NSW Government launches Australia’s first operational Seasonal Drought Forecast

The Minns Labor Government’s groundbreaking drought forecasting system will make its debut in this month’s State Seasonal Update, published online today.

The Government is committed to growing and protecting the state’s primary industries and assisting farmers prepare for and better understand drought is a key goal.

The innovative online web-based tool will provide essential insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders across NSW, allowing them to make informed decisions for drought preparedness, produce production and management.

The new service will provide vital insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders allowing them to make better informed decisions for drought preparedness and management.

The forecast uses rainfall and temperature data from the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal forecast in the existing Enhanced Drought Information System (EDIS) to generate the most likely drought status for up to three months ahead. 

The drought forecast will be provided along with valuable information about the certainty of the forecast and its historical performance, allowing users to better anticipate and prepare for potential drought conditions.

The drought forecast is underpinned by extensive scientific evaluation of its accuracy over the past 40 years of overlapping observations and model runs.

Future enhancements to the forecast will include location-based information and interactive online tools for accessing data.

The NSW Government remains committed to drought preparedness, by working with communities and our agricultural industry to safeguard the State against the effects of drought. 

To view the operational Seasonal Drought Forecast, please visit this website. 

To view the October State Seasonal Update, please visit this website  

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to empowering NSW farmers with innovative technology and resources to tackle climate challenges, ensuring sustainable practices and food supplies for future generations.

“The launch of this seasonal drought forecast is a significant step forward in our ability to support farmers across NSW.

“By providing timely information, we can help our agricultural community prepare for and respond to the challenges of drought.

$6.4 million for local community infrastructure projects

Communities from Inverell to Albury and Bathurst to the Northern Beaches will benefit from $6.4 million funding under the NSW Government’s latest round of Infrastructure Grants.

A women and children’s refuge, musical society, marine rescue organisation and Aboriginal youth gym are among 46 recipients to share a total of $12.75 million this financial year.

Infrastructure Grants are funded by ClubGRANTS Category 3, which directs profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects, while clubs receive a tax concession in return.

The grants support local community projects across four categories: sport and recreation, disaster readiness, community infrastructure, and arts and culture.

Key projects supported in this latest funding round include:

  • $200,000 to Tumbarumba Equine Club near the Snowy Mountains for roofing, power, lighting, water troughs and an additional disaster evacuation stock holding area for large animals
  • $270,100 to Ngarabal Aboriginal Corporation in Inverell to upgrade a gym facility to provide year-round boxing, martial arts and self defence programs for youth at risk
  • $51,600 to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for new exhibition spaces, a print workshop, expanded storage and improved environmental and safety equipment
  • $55,300 to Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association in Ashfield to install new lighting to two synthetic tennis courts
  • $70,000 to Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society for an upgrade of digital microphones
  • $187,600 to Marine Rescue Cottage Point on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to replace engines and electronics on two rescue vessels
  • $50,000 to Margaret House Refuge in Young for refurbishment of a cottage that provides a safe and welcoming environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing homelessness.

See the complete list of Infrastructure Grants Program recipients.

Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open until Monday 25 November. For more information visit Clubgrants Category 3 fund.

The NSW Government’s review into the effectiveness of ClubGRANTS is ongoing amid continuing work across government to improve integrity and public trust in grants. This is the first formal review into the scheme since 2013.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to see this round of Infrastructure Grants go to many worthy groups who work hard for their communities across the state.

“I am impressed by the many and varied ways organisations are working to benefit their communities. 

“Infrastructure Grants improve local facilities that bring people together, help them prepare for and recover from disasters, and promote participation in sport, recreation and the arts.”

NSW businesses set to shine at world-leading expo in China

The NSW Government is supporting 29 businesses across the food, drink, and health supplement sectors to exhibit their products at this week’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) – China’s premier import-focused six-day trade show.

Attracting dignitaries and exhibitors from more than 150 countries, the CIIE gives NSW businesses direct access to buyers, distributors, and prospective customers from across China.

Our largest two-way trading partner for nearly two decades, China buys and consumes more agricultural produce from NSW than any other country, which was valued at $3.6 billion in 2023/2024.  NSW’s wine exports are also continuing to ramp up following the removal of import tariffs earlier this year.

Considerable opportunities remain to grow exports even further, particularly in the food and beverage sector, where NSW is well recognised for its premium produce.

At last year’s CIIE, the NSW Government helped businesses achieve $40 million worth of export deals and the Government will once again facilitate opportunities for businesses to grow and expand.

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics from Sydney’s Northern Beaches is one of the NSW businesses to exhibit at this year’s CIIE, showcasing a range of plant-based drinks that are already available at supermarkets across Australia.

Other NSW businesses showcasing their products include Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, Australian Vintage Wines, Balance Water, and Noumi.

The CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5-10 November 2024.

For more information about the event and the full list of NSW businesses that’ll be exhibiting visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/events/china-international-import-expo-2024-shanghai/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The China International Import Expo is a leading event on the global trade calendar and offers unparalleled opportunities for NSW exporters to connect with buyers and distributors in China.

“We are excited to once again showcase the best from across NSW at this prestigious import-focused event, including meat from the Riverina, wine from the Hunter Valley, spirits from Wollongong, and health supplements made in Sydney.

“China has a strong appetite for produce made in NSW, which is globally recognised for its high quality and safety standards, with demand only set to grow.”

Mrs Toddy’s Tonics Co-Founder Sophie Todd said:

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to introduce a proudly Australian, female-led brand to China, and look forward to showcasing the Mrs Toddy’s Tonic range on the international stage.

“We know that Chinese consumers are becoming more health conscious and are turning to products with natural ingredients, so there’s enormous potential for a business like ours to establish a presence in this lucrative market.”

Light at the end of the Coffs Harbour Bypass tunnel

In a major milestone for one of regional Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.

The Coffs Harbour bypass tunnelling team working on either side of the 410-metre-long Gatelys Road Tunnel broke through the northbound tube on Monday 28 October.

Today, they have broken through the southbound tube, completing the first major phase of the three tunnels to be built as part of the bypass.

Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, with each tube capable of carrying two lanes of traffic. There will also be room to accommodate cyclists.

The Australian Government is investing $1.76 billion towards the project, with the remaining $440 million investment provided by the New South Wales Government.

In a sign of how quickly things are moving for the tunnelling teams, a breakthrough at the 320-metre-long Shephards Lane tunnel is expected in mid-April next year.

The work comes despite a traditional tunnel boring machine not being feasible for use on the short tunnels due to the mobilisation time and cost.

Workers will now start excavating the tunnel floor, carry out the permanent tunnel lining works, install drainage, build the pavement, and complete the fit-out of the mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and intelligent transport systems.

All the equipment will then be tested and commissioned before the bypass is opened to the public.

The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project.

“During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition.

“Being able to pass through from one side of this large hill to the other is a major achievement, and I look forward to the work over the next two years as the tunnels start to take their final shape.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“It’s great to see a major tunnel project in the regions that has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD. This will reduce travel times and deliver vital safety improvements.

“We see and hear regularly about tunnel projects around Sydney where tunnellers bore largely through sandstone or similar softer materials, but here in Coffs it’s been more challenging due to the material and location.

“I want to thank the project team for their hard work and commitment to delivering this critical piece of enabling transport infrastructure for the Coffs region and the entire country.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy:

“The bypass, when it opens to traffic at the end of 2026, will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work and visit.

“The tunnels are a major component of this project, and it is wonderful to see them progressing so well.”

The Minns Labor government treats Melbourne cup day as ‘garbage day’ to hide public sector failures

While the people of New South Wales enjoy the excitement of the Melbourne Cup and the Big Dance at Randwick, the Minns Labor Government is quietly treating today as their ‘Garbage Day’—hoping to bury damning results from their own public sector employee surveys.

These surveys, released today, paint a devastating picture of a public sector in crisis under Labor’s watch:

  • In the Health portfolio pay satisfaction has plummeted to a dismal 31%, with only 34% of employees believing that change is managed well
  • At NSW Ambulance, a mere 18% of employees have faith that their management will act on these survey results
  • At Transport burnout is rife, with 43% of employees reporting feeling mentally exhausted
  • Sydney Trains has seen a 6% drop in pay satisfaction and a dismal 36% approval rating on change management
  • The Premier’s Department has lost the confidence of its staff, with 45% doubting that any action will be taken on their feedback
  • The NSW Police Force faces an alarming 33% satisfaction rate with pay, and only 20% of officers believe that changes are managed effectively

The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this government is hoping that while New South Wales is focused on the races, we won’t notice the disaster they’ve made of the public sector.

“The Minns Labor Government is treating today as its ‘Garbage Day,’ trying to bury bad news in the hope it gets lost in the noise,” Mr Speakman said.

The surveys reveal what we’ve known all along—Labor can’t manage, they can’t lead, and their public servants are paying the price.

Same old Labor – headlines and ribbons won’t solve NSW’s real problems

NSW is stuck under a Premier more focused on headlines than delivery. Chris Minns, with his Labor caucus of union members from the likes of the CFMEU, ETU and the Maritime Union, is running a government of taskforces and inquiries that go nowhere.

Families across the state are feeling the pinch—housing approvals are down, infrastructure projects have stalled, and the cost of living keeps going up. Chris Minns talks big but delivers little. NSW doesn’t need more thought bubbles and delays; it needs real solutions.

What has Chris Minns really done for NSW? He’s cutting ribbons on projects started by the previous government and recycling old announcements, while families face rising costs and stalled housing approvals. NSW deserves better than a Premier who’s more occupied in ribbon-cutting than tackling real issues.

Instead of real solutions, we’re getting announcements that might make for headlines, but they’re not going to get NSW moving forward. The people of NSW need cost-of-living relief, housing approvals that aren’t stalled, and infrastructure projects that will drive our state into the future—not more taskforces, inquiries and PR stunts.

The people of NSW are tired of waiting. They don’t want another inquiry or taskforce—they want action. They need real cost-of-living relief, infrastructure that keeps up with our growing state, and a plan that goes beyond union demands.

Its time Chris Minns asks everyone are you better off now than you were 19 months ago? It’s the same old Labor story—lots of talk, no delivery. It’s time for Chris Minns to step up, because NSW can’t afford more of the same tired playbook.

Teenager arrested after two vehicle crash – Maitland

About 6.15am today (5 November 2024), emergency services were called to The Long Bridge, High Street, Maitland, after a white Toyota Hilux utility and a motorcycle collided.

The rider – a 58-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to a John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrested the alleged driver of the utility – a 16-year-old male – near the scene.

He was conveyed to Maitland Hospital under police guard for injuries, as well as mandatory testing.

Initial inquiries indicate the utility was stolen from Pelaw Main overnight.

A crime scene has been established and officers from Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) will commence an investigation into the incident.

Both vehicles were seized to be forensically examined.

Labor now isolated in protection of Coles and Woolworths

The Coalition’s introduction of a Bill for supermarket and hardware divestiture powers means that Labor is now completely isolated in its defence of supermarket price gouging, the Greens say.

“This is a step towards cheaper food and groceries, and shows that Greens pressure works,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“We have led the charge to break up the supermarket duopoly, pushing for divestiture powers that would help bring food and grocery prices down.” 

“Labor is now completely isolated in its protection of big supermarket corporations and their billion dollar plus annual profits.”

“While the Greens have pushed the Coalition to catch up, the Prime Minister seems determined to defend price gouging over the interests of Australian shoppers.”

“People are sick of corporate price gouging and the Greens have been unapologetically on their side.”

“Labor’s refusal to back divestiture powers for supermarkets is indefensible.”

“The numbers are now there to pass divestiture laws for the supermarket sector through the Senate this year, and through the House if Labor would get on board.”

Road works underway ahead of dual lane upgrades

City of Newcastle has commenced work on road improvements needed to pave the way for two significant dual lane upgrades in the growing western corridor.

Five intersections in Wallsend will be improved as part of these road works, which will support traffic flow and increase safety before and during the upcoming road widening project on Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road.

This follows the recent construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Newcastle Road and Cowper Street. The commencement of the additional intersection works is another key milestone in the delivery of the western corridor road improvement project, along with the construction tender for the main works, which will be presented at the November ordinary council meeting. 

Detailed designs have been completed for the upgrades at Longworth Avenue and the stretch of Minmi Road from the Summerhill Road roundabout to Maryland Drive. 

The project will widen the roads to deliver two lanes of traffic in each direction, which will reduce congestion along these notorious traffic bottlenecks. 

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson said the community had shown its support for the work throughout an extensive consultation process.

“Designing and delivering a multiyear project of this scale is complex and takes careful planning to improve the experience for road users as we continue to cater for ongoing population growth,” Mr Thomson said.

“We have worked with the local community throughout this project and have listened to their feedback on what is a critical link in our road network, which connects the growing suburbs of Wallsend, Maryland, Fletcher and Minmi to Newcastle and the wider region.

“In advance of the main construction works, our crews will be delivering upgrades to smaller intersections in the surrounding area to ease congestion, reduce bottlenecks, and increase safety for road users during and after this major road project.”

The first stage of these associated works was completed last month with the installation of a new single lane roundabout at Cowper Street and Newcastle Road, Wallsend. 

Further work will be carried out over the coming months to upgrade intersections at Cowper Street, Cameron Street, Douglas Street, Stapleton Street, Nash Street and Tillie Street, ahead of the main construction project, which is scheduled to commence at Longworth Avenue in 2025.

For more information visit our project page.

City of Newcastle to open up more green space in heart of the city

An underutilised section of National Park will be transformed into open green space with shaded picnic tables, public amenities and additional trees under a proposal by City of Newcastle.

Community members are being invited to provide feedback on a draft plan for the space, which sits at the northwest corner of Newcastle’s largest recreational reserve.

The proposed improvements will open up the space for passive recreation opportunities with new grassed areas, shaded seating and bubblers, as well as bike racks, public toilet amenities, additional trees and a footpath through the park connecting Smith Street to Parry Street and the adjacent basketball courts.

A disused building on the site known as Wal Young House, which has been vacant for many years and is no longer fit for use, will be removed as part of the project before the land is remediated and re-turfed.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said this is an opportunity to activate an area in one of the city’s largest and oldest sport and recreation precincts.

“National Park is an essential green space in the heart of the city that is valued by the community for passive and active recreation,” Ms Duffy said. 

“The remediation of the Wal Young House site will provide safe public access to the northwest corner of National Park, opening up this area for informal activities while delivering new amenities to enhance the community’s use of the surrounding park and sporting facilities.

“The proposed upgrades will be a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the park precinct and create a safer, more welcoming environment in the heart of our city.”

The demolition of the disused building, scheduled to commence this month, will also provide opportunity for a separate future project to improve traffic management and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of National Park and Parry streets. 

To view the Draft Landscape and Park Improvement Plan and complete the online survey visit haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/national-park-improvements by 5pm on 2 December.