Category: NSW News

Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley has welcomed today’s announcement that a Liberal government would deliver $200,000 to upgrade lighting at Michael Cronin Oval in Gerringong. 

“The NSW Liberals are backing regional sporting clubs like the Gerringong Junior Lions because they promote healthy and active lifestyles and give our kids the chance to thrive,” Ms Copley said. 

“The Gerringong Junior Lions are such an important part of this community, with mums, dads and volunteers working tirelessly to keep the club strong. This commitment is about backing their efforts and ensuring the facilities meet the needs of players and families today.” 

The funding will allow upgrades to the lighting at Michael Cronin Oval, replacing the light poles that are at the end of their life and put up new LED lighting, and bringing the ground up to current standards. This upgrade will mean Lions’ players will be able to train and compete safely in the evening. 

“It’s a simple but important step that will make a real difference for local sport. This investment will improve the Oval for everyone – players, volunteers and spectators – and provide more opportunities for our young people to get involved in sport,” Ms Copley said. 

“The club has done its fair share of work raising funds and improving the ground over the years. This announcement recognises their dedication and delivers the support they deserve.” 

“Only the NSW Liberals have a record of delivering for our region, and today’s announcement builds on our commitment to the Kiama electorate.” 

Gerringong Rugby League Football Club Committee Member, Jodie Egan, said the lighting upgrade would allow them to host Friday and Saturday night games, creating many more home game opportunities and in turn increasing the numbers of participants. 

“To receive the promise of $200,000 towards a LED Lighting upgrade for Michael Cronin Oval would be “Club-Changing” for us!” 

“Improved lighting will mean night games and also increase the night training opportunities,” said Ms Egan. “We currently have 22 teams and approximately 500 people that need to use the one oval for training and game day – so access during daylight hours is currently extremely limited. However, upgraded LED Lighting would change all of this.” 

The Minns Labor Government has extended its support for another 12 months for subsidising commercial flights to and from some of Western NSW’s most remote communities as part of its plan to better connect people and businesses across regional NSW.

The subsidies are funded from a $2 million investment from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust, and will connect Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link, and from Sydney to Cobar operated by Fly Pelican.

Extending the subsidy to November 2026 will keep these flights moving for the remote communities who rely on them for transporting essential workers, services and trades.

Under the subsidy agreement, Fly Pelican operate six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, and Air Link operate eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust is designed to support flights for the communities in Bourke, Cobar, Lightning Ridge and Walgett so that they can access regular and reliable services.

“Regional communities rely on air travel for its convenience and speed, to ensure they can get to health care or business appointments or bringing in visitors and workers.

“The NSW Government is building better services for our regional communities in smart and appropriate ways.”

Far North West Joint Organisation Chair and Mayor of Cobar Shire Council Jarrod Marsden said:

“Cobar to Sydney flights have provided significant benefits to the region, and this extension will help our community maintain connection while delivering significant economic and social benefits.

“We appreciate the ongoing support from the NSW Government for the Western Air Services subsidy, which is vital to the ongoing sustainability of the region.”

Mayor of Bourke Shire Council Lachlan Ford said:

“Regular air services are extremely beneficial to the residents of Bourke Shire and surrounding communities which often do not have ready access to many services and facilities like residents in bigger regional towns or metro areas.

“The extension to this subsidy means many local residents will continue to benefit from these air services either by travelling to regional centres, or from visiting service providers who travel into the region to conduct work.”

Mayor of Walgett Shire Council Jasen Ramien said:

“It is great news that the services will continue until late 2026 as regional communities continue to navigate the lack of access to some services which is brought about by isolation and distance.

“The Far North West Joint Organisation covers some of the most remote and economically and socially disadvantaged communities of the state and the availability of regular air services has had a positive impact on reducing this disadvantage.”

Residents of Eden are encouraged to share their experiences of primary health care through a community survey which opens on Monday, 1 September.

The community survey will help identify local health priorities and any barriers people may be facing accessing primary and community health services in the area. 

Primary health care is the ongoing care that people receive from their local health practitioners. This includes general practitioners, allied health and community health and wellbeing services. This ongoing care supports a person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing throughout their lifetime.

The Collaborative Care program is a community-centred approach to address primary health care needs in rural NSW. The program, developed by Rural Doctors Network, has been tested throughout regional NSW working in partnership with local community and health stakeholders.

The program has expanded this year to include Eden. This expansion will provide the support needed to identify new and innovative solutions to address the health and wellbeing needs of the Eden community.

The survey is being conducted by the Eden Collaborative Care Working Group and supported by Bega Valley Shire Council, Coordinaire, Katungul Aboriginal Corporation, NSW Ambulance, Rural Doctors Network, and Southern NSW Local Health District.

It is fully anonymous and open to all residents over the age of 15. For more information and to access the online survey visit: https://collaborativecare.au/Eden

Printed survey forms will also be available from Eden Library.

The community survey will be open until Sunday 28 September 2025.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“It’s important we hear from the Eden community about their experience of primary healthcare to help us gain a firsthand understanding of local healthcare needs.

“The survey is open to all Eden residents and seeks to capture a broad range of perspectives from people of all ages and backgrounds.

“This is a crucial step in the Collaborative Care process and ensures that the voices of Eden residents are at the forefront of shaping future health initiatives.

“We’ve expanded on the program to bring more Collaborative Care projects to the communities that need them the most.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“Eden deserves a strong, accessible primary healthcare system that meets the needs of every resident. This survey gives the community a real opportunity to share their experiences and have their voices heard.

“By listening directly to local people, we can better understand where the gaps are and where services need to be strengthened.

“I encourage everyone in Eden to take part – your feedback will help us work with healthcare providers, council, and community organisations to deliver practical improvements in access to GPs, allied health and preventive services.

“Together, we can build a healthier future for Eden.”

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“Collaborative Care is designed to empower local communities to have a say in the healthcare they receive.

“We believe local communities are the experts in their own needs. This survey is an important step in understanding the healthcare needs of local people in Eden.”

Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick:

“We welcome the opportunity to improve local health services and collaboration.

“This survey is about listening to Eden residents’ experiences with local health providers and making sure healthcare reflects what people really need.

“Every response will help shape improvements that benefit the whole community and ensure health services are better coordinated and more responsive to local needs, now and into the future.

“We thank the NSW Government for its investment in the project and are delighted to have the Rural Doctors Network facilitating the process.”

Regional workers and students will benefit from nearly $3 million in training, jobs and inclusive opportunities across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) thanks to a new skills initiative from the Minns Labor Government.

The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Programwill deliver accredited training, apprenticeships and career pathways to ensure local communities are first in line for thousands of jobs created through the transformation of the NSW energy grid.

The program run by EnergyCo and the Department of Educationwill deliver four major initiatives in the Central-West Orana REZ:

• Industry School Partnerships: school-based collaborations, careers learning and trade readiness courses (including the Girls Can Too program).
• Local Skills Coordinators: locally-based coordinators to connect training providers, employers and jobseekers to employment opportunities.
• Supporting Apprenticeships and Traineeships: increase uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships with local employers.
• Women in Renewables: expand programs such as Women in Construction Taster Program.

The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to create around 5,000 construction jobs at its peak, and ongoing employment for decades. It is the first of five renewable energy zones that will deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for NSW households and businesses.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“The Central-West Orana REZ is not just about keeping the lights on for NSW homes and businesses – it’s about building a skilled local workforce, a thriving regional economy and opportunities for locals.

“The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program will help ensure the NSW energy transformation delivers real jobs and long-term benefits for regional communities.”

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

“This announcement during National Skills Week highlights the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preparing workers for the future.

“These are the jobs of the future, and we want to make sure local people have the chance to benefit.”

Major upgrades are now underway at Kogarah Public School, as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver better schools and more teachers across NSW.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 at Kogarah Public School will benefit from upgrades including 24 new modern air-conditioned classrooms, the school’s first new school hall in 155 years, as well as new play areas, new outdoor spaces and a weather-protected outdoor learning area.

The upgrades will more than double the permanent capacity at this school while removing all temporary demountable classrooms on site.

In total, 12 demountables will be removed from the school once upgrades are complete, providing more critical playground space for students.

In addition to these upgrades several maintenance and refurbishment projects have been undertaken on site.

All work at Kogarah Public School is set to be completed by Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

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

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

The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools in Sydney’s south for 12 years, leaving communities without the infrastructure needed to manage growth and leaving temporary classrooms clogging up school playgrounds.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver for growing NSW communities, school build projects are underway across Sydney’s south, including:

• Bayside High School (provisional name) – upgrade to support co-education
• Heathcote High School – new multipurpose school hall
• J J Cahill Memorial High School – High Potential and Gifted Education upgrade
• Kingsgrove Public Preschool – new preschool co-located with Kingsgrove Public School
• Sutherland Public School – new multipurpose school hall

Premier of NSW and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:

“Our community has been waiting a long time for improvements to Kogarah Public School, and I’m thrilled we’re delivering on our promise, particularly as we replace demountables with permanent classrooms.  

“We’ve banned phones in NSW schools giving our kids more time to play and spend time outside which is why I’m so pleased to also see green space and play space expanded through this upgrade.

“We’re delivering better schools and more teachers ensuring that no matter where you live in our state, you have access to world-class public schools.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Upgrades at Kogarah Public School are not just an infrastructure investment, they’re part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the future of students in Sydney’s south.

“We’re replacing old demountables with modern fit-for-purpose classrooms, and providing better access to free, high-quality education for families.”

Principal of Kogarah Public School Nitsa Comninos said:

“These new classrooms will enhance student wellbeing and create a better learning environment to improve educational outcomes.

“The new school hall will be able to host assemblies, performances, and community events, promoting school spirit and engagement among students, staff, and families.”

Building Commission NSW has conducted a series of inspections across Far West and Central West NSW, with the main issues identified relating to non-compliant site signage, unlicensed work, building frames, and inadequate damp proof course defects.

With its sights set firmly on improving building quality across all of NSW, inspectors from the building regulator visited Hartley, Bowenfels, Lidsdale, Portland, Mudgee, Bombira, Caerleon, Gulgong, Forbes, Parkes, Narromine, Manildra, Wellington and Dubbo. 

Building Commission NSW inspectors visited 64 free-standing homes and one apartment complex during the blitz, with most of the nearly 100 tradespeople spoken to welcoming inspectors.  

The main issues in the region identified by Building Commission NSW related to improper display of builder and certifier signage, with 26 of the total 31 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) issued for the offences, and only eight sites found to be compliant with their signage requirements.   

A further four PINs related to unlicensed work or contracting were issued, while one PIN was issued in relation to insufficient supervision of trades.  

As a result of the compliance campaign Building Commission NSW also drafted 21 Rectification Orders for a range of defects, building frame issues, a lack of damp proof course, unsupported meter boxes, and articulation joints not continuing through brickwork adequately. 

It’s crucial that framing is installed correctly to ensure the structural adequacy of a building, while inadequate or lack of damp proof course can lead to long-term problems like mould in brickwork. 

Before these orders are finalised and made public, Building Commission NSW will consider written representations from the builder, developer or principal contractor, as required by legislation. 

To ensure residential buildings across NSW continue to be built to a high standard, Building Commission NSW will continue to travel regionally to conduct ‘Anywhere, Anytime’ inspections. 

To find out more about Building Commission NSW, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/building-commission.  

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“Building quality is one of my top priorities as Minister for Building.

“Whether you’re building in Sydney or Mudgee, Forbes, Parkes or Narromine, the same rules apply – quality, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. 

“This regional compliance program was about making sure families in the Far and Central West can trust that their homes are built to last and built to a high standard. 

“If you’re cutting corners or ignoring the code, you will be held accountable.” 

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said: 

“The hardworking homeowners of the Central West deserve to know their home has been built to the required standards, and I thank Building Commission NSW for maintaining its vigilance in the Central West. 

“Property is generally the most significant asset that people will own in their lives so it’s important that property owners can be confident in the quality of the build, particularly in the great regions of NSW.” 

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said: 

“Builders in the Far and Central West of NSW generally deliver high-quality work that meets required standards, with most tradespeople welcoming to Building Commission NSW on their sites. 

“However, our recent inspection blitz revealed areas where improvement is needed, particularly with recurring issues relating to site signage and common defects relating to damp proof course. 

“Site signage rules are important because they ensure workers as well as visitors understand the safety procedures, hazards and restrictions on construction projects.  

“Damp proof course defects are becoming increasingly identified across NSW, with similar problems were identified during recent inspection blitzes in the Riverina and Murray regions.”

The NSW Liberals have called out Labor’s cuts to Service NSW, warning that Labor should not be rewarded for eroding frontline support, delaying customer service, and stripping back programs relied on by families, seniors, and small businesses.
 
Shadow Minister for Customer Service and Digital Economy James Griffin said Labor had cut more than $100 million from Service NSW, with the effects of those cuts felt right across the state.
 
“Service NSW was created to make life easier for people, businesses and communities, and under the Liberals it became a model recognised nationwide. The Kiama Service NSW Centre itself was the first to be delivered by the former Liberal Government. Now, NSW Labor is dismantling that legacy,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Labor has cut funding to service delivery, disaster preparation and recovery, and the business bureau. Labor is pulling resources from the areas people rely on most. Instead of making life easier, Labor is making it harder for families and small businesses to get support.”
 
Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley said Labor’s cuts were a direct hit to families and businesses already under cost-of-living pressure.
 
“Families are missing out on cost-of-living support, and support for small businesses has been cut at exactly the wrong time,” Ms Copley said.
 
“Only the Liberals are committed to restoring cost-of-living support programs that make a difference, including Active Kids vouchers to back local families, and Business Connect to provide practical advice and assistance to small businesses.”
 
“We delivered the first Service NSW Centre in Kiama. We will always fight for frontline services and practical support for this community, unlike Labor, who are walking away from them.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will jointly invest $43.2 million to support farmers to strengthen their drought resilience and climate adaptation, as drought continues to impact regional communities across NSW.

Delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), the funding will support farmers to access subsidised learning and development opportunities that will help them to manage risk, build long-term operational resilience, and continue to remain productive.

From personalised coaching, workshops, digital learning, and peer-to-peer case studies, the FBRP equips farmers with practical support to ensure they are better prepared before, during and after these challenging periods.

Since its launch, the FBRP has supported the development of more than 2,500 new farm business plans, engaged nearly 28,000 participants across more than 2,000 events and helped more than 1,600 NSW businesses improve their operations through targeted workshops and events.

Improved drought preparedness is expected to reduce economic losses in the agriculture sector and deliver broader benefits to rural communities, including increased employment and supply chain stability.

The FBRP program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.

For more information on the Farm Business Resilience Program, please visit – www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/programs/fbrp

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Drought is always a case of when, not if, so being prepared is vital.

“This is another way the Albanese Labor Government, in partnership with the Minns Government, is providing practical support to our farmers and regional communities.

“Our government is committed to supporting our farmers build resilience to drought, which will support them to continue producing the products we all love and rely on.

“We understand that many farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, with today’s announcement building on the assistance we have available year-round, including concessional loans and free independent financial counselling.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Farmers are the backbone of the New South Wales economy, and our state cannot meet its full potential if our regional communities are not able to thrive.

“Over the past five years farmers have shown monumental resilience in the face of drought, floods, bushfires and even for some a cyclone.

“With drought conditions returning and continuing across the state, we remain committed to supporting them with the necessary tools and assistance to sustain this vital industry.

“Supporting our farmers isn’t just about today—it’s about securing the future of agriculture in NSW for generations to come.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Drought and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged.

“This investment will help regional communities and farming businesses better prepare for and respond to these challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic stability.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered an extra 260 support classes in NSW public schools this year, making it easier for students with disability to access high-quality learning environments, closer to home.

With this expansion more than 34,000 students can now access support classes across NSW public schools. Classes have now been established in more than 30 schools without a previous support class provision, giving them the resources to provide extra support.

This work forms part of the Minns Government’s commitment to delivering support for students with disability closer to where they live, with 244 support classes across mainstream schools and the remainder in Schools for Specific Purposes.

More than one-third of the extra support classes delivered this year are in Western and South Western Sydney public schools.

As part of this work an updated enrolment policy will also be rolled out for students requiring additional support, making it easier for students requiring a support class provision to attend a school closer to home and attend the same school as their siblings.

This will also ensure an equitable distribution of support classes across NSW public schools, so schools are better meeting the needs of their local communities.

The Department of Education is also working to develop post-schooling resources to help students with additional needs transition into further study, training, or work.

The Minns Government is also investing $100 million to improve classroom and school accessibility for NSW public school students living with disability.

The investment covers more than 340 projects across NSW public schools, providing much-needed infrastructure including ramps and handrails.

This expansion forms part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in public education across the state.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring every student is supported to reach their full potential at school and beyond.

“We’re working to provide stronger support for students with disability to learn in high-quality, inclusive environments closer to home.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Families across NSW have told us what they need, and we’re delivering. We’re proud to be making these changes with students and their families, not just for them.

“By building accessibility into our schools, we’re not only ensuring students living with disability can participate fully in their education, but we’re also fostering a culture of acceptance, empathy and understanding.”

The Minns Labor Government has accelerated the delivery of $155 million to undertake a pothole and road repair blitz across regional New South Wales, as part its ongoing work to build a better New South Wales.

The fast-tracked funding will increase state road maintenance funding in the regions to $1.25 billion this financial year, with key works already underway.

This funding is about making regional roads safer, more reliable and fairer— because every community deserves roads they can depend on to get to work, school and home.

It comes after NSW Government funding saw 184,000 potholes across regional communities filled during 2024/25. This came as part of a record level of investment in maintenance and disaster recovery for regional roads.

This investment will deliver safer roads, from Broken Hill to Bega, ensuring that regional communities get their fair share of road maintenance investment.

The $155 million has been brought forward to 2025-26 to prioritise renewal projects, including key corridors that have been under significant pressure due to unprecedented weather. Projects include:

Pavement renewal and resurfacing on major highways such as the New England Highway and Hume Highway.

• Key bridge maintenance and renewal works across regional NSW. 
• Continued slope restorations across a number of our east-west corridors such as Waterfall Way, Oxley Highway, and Victoria Pass. 

Under the Liberal-National government regional road investment was an afterthought. The Minns Labor Government understands that regional roads are essential to the connectivity of our state.

Maintenance crews have clocked nearly four million hours of work in the past 12 months undertaking work including:

• Trimming 53,000 trees for improved safety.
• Repairing 35,000 guideposts.
• Refreshing more than 280,000 kilometres of line markings

Some 150 new permanent staff members have been hired, taking Transport for NSW’s locally-based regional maintenance team to more than 2,000 workers. Another 75 regionally-based apprentices and trainees will start in 2026.

The Minns Labor Government continues investing in regional road infrastructure to build a stronger, more resilient network for NSW communities. This build on reforms to:

• Put road repair funding in the hands of councils sooner by providing upfront grants – rather than forcing councils to fund the work and then reimburse them. More than one third of regional NSW Councils have already signed up to get funding faster.
• Streamline road recategorisation so councils can apply to transfer roads to state funding responsibility. The previous Liberal-National government promised this reform but failed to deliver it.
• Provide transparent open data on the road network by publishing AusRAP data which gives a condition report for state and regional roads, making NSW the first jurisdiction to do so.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“Regional and rural communities deserve their fair share of investment and upgrades to local roads – this announcement is about getting money out the door and boots on the ground sooner rather than later.

“Following droughts, bushfires and floods we are hearing loud and clear that there needs to be more done to repair damaged roads and keep communities connected in the wake of natural disasters.

“We’ve made a start, but we know there’s still more to do and that’s what this accelerated funding will help deliver.”

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The people and businesses of NSW rely on our road network, and I’m incredibly proud of the road warriors at Transport for NSW.

“Long after storms or bushfires pass, recovery continues for our teams. Whether plugging potholes or undertaking massive multi-year infrastructure rebuilds, the work never ends.

“I want to thank all our frontline road recovery and maintenance crews. Their nearly four million hours of work is an investment in the future of NSW to ensure a safe, strong and reliable network for motorists, commuters and freight operators.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Most of the road crews are locals making a critical difference to ensure reliable, safe roads for anyone living, working or travelling in regional NSW.

“Regional NSW often missed out under the Liberal-National Government which focused its attention on Sydney mega-projects but this Government is redressing the balance.”

Councillor Rick Firman OAM, NSW Country Mayors Association Chair, said:

“This is really good news and we warmly thank Minister Aitchison for this significant further investment in our regional, remote and rural communities.

“Obviously our local citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our Government’s decision to prioritise the road network in the bush, which is effectively our lifeblood.”