lachlan’s Line.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the modified plans would double the floor area of the project on the basis it would be used for 100% affordable housing.

“The Minns Government is delivering on its commitment to tackle the housing crisis by streamlining planning, unlocking infrastructure, boosting housing supply and supporting the delivery of more affordable housing across NSW,” Mr Scully said.

“This Landcom project will deliver more affordable homes that more people can afford close to key amenities as well as 2 train stations at North Ryde and Macquarie Park.

“The updated concept proposal brings the total gross floor area from 5413sqm to 10,263sqm once the buildings on the site are used entirely for affordable housing.”

Mr Scully said the project will provide additional affordable housing for low to moderate income households giving more people the chance to live and work within Ryde.

“Landcom is partnering with Link Wentworth Housing to deliver these homes for up to 270 new residents including health-workers, child-care workers and teachers.

“Ryde has a growing number of key workers, so providing high-quality, accessible and affordable housing is crucial.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said the ambitious project demonstrates Landcom’s commitment to tackling the housing affordability crisis as part of a whole of government effort.

“Housing supply and affordability are our highest priorities. We are increasing housing stock across the board with a range of innovative partnerships to deliver increased affordability,” Mr Wendler said.

Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said we are delighted to be working with Landcom on this critical affordable housing project and the confirmation of the new streamlined planning pathways could not be better timed.

“This project is a great example of how NSW can get projects ‘shovel ready’. It will work with the proposed Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) or other revenues such as the Housing Accelerator to ensure 100% of these homes become permanent affordable housing for generations to come,” Mr McAnulty said.

Lachlan’s Line forms the northern end of the North Ryde Station Precinct which was rezoned for high-density residential development, mixed-use development and public open space in 2013.

The former industrial area will supply approximately 2700 homes near 2 metro stations, a bus interchange and the M2 Motorway.

Landcom selected Link Wentworth Housing to partner with and provide the affordable dwellings.

Find out more about Lachlan’s Linelaunch.