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The $53 million Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment has reached a significant milestone, with the new acute services building welcoming patients, visitors and staff from Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

The new acute services building will provide enhanced health facilities, including an expanded emergency department, birthing, maternity and inpatient unit, a dedicated ambulance entry and bays, landscaped gardens and courtyards, and new artworks.

Following the completion of construction in late 2025, final preparations have included training and orientation to ensure the new acute services building and staff are ready to continue to deliver high-quality care at the redeveloped hospital.

To assist with the transition, a video has been released to help the community familiarise themselves and navigate their way around. It follows a successful community open day held late last year, where around 200 people toured the new building.

The new building is linked to the existing hospital building, and access will remain the same.

Visitors and patients should use:

• Marquis Street for access to the hospital main entry, inpatient unit, maternity (during business hours), day surgery, physiotherapy, dental and pathology;
• Anzac Parade for access to the emergency department, maternity (after-hours) and medical imaging;

Ambulances will access the new hospital building from Reservoir Street.

A comprehensive relocation plan has been developed in preparation for the coordinated move.

Key information

• Visitation to inpatients is limited on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, as staff move equipment and patients into the new building. Patients and families will be kept informed, and the existing emergency department will remain open during the move to ensure a smooth transition.
• From 8.00am on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, patients are to present to the new emergency department.
• The emergency department car park off Anzac Parade includes a new drop-off/pick-up zone and accessible parking options to enhance access to the new acute services building.
• In addition to the Marquis Street and Anzac Parade carparks, there is off-street parking available on Reservoir Street and Anzac Parade.

The project has been delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District, with construction works by Richard Crookes Constructions. 

For more information about the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/gunnedah-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“After visiting the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment project site in October, I’m excited that staff and the local community now have access to this incredible health facility.

“This first-class health facility will support Gunnedah and surrounding communities now and into the future.

“The new acute services building provides new and enhanced healthcare services, ensuring staff are equipped to continue delivering safe, high-quality care for all patients.”

Labor spokesperson for Tamworth Anthony D’Adam:

“Well done to the staff and project team for their work in ensuring a smooth process leading into the opening of the new hospital building.

“I also thank everyone who participated in the consultation process. Your contributions ensured the new health facility is reflective of the needs and culture of the Gunnedah community.”

Community video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKw4OpRWB20

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to rein in senior executive numbers, with the NSW public service recording a sustained reduction in top-level roles as part of a broader drive for fiscal discipline.

The latest workforce data shows the number of Public Sector Senior Executives has fallen from a peak of 4,217 in June 2023 to 3,865 in July 2025, a reduction of more than 350 roles, or 8.3 per cent across the public service.

The Government is on track to deliver on its election commitment to reduce the number of senior executives by 15% in its first term. Its estimated annual savings from the reduction in senior executives will be greater than $100 million per year.

This reprioritisation means more money can be spent on the frontline essential services that families and households rely on.

It is also a direct contrast to the record of the previous Liberal-National Government which, despite committing to cuts, continually oversaw a massive growth in the number of senior executives.

Between 2020 and 2021 the previous Government added 347 senior executives to the public service and added an additional 365 roles in their last eight months in office. They did this while implementing a wage freeze for essential workers.

The Minns Labor Government’s progress forms part of its broader budget repair program, which includes:

• Reducing expenditure on external contractors and consultants by $450 million 2023-24, and $297 million in 2024-25, ending a culture of overreliance and poor procurement which was slammed by the Auditor-General.
• Reducing gross debt by $11 billion compared to the 2023 Pre-Election Budget Update, saving approximately $500 million per annum in interest expenses.
• Implementing a pay freeze for senior executives and Members of Parliament for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years.
• Keeping expense growth to just 2.6 per cent over the forward estimates, the lowest expense growth of any state.
• Fixing the state’s broken insurance schemes, delivering better outcomes for workers, businesses and the state’s finances.
• On track to deliver a return to surplus with a forecast $1.3 billion surplus in 2027-28, $200 million more than projected at the 2025-26 Budget.

Taking these tough decisions and maintaining fiscal discipline means we can deliver the homes, infrastructure and essential services that communities need, all at once, as part of a single plan.

The strategy is being rewarded by international credit ratings agencies. Last year, Fitch and Moody’s maintained the state’s triple-A credit rating, while S&P Global reaffirmed the state’s AA+ rating, reflecting NSW’s strong economy and credible approach to managing expenditure and debt.

Less money spent on senior executives, consultants and contractors means more investment can be directed towards essential services that families and communities rely on, and a more disciplined NSW Budget.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“We are proud to have ended the Coalition’s spending spree. 

“Less money spent on backroom senior executives, consultants and contractors means more funding for the frontline services that communities need. 

“We’d rather hire more teachers, nurses, paramedics and police than costly consultants and highly-paid executives.” 

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“The former Liberal-National Government made similar commitments on reducing senior executives but instead oversaw a significant increase in top public servants.

“In the last eight months of the previous Liberal-National Government’s term, they added 365 executives to an already bloated headcount, capping off the culture of waste that characterised their 12 years in office.

“These much-needed changes are part of how the Minns Labor Government is delivering the fiscally disciplined reforms needed to build a fairer NSW and repair the mess left by the previous government.”

Essential disaster recovery work is underway on the Bruxner Highway at Mallanganee thanks to a $9.5 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Governments. Funding has been made available under the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This investment will help to ensure the Bruxner Highway can continue to provide essential access between towns and villages across northern New South Wales.

Transport for NSW will carry out work, which includes repairing and stabilising two downslopes which were damaged in a landslip between Willock Street and Bulmers Road at Mallanganee, about 40km west of Casino.

Work will require the installation of soil nails and micropiles, which are drilled deep into the slope, together with improvements to drains and culverts, which are expected to take about six months to complete.

The funding provision to ‘build back better’ is also under the DRFA, Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.

Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“This investment through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements will help to ensure the Bruxner Highway can continue to provide essential access between towns and villages across northern New South Wales.

“This is important work which will mean the highway will be able to better withstand future storms and flooding.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“The Bruxner Highway is a vital artery in the state’s north, connecting locals, freight and tourists from Ballina to Boggabilla.

“It is also one of the key local roads in my electorate, taking me directly to Tenterfield—a beautiful Tablelands town I proudly represent—and I know every twist and turn of this road.

“We have faced repeated severe weather in recent years, and this work is about more than repairing damage; it’s about strengthening our transport network so communities can recover faster and be better prepared for future events.”

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.”