Category: NSW News

All public school students from years 5 to 12 will soon have access to the Department of Education’s purpose-built, state-of-the-art generative AI app following a successful trial in 50 schools.

The NSW Government will roll out NSWEduChat to all schools from the start of Term 4, ensuring public school students are equipped with the necessary skills and technology to thrive as 21st century learners.

As the sophistication and use of generative artificial intelligence rapidly grows, access to the curriculum-aligned NSWEduChat will enable students to build AI literacy and skills in a safe environment where content is filtered and their data is secure.

The expansion will also help to bridge the digital divide by ensuring all students have equal access to this free education tool in the classroom.

Principals from trial schools strongly support its expansion, having found NSWEduChat to be a valuable tool for fostering independent learning, critical thinking, and student engagement. 

Students in the trial said it helped them understand their work better, develop their writing skills and break down complex tasks. 

Crucially, NSWEduChat does not reveal full answers to students. Instead of providing direct answers like some other AI applications, it encourages critical thinking by asking guided questions and inviting students to reason on the outcome of their questions. 

Top five uses of NSWEduChat by students in the trial:

• General feedback on writing
• Brainstorming support for tasks
• Virtual assistant, including supporting planning to complete assessment tasks, prepare for exams, etc
• Consolidating learning e.g. prompting NSWEduChat with content from lesson and asking it to generate a quiz
• Planning and structuring written responses

A separate NSWEduChat platform for teachers was rolled out to all schools earlier this year, with surveys showing it streamlines their workload and saves time in producing classroom resources to meet different ability levels.

In addition to this tool, the Department is launching Lesson Library, a new online platform providing streamlined access to quality curriculum resources written by NSW teachers, for NSW teachers, to help them deliver lessons aligned to the new knowledge-rich NSW syllabuses and explicit teaching.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The development of this safe, curriculum-aligned tool shows the power of our public education system to deliver world-leading innovation to classrooms across NSW.

“Generative AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, and through NSWEduChat we are helping our students to safely and responsibly build the digital literacy that will set them up for success in the jobs of the future.

“By making our free and effective AI tool available to all year five to 12 students, we are levelling the playing field when it comes to AI education in the classroom and ensuring that our educators, staff and students are at the forefront of emerging technologies.”

Bombala and surrounding communities are invited to provide feedback and learn more about the Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion, at a series of community consultation sessions in October.

The NSW and Australian Governments have committed $40 million for the project to deliver improved access to residential aged care services in Bombala, to help meet the current and future healthcare needs of the region.

Planning is progressing for the project which is expected to deliver 20 additional aged care beds, which will provide a significant boost to aged care accommodation in Bombala and surrounding areas.

The new aged care spaces will be designed to ensure comfort, safety and dignity for patients, within a welcoming, home-like environment. Planning for new staff accommodation is also underway to help attract and retain healthcare professionals in the region.

In October, Health Infrastructure and Southern NSW Local Health District, together with Nordon Jago Architects, will host a 2-hour community workshop to gain local insights and feedback that will help shape planning for the new facility and experience of residents.

The Bombala community can also attend an online presentation and Q&A or drop-in information session giving residents an opportunity to meet members of the project team, ask questions and learn more about the Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion.

Feedback can also be provided via an interactive online survey until Thursday 23 October 2025.

The project is being delivered by Southern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

Dates and locations:

Monday 13 October, 6.00pm to 7.00pm: Online community presentation and Q&A, registration is essential.

Tuesday 14 October, anytime between 3.00pm to 5.00pm:  Drop-in information stall, outside Bombala IGA.

Wednesday 15 October, 10.00am to 12.00pm: Community workshop, Bombala Library. Registration is essential and attendees must be available to attend for the 2-hour workshop.

To register interest in attending the workshop, or to complete the online survey visit Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion.

For more information about the Bombala MPS expansion, visit Bombala Multipurpose Service Expansion or email hi-bombalamps@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“It’s exciting to see planning for the Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion progressing, helping to deliver a patient-focused facility for Bombala and surrounding communities.

“Feedback and valuable input from patients, families, carers, staff and community members will be integral in helping shape the design of this new facility that will improve access to residential aged care services.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“Older people should be able to get care wherever they live, and this is another step forward to delivering enhanced services for Bombala and surrounding communities.

“I encourage everyone to attend one of the upcoming community information sessions and speak with the project team to learn more about the expansion, to ensure the facility reflects the needs and priorities of our community.

“The Bombala Multipurpose Service expansion will boost access to quality aged care services in the community, while also supporting the broader health care needs of the whole community.”

The Minns Labor Government has accepted every recommendation of the Independent Rail Review into Sydney Trains, announcing an overhaul to maintenance, incident management and passenger communications after the system’s failings caused two days of chaos for commuters in May.

The Independent Rail Review is a sobering read. It makes clear the performance of Sydney’s rail system is not where it needs to be.

It’s important the community sees it in full which is why we are releasing the Review in full and acting on every recommendation.

The Review, commissioned after the 20 May 2025 overhead wiring failure at Homebush, was led by Dr Kerry Schott AO, Carolyn Walsh, and Trevor Armstrong.

It examined the cause of the incident, the impact of recent repair and fleet investment, and whether passenger communications were adequate during major disruptions.

The Review found that:

• The overhead wire which failed had been identified as a risk in 2020 but was never entered into Sydney Trains’ defect management system and not repaired.
• The fault caused city-wide disruption, with the impact spreading across multiple lines.
• Recovery of services was far too slow, including a three-hour operation to detrain passengers.
• Communication with passengers and within the Rail Operations Centre (ROC) was inadequate, contributing to confusion and delay.

The Government has accepted all 12 recommendations of the Review and will implement them with clear timelines and accountability measures.

This will be supported by an investment of $458.4 million over four years.

Key actions in response to the Review include:

1. Maintenance overhaul and rapid response repair teams

• Sydney Trains will declare “maintenance critical zones” on the network, starting with the Homebush–Strathfield corridor where multiple lines converge.
• An additional four-year $423.4 million asset renewal program will upgrade track, signals, overhead wiring and drainage in flood-prone areas. Just over $41 million will be spent this financial year.
• A dedicated $35 million reliability program is being spent this financial year to fast-track repairs in these high-priority areas, covering overhead wiring, track, signalling and power systems.
• In a significant change, Sydney Trains will move from time-based to risk-based maintenance, targeting areas with the greatest impact on network reliability.
• Two new rapid incident response teams will be established, based at Redfern (by late 2025) and Homebush (by early 2026).
• Two teams of 32 skilled staff will be rostered from 3am to 10pm to cover both the morning and evening peaks.
• These teams will be deployed during major incidents and special events to minimise disruption and restore services faster.

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from October 2025

2. Technology upgrades

• Annual digital scans of the overhead wiring network have already been introduced, detecting 126 points of risk since May, all of which have been addressed.
• Sydney Trains will roll out new laser hand-held devices by December 2025. These devices check wire thickness and will replace binocular inspections and significantly improve accuracy.

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from December 2025

3. Reforming the Rail Operations Centre

• A new Executive Director of Incident Response and Service Recovery has been appointed
• A Crisis Management Team model is now in place, with simplified command structures to end “decision by committee”.
• Incident management procedures are being simplified, and new contingency timetables will be developed to allow faster recovery when the system is disrupted

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from December 2025

4. Passenger communications and care

• Sydney Trains will implement a new systems so passengers receive clearer information on platforms, in apps and on trains when services are disrupted
• Opal Travel App alerts will be triggered automatically when major incidents occur, with a campaign to encourage more users to opt in
• Passenger Care and Support teams will be established to provide assistance at stations or on-board trains during incidents

TIMEFRAME: Underway. Next steps from December 2025

5. Fleet and workforce improvements

• The new Mariyung intercity fleet will enter service on the Blue Mountains Line in October 2025, followed by the South Coast Line in 2026, replacing older V-Sets
• The existing $447 million Tangara Life Extension Program will refurbish 445 carriages, extending their life and improving safety, disability compliance and onboard information systems
• Sydney Trains will also recruit additional train crew in 2026 to address staff shortages that have caused cancellations and delays on intercity services

TIMEFRAME: Ongoing

The Independent Rail Review is available here

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The people of Sydney expect a safe and reliable rail network — and right now, it’s not up to scratch.

“The Review makes tough reading for the Government and will be disappointing for those 1.1 million people who rely on Sydney Trains every day. Even more so for commuters who were inconvenienced, or even stranded, on trains and platforms that day.

“This Review shows just how much work there is to do, and we’re determined to get on with it.

“Incidents are inevitable from time to time on a rail network the size and age of Sydney’s, but the missteps and mishandling of the response ensured two days of chaos on our city’s public transport system when a well-managed response could – and should – have limited disruption to one day.

“A well-managed rail maintenance program could – and should – have fixed this fault after it was detected and prevented the disruption affecting so many.

“I want to thank the Reviewers for their work. The Government is accepting all their recommendations and Sydney Trains and Transport for NSW will now have specific timelines to implement the improvements needed.

Construction has begun on Moruya High School’s brand new $7 million support unit, while another $13 million in upgrades is on the way for the school as part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education and ensure students in regional NSW have access to every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The new support unit will contain seven permanent support classrooms with practical activities areas, breakout spaces, an outdoor play area, a covered outdoor learning area (COLA), accessible toilet and change rooms, laundry, kitchen, and staff room and a new access road with undercover drop-off area and car-parking facilities for the precinct.

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland turned the first sod to mark the start of construction on the project, which is due for completion by Term 2 next year, replacing five demountables.

The new support unit will benefit and better support students with disabilities, ensuring all students have access to the same educational opportunities.

Moruya High School is also one of the 33 schools across NSW to receive a share of a $100 million investment from the NSW Government as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) partner schools program.   

Under the program, Moruya High School will receive facility upgrades to accommodate increased enrolments, broaden educational opportunities and facilitate the delivery of tailored HPGE course offerings. The work will include:

• Upgrades to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classrooms, Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) classrooms and music room, performance area and sound studio.
• Sports court upgrade including new court surface, fencing and line marking
• Updating the science lab, library and administration buildings.
• Installing air conditioning across the school.
• Improvements to senior lockers, a new covered walkway and automated front gate.

These upgrades will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities that promise to challenge all students to achieve their full potential.

In addition to the new support unit and HPGE upgrades at Moruya High School, families in the Bega area can look forward to improved public schools under the Minns Labor Government, including HPGE upgrades at Batemans Bay High School and a new school hall for Mogo Public School.

This work is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education, with a record $2.1 billion in the 2025-26 Budget for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“This much-needed support unit is a major investment in the future of public education for families in Moruya and provides local students with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering vital school upgrades our students need to thrive, whether through modern support classrooms or specialist facilities to deliver High Potential and Gifted opportunities. These upgrades are all about ensuring local students have access to every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“Moruya High School is one of 33 schools across the state to benefit from our HPGE program delivering upgrades to facilitate high potential and gifted education opportunities in every public school.” 

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“I am delighted to see construction underway on the $7 million fit-for-purpose support unit at Moruya High School. This project represents a major investment in our community and a vital upgrade to support students with disabilities and additional needs.

“The new facility will replace five ageing demountables with a modern, purpose-built precinct featuring seven permanent classrooms, practical learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and improved accessibility. This will provide students with the safe and supportive environment they deserve.

“Every student should have the same opportunity to reach their potential. This support unit will not only enhance learning but also ensure that families in Moruya and across the region know their children are being given the best chance to thrive.”

Principal Moruya High School Mark English said:

“I am very excited to get this wonderful purpose-built facility that will provide outstanding opportunities for our staff to meet the needs of our students in a support setting.

“Building this support unit will provide equity for our students so they can prosper and grow to be the best they can be.

“I am thrilled to get the HPGE funding to upgrade our facilities to support our HPGE initiatives at Moruya High School. All of our students will have access to world class performance facilities and learning spaces so they can learn and develop in all domains of HPGE.”

The community has been given its first look at the design for the state-of-the-art new Bankstown Hospital, part of a record investment to deliver enhanced healthcare and facilities for South-West Sydney communities.

While this is an important milestone, the Government has also made it clear we have work to do when it comes to health in Western Sydney.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital to help meet the future healthcare needs of our fast-growing and diverse community.

The concept designs showcase the new multi-storey building, which will house acute services including emergency, operating theatres and inpatient wards, enhancing access to healthcare services.

The design also features the hospital’s emergency department entry and main entry plaza, which will include green space and connect seamlessly with its Chapel Road location in Bankstown’s city centre, close to bus and train services and the future Sydney Metro.

The vibrant, city-shaping design ensures inpatient wards on the upper levels have maximum light and views, while the ground levels are well-connected to the nearby city.

The project is currently in the early planning stage, which has been informed by consultation with more than 1,000 staff, patients and community members through workshops, surveys and information sessions.

As part of the 2025-26 State Budget, the Minns Labor Government announced an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, bringing the total investment to $2 billion, making it the largest single capital works investment in a public hospital in the state’s history.

Scope of the new Bankstown Hospital will be finalised through the planning process but is anticipated to include:

• Emergency department
• Operating theatres
• Intensive care
• Surgical and medical services
• Health services for women and children including maternity
• Mental health
• Ambulatory care
• Aged health
• New multi-storey car park and on-ground parking
• Other clinical services to be defined as planning progresses

In the coming months, further opportunities for staff and the community to provide feedback are planned to help inform the ongoing planning and design of the new hospital.

The NSW Government is also investing $100 million to relocate the TAFE NSW Bankstown campus to enable construction of the new hospital.

TAFE NSW will relocate most of its training delivery to the new Western Sydney University Tower, across the road from the existing Bankstown campus. This will ensure local staff and students can still access brand new facilities and bespoke teaching and learning spaces in the heart of the Bankstown CBD.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget includes $1.3 billion of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities across Western Sydney including:  

• Additional State funding of $90 million to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services as part of the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with a further $120 million announced by the Commonwealth Government towards new the Rouse Hill Hospital development;
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
• $492 million to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus;
• $40.1 million to fit out level 13 of the new Paediatric Services Building at Westmead in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
• $22.3 million to establish a new paediatric hospice at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals. The new Bankstown Hospital is being delivered by South Western Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure.

For more information on the New Bankstown Hospital and to provide feedback visit: http://nsw.gov.au/newbankstownhospital

Premier Chris Minns:

“We know that Western Sydney hospitals have been under significant pressure, and while this investment is a major step forward, there’s still more work to do to ensure patients and staff get the facilities and support they deserve.”

“This is the largest single capital works investment in a public hospital in NSW’s history. It’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to Western Sydney — but it’s also just part of the work we have ahead of us.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re getting on with the job to deliver this world-class health facility, tailored to address the future health care needs of the growing Bankstown community.

“Staff and community consultation is an essential part of the planning and design process and I’m so grateful for our hard-working health staff and clinicians who’ve already provided valuable input.”

Jihad Dib, Member for Bankstown:

“Located in the heart of the Bankstown CBD, near the university and close to transport, including the future Sydney Metro, the new Bankstown Hospital will provide job opportunities and the highest level of care for our community.”

Kylie Wilkinson, Member for East Hills:

“We’re building this brand new health care facility in Bankstown from the ground up, ensuring its design reflects the needs of our community.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“The new Bankstown Hospital will transform healthcare for South-West communities by providing contemporary healthcare services and facilities, while also helping to attract and retain staff through modern, purpose-built health infrastructure.”

Consultation is now open and Transport for NSW is seeking feedback from road users and the community on their experiences travelling along and accessing the M1 Princes Motorway between Picton Road and the base of Mount Ousley.

The Albanese and Minns governments have jointly committed $10 million towards planning for options to improve the safety and reliability of this five-kilometre section of the M1 Princes Motorway.

Site investigations will be carried out in coming months and will be used in conjunction with community feedback to inform planning and development of upgrade options.

Early investigations may include Aboriginal heritage and cultural investigations, biodiversity and environmental studies, traffic studies, surveys, and utility and geotechnical investigations.

Transport for NSW will use data gathered from early investigations and feedback received from the community to develop a number of options.

Transport will continue to keep the community informed as updates on the project are available. Transport will collate and consider the feedback received during the have your say consultation period and prepare a summary outlining what we heard by early 2026.

Feedback can be provided up until 11.59pm on Monday 20 October 2025 by visiting www.transport.nsw.gov.au/mtousleysri  

Funding for delivery of improvements will be sought after the planning is complete.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

“The Albanese and Minns governments are committed to improving the safety, reliability and resilience of the road corridor connecting the Illawarra region and Greater Metropolitan Sydney via the M1 Princes Motorway and Picton Road / Hume Motorway.

“With both the construction of the Mount Ousley interchange and planning for the Picton Road upgrade well underway, we are looking at what improvements can be made to the five-kilometre stretch of the M1 Princes Motorway in between.

“Community feedback will play a vital role in the development of options to improve this stretch of road and we encourage all road users and local residents to share their experiences.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Mount Ousley and Picton Road play crucial roles in passenger and freight movements in and out of the Illawarra.

“Over the coming years freight movements will grow and so too will the number of people travelling from south-west Sydney to the Illawarra for jobs and recreation so it is important that we understand motorists experiences when planning future upgrades.

“Over the coming months site investigations will take place to understand the existing site conditions and this will be coupled with feedback from the community to better inform the development of upgrade options.”

Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:

“We are working hard across all levels of government to ensure that our road corridors are safer and more reliable.

“As part of this, it is vital that the community’s voice is heard so that the changes we make see the best outcome for community.

“We have been listening to that feedback already as part of the Mount Ousley Interchange project, and I am pleased that the Australian and NSW governments are actively listening to the community for the ongoing work that needs to be done throughout this corridor.

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our work so far, and I look forward to continuing to work constructively across government and community to modernise our roads and make them safer for the future.”

Train passengers and staff will be less at risk from lithium-ion battery fires as a result of a ban on converted e-bikes on the NSW rail network.

Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors. These have higher risk of electrical failure due and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components. 

Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted, however Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely. The decision will not apply to travel on concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will not be impacted. 

The growing popularity of e-bikes has meant a greater prevalence on our train network. Due to the risk of e-bike lithium-ion batteries igniting, and the additional risk posed by poorly made and modified devices, it will be illegal to take a converted e-bike on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services from 1 November.

Carriage of a restricted converted e-bike would carry a penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units ($1,110). This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises. Ahead of the ban coming into effect, passengers are being asked not to bring any converted e-bikes on these services.

The move comes after extensive consultation with the rail and fire authorities, unions, e-bike users, delivery services, shared scheme operators and passengers. That engagement included a Transport for NSW Have Your Say consultation that received around 3000 responses, and a ministerial reference group with key stakeholders. We thank all parties who took part in the consultation.

Transport has been monitoring the risk of lithium-ion fires after two recent e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August, Blacktown Station in April (which involved a converted e-bike) and on a Melbourne suburban train in March. So far this year Fire and Rescue NSW have reported 77 e-micromobility related lithium-ion battery fires.

To support the ban of converted e-bikes on trains, Transport will provide additional training for staff, conduct hotspot blitzes, and increase public messaging about the fire risk of modified devices.

To improve standards across all e-bikes, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government requesting their support in strengthening Australia’s approach to the safety of e-devices, to ensure that all devices imported, sold and used in Australia are safe and fit for purpose.

The NSW Government recognises the increasingly important role e-micromobility devices will play in the future of public transport, including the ability to mode shift and complete the ‘last mile’ between metro and train stations and destinations. In order to safely integrate e-bikes the government is currently drafting legislation to better regulate shared devices.
 
Minster for Transport John Graham said:

“We take the safety of our rail passengers and staff very seriously which is why we are taking the highest risk e-bikes out of train carriages.

“The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far. Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step, but we will watch this space very closely and take further action if necessary.

“E-bikes are becoming more popular and playing an increasing role in our transport network. Our aim is to allow people to enjoy their advantages whilst keeping everyone safe.

“It’s a timely reminder ahead of Christmas – if you’re thinking of getting an e-bike, take a look at the Fair Trading website and look for a quality bike, to make sure you’re investing in safety.” 

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Electronic devices have transformed the way we live, work, and commute – but without boundaries, some have also introduced new risks and the potential to disrupt our safe rail operations. 

“This isn’t a matter of jumping at shadows. Our safety experts have been monitoring this emerging situation very closely, and we’re taking a sensible approach in consultation with our rail and transport operators. 

“We urge people to purchase good quality e-bikes that comply with minimum product safety standards and avoid any modification to their bike. 

“Put simply, the idea of blocked aisles, confined spaces and battery fires from risky devices don’t mix.” 

The Minns Labor Government has released the state’s most advanced Biosecurity Action Plan to protect landscapes, livestock and crops from pests, weeds and biosecurity threats to ensure our $20 billion per annum primary industries sector can increase its economic growth.

Australia and NSW are under pressure from complex and costly biosecurity threats, and it is critical that the state’s biosecurity system is strong, effective and responsive now and into the future.

The Minns Government has made it clear that strengthening the state’s resilience and protection against biosecurity threats is a priority. This has been demonstrated by establishing NSW’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and $1.05 billion funding in this year’s budget.

To ensure that NSW has the best biosecurity system available the Minns Government has commissioned a comprehensive review of biosecurity programs, governance and performance.

In a two-pronged approach the Natural Resources Commission reviewed invasive species management, and the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner examined compliance, enforcement and governance performance to recommend improvements for pest and weed management.

In response to these reviews, the Minns Government has designed a system wide improvement that will be guided through the new Biosecurity Action Plan over 2025 and 2026 to enable swift and effective work that includes the following:

• Establish a State Biosecurity Committee to enable a more rapid and better coordinated cross-government approach to biosecurity, and response to outbreaks and emergencies. The Committee will also produce a State Biosecurity Strategy that all government agencies will play a role in implementing.
• Strengthen surveillance, diagnostics and emergency responses by training 200 additional staff to respond to biosecurity emergencies, increase research efforts and upgrade the state’s primary biosecurity research centre.
• Improve biosecurity compliance across industries and landholders by enhancing the Government’s efforts in inspections, audits, investigations and enforcement.
• Implement a new statewide invasive species plan delivering multi-year resourcing, better coordination of agencies’ programs, and prioritise reduction of biosecurity risks at a landscape scale.
• Transition to a $40.7 million four-year Weeds Action Program that provides greater certainty for Local Control Authorities and improves weed management outcomes.
• Increase education and awareness for businesses, land managers and producers so they better understand their biosecurity responsibilities with clear regulatory guidelines.

The Biosecurity Action Plan NSW can be found here.

The NSW Government’s response to the NRC’s report is available on the NRC’s website and the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner’s reports and the Government’s responses can be found at the Commissioner’s website.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Biosecurity is a Minns Government priority and we are now releasing this Biosecurity Action Plan to further evolve the state’s system to become the best available and leading the way not just in Australia but globally.

“While we have already delivered the state’s first independent Biosecurity Commissioner, the first feral pig coordinator, a historic $1.05 billion in funding and $40.7 million, four-year funding for the Weeds Action Program, we know there is more work to do.

“The former Government left our biosecurity system in a terrible mess and underfunded, and the Minns Government has stepped up to increase funding and brought in expert advice to reform this critical area of endeavour.

“This highly practical and measurable plan demonstrates our commitment to protecting our primary industries from biosecurity threats, by strengthening our surveillance and compliance, boosting research, and increasing support for farmers and landholders.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and this Action Plan frames how government agencies, businesses and private landholders can better comply with their biosecurity duties and build the most effective biosecurity system possible.

“While we have been developing this plan, the Minns Government has got on with the job of cracking down on non-compliant businesses, eradicating feral pigs and giving regional councils the funding they need to combat noxious weeds plaguing paddocks and riverbanks.”

Darren Cleary will be the new Chief Executive of Sydney Water, ushering in a new era of strategic planning and delivery for the organisation.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the sustainable future of our water systems and keeping Sydney Water in public hands.

As one of the state’s most important publicly owned utilities, Sydney Water will continue to deliver essential services from every household and business across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.

With proven success in operational excellence and environmental stewardship, Mr Cleary emerged as the clear candidate to lead Sydney Water.

Mr Cleary brings decades of experiences in the water utility sector, including more than ten years in executive leadership.

As Chief Executive of Hunter Water since 2020, Mr Cleary successfully improved water security for the region through investment in the Belmont Desalination plant, creation of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan and delivery of a $1 billion capital program.

Mr Cleary will begin in the role from 17 November. 

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“I’m thrilled to announce the appointment of Darren Cleary and look forward to watching Sydney Water thrive under his leadership.

“As a trusted public face with a wealth of experience, the future of Sydney Water as a reliable, sustainable, customer-focused organisation is in good hands with Darren.

“I’d also like to thank Paul Plowman who has been Acting Chief Executive since March for his service.”

Chair of the Sydney Water Board, the Hon. Niall Blair said:

“After a comprehensive recruitment process, the board was excited to recommend Darren Cleary to Minister Jackson for appointment as CEO.  He was stand out candidate amongst a very high calibre field of applicants.

“As a former employee of Sydney Water, Darren is no stranger to our organisation and we warmly welcome him back. With a decade of executive leadership in the Water sector in NSW, he joins us at a critical time as we embark on our extensive capital infrastructure program and continue to deliver on the needs of our 5.4 million customers who rely on our water services every day.

“The board also appreciates and thanks Paul Plowman for his dedication and efforts as acting CEO.”