Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has today announced a range of measures and actions aimed at strengthening the governance, integrity and animal welfare standards of greyhound racing industry in NSW.

These measures respond to the findings of the inquiry led by the Hon. Lea Drake, appointed by Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, to address concerns regarding Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).

Acting Commissioner Drake identified significant governance and operational failures within Greyhound Racing NSW under previous management, including deficiencies in procurement and recruitment practices, financial mismanagement, wasteful expenditure and a poor workplace culture.

In response to this report, the Government is taking action to ensure the industry lifts standards and practices by reforming the industry’s operating licence and issuing a Statement of Expectations to the regulator.

New Operating Licence for Greyhound Racing NSW

The NSW Government will issue GRNSW with a new Operating Licence that sets out conditions legally requiring the organisation to address key recommendations of the Drake Inquiry to ensure its operations meet the highest standards of governance and animal welfare, including:

• increasing oversight of greyhound rehoming programs run by GRNSW and third-party groups to significantly improve rehoming pathways, including prioritising domestic rehoming programs where possible
• ensuring sustainable and transparent funding for animal welfare
• improving reporting on greyhound rehoming data
• improving reporting to the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission (GWIC) on greyhound deaths from unknown causes
• ensuring updates to the minimum track standards are actioned appropriately and implemented across all clubs
• improving a suite of internal GRNSW’s policies, Board Charters and Code of Conduct to lift standards around organisational management, human resources, procurement process, financial and human resource management and workplace culture
• setting requirements for reporting by GRNSW on progress with implementing these reforms.

As is required in Section 25 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017, Minister Harris will consult with the industry’s regulator, GWIC, on the updated licence before issuing it to GRNSW.

Statement of Expectations for the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission

While the Drake Inquiry focused on GRNSW, the Government recognises GWIC plays a critical role as the industry’s regulator.

The Minister also today issued the Commission with a Ministerial Statement of Expectations that requires it to undertake key activities to boost greyhound welfare, that must be complied with by 30 June 2026.

The expectations include:

• bolstered reporting and transparency measures around track safety, greyhound rehoming and injuries to greyhounds
• requirements to publish catastrophic injury reporting on a per-track basis
• developing and issuing minimum standards for greyhound kennelling and rehoming facilities
• undertaking analysis of greyhound breeding and whelping rates to support a sustainable industry
• examining avenues to assist GWIC in determining the cause of greyhound deaths, where there are suspicious or unusual circumstances
• reviewing euthanasia policies to ensure best practice.

The Drake Inquiry was extensive and received more than 1,600 public submissions and more than 80,000 documents, as well as conducting 31 days of hearings. Minister Harris also today released the full 722-page report of the inquiry.

The Drake Inquiry report, NSW Government Response and Statement of Expectations issued to GWIC are available at www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/office-of-racing/racing-publications-and-media-releases

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Greyhound racing is an important industry across our state, especially in regional and rural communities where it provides jobs for many people and makes a major economic contribution.

“The Government is committed to ensuring the NSW greyhound racing industry is competitive, responsible and sustainable with the highest standards of governance, animal welfare and integrity.

“A number of concerns and allegations relating to Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) have been raised with me and the Drake Inquiry addressed those concerns.

“This response will introduce a series of reforms and actions to instil a rigorous new operating environment to enable the greyhound industry’s governing body and senior leadership to best meet the high standards we demand.

“I thank the Hon Lea Drake for the comprehensive inquiry she led which identified significant issues relating to GRNSW’s governance, management, culture and greyhound welfare.

“The Drake Report recognises that GRNSW has made progress since the Special Commission of Inquiry into it by Michael McHugh AC QC in 2016 and also since the Drake Inquiry was established, under refreshed management.

“Ms Drake’s report contains a large number of recommendations, which I have used to inform the suite of measures enacted today.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing a new future for Wentworth Park, unlocking 7,300 new homes around the site and delivering much needed multipurpose community sporting facilities for the wider precinct.

Today’s announcement reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to address the housing crisis and build homes close to public transport, jobs and education, while delivering new open space for the community.

The 14-hectare site will remain in public hands to help meet the housing and recreational needs of the growing Ultimo-Pyrmont area, just 1.5 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.

In addition to the new housing and sporting facilities, the Wentworth Park precinct will be immediately adjacent to transport links including a new ferry stop at Sydney Fish Markets, an upgraded light rail station at Wentworth Park, a continuous 15-kilometre coastal boardwalk from the Blackwattle Bay to Woolloomooloo, and the Pyrmont Metro station, which is set to open in 2032.

These strategic investments mean this precinct is well-connected and well-suited to deliver the housing young people and families need.

We understand the significance of Wentworth Park to many people.

But our city must adapt to meet the needs of our changing and growing city and this plan ensures new homes, new green space and a shared public asset for generations to come.

The housing our state needs close to jobs and transport

The 3.3 hectare Wentworth Park Sporting Complex precinct will be converted into community sporting fields and public green space, allowing for the rezoning of the surrounding area to support up to 2,500 additional well-located homes.

These are in addition to the 4,800 homes already planned or approved nearby, including around 2,000 homes on the old Sydney Fish Market and neighbouring sites, bringing the precinct total to as many as 7,300 new homes..

The Government will work with the City of Sydney to ensure the rezoning is delivered in a timely manner and will step in to undertake a State-led rezoning if required.

The Minns Labor Government can also confirm today that Mirvac has been identified as the preferred tenderer for the old Sydney Fish Market site, with construction 1400 homes including 580 student housing units set to begin by early 2027, subject to planning approval.

Sporting fields for the whole community

When the current greyhound lease expires in September 2027, the existing facilities will be demolished and the land transferred to the City of Sydney to be converted into community sports fields.

Current estimates suggest approximately 20 additional sport fields are required in the city area by 2031 in order to meet the needs of the sporting community.

The new 14-hectare park will also be made available for hosting festivals and community events as a condition of the transfer to ensure the new harbourside parklands can be utilised by the whole community.

Current sporting and community users of Wentworth Park will continue to be accommodated.

Investing in Greyhound Racing

The Government will work with the Greyhound industry to support the transition of greyhound racing from Wentworth Park to other racetracks, with $10 million to be allocated to the Greyhound Capital Grants Program for upgrades to ensure they meet track standards.

Works to transition the Wentworth Park site will begin following expiry of the greyhound racing licence held by the administrator for NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association, in late 2027.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We recognise Wentworth Park holds deep history and meaning for many people, and we know some will be disappointed by this change.”

“But cities change and we have a responsibility to plan for the future.

“Right in the middle of Sydney and connected by rail, light rail, ferries and the future Metro, our plan for the future of Wentworth Park will deliver much-needed new housing while also providing up to 20 new community sporting fields.

“This is more homes, more playing fields and better public spaces, alongside the infrastructure that makes neighbourhoods work. This is homes and community facilities delivered together, not one without the other.”

“This is how we build a fairer and more balanced Sydney. By creating new housing in well-serviced areas, instead of pushing growth to places without the transport and infrastructure to support it.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Wentworth Park has a long and proud history, and today we’re securing its future for the next generation. This plan keeps land in the public hands and delivers new homes, new sporting facilities and new open space for a community that is growing fast.

“Our city is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure people can live near the jobs, education and transport they rely on. We’ll continue working closely with the City of Sydney to deliver this rezoning in a timely way, and we’re ready to step in with a State-led rezoning if it’s needed.

Minister for Lands and Property and Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We have been clear from the outset that we need Wentworth Park to have greater utilisation and community activation of this central complex, and that is exactly what today announcement will unlock.

“Today’s announcement builds on our strategic vision for the area. We have completed the new Sydney Fish Markets, we are delivering a new ferry stop, we are delivering an upgraded light rail station, we are delivering the Metro West, and today we are delivering the final piece of the Blackwattle Bay puzzle.

“Not only are we unlocking thousands of homes and much needed community sporting facilities, we are laying the groundwork and ensuring we have the community infrastructure to deliver a vibrant precinct for everyone.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The transition of the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex site to new, enhanced open space and community recreation uses is an exciting new chapter that marks the end of an era for inner city greyhound racing that has taken place there since 1932.

“The NSW Government continues to support a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity that balances tradition with community expectations.

“Greyhound racing is a valuable contributor to regional communities supporting thousands of jobs. While the curtain may be closing for greyhound racing at Wentworth Park, we will work with the industry to improve other tracks and ensure the sport safely continues into the future, including by enhancing the Capital Grants Program for track upgrades, with a further $10million investment.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are providing up to $70 million in funding for councils, organisations and businesses to support economic adjustment in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.

Under a joint agreement, the Australian Government is providing funding to invest in Basin communities across NSW through the Sustainable Communities Program.

The funding aims to minimise potential socio-economic impacts of environmental water recovery under the Basin Plan.

The $70 million Economic Development and Infrastructure Round is the next phase of the Minns Government’s plans to support communities across the Riverina and Murray regions which may be vulnerable and exposed to water purchasing being undertaken by the Australian Government.

The funding will provide grants from $750,000 to $10 million for projects that create new economic opportunities and reduce barriers to workforce participation, enabling people to continue to live and work locally after water recovery.

The funding aims to minimise the impacts of water recovery by creating and supporting jobs and new industries, encouraging innovation and delivering critical infrastructure that helps people to live and work locally.

Projects eligible for funding as part of the $70 million program could include:

• infrastructure that unlocks industrial developments and new opportunities for agriculture
• economic infrastructure and upgrades to support industry such as new processing facilities or logistics hubs
• infrastructure to support workforce participation including childcare or other community services.

This latest round will target 12 Local Government Areas:

• Balranald
• Berrigan
• Carrathool
• Edward River
• Federation
• Griffith
• Hay
• Leeton
• Murray River
• Murrumbidgee
• Narrandera
• Wentworth

The $70 million Economic Development and Infrastructure Round follows the Early Investment Round of $16.3 million announced in August 2025, which provided initial stimulus to support investments in exposed and vulnerable communities.

Projects supported by the initial funding included $4 million to expand the capacity of Ravensworth Feedlot to 75,000 head of cattle, $4 million for Barooga Sports Club to upgrade the Bullanginya Precinct, and $493,110 for Carrathool Shire Council to upgrade infrastructure at Hillston Caravan Park.

Applications open on Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 12pm and close Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 12pm.

The Economic Development and Infrastructure Round has been designed using feedback from extensive consultation with NSW Southern Basin communities. The insights will also inform the design of future rounds under the NSW Sustainable Communities Program.

Further support for businesses and industry, as well as community-led and Aboriginal initiatives will be available in 2026.

For more information on consultation outcomes and updates on funding under the NSW Sustainable Communities Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/scp.

To apply for the Economic Development and Infrastructure Round, visit www.nsw.gov.au/scp.

To learn more about the Australian Government’s Sustainable Communities Program, visit https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/programs/open/sustainable-communities.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This is about giving Southern Basin communities the funding and support they need to begin a new chapter — one where local economies can diversify, industries can grow, and families and workers can look ahead to new opportunities with confidence.

“We’re encouraging agriculture and other businesses to expand into new markets and make the most of the millions of dollars available to help create jobs, drive innovation and build long-term economic strength.”

“While the NSW Government does not support water buybacks, we are continuing to support these communities.”

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said:

“The Albanese Government is proud to support local communities adapt and diversify their economies through the Sustainable Communities Program.

“This program delivers a record Commonwealth investment in community support under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the focus on economic development will deliver long term benefits.

“Healthy river systems are essential for strong, resilient communities. We’re committed to restoring our rivers while ensuring regional communities are supported along the way.”

The largest formwork arch in the Southern Hemisphere has been manoeuvred into place inside the Westmead metro station cavern.

The latest construction milestone comes as the Minns Labor Government today reveals a budget review of metro projects has exposed funding blackholes and delivery bungles of the former Liberal-National government.

At Westmead, an 82-hour operation saw work crews jack and winched the temporary arch into position with millimetres to spare.

Once the structure was in place, the team completed a 1,941-tonne concrete pour to create the cavern’s 2.5-metre-thick walls.

It took almost 12 months of careful planning to get the 21-metre arch in place.

Metro funding review

The Minns Labor Government is injecting an additional $2.4 billion into the Sydney Metro build, with a record investment of $60 billion delivering 25 new stations and three new lines.

Building three metros at the same time, instead of consecutively, has placed additional pressure on costs, and makes projects compete with each other.

The additional investment is also necessary after construction cost escalations, scope changes, design changes and significant cost pressures.

A major budget baseline review has found the Liberals failed to properly budget for metros, including:

• Tunnelling packages awarded to private contractors that blew out by $500 million but were not disclosed to the NSW public.
• $540 million of enabling works for over-station developments left unbudgeted despite being part of the original scope of works as announced.
• A redirection of $110 million from the Metro West budget to pay for the Eastern Creek Speedway that left an unfilled funding gap.

As a result of the new budget baseline, Metro West is now estimated to cost $27-$29 billion to complete to its 2032 timeframe.

The Metro Southwest conversion is now expected to cost $22-$23 billion while Western Sydney Airport Metro faces legal claims from its private sector delivery partner Parklife which may increase total costs by more than $1 billion.

The protracted dispute may push out the timeline for the opening date. When we have an announcement about an opening date we will update the public.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering three metros and 25 new stations – on top of the 21 stations delivered by the former government.

Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project, a program of more than $60 billion investment in new metro rail. These city-shaping Metro projects are vital infrastructure for Sydney but managing them responsibly within budgets and timeframes is essential to their viability.

After inheriting the largest debt ever handed from one government to another, we’re limited by what we can afford, what taxpayers can afford, but we will not privatise government assets.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Delivering major projects must be backed up with real money, not false promises like the ones left behind by the former government.

“Our detailed review has identified cost overruns, budget blackholes and the infrastructure equivalent of robbing Peter to pay Paul – or in this case draining a rail construction budget to build a speedway.

“When it comes to delivering metros, any budget announced by the Liberals needs to be doubled to be believed. They must now explain how building five more metros at the same time as they have promised will not lead to the same result.

“Labor is delivering the largest ever metro program – 25 new stations across three new lines – all without more asset sales and privatisation.

Narrandera is on the path to safer and more reliable water after receiving $908,000 in funding from the Albanese Government to develop a full business case for a new state of the art water filtration plant.

This will outline the critical plans and preliminary design for the proposed Narrandera Water Treatment Plant project, paving the way for the construction phase, pending future funding and approval.

This project is a key priority for the region, aimed at securing a clean and sustainable water supply for residents and businesses for generations to come. It could help to diversify the water supply by reducing the reliance on groundwater and investigating river water options.

The current Narrandera water supply draws from bores drilled in the 1960s and is treated with chlorination to make it drinkable.

This system faces several challenges that compromise the quality and reliability of the town’s water supply, including high iron and manganese levels often exceeding Australian Drinking Water Supply Guidelines. Its current location on a floodplain also makes it susceptible to contamination events.

Narrandera Shire Council will match the Australian Government contribution, provided through the National Water Grid Fund, with the full business case anticipated to cost up to $1.82 million and take approximately 20 months to complete.

A full business case is a vital step in enabling governments to make informed water infrastructure investment decisions that are guided by the best evidence available, including a cost benefit analysis.

the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

“We’re pleased to be backing this project and supporting Narrandera’s planning for better access to more reliable water so the community can continue to thrive for generations to come.

“It’s great to see all levels of government working together to deliver lasting outcomes that will ensure regional communities have the essential services they deserve.”

the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

“It is fantastic to see the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund putting nearly $1 million on the table to help strengthen water security for the 5,700 residents of Narrandera.

“By working closely with the Australian Government and local councils, we are delivering projects that are tailored to the needs of each community to give them access to safer, more secure water over the long term.”

the Mayor of Narrandera Shire Council Cr Neville Kschenka:

“This is great news for Narrandera and will allow us to move forward with the planning required to deliver a project that is essential for our long-term water security.

“A new water treatment plant would future-proof our water supply and be a vital asset for generations to come, and this funding puts us on the path to making it a reality.”

Patients in Southern NSW will be able to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home as part of the Minns Labor Government $31.4 million expansion of the Hospital in the Home program.

The Hospital in the Home program helps ease pressure on busy emergency departments and reduces a patient’s length of stay in hospital, all while ensuring people can continue to receive safe high-quality care from home.

From December 2025, Hospital in the Home is being rolled out across the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn and Queanbeyan regions, helping Southern NSW patients to potentially avoid a visit to the ED and reduce long stays in hospital.

The program will be further strengthened by new wearable monitoring technology, helping clinicians to remotely track vital signs such as breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate in real time.

This innovative technology will support early intervention, with clinicians able to identify when a patient’s condition changes.

Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley communities will be part of a further expansion in the future.

Led by a dedicated medical officer and nurse practitioners, the new model will support the recovery of paediatric, palliative and aged care patients with a range of clinical conditions including cellulitis, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and urinary tract infections.

Expanding access to hospital care at home and leveraging new digital technology across Southern NSW, is another step forward to improving access to flexible, safe and appropriate health care across the state.

Treating more people from the comfort of their own home is part of a range of measures the Minns Labor Government is embracing to relieve pressure on our busy emergency departments including:

• $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
• $100 million in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals preventing more than  114,000 ED presentations;
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place; and
• empowering GPs to prescribe ADHD medication; and pharmacists to treat non-complex conditions.

This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to recruit more healthcare workers; and deliver more hospitals and beds, more quickly.

The Liberals planned to cut staff and refused to introduce ratios; failed to deliver enough hospitals and beds to meet the growing needs of the community; and tried to privatise acute public hospitals.

People in the community interested in finding out whether Hospital in the Home care may be suitable for them, are encouraged to speak with their general practitioner or treating health professional, who can help determine eligibility and coordinate a referral.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This is exactly the kind of modern, patient-centred care we want to see across NSW. This model ensures people get the care they need sooner, and with better support, while also helping to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

“The Hospital in the Home program gives people access to high-quality treatment without leaving the comfort and safety of their home, while easing pressure on our busy hospitals.

“By pairing clinical expertise with innovative technology, like the new remote monitoring tools, we are ensuring we can deliver safer, more flexible healthcare.”

Health and Regional Health, Dr Michael Holland:

“This expansion of Hospital in the Home is a major boost for patients and families across Southern NSW. It gives people access to safe, high-quality care without the stress and cost of travelling or spending extended periods in hospital.

“As someone who has cared for patients in our region for many years, I know how important it is to provide treatment that is close to home, culturally appropriate and flexible. Hospital in the Home allows patients to recover in comfort while still receiving the clinical oversight they need.

“This model strengthens our local health system. It reduces pressure on emergency departments, improves patient flow and supports better outcomes for paediatric, palliative and aged care patients. It is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering practical, modern healthcare which improves solutions for regional communities.”

Margaret Bennett, Chief Executive, SNSWLHD:

“This model ensures patients in our district receive equitable, timely and high-quality care across Southern NSW.

“The continuous delivery of vital sign data means our clinicians can intervene earlier and more precisely, reducing avoidable admissions and keeping hospital beds available for more acute cases.”

Summa Stephens, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Community and District Services at SNSWLHD:

“This model is all about giving people the right care, in the right place. Patients recover better when they’re in a familiar environment, and this service allows us to deliver hospital-level treatment while keeping them connected to home and family.

“We’ve been planning this model for two years, and we’re excited to roll out a district-wide HITH model and service that’s fit for purpose for Southern NSW. It’s medically led and supported by remote home monitoring.”

The Minns Labor Government has greenlit the final leg of Inland Rail in NSW – Phase 2 of the Narrabri to North Star section – clearing the tracks for faster freight, better connectivity, and a boost in regional jobs.

This milestone marks the final planning approval required in NSW for the Commonwealth funded 1,700km freight link from Melbourne to Brisbane, which will cut travel times to under 24 hours and ease pressure on Sydney’s metropolitan rail network.

Phase 2 will upgrade 15 kilometres of track between Moree and Camurra North. Running through the Moree Plains Shire, the new line is supported by the council and forms a key link in the Inland Rail network.

Once complete, the corridor will be capable of carrying up to 21 double-stacked trains and represents a major leap toward cleaner, more sustainable and efficient freight movement between regional NSW, domestic ports, and international markets.

This phase of the project is expected to create around 150 jobs during construction and 50 ongoing roles, delivering a strong boost to the local economy and unlocking long-term opportunities for regional communities.

This approval finalises the last of seven sections of Inland Rail in NSW. It builds on the momentum of Phase 1, which is approved to deliver 170 kilometres of upgraded track between Narrabri and North Star.

The project’s approval includes conditions to address issues such as flooding, biodiversity, social impacts, traffic, and Aboriginal cultural heritage in line with assessment standards.

For more information visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/state-significant-projects/inland-rail/narrabri-to-north-star

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Inland Rail program is another step closer to reality with the planning approval of this important section of the track.”

“This is more than just laying down steel – it’s laying the groundwork for regional growth, unlocking new opportunities in logistics, agriculture, and trade.”

“By shifting freight from road to rail, we’re cutting emissions and making our road network safer.”

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

“This is the moment regional NSW has been waiting for. The project can move from planning to delivery – unlocking jobs, investment and a faster, smarter freight pathway across the state.

“It’s a game-changer for connectivity from paddock to port.

“The independent Schott Review laid bare the scale of the problems we inherited: years of mismanagement, cost blowouts and unrealistic timelines under the former Liberal and National Governments. Today’s approval shows that the Minns Labor Government is doing the hard work to fix the mess and get this project back on track.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is focused on delivering for rural and regional communities and this final stage of the Inland Rail being greenlit demonstrates our ability to get things done.

“The project will create more jobs and open up new opportunities for investment in the bush by delivering stronger connections between local producers and their national and international markets.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking the next step toward delivering the replacement pedestrian bridge at Moonee Beach, appointing local Coffs Harbour firm BK Engineering Consulting Solutions to lead the design.

This project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building better communities and investing in regional NSW, ensuring locals and visitors have access to safe, high-quality public infrastructure and open spaces.

BK Engineering Consulting Solutions specialises in servicing regional communities and brings strong expertise in bridge design, construction and management. Appointing a local firm not only delivers a design tailored to the needs of Moonee Beach but also keeps investment and employment in the region.

The Moonee Beach footbridge provides access over Sugar Mill Creek (a Crown waterway), between Green Bluff Headland of Coffs Coast Regional Park (managed by NPWS) and Moonee Beach holiday park (managed by Reflections Holidays).

The bridge also provides a link in the 60-kilometre Solitary Islands coastal walk which is a major tourist attraction for the Coffs coast area, and the Green Bluff Headland which is a popular fishing, swimming and surfing location.

Minister for Lands and Property and Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“We are focused on building better communities and investing in regional NSW.

“Engaging a local Coffs Harbour firm to design the new pedestrian bridge keeps jobs and economic activity in the region, while drawing on the expertise of people who understand the needs of this community.

“Completing the bridge design is a vital next step towards restoring safe access through this important area and supporting local recreation and regional tourism.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“We are thrilled to see work underway to re-establish bridge access that is of such importance to the Coffs Coast community and it is great to see locals involved in the construction.

“I am thankful for the joint contributions and commitment to build a new Moonee Beach footbridge to reconnect tourism, culture, environment and community life at this beautiful location.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) following a number of bushfires across New South Wales.

Initial assessments indicate a number of homes have been destroyed with extensive damage to more private property, critical infrastructure, fencing, agricultural assets and National Parks. The extent of the damage will be made clearer as RFS continue impact assessments.

The declarations activate a suite of support measures for residents, businesses, primary producers, and councils. People whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for immediate financial help as well as clean-up, rebuilding and recovery assistance.

The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of:

• Central Coast
• Mid Coast
• Upper Hunter
• Muswellbrook
• Warrumbungle
• Dubbo

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:

• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Concessional loans for small businesses and primary producers up to $130,000
• Freight and transport subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Loans for non-profit organisations up to $25,000
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

Impacted Councils will be provided with support to remove debris and for the reconstruction of essential public infrastructure.

Community members affected by the recent bushfires should contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit service.nsw.gov.au to access information on disaster assistance, grants, and recovery support.

The Minns Labor Government understands people want to help, but we ask the community not to send physical donations. The best way to support those affected is by donating through GIVIT, our official disaster relief partner at https://www.givit.org.au/

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said:

“The Albanese Government stands ready to support New South Wales communities during times of emergencies.

“Bushfires like this are very distressing and my thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted.

“Conditions yesterday were extremely challenging and I’d like to thank all our emergency services, crews are fighting fires and keeping our communities safe.

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are working together to get support to communities impacted by these bushfires as quickly as possible.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

“Our hearts are with every community impacted by the recent fires. We know people have lost homes, livelihoods, and their sense of security.

“Whilst we continue to contain the fires that have impacted communities across NSW, our priority is also to support those people whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted.

“These declarations make immediate assistance available so the difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding can begin when it is safe to do so.

“The NSW Government will continue to stand with affected communities every step of the way as the full extent of the impact becomes clear.”