Category: NSW News

Designs for the $40 million upgrade of Sydney’s iconic Leichhardt Oval have been unveiled and the community is encouraged to have its say on the proposal. 

This planned major upgrade will deliver facilities that meet modern standards so this iconic rugby league venue can continue its almost century long history as a rugby league ground and serving the community as the much-loved home of the West Tigers, as well as junior, community, and club competitions across multiple codes.

The proposed upgrade will transform the venue, known by locals as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, into a modern hub for community events, professional, and grassroots sports and cement its role as the permanent home for men’s and women’s National Rugby League (NRL) fixtures for the next 15 years. 

Planned improvements include: 

• Renovation of the historic western grandstand with new stadium seating.  
• Modern hospitality and media facilities.  
• Four NRL-compliant female-friendly change rooms.  
• A new northern grandstand, replacement of the lower seating bowl.

If given the green light, construction is expected to commence after the 2026 season.   

The $40 million upgrade is being jointly funded with $20 million from the Federal Government, $10 million from the NSW Government and $10 million from Inner West Council. 

The community exhibition is open from Friday, 16 January 2026 until Thursday, 12 February 2026. To have your say on the Leichhardt Oval refurbishment, visit the NSW Planning Portal. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Leichhardt Oval is not just about sport, it’s about the identity of the Inner West.

“It is a place where the faithful can go along and cheer their local sporting team, and this upgrade from all three levels of government will ensure that spirit is preserved.

“Leichhardt Oval was not fit for purpose, these upgrades will make sure that families will be able to enjoy the hallowed ground for generations to come.”

Minister for Sport Anika Wells said:

“Leichhardt Oval is an iconic part of Australia’s sporting and community history, and the upgrade to Leichhardt Oval is about making sure it continues to serve the Inner West for generations to come.

“With designs now released by the New South Wales Government, this is a great opportunity for local residents, sporting groups and fans to provide feedback and help shape the future of this much-loved venue.”

Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek said:

“Leichhardt Oval is one of Sydney’s most loved sporting grounds, and these upgrades will make sure it continues to be for years to come.

“Whether you’re out on the field or cheering from the stands, this upgrade will deliver top quality facilities for everyone to enjoy, including our women’s and girl’s teams.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“This is a chance for fans and the community to have their say on the upgrade of one of Sydney’s most iconic suburban sports grounds.” 

“Fans have dubbed Leichhardt Oval as the Eighth Wonder of the World and this renewal will cement its status delivering modern facilities which will support its use for both sport and community events for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: 

“Leichhardt Oval has a rich history, and this upgrade ensures it receives the respect it deserves.

“This is a valuable opportunity for the community to have their say and help shape a fit-for-purpose, state-of-the art venue where players and fans can create new memories for generations to come.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:  

“This long-awaited transformation of Leichhardt Oval is about retaining what we love about the ground, like the hill and the historic Western grandstand, while finally bringing it into the 21st century through a much-needed upgrade, particularly delivering female-friendly facilities.

“Leichhardt Oval is an iconic community asset for the Inner West, so I encourage everyone to have their say about the plans.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“After years of fighting to save Leichhardt Oval our plans for the renovation are progressing well.

“I encourage all Wests Tigers and sports fans to make a submission to help us secure the future of the eighth wonder of the world.”

The NSW Government is seeking community input to shape recreational opportunities in the proposed Great Koala National Park on the NSW Mid North Coast.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on an election promise to create a Great Koala National Park, which will provide habitat for more than 100 threatened species, including more than 12,000 koalas and 36,000 greater gliders.

In addition to boosting conservation, the park will also create opportunities for better visitor experiences and recreation, boosting tourism and local economies.

An online survey is now open on the NSW Have Your Say website to seek feedback on current use of the State forests and reserves within the planned area of the park. We also want to hear from people who haven’t been to the region but might like to in the future.

The survey complements ongoing wider consultation with community groups who have so far provided more than 300 responses on what matters most to them when they visit these areas.

Input from 4WD clubs, mountain biking clubs, hiking/bushwalking and trail runners’ clubs, horse riding and trail riding clubs, archery and gun clubs, sporting car clubs, local government, environment groups and Aboriginal communities is already feeding into the planning for future management.

The overarching park will comprise individual reserves, which will enable a range of different recreational activities. While legislation determines what activities are permissible in each reserve category, we are looking to build the Great Koala National Park as a place where conservation is balanced with the community’s recreational needs.

The Have Your Say survey is open from 7am today until Sunday, 1 March and is available online: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/great-koala-national-park.

Acting Minister for the Environment, Steve Whan said:

“The Great Koala National Park will protect more than 100 threatened species, but it’s not just about conservation. The park will be a recreational hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

“We want to hear from people who use and relax in the footprint of the forests and surrounding landscapes that make up the park.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:

“We want the Great Koala National Park to be at the top of the must-see list for visitors to NSW and Australia.

“This major eco-tourism hub and unique NSW experience will attract domestic and international visitors all year round, which is a key component of our new Visitor Economy Strategy, while boosting local economies and creating jobs.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“The Great Koala National Park is an election commitment, and we want the community right at the centre of shaping what it becomes. Locals know this landscape best, and their ideas will help create a park people feel real ownership of and want to use.

“Done well, this park will also be a major tourism drawcard – supporting local businesses, creating jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for communities right across the North Coast.”

The NSW Government is undertaking one of the largest wastewater infrastructure upgrade programs in recent history to support the fast-growing communities in Sydney’s south west and help protect the city’s famous beaches.

It’s all part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the essential infrastructure Sydney needs to grow and thrive.

The Malabar System Investment Program, estimated at $3 billion over the next 10 years, will reduce the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated and discharged via the Malabar deep ocean outfall.

The Malabar Wastewater Treatment System was identified as the likely source of debris balls that washed up on beaches across Sydney, the South Coast and Central Coast in late 2024 and early 2025.

It currently services almost two million people between Fairfield, Campbelltown and Liverpool in the West to Malabar in the east, making it one of the largest wastewater systems in Australia.

Staged upgrades over the coming decade will improve the performance of the Malabar system to support population growth in Sydney’s south west and reduce the likelihood of debris balls forming again.

The program will be delivered across key facilities in the Malabar system, including Glenfield, Liverpool and Fairfield Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).

For the first stage of the multi-billion program, Sydney Water is partnerning with the Malabar System Alliance (Acciona Construction, Acciona Agua, SMEC) to deliver major upgrades to the Glenfield and Liverpool WRRFs.

Work will include refurbishing and expanding primary treatment processes and a new secondary treatment process at Liverpool WRRF, with on-site works to begin in coming months.

In the short-term, Sydney Water is continuing to work with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the independent Wastewater Expert Panel on limiting further debris balls incidents.

Sydney Water has increased cleaning and inspection of ocean outfall screens, is tightening trade-waste controls for high-risk customers, and is expanding its fats, oils and grease education campaign to reduce problematic material from entering the network.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Sydney is a rapidly growing city and no one wants to see debris balls washing up on our beautiful beaches again – but the truth is our wastewater system needs an upgrade to keep pace with the population.

“For too long, a lack of investment in essential infrastructure in Western Sydney has been a handbrake on our housing goals. We can’t undo that overnight, but we’re getting on with the job of clearing this backlog.

“This is a major plan to deliver critical wastewater system upgrades in a sensible, staged way, ensuring that major investments are funded over time and Sydney Water users don’t face sudden bill shock.

“Our government is laser-focused on delivering the critical infrastructure our city needs to continue to grow, without privatising our essential assets.”

Sydney Water CEO Darren Cleary said:

“Appointing the Malabar System Alliance is a significant step towards improving the long-term performance and resilience of the critical wastewater asset and reducing the increasing strain on the ageing coastal plant.

“We understand the seriousness of recent debris ball incidents and the need to ensure our network is equipped for Sydney’s growing population.

“This program of works is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a more resilient system over the coming decade and to protecting our beaches, which are so important to Sydney’s way of life.”

A metro train has become the first to travel the entire length of the M1 Metro North West & Bankstown Line from Tallawong to Bankstown, marking an exciting milestone in the delivery of the extension.

The train in testing stopped at all 31 stations over the 66-kilometre route hitting speeds of 100km/h on the new section of the track

When the line opens later this year, a metro train will run every four minutes in the peak, with 15 metro trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour on the former heavy rail T3

Bankstown line, nearly doubling the services connecting South-West Sydney to rest of the city.  

Part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $30 billion a year infrastructure investment, the extended line will transform the connection to the rest of the city for communities in Sydney’s southwest and deliver more opportunities in education, employment and leisure.

Passengers at Bankstown will get to Gadigal Station in 30 minutes, saving a full 15 minutes compared to the 45 minutes it took to get to Town Hall on the former heavy rail line. 

Passengers across Sydney’s Southwest will benefit, with time savings that include:

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
• Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
• Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
• Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

The current high-speed testing phase requires a minimum 9,000 hours and 30,000 kms of combined testing to be completed before the line opens.

Across the Southwest line, 79 per cent of work in the corridor and at stations is now complete, with tiling largely completed at four stations and works progressing at the remaining six. Painting and landscaping are also underway at most stations.

Testing is well underway on the platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers, with this world-leading safety technology already passing its first round of tests at every station.

The next step is integration testing with the test train later this year.

During this high-speed testing phase on the Southwest extension, more than 70 key integration tests will be completed to ensure individual systems work together and to verify the performance, functionality and safety of the trains and new infrastructure.

As part of the final conversion, crews will complete work to integrate the Southwest Metro with the existing metro line. This will require a series of full and partial line closures of the M1 Line in the lead up to opening.

While disruptive, these closures are essential to allow for work to safely take place within the rail corridor

In January Metro services will not run on the following weekends to allow for essential systems testing: 

17–18 January

24–25 January

During closure periods, passengers will have access to replacement buses between Tallawong and Chatswood, and Sydney Trains services between Chatswood and Sydenham.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities in Sydney’s southwest for their patience as the project progresses and passengers on the M1 Line metro who will be affected by some upcoming weekend closures for essential work to integrate the new line. 

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“The first metro train to cover the entire 66-kilometre length of line is an exciting day for all of Sydney.

“It is even more exciting for the people of Southwest Sydney who have been patiently waiting for their turn to join the metro network.

“With a service every four minutes, metro will transform this area’s connection to the rest of the city, providing many more opportunities in jobs and education.

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Southwest Metro is a transformational project that when complete will better cater for the transportation needs of southwest Sydney and deliver more job opportunities for the people of Canterbury.

“Once the Metro opens commuters will be able to travel from Wiley Park to Central, Gadigal and Barangaroo Metro stations in less than 30 minutes. 

“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the local community for their flexibility in arranging alternative transport as this important project reaches another major milestone.

“I would also like to extend to the community my sincere thanks for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Member for Bankstown, Jihad Dib said:

“We know the construction and testing period has taken time and acknowledge the inconvenience this has caused people in south-west Sydney. I want to thank the community for their patience as we deliver a Metro that will provide frequent services and improved access across Sydney.

“Commuters travelling from the Bankstown Metro station will shave significant time off their journey to key stations such as Martin Place, Barangaroo, Macquarie University and Chatswood.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen said:

“It’s been a long journey for our community, and I want to thank everyone for their patience as we’ve worked to deliver a better public transport network for Inner West and Canterbury-Bankstown residents.

“Once complete, the South West Metro will deliver a peak service every four minutes, getting passengers to Victoria Cross in just 21 minutes and to Chatswood in under 30 minutes from Dulwich Hill Station — a major improvement that will make daily travel faster, easier and more reliable, helping more people choose public transport more often.”

The Blayney Multipurpose Service (MPS) redevelopment project has reached a major milestone, with construction of Stage 1 now complete, delivering new and enhanced aged care and healthcare services for Blayney and surrounding communities.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is the final site to be delivered under the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Service Program, which has improved health facilities across smaller rural and remote communities.

Stage 1 includes a new residential aged care wing featuring single rooms with private bathrooms, additional inpatient unit beds, chair-based services, with space for future expansion.

The Blayney community is invited to tour and explore the new facilities and services on Thursday, 22 January 2026 between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. The project team and health staff will be on hand to answer questions, and no registrations are required.

Staff, aged care residents and families have been engaged throughout the planning and design stages, providing valuable input to ensure the new facility is tailored to the current and future needs of the local community.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered in stages to ensure all existing clinical services, including the existing MPS, continue to operate while construction is carried out.

The next phase of works will include demolition of existing buildings and construction of the new HealthOne, entry, reception, waiting room, staff area and ambulatory care zone. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

The Blayney MPS redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District in partnership with Taylor Construction Group.

For more information on the project, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blayney-multipurpose-service-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering more beds and improved access to the essential health care regional communities need.

“Our last budget included $3.5 billion in vital hospital upgrades across regional NSW after 12 years of delays and broken promises by the Coalition.

“The Blayney Multipurpose Service redevelopment will ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, contemporary, and accessible aged and health care to the community. 

“This modern facility will provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff, and will support aged care needs for generations to come.”

Government Spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence:

“Residents of Blayney and surrounding communities will soon have access to a modern, purpose-built aged care facility, with construction of stage 1 now complete.

“Blayney MPS isn’t just a health facility – it’s also a home to those living in the residential aged care wing. The new Blayney MPS will ensure the residents have a modern and comfortable home with the provision of high-quality care they deserve.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced $2 million in funding for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate, helping producers and livestock agents across the state gain affordable access to electronic identification (eID) equipment.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and secure the agricultural sector.

Under the latest rebate program, eligible farmers and others can claim a 50 per cent rebate, up to a maximum of $1,500, on the purchase of a handheld eID reader. The rebate will be made available in early March 2026.

The latest round of funding is being offered to producers and livestock agents who may have missed out on the initial infrastructure rebate scheme in 2023.

Many producers and livestock agents are now recognising the practical value of this equipment, not just for meeting mandatory requirements such as property-to-property stock movements, but also for improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data.

This information helps farmers make better-informed decisions, strengthening productivity, especially during challenging or variable seasonal conditions.

The equipment rebate follows a strong uptake of eID tags, with some 15.2 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 1.79 million eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 and approximately 22.4 per cent of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

The NSW Government has committed $41 million for the implementation of mandatory electronic identification for sheep and goats in the state – the largest funding commitment of any state or territory.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The equipment rebate is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing financial support for primary producers in the transition to electronic IDs.

“Sheep and goat producers, along with livestock agents will benefit from this rebate, targeted specifically to reduce the cost of meeting mandatory eID requirements.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

Following two separate e-bike incidents last night, Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward has called on Transport Minister John Graham to urgently act, accusing the Minns Labor Government of putting ideology ahead of community safety.

While the Opposition has had a clear, practical policy to introduce low-cost identification plates for young riders and commercial e-bike operators that would enforce the rules, change behaviour, and prevent crashes –the Minns Government response has been to continue to do nothing.

If the Government doesn’t like the Opposition’s plan, what is theirs to protect riders and the community? 

The Opposition’s proposed license plate scheme would require specific rider cohorts to have a government issued license plate attached to an e-bike when in use, including: 

• Riders who are under the age of 18; 
• Riders who use e–bikes for a commercial purpose; and 
• Commercial shared service schemes.

Riders aged 18 and over who use a privately-owned e-bike would be exempt from the scheme. 

The plan also includes new penalties for non-compliance, alongside expanded safety education to ensure young riders understand the risks associated with e-bike technology and how to use these devices safely in the community.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Government’s obsession with tinkering around the edges – debating wattage, speed caps and technical specifications – puts bureaucrats before people, ignoring what communities are asking for – safe riding and enforcement of the road rules. 

“I am hearing loud and clear that the community wants enforcement and accountability for e-bikes that prevent crashes – the Opposition has a plan to deliver it, while the Government tinkers.”

“This isn’t complicated. If Labor don’t like our solution, what is their plan? It’s time for action and accountability whether it is an e-bike rider or the Transport Minister.”

“Under a Liberal and Nationals Government, if a crash or dangerous riding occurs we can tell you who it was. Under Labor, they will be asking you what the wattage of the bike was.”

The ‘Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow’ around regional New South Wales is back by popular demand in 2026, with more than $52,000 in additional funding from the Minns Labor Government.

Over 300 women participated in 30 free sold-out workshops in 2025, aimed at empowering regional and rural women with essential skills in first aid, and mental health crisis support through fee-free training with St John Ambulance.

Women attending training ranged from young mums seeking first aid skills, to women working in the community where mental health crisis support skills were often needed.

There are 16 workshops planned for the first half of 2026 in eight new locations including:

• Glen Innes – 6-7 February
• Narrabri – 20-21 February
• Gilgandra – 6-7 March
• Scone – 20-21 March
• Dareton – 1-2 May
• Griffith – 15-16 May
• Young – 5-6 June
• Bourke – 19-20 June

The workshops are accessible and include skills to respond effectively in emergency situations, recognise mental health issues, recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, provide appropriate interventions and learn where to direct people for further support.

A full day workshop will be offered for both First Aid and Mental Health in each location.

Workshop participants will receive a nationally recognised, accredited certification once they have completed their training.

Recent St John Ambulance statistics highlight the need to increase first aid and mental health knowledge:

• In New South Wales, 33 per cent of adults have never trained in first aid (the highest proportion of any state/territory in Australia) and only 37 per cent have done training in the last three years.
• Women are less likely to be confident providing first aid (44 per cent of women are confident) compared to men (57 per cent of men are confident).
• 87 per cent of Australians would be more willing to provide help to a person with a mental health issue if they were taught how.

Registrations will open today, 9am (AEDT) for Glen Innes, Narrabri, Gilgandra and Scone. To find out more and register go to: nsw.gov.au/rwn-roadshow. Registrations will open in April for the other four locations.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is empowering regional and rural women to access this life-saving training to bridge an important gap, particularly for women who would have otherwise missed out due to cost or travel.

“The expansion of this program to more regions is one of the ways the Minns Labor Government is building a better New South Wales for regional women. We’re not only giving women essential skills but building resilience in regional communities.

“We’re pleased to be once again partnering with St John Ambulance to deliver this exciting program in the regions.

“The 2025 workshops were all sold out so I encourage women to sign up quickly to make the most of this opportunity to learn new skills and equip yourself with essential first aid knowledge.”

St John Ambulance CEO, Dominic Teakle, said:

“The overwhelming response to last year’s Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow demonstrates just how vital this program is for our regional and rural communities. By expanding to eight new towns across NSW, we’re ensuring more women have access to critical First Aid and Mental Health training that could save lives.

“This investment reflects our commitment to supporting regional and rural women with practical skills that strengthen both individuals and their communities.

“These workshops build confidence and capability while creating resilience in our regions—more education means more control and more resilience for women and their families.”

As the new year begins almost $300 million is sitting in the state’s unclaimed money pool – and the Minns Labor Government wants to see it returned to its rightful owners.

Unclaimed money is money that you are legally entitled to, but where a business hasn’t been able to find you.

Money typically becomes unclaimed when people forget to update their name or contact details with businesses, have lost paperwork, or when estates are unaware of funds belonging to deceased relatives.

The unclaimed money register, managed by Revenue NSW, includes funds from overpayments, uncashed cheques, dividends, refunds, and other amounts owed to individuals.

Sydney’s city and Eastern Suburbs have the highest amount of unclaimed money, with more than $91 million waiting to be claimed. The next largest is Western Sydney with $76 million. Outside of Sydney, the highest is Central Coast and the Hunter, with $22 million.

In total, more than 800,000 items of unclaimed money – ranging from a few dollars to millions of dollars – is sitting with Revenue NSW and registered to a NSW address.

Revenue NSW holds an additional $394 million in money for people registered at addresses outside NSW.

To find out if you have any unclaimed money, you can search the Revenue NSW website at www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money. If you have any money owing, you fill in a form and provide your ID and your connection to the money. Claims are typically verified and processed by Revenue NSW within a month.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government upgraded systems to simplify and speed up the unclaimed money process. This includes additional integration with Service NSW to help identify you during the claims process. The Government also reduced the timeframe for businesses who are holding money from six years to two, ensuring that money is reported to Revenue NSW, and returned to its owners sooner.

These reforms help put more money back into the hands of NSW families.  

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said:

“Almost $300 million is sitting unclaimed, and we want to make sure as much of that as possible finds its way back to families.

“Last financial year, Revenue NSW returned more than $21 million to its rightful owners. With these new reforms, we’re making it faster and easier for people to get what they’re owed.

“While Revenue NSW regularly contacts potential owners, incomplete data means people are sometimes missed. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to check online – you might be surprised with what you find.”

Regional breakdown of unclaimed money, as at 14 December 2025:

Region (NSW/Sydney)	Items in register	Value available to claim
Capital Region (Queanbeyan & surrounds)	15,561	$5,734,031
Central Coast, Hunter & Lake Macquarie	71,083	$22,168,562
Central West	14,985	$5,686,191
Coffs Harbour & Mid North Coast	24,751	$7,140,930
Far West and Orana	9,659	$2,897,722
Illawarra & Southern Highlands	36,266	$10,498,415
Murray & Riverina	19,346	$5,892,219
New England and North West	14,411	$5,047,864
Richmond – Tweed	15,423	$4,911,003
Sydney – City and East	196,788	$91,967,567
Sydney – North	141,890	$52,893,362
Sydney – Shire	23,458	$6,642,507
Sydney – Western Sydney	221,316	$76,956,207
Grand Total	804,937	$298,436,580