Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver more connected communities, with the opening of the Falcon Street shared user bridge over the Warringah Freeway.

Built as part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, the new Falcon Street shared user bridge replaces an older crossing and improves user experience with a wider deck, a shade canopy decorated with Indigenous artwork and improved sight lines.

The 4.8 metre-wide, 187 metre-long bridge gives users more room, reducing conflicts between those on foot and those cycling across the bridge.

The bridge will connect 800 users every single day, crossing over the Warringah Freeway from Falcon Street at North Sydney to Merlin Street at Neutral Bay, providing continuous east-west connectivity across the Warringah Freeway, separated from traffic.

Construction was timed to take advantage of school holidays and to reduce night work closures on the freeway, reducing traffic impacts and night-time noise for the community.

While sections of the old bridge can still be seen, these will be progressively removed over the coming months, which can now be done without impacting users of the new bridge.

For more information about the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project, visit the Warringah Freeway Upgrade website.

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads, said:

“This is the latest milestone on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade on which we see real progress happening from week to week.

“The new bridge will be wider and safer for the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians expected to use it each day, with better sight lines and a wider deck. It helps to get Sydneysiders moving and active while giving them a safe passage across the freeway.

“It’s exciting to see elements of this critical infrastructure project open up as we motor towards Sydney’s future, and to see cyclists and pedestrians making use of this wonderful new asset.”

Labor Duty MLC for Willoughby, Courtney Houssos said:

“The new Falcon Street Shared user bridge is a fantastic addition for this community, making it safer and easier for locals to walk or cycle between Cammeray, Neutral Bay and North Sydney.

“Projects like this show how investment in infrastructure can deliver real benefits for people every day, improving safety, connectivity and the overall liveability of the local area.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Dr. Marjorie O’Neill said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in active transport infrastructure like this new shared user bridge.

“By creating safer, more accessible connections for walkers and cyclists, we’re helping people choose healthier, more sustainable ways to get around while easing congestion on our roads.”

In a world-first, the Minns Labor Government and international biotechnology leader, Tiba BioTech, have developed a breakthrough foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine that is fast to produce and will see Australia become one of the few nations with the capacity to produce its own vaccine.

FMD is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It remains widespread globally and is endemic in many countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and Middle East.

The development of this new vaccine is part of the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity plan to protect the state’s $8 billion livestock industry and Australia’s food security.

Australia is one of the few fortunate countries free of FMD but if a widespread outbreak was to occur it would have a catastrophic impact on meat supply and exports costing the Australian economy up to $80 billion.

The aim of the vaccine is to protect our community from the potential dramatic impact from FMD on the supply of meat, milk or lamb into Australian supermarkets due to reducing domestic livestock, disrupted processing and transport, and potential shortages for consumers.

As a result of the vaccine’s development, Australia is now one of only a handful of countries with the local capacity to produce a FMD vaccine.

Developing this capacity to guard against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government to protect our agricultural industries and build a better economy.

The vaccine has taken less than 18 months to develop and has cost about $2.5 million. The work is part of a $20 million project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the NSW Government.

This FMD vaccine is an mRNA vaccine which is unique in that it is fully synthetic making it safer and much faster to produce.

Using this technique, the vaccine can be manufactured without the use of infectious material. This is an important consideration for safely managing an outbreak and the overall response.

The vaccine is now undergoing further testing to demonstrate it meets the standards set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before it can be approved for use in an emergency if there was a FMD incursion into Australia.

The project is a consortium of local and international partners with the biotechnology leader, Tiba Biotech, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Meat & Livestock Australia, the German Friedrich –Loeffler Institut.   

Local manufacture of mRNA animal vaccines is supported by the University of NSW’s RNA Institute who have a demonstrated capacity to manufacture mRNA vaccines.

In recent overseas trials, vaccinated cattle exposed to the virus did not contract the disease and importantly did not shed the virus to infect others.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The delivery of an FMD vaccine is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state’s agriculture industry can thrive.

“Developing local manufacturing capacity to produce vaccines against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government so that we can protect Australia’s livestock industries, our economy and our food supply.

“The Minns Government is determined to build a better agricultural sector and grow our livestock industry and that is why we have invested a historic $1.05 billion into biosecurity.

“We have a plan we are implementing to strengthen our research sector and have funded an additional $100 million into modernising the state’s research and development program so it can keep on delivering world class work like this vaccine.

“If diseases like Foot and Mouth were to enter the country it would cause major disruptions to the livestock industry and catastrophic market impacts across rural Australia, so this breakthrough is greatly received.”

Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director, Michael Crowley, said:

“While we hope an FMD vaccine is never needed, the research is a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risk.

“FMD is present in nearby countries to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks.

“Australia is one of a fortunate number of countries with FMD-free status and an incursion would have serious implications for our industry and trade.

“While vaccination may not necessarily be required in the event of an incursion, this research confirms the Australian livestock industry is proactive and prepared.”

Tiba Biotech Chief Financial Officer, Peter McGrath, said:

“We’re proud to contribute to safeguarding Australia’s livestock industry and the future of animal health with this breakthrough next-generation solution.

“Unlike current mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and at room temperature for at least one month – a critical advantage in livestock applications.

“Our focus now shifts to working closely with regulators to ensure the vaccine meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness for livestock and consumers.

“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient and effective approach to enhancing animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers.”

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Virology Laboratory Manager, Dr Peter Kirkland, said:

“This vaccine research investment plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industries, safeguarding the communities that depend on them and maintaining access to critical export markets.

“There is no mRNA vaccine currently registered for use in livestock in Australia and delivering the first shows the way for the nation’s research and development sector.

“If this mRNA vaccine now moves to being approved by the APVMA, it would offer biosecurity advantages.

“It would allow Australia the ability to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals, which could support a speedier return to normal domestic production and international trade in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.”

Parents, carers and children across NSW will benefit from a new hospital initiative aimed at better supporting parents to raise concerns about their child’s condition if they feel it is getting worse.

The new tool will require healthcare workers to regularly ask families: ‘Are you worried they are getting worse?’ to help capture important changes in their child’s condition.

The question will be embedded in paediatric and neonatal observation charts in emergency department and inpatient units across the state.

The potentially life-saving tool Worried they’re getting worse is based on new research from Monash Health and developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission, and recognises parents, families and carers know their children best.

The question recognises that parents and carers are oftentimes able to detect early changes or deterioration in their child’s behaviour or temperament that could signal a clinical concern.

If parents or caregivers indicate they believe their child is getting worse or deteriorating, it will trigger a review by a senior healthcare worker.

All NSW public hospitals will implement the tool by October 2025 and the program will be extended into maternity and adult wards in early 2026.

The tool was first trialled at Hunter New England Local Health District in March 2025 and began its statewide rollout at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 21 July 2025.

Separately, the REACH program is also available for parents and carers when they have concerns their child is becoming seriously unwell. A REACH call prompts an urgent patient review by a senior health worker. This program continues to be accessible in all NSW hospitals with work underway to strengthen this safety net.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park:

“When you bring your child into our hospitals, we know that you know them best.

“Parents and carers can recognise small changes in a child’s condition sometimes before healthcare workers can observe changes in things like heart rate or breathing.

“Feedback from parents and carers is critical in capturing information about a child who is becoming seriously unwell.

“When your doctor or nurse asks: ‘Are you worried they’re getting worse?’ we need you to tell us even if it is something small, because if you’re worried, we’re worried.”

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill:

“The statewide rollout of this new tool will empower everyone, including parents and caregivers, to speak up when they have a concern about a loved one who is receiving care and is getting worse.

“At any time when a nurse or a doctor asks you this question, rest assured your concerns will be listened to and they will check your child’s clinical condition with the nurse in charge.”

Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM:

“We know staff right across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver the highest quality of care for patients and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support them to continue to do so.

“Really listening to parents, carers and family members is critical when caring for children in hospital and this new initiative recognises the vital role they play in their child’s care alongside our excellent healthcare professionals.

“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety for children and babies and provide an environment where parents and carers are encouraged and empowered to raise concerns.”

It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Father Chris Riley AM, whose visionary work changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across New South Wales.

In founding Youth Off The Streets in 1991, he turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services.

Father Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity young lives can be transformed.

On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Youth Off The Streets community, and the countless young people whose futures he helped build.

Following the announcement in 2023 that the former Feros Care Village in Byron Bay would close, residents of the much loved and vital community asset faced an uncertain future.

Today, the renamed George’s Cottages is thriving under the new management of St Andrews Village Byron Bay Ltd, with a secure 40-year lease and major improvements to its facilities.

The dramatic turnaround followed a coordinated effort by the NSW Government, Crown Lands, Byron Shire Council, Member for Ballina, Member for Richmond and Federal Government, together with passionate residents and community advocates to find a new operator to keep the facility open.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper toured the site today to meet with management and residents and inspect the significant progress that has been made to improve the quality of life for residents.

St Andrews stepped up to deliver a smooth transition and a strong commitment to resident care, delivering $3 million in upgrades to enhance residents’ well-being.

Major refurbishments that have been completed include:

• Upgrades to all 40 resident rooms and shared spaces, enhancing safety and functionality while preserving the familiar cottage-style character
• Full landscaping and revitalisation of four central courtyards, including accessible pathways, seating, and garden features
• Replacement of the fire safety system and comprehensive electrical upgrades to ensure safety, compliance and efficiency.

Works will commence shortly on a $3.5 million upgrade to the George’s Cottages aged care facility, located on Crown land in Byron Bay, to deliver an improved experience for residents.

The $3.5 million grant from the Federal Government will support the redesign and upgrade of all 40 ensuites, address drainage and stormwater issues, improve building exteriors, and deliver further landscaping enhancements.

Work to deliver the further upgrades will begin shortly, with St Andrews to work closely with residents to ensure they are comfortable and supported throughout.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The dedicated management of St Andrews and the significant improvements to the facilities at George’s Cottages have made a real difference to residents’ comfort, accessibility, and security.

“It’s rewarding to see the residents, who advocated so strongly for their homes alongside Crown Lands, council and the Federal Government, experiencing the benefits of those collective efforts.”

St Andrews Chief Executive Officer Todd Yourell said:

“Aged care facilities play a vital role in providing safe housing and essential services, and as a community-based organisation St Andrews is focused on investing in the wellbeing and quality of life of the residents it supports.

“St Andrews has been prioritising the residents of George’s Cottages throughout the delivery of the facility upgrades to ensure both their immediate and long-term comfort.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, Federal and State Labor Governments worked together with the community in 2023 to find a new provider, St. Andrew’s, to keep the site open for residents.

“I’m proud to have delivered more than $3.5 million in federal funding to support St Andrew’s to continue delivering the very best care and support for our local seniors at George’s Cottages.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:

“Too often, older voices are sidelined in conversations that affect them most. It has been a privilege to support such a remarkable group, and uplifting to witness these elders step forward and speak out with such determination for the future of their home.”

“It is so powerful to see what can be achieved when a community comes together. We are so pleased to know that the care and support of the residents is now safe in the hands of St Andrews to look after our older people with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

21 experienced officers will officially join the ranks of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) today after graduating from the Professional Mobility Program (PMP), a recruitment program designed by the Minns Labor Government to address the shortage of police officers and boost community safety.

The graduates are from Queensland (3), Victoria (5), South Australia (1), Northern Territory (1), the Australian Federal Police (4) and New Zealand (7).    

These officers have completed a 12-week training course and will start at their new home stations from Monday.    

The Professional Mobility Program allows current serving police officers from other jurisdictions within Australia and New Zealand to train and become police officers in NSW, while keeping their equivalent rank (up to Senior Constable level six).

Previously, there was no pathway for officers to move to NSW and keep their equivalent rank.

The 21 officers will be stationed across NSW:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 2
• Northwest Region – 2
• Northern Region – 10
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 3
• Southern Region – 2
• Western Region – 2

Most graduates worked in General Duties at their past policing jurisdictions. Others worked in highway patrol, prosecutions, crash investigation, specialist units and detectives.

They are aged between 28 to 54 years old.

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

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to turn that around by delivering better frontline services and supporting the NSW Police Force to keep communities safe.

While there is most work to do, we have:

• Delivered a historic pay rise for police officers;
• Started to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70 per cent increase in applications to join the NSWPF;
• Allowed graduates to serve closer to home via Be a Cop In Your Hometown;
• Fast-tracked experienced officers to transfer to NSW via the Professional Mobility Program;
• Established the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers’ physical and mental health.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is about rebuilding the essential services that communities across NSW rely on – starting with the people who keep us safe.

“For too long, police stations across NSW were left short-staffed and overstretched. We’re working hard to recruit more police with real reform, better pay, and practical pathways for experienced officers to get to work in NSW.

“These new officers bring a wealth of experience to the job – whether they’ve served in general duties, crash investigation, or specialist units. They’re ready to hit the ground running and make a difference in their communities.

“This is what rebuilding looks like – more officers, better support, and safer communities.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today’s graduates aren’t just new recruits – they’re seasoned professionals from across Australia and New Zealand who’ve chosen to make NSW their home.

“This is more than a career move – this is a life decision and it speaks volumes about the strength and reputation of the NSW Police Force.

“With paid study, historic pay rises and new pathways to help regional recruits stay close to home, there’s never been a better time to join. We’re proud to welcome these officers to the NSW police family today.”

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said:

“Today we see 21 PMP recruits graduate in NSW after having started their policing careers at other Australian and New Zealand policing jurisdictions.

“They have completed 12 weeks’ training at the Police Academy, and from today are appointed as probationary constables for a period of 6 months.

“Each of these officers brings invaluable past experience from each of their individual jurisdictions, and we are delighted they have demonstrated a commitment to serve the people of NSW.

“This program is providing a boost to police numbers which will greatly help us best serve our communities.”

Transport for NSW is warning people to expect major delays and disruptions across Sydney’s road and public transport network this Sunday, 3 August, due to a public assembly. 

A public assembly across the Sydney Harbour Bridge will result in the closure of north and southbound lanes of traffic from around 11:30am to around 4:00pm, but may be later.

Motorists and passengers should delay non-essential travel in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney during the closure, and if you must travel, allow plenty of additional journey time to get around Sydney on Sunday.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge closure will have a flow-on effect across the road and public transport network throughout the day.

Other roads in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney will also be closed at various points during the day and there will also be a significant amount of congestion in the Sydney CBD and North Sydney, and potentially surrounding areas.

There will be extensive queues in both directions to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel which will extend to the Western Distributor, Anzac Bridge, Rozelle Interchange as well as Eastern Distributor in the south, and also the Gore Hill Freeway and Lane Cove Tunnel and all of the roads linking into these major corridors.  

For any critical travel, such as going to the Airport from the north shore, we suggest people allow plenty of time, or consider alternative routes such as the Gladesville Bridge and Victoria Road.

It is important that motorists follow instructions from the tunnel operators if there is any queuing in tunnels.

Bus services that cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge will terminate at North Sydney or Wynyard during the closure times. Travellers should expect crowding at platforms on and around North Sydney and Wynyard stations. Passengers should also allow extra travel time. 

Due to scheduled trackwork Metro services will not run between Tallawong and Sydenham on Sunday. Buses replace services between Tallawong and Chatswood only.

Use trains between Chatswood, the City and Sydenham.

Buses also replace trains between Central and Bondi Junction on the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line and South Coast Line on Sunday. 

Ferries may also be overcrowded due to commuters utilising this mode of transport.

There will be no light rail between Circular Quay and Town Hall. The L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail line will truncate at Town Hall from 12pm and will reopen when deemed safe to do so. 

Motorists and passengers should stay across any updates to services by checking transportnsw.info/alerts and get the latest road updates by visiting the Live Traffic app or livetraffic.com.

Transport for NSW apologises to our passengers for the disruption and thanks commuters for their understanding. 

For the latest information visit:

• Road closure information and real-time traffic conditions, check livetraffic.com or visit the Live Traffic app
• Transport disruptions, check travel alerts

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with an investment of more than $6.4 million into a new Core and Cluster refuge to be built by Orana Support Service.

The refuge will have six self-contained units and is designed to be inclusive of women and children with disability. A children’s play area and pet-friendly common spaces will also cater for all types of families who stay there.

On site support services, which are a feature of the Core and Cluster model, include a mixture of communal and private spaces to facilitate services such as counselling, legal assistance and group programs.

Other features will include meeting rooms and advanced technology to allow residents to participate remotely in court hearings, if required.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides crisis accommodation and on-site support services to women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Once all 49 new Core and Cluster refuges are completed, they will support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

This is part of a wider effort by the Minns Labor Government to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence, including boosting frontline services such as the Staying Home Leaving Violence Program, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention and primary prevention.

The government has also invested an historic $5.1 billion in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new homes built prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“When a woman makes the courageous decision to leave an abusive relationship, she should not have to worry about whether she will have a safe place to stay, or whether her children will have a bed to sleep in.

“This Core and Cluster refuge in Coonamble will ensure that women and children escaping domestic and family violence will be supported with crisis accommodation and on-site services to heal from abuse and rebuild their lives.

“Victim-survivors will not have to choose between homelessness and staying in a violent and abusive relationship anymore once this refuge is up and running.”

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

“Coonamble Shire has one of the highest rates of recorded domestic violence related assault in the state, and there is a great need for more crisis support and accommodation for domestic violence victim-survivors in this area.

“Women and children fleeing violent and abusive homes have experienced trauma, and this Core and Cluster refuge will provide a safe place for residents to heal and recover from the trauma they’ve endured.

“Core and Cluster refuges are an important addition to the wraparound support we continue to provide victim-survivors because they not only provide a safe and secure place when they leave, on-site services also help them rebuild their lives so they can live free from violence.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP said:

“This is a very welcome announcement from the NSW Government for the Coonamble community. Domestic violence is often exacerbated in small rural and regional towns due to the challenge of finding safe and appropriate accommodation for victims and their families. These facilities will provide a much-needed safe and supportive environment for people experiencing family or domestic violence, it will allow victims time to recover and the space to plan for their future.”

Tina Reynolds CEO of Orana Support Service said:

“Orana Support Service is committed to expanding our provision of safe emergency and crisis accommodation into the Coonamble region, and this new Core and Cluster refuge will do just that for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government to build this refuge, which will be a safe place that will promote healing and hope for women and children who have experienced trauma.

“Once completed, the residents of this refuge will be supported to move forward with their lives, develop skills and find safe, longer-term accommodation.”

In the latest boost for screen industry jobs, the Minns Labor Government has agreed to support a proposed Coffs Harbour film studio with a noise wall next to the neighbouring highway.

The privately owned Pacific Bay Resort is proposing a $600 million film studio and associated developments. The proponent has indicated funding for a noise wall on its boundary with the Coffs Harbour Bypass is a potential barrier to the film studio going ahead.

The NSW Government is committing to provide a $5.5 million grant and assistance with Transport approvals for the noise wall if the proponents receive development approval and construction work on the studio project commences.

This announcement comes after the recent commitment for a $100 million capital fund to begin the search for a second major studio location in Sydney. This will address the current shortage of production space in Sydney, with the only large-scale film studio at Moore Park being used exclusively by Disney Studios Australia.

This was part of a $380 million package in the 2025-26 Budget to support the world-leading NSW screen and digital games sector.

NSW is the home for screen production in Australia and our local screen industry is full of highly creative, highly skilled workers.

The importance of this industry for the NSW economy cannot be understated, with the screen sector contributing over $1 billion in expenditure and employing over 13,000 people. The screen sector generated additional expenditure in hospitality, tourism and transport, particularly in our regional areas where these dollars are needed.

NSW regional communities benefit from screen production with notable projects including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga in the Far West, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart in the Hunter Valley Region, The Narrow Road to The Deep North in the Illawarra region, and Nine Perfect Strangers and God’s Favourite Idiot in Northern NSW.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“We’re making sure that a noise wall is no barrier to screen investment. So once work on the studio gets underway, the government will provide funds for the noise wall.

“A private investment in studio facilities in Coffs Harbour would be extremely welcome.

“The more studio space we have in NSW, the more productions and jobs we can attract.

“Having quality film productions on the mid-north coast would be a great win for the local economy. Regional communities play a vitally important role in our screen sector, providing incredible locations. skills, stories and hospitality.” 

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Government has come to the table to enable investment in film jobs on the North Coast now we’re excited to see them progress their project.

“This is an example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities to support jobs and investment in the regions. This will be a huge positive economic benefit to the entire North Coast.

“We hope the artists and businesspeople backing this development see government is behind them as they embark on making this plan a reality for ongoing investment and jobs in Coffs Harbour.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a welcome milestone in the realisation of a major new employment hub for the North Coast.

“Many film professionals already live on the coast and this proposal for sound stages and film facilities will create a new world of creative opportunity.

“We look forward to the realisation of this visionary project and all that it means for the North Coast community.”

The Minns Labor Government is supercharging maritime safety with a $7.6 million investment to build a state-of-the-art response vessel – right here on the NSW North Coast.

This 21-metre high-tech super vessel is the first of its kind commissioned by NSW Maritime and will be proudly built in regional NSW using local expertise, materials and suppliers.

The investment marks a major step forward in how the state prepares for and responds to emergencies, rescues and natural disasters.

Importantly, it will boost the reach, flexibility and range of NSW Maritime services, giving crews access to thousands of kilometres of ocean, including as far as Lord Howe Island.

Dubbed the maritime ‘thunderbird’, the vessel will serve as a floating command centre, capable of deploying anywhere, anytime across NSW’s vast coastal and open water network.

From tackling marine pollution and supporting disaster recovery, to coordinating safety operations during major events, this vessel will transform on-water operations.

When complete, the vessel will be fully equipped with:

• Thermal imaging and satellite communication
• Drone launching capability
• Two jet skis and a 5.4-metre tender for shallow or congested areas
• Accommodation for eight crew for extended missions
• Live-streaming tech linking directly to the State Marine Incident Coordination Centre (SMICC) at Rozelle and Coffs Harbour for real-time emergency coordination
• Cutting-edge pollution response gear – ensuring it’s first on scene when oil spills or marine threats endanger our beaches, sea life and pristine waterways

Construction is already underway near Yamba, with local firm Yamba Welding and Engineering leading the build and Harwood Marine supplying the hull – supporting skilled jobs and boosting advanced manufacturing capability in Northern NSW.

Delivery of the vessel is expected in early 2027 and when not on a mission, the boat will be based at the SMICC in Rozelle.

This investment reinforces the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting the environment, backing regional industry and manufacturing and building safer, more resilient communities.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“This isn’t just a boat, it’s a floating command centre.

“Not only will this state-of-the-art vessel enhance our response to marine incidents and natural disasters, but it also showcases the talent of our North Coast marine industry.

“It’s the first time NSW Maritime has commissioned a vessel of this kind. It will be fitted with pollution response gear, thermal imaging, satellite communications, drone launching capability, and accommodation for eight crew, enabling long-range missions.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the technology, jobs and emergency response capability needed to protect our coastline and support communities across all parts of NSW.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“I am pleased to see the North Coast leading the way in innovation in how NSW recovers from disasters.

“It provides real peace of mind for communities up and down the Coast, knowing there is additional help close at hand.

“It is good to be part of a government that is committed to delivering this marine vessel, which is part of our response to disasters and making communities more resilient.”

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:

“This is a game-changer for maritime response in NSW.

“It shows how far NSW Maritime has come, and where we’re going.

“While it will be based at Rozelle, this vessel will be able to rapidly deploy throughout our waterways. From Botany Bay to the border communities on the Tweed and Eden. From Lake Macquarie to the Hawkesbury, up the Clarence and as far as Lord Howe Island.

“Whether it’s an oil spill in our shipping corridors, a flood emergency up the Clarence River or maritime safety on Sydney Harbour during New Year’s Eve, this vessel can do it all. It’s fast, flexible and built specifically for our waters.”