Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government met with Australian-Indian leaders from across NSW today to discuss recent threats to cohesion in the community.

More than 40 leaders from peak bodies and community organisations joined a roundtable with the Premier, the Treasurer and the Minister for Multiculturalism, supported by Multicultural NSW.

The NSW Government is committed to listening to the leaders in our communities, and working towards safeguarding social harmony.

A key request from the roundtable was a call for bipartisan support for the Australian-Indian community. As such, the Minns Labor Government will be moving a motion and will seek bipartisan support in the NSW Parliament.

Notice of the motion will be given today, with the expectation the motion will be debated on Wednesday 10 September.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“I can say without fear of contradiction that the Australian Indian community have done so much for our country, this community is full of hard working and decent people who join communities, who raise their families, who prioritise their community, and lastly, but I think most importantly, who love Australia, who love our country.

“Today we stand together with the Australian Indian community to say unambiguously that the sort of racist rhetoric and divisive false claims we have seen over the last couple of weeks have no place in our state or country.

“When neo-Nazis and white supremacists spread lies and fear, we will call it out because the truth is that a lie can race around the world before the truth gets its pants on, and the truth is that Australian Indians are one of the most successful, patriotic and community-minded groups in our nation.”

Treasurer of New South Wales, Daniel Mookhey said:

“Australian Indians should not be used as fodder in an internal Liberal Party dispute as it works through its view on migration.

“We can debate Australia’s immigration policy without singling out any one group as being the reason why it needs to be changed.

“The Minns Labor Government has a responsibility to make sure that our Australian-Indian community is safe, is supported and hears our very clear message – this kind of dangerous rhetoric is unacceptable.”

Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper said:

“Our Australian-Indian community, like any community, has the right to feel safe and welcome in Australia. The fact that they have been intimidated and vilified is a blight on our State.

“The Australian-Indian Community is defined by their commitment to community, their aspirational ambition and their hardworking nature. They personify the very characteristics we cherish as a nation, that hard work will be met with opportunity, that contributing to the community will lead to a better life, and that respect will be met with respect. Our society is richer for their contribution.

“We will continue to work with our Australian-Indian community to ensure a better future for generations to come.”

Lower emergency department (ED) wait times have coincided with the ongoing implementation of safe staffing ratios as well as widespread uptake of urgent and virtual care health services.

But Health Minister Ryan Park reiterates that while significant improvements have been made, hospitals continue to experience high demand, and more is being done to relieve pressure on EDs.

Lower wait times & ramping

NSW hospitals achieved the highest T2 emergency treatment on time performance and lowest ambulance ramping for a June quarter since the pandemic.

Western Sydney has led the way in improved ED wait times and ramping, with the proportion of T2 emergency patients being treated on time increasing by almost a third (from 29 per cent of T2 patients to 37.5), compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Ramping is also improving with the proportion of patients transferred to ED within 30 minutes increasing by a quarter over the past year (from 60.9 per of patients to 76.2).

At Blacktown Hospital, the proportion of T2 emergency patients treated on time almost doubled from the previous year (from 17.7 per cent of T2 patients to 31.4). It has almost tripled over the past three years (from 10.6 per cent of T2 patients in the June 2022 quarter).

Ramping at Blacktown Hospital has also improved with the proportion of patients transferred to ED within 30 minutes increasing.

This means the sickest patients – T2 emergency patients – are being treated quicker, paramedics are getting back on the road faster, and the system is working more effectively and efficiently.

Overdue surgeries are also down more than 85 per cent since they peaked in the June quarter in 2022.

More staff

The improved ED wait times and reduced ramping coincides with the workforce adding almost 3,000 FTE workers over the past year including approximately 1,200 additional FTE nurses – as health worker retention rates return to pre-pandemic levels.

This includes almost 500 additional nurses recruited to hospital EDs over the past year as part of the Minns Labor Government’s implementation of safe staffing ratios, which will see a total of 2,480 additional nurses join our EDs.

More ED alternatives

Lower wait times and ramping also coincide with 222,000 patients being diverted away from EDs in the year to 30 June 2025, thanks to Healthdirect, with many patients being referred to the NSW Government’s urgent and virtual care services.

It also coincides with increased treatment of patients from the comfort of their own home through the Hospital in the Home initiative.

More to do

The Minns Labor Government has rolled out its $500 million ED relief package which has seen:

• The recent completion of the rollout of virtual urgent care services available now across the entire state;
• 222,000 patients referred to non-ED pathways for care including urgent and virtual care services;
• Investment in the Hospital in the Home initiative which allows patients to complete recovery out of the hospital and from the comfort of their own home;
• The recruitment and deployment of discharge concierges to help identify patients for safe discharge from hospital more quickly, freeing up beds;
• The development of a new ambulance matrix which will equip paramedics with real-time data to optimise patient destination decisions, incorporating embedded referral pathways to direct patients to appropriate alternative care settings when clinically appropriate, thereby reducing unnecessary ED visits;; and
• The expansion of short stay units with an additional 22 short stay treatment spaces across five hospitals – designed to treat patients with less serious conditions and move them through the system more quickly.

One of those short stay units is located at Campbelltown Hospital’s Children’s Short Stay Unit – with children under 16 making up more than a quarter of Campbelltown Hospital’s more than 91,000 ED presentations last year.

Opened earlier this year, it sees more than 100 children each week for less serious conditions like asthma, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, and injuries such as fractures, sprains and dislocations.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We’re investing in more staff, more hospitals and more beds, more quickly, and we’re seeing lower wait times and less ramping.

“While lower ED wait times and ramping are promising, there is still more to be done.

“I want to thank staff for their amazing work in delivering these significant improvements.

“During periods of high demand, those with less urgent conditions can experience longer wait times when there are large numbers of seriously unwell patients being prioritised for emergency care.

“So I want to remind the community of your options for care outside of the hospital which could spare you an unnecessary wait in an ED.

“If you have a non-life-threatening condition, please phone Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 where you will be assessed by a registered nurse who can potentially refer you to urgent care, or even virtual care from the comfort of your own home.”

The Minns Labor Government has today introduced a bill to Parliament extending tax cuts to boost new build-to-rent homes.

The legislation means that owners of an eligible new build-to-rent development will be able to access a land tax concession indefinitely, rather than the previous end date of 2039 which was set by the former government.

This ongoing program provides:

• A 50 per cent reduction in the assessable land value of eligible build-to-rent properties. There is no cap on the number of years owners can apply for the concession,
• Eligibility requirements including that construction have commenced on or after 1 July 2020 and the building has not been used for any other purpose, and
• A prohibition stopping build-to-rent properties from being subdivided, or otherwise having ownership divided, within the first 15 years of accessing the concession.

Removing the program’s end date gives confidence to developers who are making long term investment decisions, now. The changes mean developers can offer longer-term lease options, better security for tenants and more housing choices for people at different life stages.

The Minns Labor Government is working to build more homes for more people across NSW, and that includes build-to-rent options approved or underway including:

• 60 new affordable build-to-rent homes under construction in Bombaderry and due for completion in 2026.
• Approved plans for 50 new build-to-rent apartments via Landcom in Lismore.
• Plans are being finalised for 220 new build-to-rent apartments for essential workers in Annandale.

This bill also provides for exemptions or refunds for rates of stamp duty and land tax applied to foreign developers who qualify for the program.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, parks and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Extending the tax cuts for build-to-rent developers gives industry the certainty to invest now.

“That confidence means we can unlock a steady pipeline of build-to-rent developments to build high-quality rental homes across NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“In addition to the nine build-to-rent projects in the planning system, Landcom is undertaking build-to-rent projects in Bombaderry, Lismore and Annandale – and this legislation will help unlock many more across the state.

“This change removes unnecessary red tape and gives developers the confidence to commit to projects that will deliver homes for decades to come.”

Victim-survivors of domestic violence will soon have greater power to leave unsafe homes and protect their privacy under new rental reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government in NSW Parliament today.

The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Domestic Violence Reform) Bill 2025 introduces changes to the process for leaving a tenancy due to domestic violence to better support victim-survivors.

The reforms will:

Make it easier for victim-survivors to leave a tenancy by:

• Removing the need for victim-survivors to notify an alleged perpetrator that they have left their shared lease due to domestic abuse;
• Expanding the list of approved people who can declare a renter is experiencing domestic violence so they can break a lease without penalty.
• The expanded list will help vulnerable groups such as people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds better access protections under the Act.

Strengthen privacy and security protections by:

• Allowing locks to be changed without landlord approval if there is a court order or bail or parole conditions that exclude the alleged perpetrator from the property;
• Requiring permission from renters for images or videos of the exterior of the property that show their belongings to be published in advertising in order to reduce the risk of victim-survivors being tracked down by perpetrators.

Improve a ban on listing victims on residential tenancy databases by allowing Fair Trading to order a listing be removed if the victim-survivor can provide evidence of domestic abuse.

Make it clear victim-survivors are not liable for property damage caused by a perpetrator by allowing NCAT to decide whether the damage was likely to have been caused during an incident of domestic abuse.  

Support victim-survivors to recover their share of the rental bond by giving NCAT the power to break up the bond and ordering partial repayments to a co-tenant.

The changes follow extensive consultation with more than 400 individuals and 40 organisations, including frontline services, and deliver on recommendations from the statutory review of the domestic violence provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

These reforms build on our work to expand the Rentstart Bond Loan scheme, which allows victim-survivors of domestic violence to access a loan of up to 100 per cent of their rental bond to secure accommodation.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“These reforms are about making common-sense changes so women and families can get out of unsafe situations quickly, without unnecessary red tape.”

“We’ve listened to victim-survivors and frontline services. The message was clear: the law needed to work better in real-life situations. That’s exactly what these changes deliver.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“These rental reforms are practical and compassionate changes which make it easier for victim-survivors to leave unsafe situations without facing unnecessary barriers.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is a critical issue for victim-survivors of domestic violence. Many victim-survivors are unable to leave abusive relationships because they have nowhere else to live.

“For those victim-survivors who manage to leave, the negative consequences of the abusive relationship often reverberate through their lives and increase financial hardship for many years.

“We’ve listened to those with lived experience and the services that support them to ensure these changes provide real, meaningful protections.

“These critical reforms have been developed in close consultation with victim-survivors and frontline service providers. They will make a real difference to the safety and security of people experiencing domestic violence in NSW.

“At the heart of these reforms are safety, dignity and fairness and a desire to ensure rental laws work for those who need them most.”

Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home, and these changes make it easier for victim survivors to leave their rental home quickly and reduce risk of further financial harm.”

“These reforms are about the NSW Government strengthening protections for victim survivors of domestic and family violence including reducing liability for property damage and supporting them to recover their share of the rental bond.

“We’re continuing to work hard to address domestic and family violence in our state and these changes ensure victim-survivors have clear, practical pathways to safety.”

After strong pressure by the Kiama community and advocacy by the Kiama Liberal candidate Serena Copley, Labor has been dragged kicking and screaming to guaranteeing the future of David Berry Hospital.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that while the NSW Liberals had been committed to saving David Berry Hospital, the Labor Government had only agreed to keep delivering public health services at the Hospital because of the pending by-election.
 
“When legislation was introduced into Parliament to protect David Berry Hospital, the Liberals supported it but Labor didn’t,” said Ms Sloane.
 
“We’ve always wanted to safeguard David Berry Hospital’s health services for the people of Berry.
 
“This community deserves quality healthcare delivered in the community, rather than being sold off by the Labor Government.
 
“This is how the Labor Government has been treating Kiama for the last two years, they’ve been ignoring the community’s needs and wishes – and are only paying attention now that there’s a by-election.
 
“Kiama voters have a clear choice at this by-election, and Labor should not be rewarded for ignoring this community for two years.”

The Minns Labor Government’s long-term vision to transform the State Library of NSW’s forecourt into a new 3,000 square metre public domain is one step closer with development approval by the City of Sydney.

The plans allow for nearly double the size of the existing forecourt, creating a vibrant public space with new native trees and plants, public art, and a central lawn plaza for library events and community activities. The design also incorporates improved lighting and wayfinding signage, seating, and space for a new kiosk.

The State Library Public Domain plan includes the realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers and improve access to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain.

Under the plan, the Shakespeare Memorial will be relocated to the front of the Library’s Shakespeare Room where it can be more easily enjoyed by the public. New art works and interpretations will also be introduced as part of a comprehensive precinct public art program led by First Nations curators.

The revitalisation of the State Library forecourt is an initiative under the government’s 20-year vision to elevate the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a vibrant arts and culture destination, while protecting the precinct’s historic integrity and original character.

Situated on Gadigal Land, Macquarie Street features some of Australia’s most significant civic and cultural institutions housed in heritage buildings. These new public spaces provide opportunities to tell the long history of this place, sharing stories of Country and culture.

For more information, visit Macquarie Street East Precinct.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“For almost 200 years the State Library has been a central place of learning and ideas in our city – a home to the state’s readers, writers and researchers.

“The ambition to reimagine the forecourt looks to the next 200-years for the library and library precinct. The vision is to reset the civic space, to make entry from the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Domain or Art Gallery of NSW, easier and more welcoming.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Modern libraries are critical places for reading and research, but they are also important public spaces, so extending the forecourt will allow us to expand community use beyond the doors of the library.

“Bringing this vision to life with added native trees and plants will help create a seamless transition of open spaces from the State Library’s forecourt into The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:

“This project is part of a long-term vision to create spaces in the Macquarie Street East Precinct that celebrate our history and heritage, and that are welcoming and engaging for all.

“The revitalisation of the State Library forecourt will be the next step in the vision to create a vibrant, connected, people-friendly arts and culture destination for the people of NSW.”

State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“The State Library of New South Wales is one of the great libraries of the world. Greatly loved, it is a hive of reading, research and creativity for over a million visitors who walk through our doors each year to use our collection, explore our galleries and enjoy our cultural and learning programs.

“The new public forecourt will further elevate the library as both a cultural destination and a welcoming and magnificent setting for discovery for everyone, every day of the week.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing in the vital role of local neighbourhood centres through a formal agreement signed this week outlining a shared vision for the future.

The Shared Commitment agreement between the Local Community Services Association (LCSA), Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCCs) and the NSW Government sets out a collaborative approach to strengthen communities across the state.

There are more than 180 not-for-profit NCCs across the state, delivering vital local services such as family support groups, playgroups, counselling and youth programs.

The Minns Labor Government is proud to formalise this essential partnership with not-for-profit hubs and the role they play in building safe, strong and connected communities in NSW.

Co-designed by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and LCSA, the inaugural Shared Commitment agreement outlines 15 commitments and sets clear priorities to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

In 2023–24, more than 436,000 people accessed group services at NCCs in NSW, with nearly 39,000 receiving individual support cementing their role as the heart of local communities.

The Shared Commitment agreement complements broader reforms being undertaken by the Minns Labor Government to strengthen community and social services across NSW. For example, the Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty roadmap provides longer-term funding in exchange for improved job security within non-government organisations and increased performance measurement.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Local neighbourhood centres so often represent the heart and soul and generosity of local communities. This formal agreement is about acknowledging the important role of neighbourhood centres, and working together to ensure local communities are strong, safe and supported.

“Neighbourhood and community centres respond to the unique needs of their local communities, so they look different in every town and region. But they all serve a critical role in supporting families, building resilience, and connecting communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting the organisations and workers who support local families, and this agreement represents an important step in the right direction.”

LCSA CEO Can Yasmut said:

“We thank Minister Kate Washington for recognising the role of NCCs as vital social infrastructure and for embedding this recognition in social policy. This is a landmark acknowledgement that resilient communities are built when social infrastructure is valued, resourced, and sustained.”

“For too long, social infrastructure has been invisible in policy discussions, yet it is the foundation that enables communities to withstand crises and build stronger futures.”

“This partnership recognises that communities already hold the solutions and just need the right support to put them into action.”

The Minns Labor Government is making significant strides to boost standards and safety in the NSW corrective services system in response to recommendations made by Special Commission of Inquiry into the Offending of Former Corrections Officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.

Marking one year from the Government’s formal response to the Inquiry, nine of the 31 recommendations have already been fully implemented, with the remainder making notable progress.

The Inquiry, led by Hon Peter McClellan AM KC and initiated by the Minns Labor Government, found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) system.

In response to the Inquiry’s report the Government committed to undertaking the reform necessary to ensure inmates are properly protected, hard-working corrections officers are supported by sound management and strong integrity processes, and public confidence in the corrections system is restored. 

The NSW Government has made significant progress to deliver on that commitment, implementing the following initial reforms, supported by a $30 million investment over four years:

Stronger protections and support for inmates

• A Sexual Misconduct Reporting line offering a trauma-informed, confidential avenue for inmates to disclose allegations of sexual misconduct and seek support.
• Triaging of new allegations through the Sexual Misconduct Reporting line, including referral to relevant bodies for investigation such as the NSW Police Force, where appropriate.
• Specialised trauma counselling for victims who wish to access further support.
• Clear advice about managing privileged and confidential information issued to both staff and inmates.
• Assurance to both staff and inmates that phone calls to exempt bodies are not recorded or monitored, through changes to policy and procedure including a new automated message on the inmate telephone system and updated staff communications.

A safer workplace for staff supported by strong integrity processes and improved reporting and misconduct procedures

• New Machinery of Government arrangements to ensure that misconduct matters are managed in an appropriate external, more frequent and transparent manner.
• Enhanced probity checks for staff, including a standard of required conduct relating to persons relieving as Intelligence Officers.
• Records of any disciplinary processes or outcomes made available on all staff personnel files and in a centralised database.
• An updated direct form for reporting misconduct, now including the option to report to the Governor of the relevant correctional centre.
• Improved mechanisms for reporting allegations of serious misconduct.
• A new training program for existing staff and new recruits, including standards for ethical practice, handling privileged or confidential information, identifying and reporting misconduct and complaint handling.
• New laws to make all sexual relationships between staff and inmates illegal.
• The appointment of a stand-alone Governor to Dillwynia Correctional Centre.

This is in addition to several other changes that have been made to better support inmates in direct response to the Special Commission’s findings, including the provision of sexual assault trauma counselling for the victims of Astill’s offending, increased CCTV coverage and body worn cameras for uniformed staff who work directly with inmates at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.

The Government accepted all the recommendations of the Special Commission in full or in principle.

The Government is implementing the most urgent recommendations while working through the longer-term reforms.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The NSW Government is committed to implementing the reforms needed to ensure that the deplorable and unconscionable crimes outlined by the Special Commission can never be repeated. 

“We take seriously our responsibility to reform the NSW prison system into one that properly protects inmates and ensures our hardworking staff are safe and supported.

“While many improvements are now in place, there is work still needing to be done.

“As we continue undertaking reform, our thoughts remain with the victims of Wayne Astill’s offending, and we thank the staff, inmates and advocates who had the courage to speak up against wrongdoing.

“We will continue to pursue the changes needed to fix the culture and system that has seen too many people let down.”

From today, the north-west region’s largest heavy vehicle rest area is open thanks to investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments. 

The opening marks the completion of a three-year project to upgrade the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, with all sections of the highway now open to traffic.

The jointly funded Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade was made possible with a $205.73 million investment by the Albanese Government and a $55.44 million Minns Government contribution.

The project spanned more than 20 kilometres along this important regional freight route. The upgrades have included intersection improvements, widened road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes, creating a safer and more efficient journey for all drivers. 

These upgrades have been delivered across four priority sections: 

• 8 kilometres of pavement upgrades south of Moree as well as a new culvert at Clarks Gully to improve drainage, and upgrades to the Burrington Road, Tapscott Road and Wallanol Road intersections which were completed in December 2024.
• 4.4 kilometres of pavement upgrades around Bellata, plus upgrades to Temi Road, North Street, Wilga Street and Oak Street intersections, completed in February 2025.
• 5.6 kilometres of pavement upgrades around Edgeroi as well as upgrades to the Smithfield Lane Intersection, completed in June 2025.
• 2.6 kilometres of pavement upgrades north of Narrabri) in addition to a new culvert at the Murrumbilla Lane Intersection, completed in August 2025. 

The pavement upgrades have involved stripping the road back to base level before repairing, reconstructing and resurfacing the road in order to make it smoother, safer and more resilient. 

The final completed element of the over $261.17 million project is the massive Spring Creek Rest Area. The new rest area provides short and long-term heavy vehicle parking for up to 18 vehicles, as well as separate parking for light vehicles and light vehicles with caravans or trailers in tow.

The area also provides access to amenities including two flushable toilets with disabled access, picnic shelters and bins. 

The whole area is illuminated at night with solar lighting to increase safety and more than 500 trees have been planted in the vicinity of the rest area to provide shade.

Crews working on the upgrades between Narrabri and Moree have used 3900 cubic metres of structural concrete, 8900 tonnes of asphalt, 700 tonnes of structural steel and 575,000 tonnes of pavement material and gravel, and moved 100,400 cubic metres of earth.

Despite losing 118 days of work during the three-year project due to bad weather, the project has remained on track throughout.

While major construction work has been completed, some minor work remains including fencing and installation of guard rail and signage, as well as applying the final seal to the upgraded areas in early 2026. 

For more information visit Newell Highway upgrade Narrabri-Moree pavement upgrade.

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

“This section of the Newell Highway is an essential freight corridor and the Albanese Government’s $205 million investment will make the journey safer for truck drivers, locals and people passing through on long road trips.

“Thank you to all road users for their patience as this massive project was undertaken and also to the 970 workers involved in completing the upgrades. 

“The new Spring Creek Rest Area will help truckies to better manage their fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.” 

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison: 

“This Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project completion is an incredible achievement and a credit to our Transport for NSW team, lead contractor Fulton Hogan and the residents and commuters of the area who showed great patience throughout the past three years.

“The jointly funded program has reached this milestone despite crews needing to battle extreme weather, floods and bushfires.

“A highlight of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade program has been a focus on employing local staff, providing not only a significant boost to local infrastructure but also a massive injection to the local economy.

“The NSW Government values the safe, sustainable and productive movement of freight throughout the vastness of the state and acknowledges the difficulties heavy vehicle drivers face when finding a

safe and reliable area to rest, park, and access services.”

Senator for WA Glenn Sterle: 

“As a former truck driver and current Chair of the Albanese Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, I am very proud to see this investment from both the Federal and NSW Government. 

“The sheer size of this project, including how many drivers it will accommodate, should serve as a blueprint for large scale heavy vehicle rest stops in other regional areas across Australia. 

“I commend both the Albanese and Minns’ Governments on their vision for this project and their commitment to improving conditions for our essential truckies.”

Labor Duty MLC for Barwon, Stephen Lawrence:

“This upgrade supported local businesses, provided local jobs, and now delivers safer roads for our north west communities.

“The project inducted more than 970 workers, involved more than 60 local businesses, and more than 800,000 hours worked.

“Northwest locals are better connected on our roads, truck drivers will be better rested, and locals can feel safe getting home.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“The Newell Highway is a major transport artery running from Queensland down through central NSW, much of it through Barwon, down to Victoria. It is fantastic to see the completion of these upgrades

to the highway, which will significantly increase safety and improve the efficiency of this vital roadway.

“One of the impressive things about the upgrade was that it has put money into the local economy, by using than 60 local businesses to supply goods and services, from water and equipment to accommodation and catering. 

“There was also an emphasis on Aboriginal employment and business engagement. The project has brought a range of benefits to the local community and will continue to be of benefit to all who rely on the highway.”

A free dazzling drone show on Saturday night saw around 20,000 people gather on Darling Harbor forecourts for a vibrant spring-themed display.

The drones will be lighting up the night in Darling Harbour every Saturday in September as part of a new entertainment trial.

From a whimsical white snowfall to a stunning burst of blossoms, the drone show is a visual masterpiece set against the iconic backdrop of Cockle Bay.

Weather permitting the 10-minute spectacular will be on every Saturday in September at 8:30pm so people can choose a date that’s most convenient for them to come along and check it out.

The free display is currently running as a trial in place of the Saturday night fireworks.

People can watch the spectacle for free from anywhere along the harbour’s edge. So, whether you’re at one of the waterfront restaurants or bars or simply enjoying a stroll along the water you can enjoy the show.

It has been delivered by Aura Drone Shows in Partnership with the NSW Government and precinct partners.

Tell us what you think by visiting https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/drone-show

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Don’t miss the chance to see Darling Harbour’s new free dazzling drone show on every Saturday night this September.

“The free spring themed display is the perfect excuse for a budget friendly family night out ending with a burst of light.”