16 News

New South Wales is responding to a suspect positive case of H5 bird flu. 

Samples from a Giant Petrel near Hawks Nest has tested positive for H5 influenza in preliminary testing at DPIRD’s laboratory at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI).

Samples have been sent to CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) to confirm if it is the H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) strain.

This marks the first wild migratory seabird in NSW to return a suspect positive result for H5 bird flu.

At this stage, there have only been confirmed detections in vagrant migratory seabirds that occasionally visit southern Australia.

Importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds in NSW, nor has it become established in any part of Australia.

The risk to human health remains low.

If unusual deaths or illness in wild birds are observed please AVOID contact, RECORD by taking photos or video and REPORT immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The State Coordination Centre is operating at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s Orange Agricultural Institute since 19 June 2026 to provide coordination of surveillance operations and NSW’s response.

Surveillance operations had ramped up in NSW in preparation for a potential detection across the state, including establishing a H5 bird flu call centre, and training over 500 additional staff, including Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers to undertake surveillance for H5 bird flu.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“This latest development is incredibly concerning for both agriculture and for wildlife.

“The impact of H5 worldwide on wild birds and poultry has been devastating.

“But NSW and the rest of the country have been preparing for this moment for many years.

“We are working with Federal, State and Territory governments as we roll out plans that have been developed with all stakeholders including industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations.

“The community can help by avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment, recording what you see and reporting any unusual sickness or mass mortality to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

“We will be relying on our partners in industry to help with this and that’s why we have delivered more than 50 briefings and workshops to key agricultural and wildlife stakeholders, ensuring the community have the vital information to manage an outbreak.

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said:

“Our focus now is to increase surveillance and to detect any further infections early.

“We have now ramped up surveillance operations having trained more than 500 additional staff, including Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers to undertake surveillance for H5 bird flu.

“The State Coordination Centre has been stood up in Orange, we have established the H5 bird flu call centre and we are briefing all key stakeholders on the current situation.

“We have innovative spatial mapping tools, decision-support systems and response databases to enable rapid, evidence-based action during a wildlife outbreak.

“We are using the best available data now to target actions for our most at-risk wildlife species and important natural places.”

To report a sick bird call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au

The Minns Labor Government is driving growth across regional NSW with the launch of a new tourism marketing strategy designed to attract even more visitors, boost local businesses and create jobs across Regional NSW.

The first phase of the campaign will showcase Byron Bay, the Barrington Coast, Shoalhaven, Sapphire Coast and Port Stephens.

Delivered by Destination NSW, the 12-month campaign uses data-driven insights and authentic storytelling to connect visitors with the experiences that make regional NSW unique, from stunning coastal escapes and nature-based adventures to world-class food, wine and cultural experiences.

Developed in partnership with Destination Networks, local councils and industry, the strategy is informed by workshops held across 27 regions, helping identify the experiences and opportunities with the greatest potential to drive visitation, visitor spending and economic growth.

The campaign is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to grow the visitor economy and ensure regional communities share in the benefits of record tourism growth.

Regional NSW continues to be Australia’s leading regional destination, welcoming 64.4 million domestic and international visitors who spent $27.2 billion in the year to March 2026.

Regional NSW will play a critical role in achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, with almost half of the State’s projected $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure expected to be generated outside Greater Sydney.

Following the initial television rollout, region-specific activity will extend across digital, social media, search, PR, influencer engagement, events and Destination NSW-owned channels, ensuring sustained, year-round visibility for regional destinations.

The strategy is backed by the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing investment in major events, aviation connectivity and visitor experiences, helping grow the visitor economy, support local businesses and strengthen regional economies across NSW.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“Regional NSW is home to some of the nations best kept secrets, and we’re making sure more people discover them.

“From pristine coastlines and spectacular mountain ranges to world-class food, wine and cultural experiences, NSW has something for everyone.

“NSW is already leading the nation on tourism, with a record 129.3 million visitors spending $61.9 billion across our state last year.

“We want people to stay longer and spend more in NSW, and the best way to do that is to get visitors travelling to our regions. We are backing regional tourism because we know it delivers real economic benefits for communities right across the state.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said

“Every visitor who heads to regional NSW helps support local businesses, create jobs and strengthen regional communities.”

“We’re backing regional tourism because when our regions thrive, local businesses grow, more jobs are created and the whole NSW economy benefits.”

“Regional NSW has everything visitors are looking for, and this campaign will help put more people on the road, more customers through local businesses and more dollars into regional communities.”

Councils across NSW are delivering projects to strengthen community connection and overcome hate, racism and discrimination at a local level, thanks to the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.

Under the $800,000 program, seven metropolitan and six regional councils will consult with their communities to elevate local voices, help to build understanding of community experiences, and shape each council’s response to hate, racism and discrimination.  

When social cohesion is undermined, communities are less resilient and division grows. This program responds directly to those concerns, supporting councils to deliver practical solutions and reinforce that hate, racism and discrimination have no place in NSW.

Each project is locally designed and led to reflect the needs of specific communities, with many supporting the development of local anti-racism strategies and other long-term initiatives to build more inclusive communities.

In Willoughby, council will facilitate a youth-led project across council areas along the Metro Line to build shared connection and address racism, misinformation and social division through guided engagements, while in Lake Macquarie, accessible training will build the skills and confidence of community members to prevent, respond to and report racial discrimination.  

Since launching in 2021, the NSW Social Cohesion Grants program the NSW Government has delivered more than $2.7 million to 21 local governments.

A full list of successful councils and programs is available online at www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/connected-communities/nsw-social-cohesion-grants-for-local-government

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Our communities are made stronger by our diverse faiths, backgrounds, and cultures. It’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure our differences are respected and seen as the strengths that they are.”

“No one should be made to feel like they do not belong in our state.”

“Creating a safe and inclusive environment for every person, and every family, is a duty that we all share.”

“Through theses council-led programs community members will feel supported to raise their voice and help shape more connected, cohesive neighbourhoods.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Strong communities are built through respect, inclusion and participation. Councils play an important role in bringing people together and helping create places where everyone feels they belong.”

“Councils across New South Wales have told us they want practical support to strengthen community connections and respond to hate, racism and discrimination. These grants will help them deliver projects that reflect the needs and priorities of their own communities.”

“The strength of this program is that local communities will help shape local solutions. By listening to residents and working alongside community organisations, councils can develop practical initiatives that build understanding, strengthen trust and help prevent division before it takes hold.”

“Local government is closest to the communities it serves. Councils understand their neighbourhoods, know the local challenges and are well placed to lead initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more cohesive communities.”  

Lake Macquarie City Council Mayor Adam Shultz said:  

“Lake Macquarie is a welcoming and inclusive city and we’re committed to continuing to build on that.”  

“Our ‘Everyone belongs in Lake Macquarie’ program will deliver training across schools, the community sector and Council to build skills and confidence to respond to racial discrimination.”  

“By listening to our community and building understanding, we can strengthen connection and create a more inclusive Lake Macquarie.”

Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor said:

“Willoughby is proud to support Metro Connect, a youth-led project that uses our city’s transport connections to bring communities closer together.

“By creating opportunities for young people from Canterbury-Bankstown and Willoughby to meet, learn from one another, share experiences and develop new friendships, the project will help build connections across our region.

“When young people have the opportunity to meet, listen and connect, it helps challenge misconceptions and break down prejudice through genuine understanding and shared experiences, while fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

“We look forward to welcoming young people to Willoughby and seeing the positive connections that grow from this initiative, helping to build more respectful, inclusive and connected communities for the future.” 

The Minns Labor Government’s is inviting rugby clubs, associations and councils across NSW to apply for a share of $2.15 million in new funding, as part of the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program now open.

The Program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $10 million investment in rugby, secured as a direct result of NSW hosting games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.  

The Legacy Program is designed to make sure the benefits of hosting a major international tournament flow well beyond the matches themselves, into local clubs, facilities and the next generation of players.

Grants of between $5,000 and $150,000 are available to rugby associations, clubs and councils throughout NSW for projects that:

• upgrade rugby facilities and infrastructure, including grounds, lighting, amenities and equipment
• strengthen player pathways from grassroots through to elite levels
• grow participation, with a particular focus on under-represented groups including women and girls, First Nations communities, multicultural communities and people with disability

Round 2 builds on a strong first round, which saw 38 clubs, associations and councils share in $2.15 million to deliver projects ranging from facility upgrades to new participation programs.  

The Program is being delivered by the Minns Labor Government in partnership with NSW Rugby Union, ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, reflecting a coordinated approach to growing the game across the state ahead of 2027.

Applications for Round 2 close Friday, 14 August 2026. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply early, with grants assessed on community benefit, project readiness and alignment with the Program’s participation and inclusion goals.

Applications close Friday, 14 August 2026. Visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding for further information and to apply.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the nation’s major sporting event capital, and we’re making sure events like the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 leave a lasting legacy at every level of the game.

“This funding means rugby clubs and communities right across the state get a direct benefit from NSW hosting World Cup games.

“38 clubs, associations and councils have already shared in $2.15 million through Round 1, and Round 2 will keep that momentum going backing infrastructure, equipment and participation programs from grassroots to elite.”

Rugby NSW CEO Peter Murphy said:

“The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program is creating lasting benefits for clubs and communities right across the state.  

“This funding gives clubs the opportunity to invest in facilities, grow participation and strengthen the foundations of our game, ensuring rugby continues to thrive well beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2027.  

“With over 35 successful applicants in Round 1, we encourage all eligible clubs and councils to explore the program and consider how this funding can help bring their projects to life.” 

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the future of the NSW economy by backing a new wave of innovation activity that will drive jobs, attract investment and strengthen the state’s global competitiveness.

A total of 19 organisations will be supported through the latest round of the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program; part of the Government’s push to drive innovation in NSW.

A total of $400,000 will support events and initiatives that bring together startups, researchers, investors and industry, helping turn ideas into commercial opportunities.

From innovation festivals and climate tech awards to health innovation exchanges and AI-focused programs, the funded initiatives align directly with the Government’s priorities to modernise the economy and support industries critical to the state’s future.

The sponsored events, taking place across metropolitan and regional NSW, help connect founders with the networks, capital and expertise they need to grow, with a strong focus on regional participation, inclusion and high-growth sectors.

This latest round supports initiatives aligned with the NSW Government’s Innovation Blueprint and Industry Policy, including priorities across housing, net zero and the energy transformation, and local manufacturing.

By strengthening the innovation ecosystem, the Minns Labor Government is helping to diversify the economy, drive productivity and ensure NSW remains the best place in Australia to start, grow and scale a business.

For more information on the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/innovation/grants-and-programs/fostering-innovation-sponsorship-program.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter is an innovation powerhouse and this investment puts our money where our mouth is to support the people, ideas and businesses driving our region’s future.

“This is the Minns Government backing local ideas, jobs and industry to ensure our region – and the people who power it – continues to thrive.

“By investing in the next big idea today, we’re ensuring the Hunter remains at the forefront of innovation, industry and growth for years to come.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands that investing in innovation is investing in jobs, productivity and the long-term strength of our economy.

“Our Innovation Blueprint and Industry Policy are driving that work, backing the industries and technologies that will power growth in NSW.

“This isn’t about an announcement, it’s about delivery. Through practical initiatives, we’re supporting the people turning ideas into real businesses and connecting them with the capital and expertise they need to scale.

“And we’re making sure those opportunities are shared right across NSW, so more communities can benefit from growth.

“By aligning this investment with our priorities in clean energy, housing and local manufacturing, we’re building a stronger, more resilient economy and positioning NSW for the future under the Minns Labor Government.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women bring different perspectives and approaches to the table. So it’s fantastic to see initiatives that back women’s innovation receiving funding under this program.

“This investment is part of the wider work we’re doing to boost women’s participation and advancement. By supporting a more inclusive and diverse innovation sector, we’re creating a stronger economy with advancements that benefit everyone.”

Western Sydney Women Founding Director Amanda Rose said:

“Western Sydney is one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions in the country, but too often women are underrepresented in the industries shaping our future.

“ Women Leading AI, is about changing that – connecting women with the skills, networks and confidence to lead in AI and emerging technologies. Our event will bring together around 120 female founders, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and students, with a strong focus on culturally and linguistically diverse and underrepresented communities.

“We are grateful for the support of the NSW Government in growing a more inclusive innovation ecosystem that reflects the talent and potential of our communities.”

Hunter iF CEO Zara Crichton said:

“We’re shifting the conversation in the Hunter from ‘what if’ to ‘yes, and’ – building on the region’s industrial strengths to unlock new opportunities in emerging technologies.

“Through our festival and regional roadshow, we’ll connect people, ideas and capital to turn ambition into real outcomes. The NSW Government’s continued support is helping us scale that momentum across the region.”

EnergyLab Director and CEO Megan Fisher said:

“We are incredibly grateful for the support through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, which allows us to launch the Climate Investment and Growth Series in Sydney at a defining moment for our ecosystem.

“As EnergyLab enters its tenth year, this series will bring vital attention to breakthrough startups while actively addressing the gender funding gap by empowering more women investors.

“By connecting our brightest founders with critical capital, industry and expertise, we are ensuring that Australia’s best ideas have the backing they need to scale and accelerate global decarbonisation.”

Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program – Round 4 Recipients

Organisation	Activity title
Australian Computer Society (ACS)	NSW Regional Roadshow
Barayamal	First Nations Economic Forum
Business Western Sydney	Westmead Health & Innovation District Conference 2026
Cicada Innovations	Cicada x Tech23
Climate Salad	2026 Climate Tech Awards
EnergyLab	EnergyLab Climate Investment Growth Series
Go Remote	Invest Rural
Greenhouse	Climate Innovation and Investment Summit
Hunter iF	2026 Hunter Innovation Festival & Regional Roadshow
iAccelerate – University of Wollongong	Illawarra Pitch Showcase
Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research	Health Beyond Research and Innovation Showcase 2026
Proto Axiom	NSW Women’s Health Innovation Exchange 2026
Scale Investors	Equity Clear – Capital Pathways
The University of Sydney	Sydney Biomedical Community of Practice
Western Sydney Women	Women Leading AI: Connecting, Scaling & Growing in Western Sydney
University of Newcastle	Regional Health Innovation Series
UNSW Founders	Pitch Night South West and Digital Makers – South West Sydney
Western Sydney Tech Innovators	WSTI Festi – Western Sydney AI Founders Festival
Western Sydney University	Innovate Western Sydney

The Minns Labor Government is committing a record $37.3 million to strengthen and expand its response to legacy lead contamination in Broken Hill to protect children and families from the long-term impacts of lead exposure.

The four-year funding in the 2026-27 NSW Budget will double the number of homes remediated each year and support ongoing blood lead level testing for children, particularly Aboriginal children.

Education programs will be expanded, and lead considerations will be embedded into paediatric development and broader health programs, with a strong focus on early intervention for any at-risk children and families.

Broken Hill continues to face one of the most significant legacy lead contamination challenges in Australia. Data from 2025 shows 35 per cent of children aged one to five, and 56 per cent of Aboriginal children of the same age, have blood lead levels above national health investigative guidelines.

The funding includes:

• $12.7 million for the development and implementation of a zonal remediation program, targeting homes in known high-risk zones and homes of high-risk families, to reduce lead contamination before exposure can occur.
• $11.5 million for ongoing targeted remediation of homes of children who have recorded high blood lead levels.
• $8.1 million for enhanced monitoring of emissions from existing mines and other local dust sources, and for the purchase of new soil and air monitoring equipment, to help reduce lead and dust emissions at their source.
• $2.5 million for ongoing community outreach, education and awareness campaigns, including expansion of the LeadSmart program and hands-on education sessions at local schools and events.

The commitment delivers on the recommendations of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s report on Reducing the health and environmental impacts of lead contamination in Broken Hill.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“No child should be put at risk from the environment they grow up in. This funding boost allows us to more than double the number of homes remediated to protect more families.

“We are pivoting to a proactive, targeted and preventative program, designed to reduce lead exposure in children before harm occurs and break the cycle of lead-related disadvantage in Broken Hill.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“A long history of lead mining in Broken Hill has left a legacy of contamination that we need to manage better.

“Community blood lead levels, particularly in young Aboriginal children, have not improved as quickly as we need them to.

“That’s why we are reshaping how we address this problem, adding more rigour, more funding, more coordination and more on-the-ground resourcing.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“To see blood lead levels declining in young children screened in Broken Hill is very pleasing but we know more needs to be done.

“This investment will help reduce the risk of harm, particularly for young children and infants.” 

The first of 12 trains for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line has arrived in Sydney, marking an important step towards first services.

The next-generation, three-carriage train travelled 23,000 kilometres from Vienna.

It was unloaded in Port Kembla on Monday and was trucked to Sydney Metro’s new Stabling and Maintenance Facility at Orchard Hills, where the train was assembled.

Design features of the new trains:

• Wide, accessible aisles through the centre of the train – approximately 30 centimetres wider than those on M1 Line trains – to allow for ease of movement for passengers travelling with luggage;   
• Room for luggage storage below seats;
• High resolution displays showing real-time flight information via a direct feed from the airport;
• Multiple seating choices in each carriage, including front and rear facing seating for groups, plus traditional longitudinal (sideways) seating;  
• Designated wheelchair spaces and accessible areas;
• Hearing loops in all carriages for enhanced accessibility and   
• Four bicycle storage spaces on every train.  

The remaining 11 trains are due to arrive over the coming months, with dynamic testing on the 23km, six-stop line expected to commence later this year.

The journey time from St Marys metro station to Airport Terminal Station will be around 15 minutes.

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

“It’s great to see Metro trains arriving, which will serve Western Sydney’s new international airport.

“With room for bags and flight information, these will be among the most advanced trains the country.

“Today’s delivery gets us a step closer to connecting another Australian airport with a rail link – Melbourne via Sunshine next!”

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham:

“Western Sydney is getting the most technologically-advanced driverless trains in the world to service the new international airport and that growing part of the city.

“We are excited to the see first train unloading at the docks.

“These trains will be unique to the Western Sydney Airport Metro line, providing wider aisles for travellers with luggage, digital screens showing real-time flight information and all modern accessibility features.

“Platforms and gates at the new airport station will be wider to make it a first-class experience when services begin.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“The future of commuting in Western Sydney has arrived. These new metro trains will complement bus routes that will start criss-crossing the south west and connecting people to the airport from July. These new transport links will be really welcome additions for visitors and the thousands of people expected to work in the airport precinct.”

NSW Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:

“The arrival of the first Western Sydney Airport Metro train is another exciting milestone for our region and for the transport network that will support Western Sydney’s growth.

“Purpose-built for airport travellers, these trains will make it easier for passengers to reach Western Sydney International with modern accessibility features and real-time flight information.

“With the airport opening next year and these new metro services on the way, it’s important we keep investing in the transport infrastructure our growing communities need.”

Two years ago, the National Housing Accord was announced with the promise of delivering more homes for Australians, yet after 730 days of promises, the Minns Labor Government remains 40% behind its commitment of 377,000 new homes by 2029.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said the second anniversary of the Accord should be a wake-up call for a government that has made housing one of its signature promises but is delivering one of its signature failures.
 
“Two years into the Housing Accord, Labor is nowhere near where it promised to be and NSW first homebuyers and families are paying the price,” Mr Rath said. 
 
“Instead of celebrating progress, the Minns Government is presiding over one of the biggest housing delivery failures in recent history.”
 
Mr Rath also said Labor appear more interested in hiding the problem than fixing it.
 
“Last year’s Budget Papers included a graph tracking housing completions. This year, it has conveniently disappeared. You don’t delete the scoreboard when you’re winning, you delete it when the numbers expose your failure.”
 
Chris Minns needs to be building around 75,000 homes a year to reach his housing target. But the last time Labor delivered more than 50,000 housing completions was in 2000.
 
“The last time Labor could boast about housing completions was when Cathy Freeman was winning gold at the Sydney Olympics,” Mr Rath said.
 
Despite housing affordability remaining the number one issue facing young people and families, last week’s Budget contained no meaningful new measures to improve project feasibility, reduce government taxes and charges, or remove the hurdles preventing homes from being built.
 
“40% of the cost of a new home in Sydney is fees, taxes and charges. Labor had the chance to tackle the extra costs sinking completion numbers and making projects unviable, but instead delivered more of the same,” Mr Rath said.
 
The Liberals and Nationals have a plan to boost housing supply and invest in infrastructure across NSW. It includes:

• Pausing Labor’s $12,000 tax on every new home until 30 June 2029.
• Cutting payroll tax for small and medium construction businesses. 
• Repurposing the Long Bay Jail site for 12,000 new homes.
• State-led rezoning in Erskineville, Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters for 10,000 new homes.
• Delivering the Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy for a further 10,000 new homes.
• A $2 billion Community Benefit Fund to fund local roads, parks, schools and services tied to actual housing delivery.