16 News

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more fee-free early learning for families across Queanbeyan, with two new public preschools now open for up to 160 children each week.

Queanbeyan East Public Preschool and Queanbeyan South Public Preschool have officially opened today, giving local families access to high-quality, fee-free early learning in the year before their child starts school.

Each new public preschool can welcome up to 80 children each week, and features two state-of-the-art learning spaces, dedicated staff facilities and landscaped outdoor play areas. The preschools are staffed by qualified early childhood teachers and School Learning Support Officers, providing children with a high-quality, play-based early learning program.

Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East are the fourth and fifth new public preschools to open as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic program to build 100 new public preschools across NSW by early 2027. They are part of 49 new public preschools being delivered in regional NSW under the program.

More early learning places are also on the way for communities across Monaro, with construction underway on a new public preschool at Jindabyne Public School, which will also provide places for up to 80 children per week.

A new public early learning service is also being delivered alongside the new public primary school planned for Googong, set to welcome students from Day 1, Term 1 2028.

The new preschools build on the Minns Labor Government’s significant investment in public education infrastructure across the region, including the new Googong High School, the new permanent Bungendore High School and the expansion of Jerrabomberra High School.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $769 million to double the number of public preschools across the state and provide up to 9,000 additional children with access to high-quality, fee-free early learning.

The rollout forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, backed by a record $9.2 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across NSW, including $2.3 billion for regional public schools.

Families interested in enrolling their child can contact Queanbeyan East Public School or Queanbeyan South Public School to submit an expression of interest.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government wants every child to have the best possible start, no matter where they live, and that means delivering high-quality public early learning close to home.

“These two new public preschools are part of the biggest expansions of public preschool education in our state’s history, with 49 of our 100 new public preschools being built in regional NSW.

“From Queanbeyan and Jindabyne to right across regional NSW, the Minns Labor Government is investing in the state-of-the-art schools and preschools families need and deserve.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“Queanbeyan has some fantastic preschools, but for as long as I can remember there have been waiting lists or families who just couldn’t afford to send their kids.

“That’s just not good enough, which is why I’m delighted the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to Queanbeyan South and Queanbeyan East has not only been delivered, but delivered early.

“After more than a decade of inaction from the Nationals, who built no public preschools in Monaro, the Minns Government is building four across the region.

“That’s what investing in public education looks like, and it’s wonderful to see these new preschools opening their doors and giving local children the chance to learn, grow and build those important early connections within their own community.”

Queanbeyan South Public School Principal Kelly Broomham said:

“We are thrilled to welcome our youngest learners and their families to our new public preschool.

“Our preschool will provide access to high-quality early learning programs and a place where our little ones can start their educational journey in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment.

“Having a public preschool on our school grounds allows local children to become part of our school community from the very start. This connection will help make their transition to kindergarten smooth and natural.”

Queanbeyan East Public School Principal Danny Scott said:

“Opening our doors to this new preschool is a wonderful moment for our school community. Our qualified early learning educators have worked hard to create a space where children can explore, play, and learn every single day.

“This preschool gives our youngest learners access to high-quality early education right here in their own community, supported by dedicated teaching staff and purpose-built learning spaces.

“We look forward to supporting this next generation of learners as they grow within our school community.”

The home of Tamworth Country Music Festival will now see a boost to its night-time economy all year round as it launches NSW’s first regional Special Entertainment Precincts.

Tamworth Regional Council have established two precincts – one in the CBD and the other at the Sports and Entertainment Precinct – which will have tailored trading hours and sound rules that support hospitality and entertainment operators to thrive.

The trials will support the growth of the region’s live music, sporting and nightlife offerings, encourage investment in entertainment venues, support local artists and performers, and provide certainty for businesses, developers and residents in Australia’s Country Music Capital.

This brings the total number of Special Entertainment Precincts in NSW to 11, with over 20 more in various planning stages.

SEPs also allow councils to future-proof their entertainment precincts by notifying residents and prospective home buyers that they will be living in a defined area where later trading hours and higher levels of sound are supported by the council, and complaints about business noise will be handled with reference to the settings for the area.

For Tamworth, where iconic music venues need to co-exist with new residential development, these protections are vital to making sure the gigs continue year-round and residents and visitors alike can enjoy great entertainment.

Tamworth Regional Council received $200,000 funding under the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant program to establish two SEP trials in the CBD and the Sports and Entertainment Precinct.

For more information, visit Special Entertainment Precincts.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Tamworth is famous for its music and nightlife during the country music festival, this will help locals boost vibrancy all year round.

“Congratulations to the Tamworth Regional Council for leading the charge and becoming the first regional city to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct, we know others will soon follow suite.

“To see these precincts roll out in regional settings demonstrates how versatile this model is, where local councils decide where to boost entertainment and hospitality and we cut the red tape that allows them to do it.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“The great thing about the Special Entertainment Precinct model is that it has been designed to be adaptable to different settings. Councils are best placed to work out what makes sense in their context.

“As both residents and country music festivalgoers know, Tamworth has some great nightlife offerings in different areas of town, so it’s great to see these two trials now getting underway. Exploring Purple Flag accreditation will also uplift the Council’s night-time economy planning and encourage greater collaboration.

“Consultation is key, and these SEP trials will help councils work with local businesses, creatives, residents, police and other local leaders to get the settings right.”

Tamworth Regional Council Team Leader – Strategic Planning, Mitch Gillogly said:

“Tamworth is uniquely positioned to lead this trial as the first regional city in NSW to trial the Special Entertainment Precincts.

“Unlike other precincts established to date, Tamworth’s trial includes two distinct entertainment areas, recognising both our vibrant CBD, which is synonymous with live music and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and our Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which hosts major concerts, equine and sporting events.

“This trial will provide valuable insights into how Special Entertainment Precincts can support regional economies, encourage investment in live entertainment, and create vibrant, safe destinations while balancing the needs of local communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the NSW Police Force, today welcoming the largest attesting class in 14 years with 353 new probationary constables who will bolster frontline policing and and help keep communities safe across NSW.

Class 369 is the fifth consecutive class to set a new recruitment record, reflecting the Government’s efforts to rebuild the NSW Police Force and put more officers on the frontline.

The new officers will be sworn in today before they start 12 months of on-the-job training at their new home stations on Monday.

Probationary Constables will be deployed across NSW to where they are most needed:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 87
• North West Metropolitan Region – 67
• South West Metropolitan Region – 80
• Northern Region – 54
• Southern Region – 34
• Western Region – 31

The class has a wide range of ages and backgrounds, with the eldest recruit being 59-years-old and the youngest 18. Paul Brown, 59, was previously a personal training business owner before choosing a career with the NSW Police.

Recruits are born in a total of 26 different countries and there are 15 First Nations peoples attesting today.

Class 369 is made up of 261 men and 92 women. Seven recruits are receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievement.

Five athletes have come through the Minns Labor Government’s Elite Athlete Program, introduced in 2025 to attract top-performing athletes to the NSWPF, including NRLW St George Dragons Player Tyra Ekepati.

The 19-year-old says the Elite Athlete Program is the only way she can achieve both of her dreams – to help people as a police officer and play in the NRLW.

Additionally, 17 students from the latest Professional Mobility Program cohort will attest today, marking the first PMP class to attest on the parade grounds and at the same time as a Constable Education Program class, marking a major milestone.

Today’s record-breaking class shows the Minns Labor Government’s investment in police recruitment is turning the tide.

It follows our announcement that an additional class will be added this year, moving from three to four classes a year and giving more people the opportunity to join the NSWPF and protect their communities.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and send wages backwards for over a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left as a result.

We are turning that around by: 

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
• Paying recruits to train at the Goulburn Police Academy, resulting in a 70% increase in applications to join the NSWPF
• Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to attract experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand
• Establishing the Cadet Traineeship Program to create a new early pathway into policing
• Establishing the Elite Athlete Program
• Establishing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers across their careers

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Today, 353 new probationary constables join the NSW Police Force – another record-breaking class and the largest in more than a decade.

“Every one of these new officers has put their hand up to serve the people of NSW, keep our communities safe and be there when people need them most.

“You can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today, a record-breaking 353 new officers join the ranks of Australia’s best police force and will be deployed to communities across NSW.

“We inherited a police workforce that was going backwards. Experienced officers were leaving in droves, and not enough were being recruited. For three and a half years, we have worked every single day to rebuild the NSW Police, and a 70 per cent increase in applications and consecutive record-breaking attesting classes are prime examples of that work.

“There is more work to do but we are investing in the NSW Police and putting more officers where the community expects them – on the frontline.

“To every officer attesting today: policing will ask a lot of you. You will see people on their worst days, and you will be asked to step forward when others step back.

“Thank you for choosing to serve and protect our state. We are incredibly grateful to have you in the NSW Police.”

The new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital has reached a major milestone, with the approval of the State Significant Development application, and a builder appointed to support the finalisation of planning and design of the new facility.

The Minns Labor Government’s record investment in the new Bankstown Hospital is the single largest capital investment in a public hospital in the state’s history and will help meet the healthcare needs of Sydney’s southwest communities, now and into the future.

Multiplex has been appointed as the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) building partner. Under the ECI arrangement, Multiplex will work with the project team, designers, hospital clinicians and staff to finalise the design ahead of main works construction.

Demolition and site remediation activities are well underway on site and will continue throughout 2026, in preparation for construction of the main hospital expected to start in 2027.

Centrally located in Bankstown’s growing CBD, the new hospital will provide patients, staff and visitors with convenient access to a range of local services and public transport connections, including the future Bankstown Metro station.

The new Bankstown Hospital will deliver more beds and treatment spaces, as well as enhancement of health services within a new 14-storey hospital building, along with the multi-storey car park. A separate emergency drop-off area and dedicated emergency parking will improve the arrival experience for patients and carers.

The final service offering for the new hospital will be finalised as planning progresses and is expected to include:

• expanded emergency department
• operating theatres
• intensive care unit
• surgical and medical services
• women and children’s health services including maternity
• mental health inpatient services
• ambulatory care
• cancer services
• aged care health services
• multi-storey car park and on-ground parking

The community and staff will continue to be updated as the project progresses. For more information, visit New Bankstown Hospital.

After the former Coalition government failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around the state the Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and save the health services the Coalition jeopardised.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $11.9 billion delivering 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including:

• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital – which the Liberals promised in 2019 and failed to deliver;
• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital, including an $120 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government – which the Liberals promised and failed to deliver at three elections – and which will include an emergency department as well as birthing services;
• $630 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment, including an $80 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government;
• $400 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment; and
• $120 million for additional beds at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital is part of the $3.8 billion the Minns Labor Government is investing in Western Sydney hospitals over the next four years.

“The former Coalition Government’s failure to deliver on major hospital projects like Bankstown left parts of the Sydney without whole hospitals, health systems under pressure, and jeopardised health services for local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.

“The state-of-the-art new Bankstown Hospital will deliver more beds and treatment spaces and deliver critical care for the growing population of southwest Sydney that will help meet the healthcare needs of the fast-growing and diverse community.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“This approval is a major boost for Bankstown, giving local communities better access to modern health facilities closer to home.

“Well located near public transport, including the future Bankstown Metro station, the new hospital will support the renewal of the city centre while making it easier for patients, staff and visitors to access services.”

“With more people choosing to live and work in the area, careful planning is needed to deliver the critical infrastructure communities rely on and make sure it’s connected with transport, jobs and services.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson:

“We are grateful for staff and members of the community who are continuing to shape planning for our new hospital.

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering essential health services, while building healthcare infrastructure to ensure patients continue to receive access to high-quality care to meet the needs of growing communities now and into the future.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib:

“It’s great to see planning move into the final phase for our new Bankstown Hospital.

“Our community deserves a modern, state-of-the-art hospital that will meet our needs well into the future and that’s exactly what this record $2 billion investment will deliver.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“I’m thrilled we are another step closer to this much needed health facility.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering the hospitals and beds Western Sydney communities need.”

The future of one of Tenterfield’s key transport links is taking shape, with construction starting on the new Molesworth Street concrete bridge over Tenterfield Creek, paving the way for a safer, more resilient and reliable crossing for the community.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are providing more than $9.9 million through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to improve the bridge’s resilience to future floods and natural disasters.

This project, delivered by Tenterfield Shire Council, will replace an old bridge over Tenterfield Creek damaged in the February and March 2022 floods. Work on the new 49-metre, three-span concrete bridge will commence on Monday 24 August.

The project will also include the replacement of the sewer line with an upgraded creek crossing including new support structure. There will be a shared pedestrian and cycle path on the bridge, creating a safer route for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

There will also be upgrades to the Molesworth Street approaches and sections of the Tenterfield Township Shared Cycleway to seamlessly connect with the new bridge.

To allow works to be carried out safely, temporary traffic and pedestrian changes will be in place throughout construction. Molesworth Street will be closed to through-traffic between Scott Street and Duncan Street for the duration of the works.

Access for local residents and the Tenterfield Bowling Club will be maintained at all times.
Preliminary work on the bridge replacement was carried out in July 2024 with geotechnical work to inform the design of the bridge redevelopment.

We thank the community for their patience and understanding while this important infrastructure upgrade is delivered.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain: 
“This is an exciting project for residents, commuters and freight operators travelling on Molesworth Street Bridge, which provides an important link to New England and beyond.

“The Albanese and Minns governments are proud to be investing in building infrastructure so that it’s even better than before, to withstand severe weather events like storms and flooding.

“This recovery approach means roads and other transport assets may be able to stay open longer during a disaster and reopen soon after the disaster has passed, speeding up recovery for local communities.”

NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison: 
“Delivering a stronger and more reliable Molesworth Street Bridge is about putting the safety of the Tenterfield community first.

“The new bridge will provide a safer crossing for everyone who relies on it every day, and most importantly, it will keep people connected when it matters most.

“Following damage caused by the 2022 floods, this investment will give the community a piece of infrastructure that will serve families for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin: 
“As the local member, I have driven and walked over the Molesworth Street Bridge many times, and I know firsthand just how vital this crossing is for our Tenterfield community.”

“This project is about building back better. Ensuring our infrastructure is built to withstand future severe weather events so local residents, businesses, and emergency services stay connected during disasters.

“By bringing all three levels of government together, we are supporting Tenterfield Shire Council to deliver this crucial $9.9-million project. Working side by side, we are giving our community the safer, more resilient infrastructure it deserves.”

Senator for NSW Tim Ayres:
“Good infrastructure makes a real difference to everyday life, and this new bridge will be an important asset for the Tenterfield community for years to come.

“This joint investment from the Australian and New South Wales governments is helping deliver practical improvements that will make it easier and safer for local residents, businesses and visitors to get around town.”

Mayor Bronwyn Petrie:
“It’s exciting to see the Molesworth Street Bridge Replacement Project is underway.

“This is an important project for Tenterfield that will deliver long-term benefits for our community. Once complete, the new bridge will improve safety and accessibility while providing a better connection for residents, visitors and road users.

“Council is grateful for the support of the Australian and NSW governments in making this project possible. We appreciate these works will cause some temporary inconvenience, and I thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience and understanding while construction is carried out.”
 

In another step to ensure local communities are first in line for the jobs created by the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the Minns Labor Government has committed $1.5 million to train the apprentice sparkies and other tradies needed to build and power the region’s clean energy future.

With the REZ expected to generate more than 1,800 construction jobs and almost 1,000 ongoing operational roles, this investment will provide another avenue for locals to gain the skills needed to take advantage of these opportunities.

Delivered under the Minns Labor Government’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, the $1.5 million Group Training Organisation program will help apprentices and trainees gain the qualifications they need, while making it easier and cheaper for local businesses to employ workers.

It involves free pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment training, giving aspiring tradies the practical skills, qualifications and tickets needed to step straight into renewable energy jobs.

Delivered by local not-for-profit organisation Skillset, in partnership with EnergyCo and the Department of Education, the program removes a key barrier for industry by allowing employers to support apprentices and trainees for the duration of their project rather than committing to hosting a full four-year apprenticeship.

If a host employer’s construction contract comes to an end, Skillset will place apprentices with another employer, allowing them to continue their training while gaining experience across multiple projects and worksites.

The program will also make it easier for businesses to take on apprentices and trainees by reducing recruitment, payroll, compliance and training administration costs.

The Group Training Organisation (GTO) program is now open to host business applications and expressions of interest from job seekers. Find out more here: energyco.nsw.gov.au/cwo-gto

The initiative will help industry meet government workforce requirements, including minimum targets of 20% apprentices in the trade workforce and 20% learning workers across the total project workforce.

The GTO program complements more than $13 million in workforce and local business initiatives already underway in the Central-West Orana REZ.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Renewable Energy Zones are about more than building the energy system NSW needs – they also create local jobs and business opportunities for regional communities.

“By allowing employers to take on apprentices for the duration of their project, then placing the apprentices with other projects to complete their studies, we’ll help more tradies kick-start their career and give them a strong future.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“As a regional MP in the Skills portfolio, I know how important it is for REZ communities to see the long-term benefit of the energy transition. It is a real benefit in well-paid local jobs and this Minns Government initiative means those jobs will be gained by local people.

“Building the energy infrastructure NSW needs can’t happen without the sparkies, tradies and skilled workers to build it. That’s exactly what this investment will do – helping locals secure in-demand jobs while giving Central West businesses the skilled workforce they need.

“Feedback I was getting made it clear that we needed a Group Training model to ensure that a young person could be taken on as an apprentice and work across a number of projects over the period of their apprenticeship. Without this structure we would have seen far fewer apprentices.

“This program makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to take on local apprentices by cutting red tape and reducing admin, so they can gain the qualifications needed and build long-term careers in an industry with a strong future.

“The former Liberals and Nationals Government created the REZ but completely failed to put in place a strategy to build long-term skills for locals – long-term jobs for the region. That’s what we are doing with this important initiative.”

Roads damaged by landslips across the Blue Mountains Local Government Area are set to be restored following a major investment by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Blue Mountains City Council has received $95 million to undertake remediation works at locations including Mount Wilson, Mount Irvine, Hartley Vale, Megalong Valley, Kanimbla Valley and Glenbrook. The investment is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Blue Mountains City Council is currently managing 101 landslip sites caused by severe weather in recent years, and has already invested more than $20 million in remediation, with more than $90 million in additional works planned as part of its recovery program.

The Mount Wilson Lower Hairpin Project is also a key priority for council, with concept designs underway following approval of more than $8.2 million in funding.

Temporary traffic arrangements remain in place to support public safety while long-term remediation works are developed.

For more information visit: bmcc.nsw.gov.au/major-projects

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Safe and reliable road access is essential for Blue Mountains communities, helping people get to work, school, appointments and essential services with confidence and safety.

“These roads are also vital economic links, supporting local businesses, freight, primary producers and the visitors who help drive the Blue Mountains economy.

“The Albanese and Minns governments are working together to help council restore damaged infrastructure and rebuild the strong, resilient connections the people of the Blue Mountains deserve.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“This $95 million funding injection is giving Blue Mountains City Council the financial support it needs to fix complex landslip sites and build back better for the future.

“Fixing these sites is critical because these roads are vital links connecting our local communities to each other, to local schools, healthcare, and everyday services.

“Recovery on this scale takes time, but by all three levels of government working together, we are ensuring Council has the backing to deliver long-term, resilient solutions that local residents can rely on.”

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman MP:

“This funding demonstrates our practical focus in the face of natural disasters.

“We live in a fragile environment and our ageing-built infrastructure was never designed for the current climate impacts, so I’m proud of the Albanese Government’s commitment to continue to help Council to remediate and build back better.”

NSW Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:

“This $95 million funding commitment is a significant investment in the long-term strength and safety of our local road network.

“In a unique environment like the Blue Mountains, keeping towns and villages connected to essential services and to one another is vital for everyday life and our regional economy.

“I’m pleased to see State and Federal support coming together to deliver resilient, durable infrastructure for our community.”

Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill:

“This funding gives council greater certainty to progress some of our highest priority landslip remediation projects and restore important road connections for our communities.

“The Blue Mountains’ steep terrain and severe weather mean landslip repairs are often complex, requiring detailed investigation, specialist engineers and careful planning.

“We thank the Australian Government and NSW Government for their continued support as we work to restore damaged infrastructure, improve road safety and strengthen the resilience of our road network.”

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the finalised plans for two major parks that will support communities in Sydney’s fast-growing north-west.

Kellyville Centre Park and Bella Vista District Park will deliver high-quality open space, supporting growing communities that will benefit from more near new homes and better transport connections.

Kellyville and Bella Vista Parks are the first to be delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $520 million investment in Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts, to deliver infrastructure, active transport and high-quality open space alongside new homes.

Kellyville Centre Park and Bella Vista District Park will transform land next to Kellyville Metro Station and the Metro North West Line into a shared backyard for this growing community, enabling families and residents to stay active and connect with nature close to home.

More than 700 people provided feedback on the initial designs earlier this year, helping to shape parks that will be welcoming, safe, accessible and responsive to the needs of the local community.

Key features of the Kellyville Centre Park design include:

• a shared pedestrian and cycle path, improving access to Kellyville Metro Station,
• spaces for sport and active recreation for all ages, including pickleball and basketball,
• nature-based play areas with climbing equipment,
• a BMX track and paths for skating and rollerblading,
• a central lawn and flexible community spaces for informal sport, events, and gatherings,
• well-located drinking water stations and accessible toilets,
• more than half the site will be dedicated to plants, shade and native trees to cool the park and support local wildlife, and
• designs that recognise local Aboriginal heritage and culture through the park’s landscaping and community spaces.

Key features of the Bella Vista District Park finalised designs include:

• extensive tree planting to increase shade and create cooler outdoor spaces,
• a large community lawn surrounded by trees, suitable for casual ball games, picnics and community events,
• an amphitheatre for small performances with nearby picnic spaces,
• family-friendly play spaces, including forest-themed play area, a water play area and spaces for casual sport and active play,
• stepped grass lawns for people to relax and gather,
• accessible walking paths connecting play areas, picnic spaces and gathering areas beneath shady trees,
• native trees and plants to create habitat for local wildlife, and
• spaces developed with input from Traditional Owners and Custodians that reflect Aboriginal culture and support learning about Country.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure worked closely with Landcom, Sydney Metro, The Hills Shire Council, Traditional Custodians and the local community to finalise the designs.  

The upgrade works expected to commence in 2027 with both parks set to open in 2028.  

Kellyville and Bella Vista Parks are the first to be delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $520 million investment in Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts, to deliver infrastructure, active transport and high-quality open space alongside new homes.

The TOD Accelerated Precinct rezonings around seven transport centres have created capacity for nearly 60,000 new homes and more than 126,000 commercial and retail jobs.

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

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:  

“We’re not just building more homes – we’re delivering the parks, infrastructure and open space that make neighbourhoods great.

“These two parks will give families and the growing community in Kellyville and Bella Vista more places to play, exercise, relax and connect with nature, right on their doorstep.

“Communities need more than just homes. That’s why we’re investing $520 million in infrastructure and open spaces to make sure growth around public transport is supported by places and facilities people rely on.

“With about 4,600 new homes expected across Kellyville and Bella Vista, we’re making sure growth is matched with high-quality open space and community infrastructure for local families.”

Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“We’re building communities, not just housing. That means delivering transport-oriented development with the parks, infrastructure and public spaces families need.  

“As Kellyville and Bella Vista grow, these parks will become a shared backyard, welcoming places to play, stay active, connect with nature and come together as a community.” 

A Liberals and Nationals Government will establish a Regional Parliament in its first year, delivering on a commitment to reconnect with the communities that sustain NSW.
 
Under the policy, the NSW Parliament will sit for a full week in a regional city, with both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council conducting Question Time, debating legislation and undertaking the full business of Parliament outside Sydney.
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said it is important to bring the political process to regional towns and cities and remind those on Macquarie Street of the world outside the city.
 
“While travelling across NSW this year what I’ve heard from regional communities is that they often feel forgotten and their voice doesn’t matter,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“As someone who was brought up in the country, I feel strongly about addressing that.”
 
“Regional NSW grows our food, powers our economy, supports our exports and drives so much of our prosperity. The regions do most of our heavy lifting and therefore deserve a Parliament that is prepared to come to them.”
 
Under the plan the host regional centre would be selected following a transparent, competitive process overseen by a multi-party parliamentary committee.
 
Communities would then have the opportunity to bid to host Parliament, showcasing their region, industries and local priorities.
 
“This is not about symbolism. It is about making better decisions through better understanding,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“When Members spend a week living, working and engaging in regional communities, they return to Sydney with a deeper appreciation of the impact government decisions have on families, farmers, small businesses and local industries.”
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals said the initiative would also deliver significant economic benefits to host cities.
 
Beyond the immediate economic injection, the annual sitting would place a national spotlight on the host region, showcasing its industries, attractions and investment opportunities to the rest of the state.
 
“Government works best when it is close to the people it serves,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“An Annual Regional Parliament will strengthen democracy, improve public policy, benefit the host region and send a clear message that regional New South Wales is central to our state’s future.”

The Minns Labor Government has abandoned its commitment to keeping faith communities safe, with Multiculturalism Minister Stephen Kamper admitting in Budget Estimates today that there is no funding to continue the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program in the 2026-27 NSW Budget.
 
The admission means the Government has effectively axed the dedicated program that provided grants to churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship to install vital security measures including CCTV, fencing, lighting, reinforced doors and access control systems.
 
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Government’s decision was a disgraceful betrayal of faith communities across NSW.
 
“At a time when our social cohesion is under significant strain, Labor has shamefully axed the only dedicated program designed to keep places of worship safe.” Mr Coure said.
 
“This is a government that has spent years telling our churches, mosques, synagogues and temples that their safety is a priority, only to turn around and abandon them when they need support the most.”
 
“The hypocrisy of the Minns Government to talk about protecting religious freedom and community cohesion while simultaneously ripping away a program that protected those very places of worship is appalling.”
 
Mr Coure said the decision was particularly concerning given the heightened security environment facing religious communities across NSW.
 
“We have seen too many incidents of threats, intimidation, vandalism and attacks against religious communities, yet this Labor Government has decided now is the time to walk away from dedicated funding for their security.” Mr Coure said.
 
“You cannot tell people their safety matters and then leave them to foot the bill themselves.”
 
“Faith communities deserve better, not more empty promises from the Minns Labor Government.”
 
The Safe Places for Faith Communities Program provided grants of between $5,000 and $250,000 to specifically fund security infrastructure.