Category: NSW News

Work will start from next week to repair the next stage of landslip damage on Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Stanwell Park.

The repairs are needed following damage caused by extreme weather events in early 2023 and are being jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

A total of $1.8 million worth of repairs will be carried out on the eastern side of Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Stanwell Park to prevent further ground movement. 

Work will include clearing debris and vegetation, drilling steel rods into the slope and installing a new guardrail.

This latest work will be carried out from Monday 15 September is expected to be completed by late November, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Natural disasters and heavy rainfall can have a significant impact on travel through our regions.

“It’s so important that we build back better after a severe weather event to ensure communities like the Illawarra can stay connected and be more resilient in the future.

“Recovery projects like this take time, but the Albanese Government is focused on ensuring reconstruction projects give communities confidence for decades in the safety and reliability of their roads.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government has committed more than $1 billion to infrastructure repairs after storms and floods this year.

“That is five times what the previous Coalition government committed as they failed to appreciate the devastating impact of these events on roads and the communities that rely on them.”

Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:

“I know what an important thoroughfare this is for our community, and I am absolutely delighted that the Australian Government is supporting these crucial repair works to be completed.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as these works are undertaken.

“Stabilising the road will help keep our community safe and ensure that the road remains accessible which is great news for local people.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“Lawrence Hargrave Drive is a key artery for our community and it’s critical that it is kept safe for local motorists to use. The NSW and Commonwealth governments are to be congratulated on undertaking this project.

“Our community has been looking forward to this project and the start of works will be widely welcomed.”

An elected NSW Liberal and Nationals government will repurpose the Long Bay Correctional Centre site, unlocking land to deliver many thousands of new homes and create a connected, sustainable community. This is the first in a series of announcements that will come from the NSW Coalition to transform our state’s housing landscape and give more buyers and renters a fair go.
 
Repurposing Long Bay is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn an outdated, centrally located jail into a vibrant neighbourhood with homes, parks, shops and community facilities. 
 
Under the plan, the existing correctional centre will remain operational until a new, modern facility is built outside the city, ensuring community safety and capacity while the site is redeveloped.
 
It has been suggested that the Long Bay precinct could accommodate up to 12,000 homes. 
 
These dwellings will be a mix of housing, with a strong focus on affordability and diversity. 
 
The development will also include new childcare centres, healthcare services and green spaces, all connected to improved transport infrastructure.
 
Today’s announcement is not just about building homes; it is about building a community. By unlocking Long Bay, we can contribute to easing the housing shortage, create jobs in construction and infrastructure, and deliver a sustainable precinct that honours the site’s history while embracing its future.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said today we dare to imagine something bigger, turning a relic of the past into a beacon of hope. 
 
“Our plan is about doing the right thing now, so our children aren’t locked out tomorrow,” Mr Speakman said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said a great community needs great transport and infrastructure. 
 
“With wide footpaths, cycleways and public transport on your doorstep, this will be a place where people can live, work and play without relying on the car,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said this project embodies the best of planning with a complete community with homes, parks and services all within reach. 
 
“We will work hand in hand with local residents and experts to design a precinct that
respects its heritage and embraces the future and together, we will prove that density and amenity can go hand in hand,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Corrections Adam Crouch said we’re committed to public safety and rehabilitation. 
 
“Our plan moves corrections into the 21st century by building a modern facility outside the city, freeing the Long Bay site for housing and community uses,” Mr Crouch said. 
 
Key features of the plan include:

• Master planning a new community with phased redevelopment of adjoining social housing across a 50-hectare site to deliver many thousands of new dwellings, with 30% reserved for social and affordable housing, helping address the housing crisis while ensuring a fair mix for key workers, families and first home buyers.
• Construction of a modern, purpose-built, publicly owned and operated correctional facility outside the city, with no inmates moved until the new centre is operational.
• A commitment to improved transport links, including new public transport options and upgraded roads, to support the community.
• Preservation and adaptive reuse of significant heritage elements.
• Strong environmental standards, including green infrastructure and water-sensitive urban design.
• Ongoing community consultation and transparent governance to ensure the project meets the needs of residents and the wider city. 

This plan for Long Bay marks the start of a new era in housing and community building for New South Wales.

The Netball NSW All Abilities Team has successfully defended its title at the 2025 Marie Little Shield, finishing the tournament unbeaten and closing out the weekend with a 13–9 win over Victoria in the grand final. The final was a close contest, with both sides showing determination and skill in front of a supportive Brisbane crowd. Head Coach Therri Ellison said she was proud of the way her team embraced the occasion. “The final was such a great contest, and it was wonderful to see the athletes step up and enjoy the experience,” Ellison said. “Victoria really pushed us, and that made for an exciting game to finish the tournament. Our team stayed connected, encouraged each other, and kept their focus right until the end.”

Across the weekend, NSW met teams from every state and territory, with each match highlighting the spirit of inclusion and the joy of playing together. NSW opened their campaign against ACT (46–0), followed by matches against Queensland (38–2) and Western Australia (27–6). They later met Northern Territory (47–1) and finished the rounds against South Australia (27–10). Ellison said the event is about more than results. “The best part of the weekend was seeing every team out there, enjoying their netball and supporting each other,” she said. “Every game had its own special moments, and our athletes loved being part of that.” For NSW, retaining the Shield was a proud moment, but Ellison emphasised the true value of the Marie Little Shield. “This tournament is about connection, friendship, and celebrating ability,” she said. “We’re grateful to all the teams, coaches, volunteers, and families who make this such a meaningful event. Winning is lovely, but it’s the experience that our athletes will remember most.”  2025 NNSW All Abilities TeamBrittany Anderson, Newcastle Eliza Mills (C), Orange Isabella Conroy, Sutherland Shire Jessica Daher, Sutherland Shire Jemima Heberden, Ku-Ring-Gai Jordan Schmich, Orange Mackenzie Wills, Newcastle Nalyn Sirivivathnanon, Eastwood Ryde Ruby Thomson, Ku-Ring-Gai Taylor Anderson, NewcastleHead Coach: Therri Ellison, Inner West Assistant Coach: Gill Bennett, Northern Suburbs Apprentice Coach: Annabel King, Eastwood Ryde Manager: Ellen Monaghan, Newcastle Head Physio: Jessica Harrison, Newcastle Umpire: Jacquelyn Osborne, Eastwood Ryde

The Minns Labor Government has today confirmed the next major step delivering on an election commitment to protect koalas in the wild, announcing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park, alongside a comprehensive plan to support workers, industry and local communities.

On National Threatened Species Day, the NSW Government is announcing:

• The proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park
• An immediate temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within this proposed boundary
• A comprehensive worker and industry support package
• $6m in community and small business supports for the mid-north coast region
• An additional $60 million to establish the park.

Without action, koalas are on track to be extinct in the wild in NSW by 2050. At the last election, we promised to take action to establish the Great Koala National Park — and today we are delivering on that commitment.

The park will reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest and connect with existing national parks to create a 476,000-hectare reserve – one of the largest in NSW.

This park will protect more than 12,000 koalas, 36,000 Greater Gliders and habitat for over 100 other threatened species.

The Government has imposed a temporary moratorium effective Monday 8 September 2025 on timber harvesting within the proposed park boundary.

The NSW Government has planned carefully and will stand with affected workers, businesses and communities every step of the way.

It’s why today we are announcing comprehensive assistance for impacted business and workers.

The immediate temporary moratorium will have an impact on 6 out of more than 25 timber mills in the region and approximately 300 jobs.

Assistance includes JobKeeper-style payments to support workers by covering salaries, and also financial assistance towards business operating costs.

As well as financial payments to cover salaries, workers and their families will have immediate free access to mental health, financial and legal counselling services and training support.

The Government has contacted every impacted mill and will now commence discussions with them about their long-term options and ensure appropriate support for workers.

The Government recognises there will be challenges as the transition begins and is committed to working with local communities every step of the way.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million to support new opportunities for tourism and small businesses on the Mid North Coast, with the package to be developed in consultation with local communities to grow jobs and investment as the Great Koala National Park is established.

An additional $60 million in funding is being announced for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to support the establishment of the park. This is in addition to the $80 million announced in 2023.

The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management Method, which is currently moving through the Federal Government assessment processes.

Today’s announcement follows extensive consultation with industry and community stakeholders and a comprehensive expert assessment process.

The Government thanks everyone involved for their input and patience during this process.

The Great Koala National Park will not end forestry on the North Coast. The Independent Forestry Panel is continuing to provide advice to the Government to inform the Forestry Industry Action Plan.

Information is available online, via www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns:

“Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around.

“We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The Great Koala National Park has been a dream for more than a decade. It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild.

“These amazing old-growth forests are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots – home to more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders.”

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:

“Our government’s priority is to fully support impacted workers with payments and services during this major change.

“That is why we will provide financial assistance to businesses we know will be impacted, so they can continue to pay their staff’s salaries and cover costs.

“We are committed to a sustainable forestry industry in NSW.”

Minister for the North Coast and Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin:

“We are delivering on our election promise to deliver the Great Koala National Park for the North Coast.

“This will deliver the protection of our most precious and loved species, our koalas, that everyone in NSW wants to see protected; and the Greater Koala National Park will also provide an economic boon for locals and businesses alike.

“It is important to work together to ensure no one is left behind. We will be supporting impacted workers, businesses, communities and industry to maximise opportunities as we deliver the Great Koala National Park.

“I am committed to ensure that our forest workers and small business forest operators are supported economically and emotionally through this change.”

As the NSW government announces the proposed boundary for a Great Koala National Park, a new study by the Australian Conservation Foundation reveals more koala habitat has been approved for destruction under the national nature law in 2025 than in any other year.

This is despite the koala being listed as an endangered species and the federal government recognising habitat destruction and fragmentation as a ‘major’ and ‘increasing’ threat to the iconic marsupial (see page 15 and page 18 of the Conservation Advice for the Koala).

The Albanese government is currently reforming the national nature law.

Released for National Threatened Species Day, 7 September, the ACF study reveals:

2025 is already the worst year on record for federally-approved destruction of koala habitat. Almost 4,000 hectares has been approved to be bulldozed for eight projects.
Since 2011, an area larger than two Royal National Parks has been approved for destruction. Almost 38,000 hectares of koala habitat has been approved to be bulldozed under Australia’s failing nature ‘protection’ law, the EPBC Act – more than for any other threatened species in Australia.
98% of destroyed koala habitat has been flattened without assessment by Australia’s national nature law. Agriculture is the biggest driver of koala habitat destruction.
Native forest logging continues to destroy koala habitat, particularly in NSW.
“ACF welcomes the NSW government’s announcement of details of the long-promised and much needed Great Koala National Park,” said ACF nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers.

“Despite its commitment to ‘zero new extinctions’, the Albanese government has already approved the destruction of 3,958 hectares, or four Sydney Airports’ worth of koala habitat, so far this year.

“Even worse, 98% of koala habitat has been bulldozed without even being assessed under the national law. The very law meant to protect nature is so poorly enforced that it has failed to stop nearly 2.3 million hectares of likely koala habitat from being bulldozed and cut down.

“Given that the koala has been recognised as threatened with extinction since 2012 and therefore should be protected from harm, this underscores the total failure of the current laws to keep trees in the ground and prevent the further decline of the species.

“In its revision of Australia’s national nature law, the Albanese government must set clear rules to protect habitat for threatened species like the koala, close loopholes that enable rogue bulldozers and establish an independent watchdog to enforce the law.

“Congratulations, and thank you, to all the groups and community members who have fought hard for the Great Koala National Park.”

Associate Professor Desley Whisson from Deakin University said:

“To prevent koala extinction, we must stop the broadscale destruction of their habitat. Our current environmental laws are doing nothing to protect this iconic species.

“We know habitat loss is the leading cause of koala decline, yet deforestation continues unchecked. If we are serious about preventing extinction of this iconic species, our national laws must be strengthened to keep trees standing.

“Preventing koala extinction isn’t complicated. We need to stop deforestation by strengthening our national laws.”

Dr Kita Ashman, Adjunct Professor at Charles Sturt University, said:

“The way Regional Forests Agreements operate under the EPBC Act is effectively as a backdoor for destructive practices like logging to continue with very little scrutiny.

“If we remove this loophole, it will mean climate refuges and places that are critical for the survival of the species will remain intact.”

Bus queues on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and lower North Shore are expected to improve into the end of 2025 as repaired articulated buses – known as “bendy buses” – return to the roads.

Bus capacity in this region of Sydney has been under pressure since 83 bendys were withdrawn from service in October last year for emergency repairs to cracking identified in their chassis.

The former Liberal-National government did not buy a single bendy bus during their 12 years in office, making fleet management and renewal a more complicated task.

More than half of the withdrawn bendy fleet operate on Northern Beaches routes and their absence has led to passengers waiting longer at bus stops, especially during the peaks.

Bendy buses carry around 50% more passengers than a regular bus.

They are one of the best solutions for busy routes enabling large numbers of passengers to be carried with frequent stops.

There are now 17 bendys back in service on the Northern Beaches after repair work in Western Sydney.

In total, 20 repaired bendys have been returned to routes, with the longer buses also going to provide extra capacity on busy routes around the eastern suburbs, Lane Cove,

Macquarie Park, Parramatta and along Victoria Road.

As complex repair work of the withdrawn articulated buses continues, the Minns Labor Government is purchasing 50 new Euro 6 diesel articulated buses to increase capacity across multiple routes and ten double-decker buses to supplement the B-Line fleet. The first of the new articulated buses is expected to be delivered by the end of this year and the new double deckers will arrive in mid-2026.

Since April 2023, the Minns Labor Government has purchased a total of 921 new buses, after inheriting an ageing fleet from the Liberal-National government which went two years without buying a single bus.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Bendy buses are a signature part of public transport on the Northern Beaches and we are pleased to see the repaired fleet starting to return to the busiest routes where they are needed most.

“We have heard loud and clear from bus passengers, especially peak time commuters, that queues at the bus stop have been too long and these buses provide the extra capacity that will improve those wait times.

“Longer buses mean shorter queues, it’s that simple. I commend the energy of the local members for Pittwater and Wakehurst, Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan for their advocacy on behalf of bus passengers.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:

“Pittwater commuters are already seeing the benefits of bendys returning. I’ve had positive emails, DMs and conversations with commuters at bus stops, and with zero cancellations on the 190X the benefits to the whole region are already being noticed.”

“Bendy buses are an icon on the Northern Beaches and we’re excited to have them back and looking forward to even more returning.”

“Up in Pittwater we are quite remote and rely solely on buses to get to work, school and appointments. Today’s announcement confirms what Pittwater commuters already feel – buses will be more reliable and less crowded and the bus crisis is a thing of the past.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“People on the Northern Beaches rely heavily on our buses. When the bendys were taken off the road, we felt that impact straight away with longer queues and more missed services. Getting them back into service was a priority. 

“Beaches commuters know that the high capacity bendys are a practical solution for our busiest routes. Their return is good news for commuters, and the new fleet on the way shows that the government is listening to our advocacy and the community’s call for better services. I’m so thankful to commuters and drivers who have spoken up and engaged with me on this, and I thank the government for listening.”

“I’ve been pushing hard for more reliable bus services because public transport is vital to the Beaches. These repaired bendys and the commitment to purchase new additional buses are a welcome step in the right direction, and we’ll keep advocating for all necessary investment to meet the ever-growing demand.”

The Minns Labor Government has made the largest single investment at Kiama High School in over a decade, officially unveiling upgraded science labs as part of our commitment to expanding opportunities for students at every NSW public school.

The refurbished laboratories boost the schools Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics programs, giving students access to modern, purpose-built facilities.

Since 2023 the Minns Government has invested close to $3 million on multiple much needed upgrades at Kiama High School, after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal-National government.

As well as these new science labs, these upgrades include new lifts and ramps as well as a brand new school hall stage lift to support students with disability.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the Minns Government’s plan to deliver better schools for NSW students, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers by reducing teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Government took office.

The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools along the South Coast for over a decade, leaving communities without much-needed schools and teachers that work in them.

Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has been working hard to rebuild school services across Kiama. We know there is still a lot more work to do, but in the past two years we have:

• A 96% reduction in teacher vacancies, with schools in the Kiama electorate beginning Term 3 2025 with just one permanent teacher vacancy, down from 27 at the same time in 2022 under the former Liberal-National government.
• Funded and planned a new primary school and public preschool in Calderwood, opening Day One, Term One 2028.
• Started construction of a major upgrade at Bomaderry High School, and awarded the contract for a new public preschool to be built at Bomaderry Public School.
• Delivered a new nature playround at Minnamurra Public School.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“I know Katelin will be a strong local voice inside the government if elected, making sure Kiama continues to benefit from the improvements being made to public education right across NSW.

“As the son of a public school teacher, I know our schools are the lifeblood of communities, and we want teachers and students to have access to world class facilities no matter where they learn.

“Thanks to these brand-new science labs, Kiama High School will be supporting the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.”

Acting Education Minister Courtney Houssos said:

“High-quality public schools are vital for coastal and regional communities, so young families know their children can have the best start in life and can get a world class education in their community.

“As a long-time local and former Kiama High School student Katelin understands just how important investments like these are to locals.

“We have made a significant investment in maintenance at schools including Kiama, because these works maintain our schools at a high-quality standard our families and young people expect.”

Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I grew up in Kiama, attending Minnamurra Public and Kiama High Schools, and I understand the importance of making sure we equip local students for life beyond school.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered for Kiama since forming government, but I know there is more work to do.

“I will make sure that we continue to deliver the critical infrastructure and services that our community needs and relies on.”

Kiama High School Principal Catherine Glover said:

“We’re creating opportunities for our students to explore, experiment, and gain a deeper understanding of the technologies that will shape their future. 

“Education is the key to opportunity in life, and we are committed to partnering with our community to create a school where all students are challenged to excel in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

“With the right tools and experiences, they can adapt to any challenge and thrive in any career pathway they choose.” 

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has committed to bringing back the Business Connect program for the state’s small businesses, which has been axed by the Minns Labor Government.
 
Mr Speakman said a Liberals and Nationals Government would reinstate the free advisory service which has helped 60,000 small businesses around NSW.
 
“The NSW Treasury commissioned an independent review into the program and found for every $1 spent, it brought in $1.50 in benefits back to NSW, and led to fewer businesses failing,” Mr Speakman said. 
 
“Since it was introduced by the Coalition Government in 2017, Business Connect has assisted more than 60,000 small businesses and helped create more than 40,000 new jobs.
 
“Business Connect offered up to eight hours per year of free, tailored advice to small businesses navigating compliance, planning, marketing and financial management.”
 
Addressing a Business Forum in Kiama today, Mr Speakman said the Minns Labor Government’s decision to axe Business Connect could be the final nail in the coffin for many already struggling small businesses.
 
“We all know how important small business is to the NSW economy – they’re the backbone of local communities,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“In regional areas the majority of local enterprises are small businesses: family-run, owner-operated and deeply connected to the community. Together, they sustain thousands of local jobs.”
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said the Minns Labor Government has turned its back on small businesses at a time when they need it most.
 
“Under the Minns Labor Government, bills are up, insolvencies are at record levels and many small businesses are struggling,” Mr James said.
 
“In 2024-25, a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26% increase in just one year.
 
“And to add insult to injury, Labor has ruthlessly cut a vital free support service for small business. From 1 October, Business Connect will gone with nothing to replace it.
 
“A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will bring back Business Connect.”
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said a Liberals and Nationals Government will also consider fairer payroll tax settings to support small and medium-sized businesses to ease the pressure on employers, keep prices down for consumers, and give businesses the breathing room they need to grow.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has frozen payroll tax thresholds — dragging another 1,200 businesses into payroll tax every year. Treasury forecasts show this stealth tax will rip an extra $500 million from employers over the next four years,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“Meanwhile, scrapping indexation of land tax thresholds will collect over $18 billion over the next decade.
 
“At a time when NSW can least afford it, we should be supporting businesses, not weighing them down.”

More than 1000 volunteers will be recruited across NSW, to support their communities when it matters most thanks to a new grants program unveiled by the Minns Labor Government. 

Four experienced state-wide not-for-profit organisations – Anglicare, Australian Red Cross, Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and St Vincent de Paul Society – will share in $1.9 million in funding through the Recovery Services Capacity Grants Program.

In partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, these organisations will develop flexible volunteering pathways that can be scaled up quickly, ensuring recovery operations are better resourced and more responsive to local needs.

These trained volunteers will be activated during the recovery phase and deployed across recovery centres, recovery assistance points and community outreach initiatives – providing practical support, information and comfort to people who have been impacted.

With the roll out of the program, the Minns Labor Government is directly addressing a key recommendation of the 2022 Flood Inquiry for better integration of spontaneous community responders, and better mobilisation of volunteers during the recovery stage of disasters and emergencies.

Projects will focus on recruiting and training formal and informal volunteers, who are often the first to step forward and support their community following a disaster.

Volunteers play a vital role not only during emergencies but throughout the recovery process. However, the pool of available volunteers is shrinking at the same time as the frequency of disasters increases, making programs like this essential to maintaining local recovery capacity.

By investing in recovery services and partnering with experienced not-for-profit organisations, the NSW Government and the NSW Reconstruction Authority are ensuring that communities across the state have the right support networks in place to recover stronger and faster from future disasters.

More information on the Program can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/recovery-services-capacity-grants

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“We all recognise and appreciate the incredible community spirit that is evident in times of crisis.

“This program harnesses that energy, builds local capacity and ensures volunteers are supported and ready to respond when their communities need them to.

“Together we are helping to create more resilient communities that are better prepared for and can recover faster after a disaster.”

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

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities contributing over 800 million hours a year.

“Many people step up during an emergency to help their local communities rebuild. For that, we are incredibly thankful.

“This new funding is a crucial injection into the sector to ensure our volunteers receive the training and support they need, as well as making sure we can recruit more volunteers when our communities need them.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“Volunteers are a huge part of disaster recovery, and we rely on them to support communities during the long journey of building back.

“This initiative is based on lessons learnt from the 2022 Flood Inquiry, which highlighted the need to better coordinate and support those who step up to help their communities during natural disasters.

“We look forward to working with our not-for-profit recovery partners to bolster volunteer capacity around the state.”

Councils that improve their assessment timeframes will have access to a share of $200 million in infrastructure funding under the Minns Labor Government’s Faster Assessments Incentive program.

The Faster Assessment Incentive program will fund local infrastructure projects for councils expected to deliver a higher proportion of housing under the five-year housing targets and are reducing their development assessment timeframes or keeping their assessment timeframes down.

Funding will also be made available for a Digital Assistance program, providing councils with financial assistance towards Application Programming Interface (API) updates. The API upgrades promote better integration with the NSW Planning Portal, streamlining development assessment and approval processes.

At the beginning of the National Housing Accord, the Minns Government committed to a range of measures to support and hold councils accountable to assessing Development Applications faster, including a new Ministerial Statement of Expectations, five year housing targets, infrastructure grants and a new Council League Table published every month.

Council League Table data shows a 24 per cent decrease in assessment timeframes in the last Financial Year, with DAs now being assessed in 83 days on average, or less than 3 months.

This means 69 per cent of councils are now meeting the new Ministerial Statement of Expectations, compared to 49 per cent at the beginning of the Housing Accord.

New data published today, also shows the NSW Government is completing State Significant Development assessments in 253 days, faster than the 275 day timeframe it committed to.

By reducing the time it takes to assess a Development Application, this reduces the time spent waiting to move into new homes.

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.

Councils across Greater Sydney and regional NSW that are expected to deliver more than 1,000 homes during the Accord period will be eligible for a share of $67 million funding in the first round.

For more information on eligibility please visit Faster Assessments Incentive Program | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Councils who have worked hard to improve their performance and meet the Ministerial Statement of Expectations on DA assessment times can now access a share of $200 million in local infrastructure funding.

“Councils assess 85 per cent of all Development Applications and have a critical role to play in delivering the homes we need during the Housing Accord period.

“We have applied both the carrot and the stick, and now we’re seeing results. A 24 per cent reduction in assessment timeframes means DAs are being approved and builders can get construction underway faster and reduce costs.

“There is more work to do but there is a downward trend in assessment times, while the number of housing proposals are increasing.”