Affordable homes lose out to supermarket giant Woolies

Media reports today have exposed supermarket giant Woolworths for exploiting affordable housing development schemes to fast-track new supermarket and luxury apartment complexes.

The current housing crisis has rental vacancy rates at record lows, 175,000 people on waiting lists for social housing, and first-home buyers unable to compete with wealthy property investors.

The Greens say it’s abhorrent that supermarket giant Woolworths is able to cheat the housing system for profit and get away with it. 

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Billionaire price gouger Woolies is using tiny affordable housing sidebuilds with ‘poor doors’ to sweeten their pathway to housing profits.

“The retail giant is drinking from the trough of affordable housing for disgusting profiteering.

“This is the perfect example of big corporations maximising profit over people: Corporations fast-tracking profit from taking up housing space in the midst of a housing crisis. 

“During a housing crisis, Labor is undermining affordable housing by allowing big corporations and property developers to profit.

“Supermarkets don’t have Australians’ best interests at heart. They’ve price gouged and we know where their priorities lie. They must not be let loose on housing.

“Australians have had enough of the supermarket duopoly ripping them off at the check out. What Australians want is affordable housing, not another Woolies scam.

“When state and federal governments give profit-hungry developers new avenues for profit in a housing crisis, you have to wonder who they’re really working for – it’s certainly not voters.”

Labor’s donation laws dodgy from the beginning, Greens call to shut down major-party slush funds

The Victorian Greens say Labor’s donation laws have been dodgy from the beginning, designed to entrench power for the major parties by protecting Labor and the Liberals’ political slush funds.

It comes as the Allan Labor Government has finally conceded defeat in the face of a High Court challenge and announced it will amend Victoria’s donation laws to allow other parties and independents to establish nominated entities and place new limits on how funds can be transferred.

The current laws, introduced by the Andrews Labor Government in 2018, have always been a “major-party stitch-up”, with special carve-outs for Labor, the Liberals and Nationals to access tens of millions in “political slush funds” while locking out independents and minor parties.

The Greens say that if Labor were serious about fixing the system, it would scrap the slush funds entirely, not just tweak the rules to protect the advantages of the major parties.

In addition, Labor still refuses to abolish group voting tickets, which allow backroom preference deals to determine upper house results rather than voters.

With yet another upper house inquiry handing down its report today, the Greens say Labor has kicked this reform down the road for so long it has finally reached the end of the road, and that abolishing group voting tickets must be part of any genuine fix to Victoria’s electoral system.

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Labor’s donation laws were dodgy from day one. This has always been a major-party stitch-up designed to protect Labor and Liberals’ political slush funds.”

“Labor and the Liberals rigged the rules so they could access tens of millions in slush-fund money while everyone else was locked out. It’s dodgy, and Victorians are sick of it.”

“Labor is only changing these laws because it was dragged to the High Court – and even now, it’s offering a patch-up job to preserve its own advantage.”

“If Labor were serious about fairness, it would scrap the slush funds and abolish group voting tickets so Victorians can have confidence that our elections work for voters, not backroom deals or major parties desperately clinging to power”

PUBLIC HOUSING INQUIRY CALLS FOR DEMOLITION OF THE TOWERS TO BE HALTED

A parliamentary inquiry has today delivered scathing findings on the Allan Labor Government’s plan to demolish and privatise Melbourne’s 44 public housing towers and has called for all demolition works to be halted immediately.

The final report, which was tabled in Parliament today, paints a damning picture of a Labor Government pushing ahead with a multi-billion-dollar mass demolition and privatisation of public housing, while withholding evidence, sidelining experts, and placing public housing residents under immense stress and uncertainty.

The inquiry repeatedly heard of Labor’s refusal to produce key documents to justify the decision to demolish the 44 public housing towers including feasibility studies and cost-benefit-analysis comparing demolition to retrofitting or refurbishment.

The report makes several recommendations including that the claim of ‘executive privilege’ – a mechanism that lets the Labor Government block documents from public release – over more than 140 different documents relating to the demolition be assessed by an independent legal arbiter for legitimacy, and that assessments for each individual tower be released.

The report also reflects the serious concerns about residents’ human rights that were raised throughout the inquiry – where evidence of coercion, pressure and confusing communication during relocations were all exposed and recommends independent of oversight for any future relocations and that the wellbeing of residents be prioritised.

The inquiry also called out Labor’s misleading use of the term “social housing” to obscure the shift from public housing to privately run community housing. It had strong findings in support of retaining and refurbishing or retrofitting public housing, rather than privatising homes under the guise of redevelopment.

Victorian Greens housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“This is a damning report for Labor. It lays bare that their mass demolition and privatisation of public housing has no basis whatsoever, and that it must be halted immediately.”

“Residents told the inquiry they felt pressured, ignored and abandoned, and the report confirms that Labor’s misleading, coercive and at times downright cruel relocation processes have undermined their dignity and their basic human rights.”

“This report leaves Labor totally exposed. In a housing crisis, choosing to demolish and privatise public housing is indefensible.

“Labor’s demolition plan benefits developers and no one else, handing over prime public land while putting public housing residents last. The recommendations are clear and urgent: halt the demolitions now and commit to building more public housing on public land, not wiping it off the map.”

Media statement – Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre dive tower

Following a resolution of the elected Council in December 2024, City of Newcastle has been reviewing the use and operation of the dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The dive tower was constructed as part of the original facility, which officially opened to the public in January 1963.

It includes 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms and is located alongside the 1m and 3m springboards, which are all serviced by a 5m-deep pool.

General public access to the dive tower was restricted seven years ago due to safety concerns. The facilities are currently only able to be accessed by accredited diving organisations. 

There are 12 aquatic centres (including Lambton) with heritage dive towers in Australia. However the Lambton tower is one of only two heritage towers (those built before 2000) still in use, with the other remaining facility, at Canberra Olympic Pool. The heritage dive tower at Canberra Olympic Pool is scheduled for permanent closure as part of an upcoming redevelopment project.

Contemporary diving facilities around Australia built since 2000 are also predominantly restricted for use by trained and qualified professionals associated with accredited diving clubs, with public use highly limited.

As part of the review of the dive tower requested by Council, City of Newcastle sought guidance from SafeWork NSW due to the age of the asset and challenges in meeting current safety standards. Following two inspections in November, SafeWork has issued improvement notices that have identified the risks of falls and slips on the tower, 3m springboards and one of the 1m springboards.

The dive tower, 3m boards and southeastern 1m board have been temporarily closed in order to review the SafeWork improvement notices which includes engaging a qualified expert to conduct a risk-based assessment, determine appropriate control measures and associated costs. 

City of Newcastle will consult with stakeholders during the review period in line with SafeWork’s direction including the Dive Club and its approximate 70 members.

City of Newcastle using groovy technique to upgrade local grounds

Ten sporting fields across Newcastle will be better equipped to handle wet weather next winter thanks to a $500,000 investment into improved drainage being rolled out by City of Newcastle.

Work began this month on the sand grooving program, which is a cost-effective drainage solution that enhances the playing surface without major reconstruction.

Sand grooving at Mayfield ParkSand grooving at Mayfield ParkChair of the Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said this program of works will take City of Newcastle’s investment to more than $3.35 million on drainage and irrigation improvements over the past five years.

“We manage more than 150 sports fields and are committed to delivering high quality sporting facilities to meet the needs of our growing and active community,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Unfortunately, what we can’t control is the horrible weather that has regularly hit the east coast of Australia the past few years.

“Newcastle experienced one of its wettest winters on record this year, with May receiving 300mm of rain which was three times the normal average, and August 290mm, which is more than triple what is usually the driest month of the year.

“The levels of rainfall forced the repeated postponement and cancellation of fixtures across a range of sporting codes.

“We continue to invest in projects to lessen the impact of both incredibly wet and overly dry weather on our sporting community and currently have 24 grounds with drainage as well as 25 irrigated grounds.

“Importantly we’ve invested in the maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure to ensure we get the maximum use out of our upgraded grounds.

“We remain committed to working with local sporting organisations to prioritise and deliver key projects in line with our Strategic Sports Plan and will continue to partner with the State and Federal Governments to secure grant funding.”

The sand grooving program is being progressively rolled out at Wallsend Oval No.2, Mayfield Park, Gibbs Brothers Oval, Learmonth Oval No.2, Townson Oval, Darling Street Oval, Nesbitt Park, Lugar Park, Ford Oval and Harry Edwards Oval.

The technique involves cutting narrow trenches in the turf and backfilling them with washed sand to loosen the soil, creating a direct path for water to drain into an existing drainage system, reducing surface ponding.

City of Newcastle will also begin preparing drainage and irrigation designs for eight sports fields this financial year including Adamstown Park and Elermore Vale Reserve.

During the past five years, drainage improvements have been delivered across the city at grounds including National Park No.1, No.5 and No.6, Townson Oval at Merewether, Arthur Edden Oval at New Lambton, Myers Park at Adamstown and Johnson Park at Lambton.

New stormwater pits, subsoil drainage lines and irrigation enhancements were installed at Smith Park in Hamilton North while drainage designs have been completed at Harker Oval at New Lambton, Fletcher’s Kurraka Oval, Novocastrian Park at New Lambton and Hamilton South’s Darling Street Oval.

Drainage improvements were also incorporated into the recent masterplans adopted for Waratah Park and Adamstown Park.

Additional sportsgrounds identified for drainage upgrades will be included as part of the public exhibition for 2026/27 Council budget.

City of Newcastle remains committed to working with local sporting organisations to prioritise and deliver key upgrades and will continue to partner with the State and Federal Governments to secure grant funding.

Making e-bikes safer for kids and communities this Christmas

As e-bikes surge in popularity across NSW, particularly among teenagers, the NSW Government is introducing measures to improve safety and reduce risk for families.

With around 600,000 households now owning an e-bike, and many more expected to buy one this Christmas, parents are being urged to check that any new device is safe, compliant and appropriate for young riders.

The Government will move to reduce the maximum legal power output of e-bikes in NSW to 250 watts, bringing the state back into line with all other Australian jurisdictions.

This reverses a previous regulatory change that increased the power limit to 500 watts, which has contributed to a wave of high-powered bikes that can be unsafe for children and difficult for parents and police to identify.

The change is aimed at keeping kids safer on roads, bike paths and local streets by reducing access to devices that behave more like electric motorbikes than pedal-assisted bicycles.

The NSW Government is also reviewing the definition of an e-bike in road rules to close loopholes that allow motorcycle-level devices to be sold and ridden as though they are bicycles.

These state changes complement national action. The Commonwealth Government has now committed to reinstating import requirements that ensure e-bikes sold in Australia meet the European safety and quality standard, EN 15194.

This will help keep low-quality, easily modified and dangerous devices out of the country.

The updated rules are expected to take effect within months and will be done in consultation with retailers and the community to ensure a fair transition.

Parents buying an e-bike this Christmas are encouraged to look for:

  • A clear EN 15194 sticker or certification
  • A motor output of no more than 250 watts
  • A reputable brand with proper safety documentation
  • A model that has not been modified, “chipped,” or had its speed limiter removed

The Government is also urging parents to talk to their kids about responsible riding: wearing a helmet, not carrying passengers, sticking to bike paths and roads where permitted, and never modifying a device to go faster.

These changes form part of a broader effort to improve safety around e-devices, including new laws introduced to regulate shared e-bike schemes, clean up footpath clutter and ensure shared scheme operators meet strict safety standards.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“E-bikes are fantastic for getting kids outside, active and independent but they need to be safe.

“We’re seeing devices on the market that are far too powerful, too easy to modify and too hard for parents to assess.

“This is about making sure the bike your teenager rides behaves like a bike, not a motorbike.

“Our message to parents is simple: check the sticker, check the wattage, and have a conversation with your kids about staying safe.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Nothing matters more than keeping our kids safe. As more young people jump on e-bikes, we need to make sure every device on our roads and footpaths is safe, legal and fit for purpose.

“Right now we’re seeing too many powerful, modified devices that put riders and everyone around them at risk. These changes are about preventing serious injuries before they happen.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Government is tightening standards and cleaning up unsafe behaviour, but we need retailers, parents and riders to help keep our communities safe.”

Building better roads for NSW: Contract awarded for project to fix M4 accident hotspot

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with making Western Sydney’s roads safer, awarding a contract to develop a design solution for a notorious section of the M4 Motorway.

The M4 Motorway Coleman Street to Church Street Project will focus on the busy 2.5 kilometre eastbound stretch of the motorway before the tolled section of the motorway at Parramatta.

Transport for NSW has awarded Arup the contract to commence early concept design development for the project to identify safety improvement solutions for this section.

This is being investigated in response to an increase in crashes at the Church Street off ramp following the opening of the M4 Widening Project (Stage 1A of WestConnex).

The Church Street off-ramp is the last exit before the start of eastbound tolling and provides access to the toll-free route along Parramatta Road.

Reviews into this section of road have identified an increase in traffic volumes and safety incidents on approach to the Church Street off-ramp.

Between the review period of 2017 and 2022, there were 307 crashes between Coleman Street and Church Street with 244 of these – or 80 per cent – occurring on the eastbound lanes.

Of these, 45 were serious crashes with four fatalities recorded.

A series of interim measures have been put in place since 2017 along the project area in response to the severity of crashes.

These include the upgrade of the Church Street off-ramp in December 2019 and the upgrade of the Woodville Road, Parramatta Road and Church Street intersection in November 2022.

Additional work has also been carried out on the M4 Motorway on-ramp at Church Street.

This included Smart Motorway ramp metering which was activated in July 2023 to control the flow of traffic entering the motorway from Woodville Road, Church Street and Parramatta Road via the Church Street on-ramp.

Further updates on the M4 Motorway Coleman Street to Church Street Project and community consultation opportunities will be announced as the project progresses next year.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said: 

“Our priority is making sure every driver gets home safely.

“This work is about fixing a problem that has been getting worse for years. The Minns Labor Government is taking action now because we refuse to ignore the clear safety risks on this critical section of the motorway.

“We’ve already delivered interim safety measures, but what’s needed now is a long-term, evidence-based solution. By progressing this design work, we are putting safety at the heart of our decision-making and charting a path to reduce crashes, improve traffic flow and future-proof this part of the network.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney, Courtney Houssos said:

“For too long, this section of the M4 has been a source of frustration and risk for motorists and this milestone marks an inportant step toward a safer, more efficient motorway for Western Sydney.

“The former Liberal National government failed to provide the roads and infrastructure needed to keep up with rapidly growing communities, leaving local families in the lurch for over a decade.

“Today’s announcement is another example of how the Minns Labor Government is building better roads for Western Sydney.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“I welcome the development of a design solution for the M4 Motorway between Coleman and Church Streets to make the M4 safer for everyone who uses it.

“By tackling the area between Coleman and Church Streets, we are working on a solution to protect lives and improve traffic flow on one of Sydney’s busiest motorways.

“The aim of the M4 Motorway between Coleman Street and Church Street Project is to design a solution that reduces crashes and congestion to make the commute safer for everyone along this busy stretch of the motorway.

“Safer exits, better traffic flow, and fewer delays will benefit families, workers and businesses across the west.”

Mitchell Highway upgrade to deliver safer trips east of Dubbo

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver safer roads for regional communities, with $24.4 million worth of safety upgrades being funded through the Towards Zero program on a 6.2-kilometre section of the Mitchell Highway at Deep Creek, between Wongarbon and Geurie. The major upgrade will deliver smoother, safer journeys for all road users along a well-known crash hot spot in western NSW.

The extensive upgrade work at Deep Creek is scheduled to start on Monday 10 November and will take up to two years to complete.

Key work includes:

  • Widening highway shoulders to reduce the risk of drivers losing control if they leave the road pavement.
  • Installing wider centre lines to increase the distance between oncoming traffic and reduce the risk of head on collisions.
  • Upgrading gutters and kerbing to improve road durability and drainage
  • Improving stormwater drainage to reduce the risk of flooding
  • Installing new safety barriers to protect motorists and prevent run off road crashes.

Crash statistics for this section of the Mitchell Highway paint a sobering picture for all road users.

In a five-year period between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023, there were five recorded crashes on the section of Mitchell Highway stretching from 1.72 kilometres east of Deep Creek Road to 4.48 kilometres west of Deep Creek Road, Geurie and, sadly, three people lost their lives.

Transport for NSW will advise the community of start dates and any impacts to traffic once all details have been confirmed.

More information on Towards Zero is available on the Transport for NSW website.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“As Minister for roads, safety is my number one priority. These upgrades to the Mitchell Highway are a vital investment to deliver safer, smoother journeys on this key regional route.

“The Mitchell Highway carries thousands of locals, tourists and freight operators every day, often travelling long distances at a time through the west of the state.

“The Towards Zero program delivers important road infrastructure on the key routes used most regularly by motorists across the state.”

Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

This upgrade will make a real difference for the Dubbo community and everyone who travels along the Mitchell Highway.”

“We know the 6.2- kilometre section has recorded multiple off road and head on crashes in recent years, highlighting the need for this investment.

“By improving safety and reducing crash risks, we’re helping ensure motorists can get home to their families safely.”

“The NSW Government is investing in safer, more reliable roads to better connect our regions and support local communities.

Better roads for NSW new design unveiled for $200 million fix for one of Sydney’s busiest intersections

The Minns and Albanese Labor governments are one step closer to upgrading one of Sydney’s busiest intersections, with a new design unveiled for the $200 million Homebush Bay Drive and Australia Avenue intersection upgrade.  

The new design replaces the existing roundabout with an easy to follow, signalised intersection, complete with additional lanes to ease congestion and keep traffic moving, particularly during peak periods and major events at nearby Sydney Olympic Park.

Following comprehensive traffic and environmental investigations, a layout has been developed that minimises impacts on Bressington and Bicentennial parks while delivering a safer, more efficient connection for everyone who walks, rides or drives through the precinct.

Community consultation on the previously proposed Diverging Diamond Interchange solution was supported by only 25 per cent of respondents due to concerns about the complexity, unfamiliarity and safety of this design.

The Australian and NSW Governments are each investing $100 million in this $200 million upgrade.

Work has now been completed on the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF), which evaluates the environmental and community impacts of the revised design.

The community is being invited to provide feedback on the REF and the revised proposal, which has now been progressed to concept design, between 2 December and Sunday 18 January 2026.

The upgrade is set to benefit tens of thousands of people who use this intersection every year, with 5,000 vehicles traveling through the roundabout per hour during peak periods.

The upgrade comes after interim safety improvement work which was completed at the roundabout and Homebush Bay Drive on ramps in December 2024.

This work has led to improved short-term traffic flow and road safety, especially during peak periods and special events.

Work included installing new traffic loop detectors, 12 new roundabout operating signs and advanced warning signs at the roundabout and Homebush Bay Drive off ramps.

A pedestrian crossing was also relocated to a new, safer location on Australia Avenue and upgraded with a pedestrian fence.

This interim investment was delivered to improve safety at this key location while the major upgrade solution is developed, which will also address future growth in the area.

Construction of the major project is expected to start in 2027 and take about two years to complete.

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

“The Australian Government welcomes this step forward in easing congestion, increasing safety and improving travel times and connectivity to Sydney Olympic Park and Homebush.

“The community has waited for years for a solution to the traffic issues that have plagued this intersection since it first opened more than a quarter of a century ago.

“We have listened to the community and are moving forward with a more traditional and familiar design and the delivery of a much-needed upgrade at this intersection.

“We will continue to work with the NSW Government to deliver significant infrastructure projects that the people of NSW need and deserve.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are fixing the infrastructure that communities across NSW have waited too long for.

“For the thousands of drivers stuck at this intersection every day, this upgrade means less time in traffic and more time with your family.

“I want to thank Donna Davis and Sally Sitou for their persistent advocacy to push this project forward. Their close connection to community has supported the feedback that has led to this new design.”

Federal Member for Reid, Sally Sitou:

“This is a major win for our community. The upgrade will ease congestion, make it safer for families and improve access to Sydney Olympic Park for events and everyday travel alike.

“I’m proud to see the Albanese Government working hand-in-hand with the NSW Government to deliver the infrastructure that locals in Reid have been calling for. This intersection has been a headache for years, and this project will finally fix it.

“As our local population grows, so too must our infrastructure. This upgrade will future-proof one of our busiest intersections, supporting new homes, local businesses and the thousands of people who visit Sydney Olympic Park each week.”

NSW Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“The population of Homebush has almost doubled in the past decade, placing increased pressure on Sydney’s worst roundabout.

“With additional residential and commercial growth in Wentworth Point, Carter Street precinct and Sydney Olympic Park, along with the influx of traffic to major events and the DFO, a solution needs to be implemented as soon as possible.”   

Culturally significant harbour swim spot re-opens for summer

Barangaroo’s much loved swim spot, Marrinawi Cove, has officially re-opened just in time for summer, after an upgrade undertaken by the Minns Labor Government has taken the popular bay spot to another level delivering a larger swimming area and increased amenities.

A special summer holiday activation will help celebrate the swim spots return with free live music and pop-up shops selling gelato and barista made coffee for people to enjoy alongside their harbour dip in the heart of the city every weekend from Saturday 6 December until March.*

This follows a successful free pop-up music experience last summer which entertained more than 6000 people over the season.

Recently completed upgrade works at Marrinawi Cove include:

  • A larger swimming area with up to 150sqm of additional swimming space and a swim length now up to 45 metres
  • A new non-slip platform, integrated sandstone stairs, handrails and a ladder for easier access in and out of the water
  • A new double outdoor shower
  • Increased leisure space for picnics by the water.

These safety and accessibility improvements were made at Marrinawi Cove over the last few months following community feedback.

The upgrade is part of a broader NSW Government initiative to boost accessibility of Sydney’s harbourside precincts so everyone can relax and enjoy our famous harbor and was fully funded by developer contributions.

Marrinawi Cove is a culturally significant spot, as the area was historically used by the Gadigal people for swimming, bathing, canoeing, and fishing for thousands of years.

It is distinct with sculpted and some repurposed sandstone and native flora surrounding the swim spot, creating a serene, natural environment.

For more information visit:  https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on/events/summer-at-marrinawi-cove

Marrinawi Cove is just one of the many spaces and free activations people can enjoy in our harbourside precincts this summer.

With free concerts at Darling Harbour, a festival at Tumbalong Park and Christmas markets across The Rocks, Barangaroo and White Bay Power Station.

All of our public spaces are sparkling with decorations transforming into a Christmas wonderland for the holiday season.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment offering free entertainment in our harbourside precincts and delivering a more festive season packed with more free family fun than ever before.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Summer is officially here and thanks to the Minns Labor Government Sydney has more options than ever for people to cool off with a quick dip.  The reopened Marrinawi Cove, joining the newly opened Bedlam Bay and soon to re-open Penrith Beach to give more people places to swim close to home.

“At Marrinawi Cove free live music and pop-up gelato and barista made coffee activations will further add to the atmosphere of this incredible harbourside space where Sydneysiders and visitors can enjoy a refreshing saltwater dip right in the heart of the city.

“Beyond swimming there will be free festive fun including concerts and Christmas markets in all our harbourside precincts from The Rocks to Barangaroo and Darling Harbour to deliver a vibrant and cheerful season for visitors and locals alike.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Marrinawi Cove has reopened better than ever and just in time for summer.

“The new larger, safer and more accessible harbourside swimming experience is now open and ready for the community.

“We are focused on building better, more connected communities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this iconic location.

“Marrinawi Cove is set to be a standout destination this summer.”