Category: NSW News

More than 1.2 million people who live in strata homes across the state are set to benefit from another suite of reforms being introduced to NSW Parliament in the final stage of the Minns Labor Government’s ambitious program to modernise strata laws.

The new legislation is the Minns Labor Government’s fourth strata reform package since March 2023 and finalises the legislative response to the recommendations made in a 2021 statutory review of strata laws, following inaction by the former government.

The Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025 forms part of the Government’s holistic approach to addressing the housing challenge and will ensure that the State’s strata laws give people the confidence to live and invest in strata.

Reforms in the Bill include:

• Allowing compliance action taken by NSW Fair Trading against an owners corporation to be proactively published so prospective buyers can know if there are any issues with repairs and maintenance in the building,
• Giving owners the right to install electric vehicle charging stations on their own lot without fear of unreasonable objection from their strata committee,
• Better protect owners corporations with embedded network supply agreements, such as for electricity, so they are not charged unfair infrastructure costs if they terminate an agreement,
• Removing unnecessary red tape for two-lot schemes such as duplexes, which make up more than 30 per cent of strata schemes, so they no longer need to form committees, hold meetings and submit annual reports to NSW Fair Trading,
• Setting fair limits on when an owners corporation can charge strata residents a bond or fee, for example bonds for access keys or swipe cards that are exorbitantly higher than the replacement cost will no longer be allowed,
• Allowing the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to terminate an owners corporation’s agreement with a building manager if they breach their duties.

This Bill follows three earlier tranches of strata reforms, which include:

• Increased penalties for strata managing agents who don’t disclose conflicts of interest or kickbacks to owners,
• Requiring payment plans to be offered to owners in financial hardship before debt recovery action can be taken and prohibiting blanket rules to refuse payment plan requests,
• A world-first in strata regulation by allowing NSW Fair Trading to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners corporations that do not meet their duties to maintain and repair common property. This will ensure serious maintenance issues and defects can be fixed without expensive and time-consuming litigation through the courts or tribunal,
• Protections for owners from bill shock by requiring developers to have initial levy estimates in new strata buildings to be independently certified, including increased penalties for non-compliance,
• Banning strata managing agents from taking a commission on insurance products when they don’t play a role in finding the best deal for owners,
• Introducing itemised insurance quotes so owners know exactly how much is going to agents and brokers in commissions and fees,
• Making it easier for owners to do minor renovations,
• Removing barriers to the uptake of sustainability measures such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging by prohibiting bylaws that block the infrastructure due to external appearance,
• Ensuring goods and services are obtained at competitive prices, by requiring owners corporations to get a second quote when the bill for work will be over $30,000. 

This Bill also follows NSW Fair Trading’s recent steps to make it easier for people living in strata to find the right strata manager, and to better understand the strata insurance broker fees they are paying. The Strata Managing Agent Engagement Planner on the NSW Strata Hub helps people assess their current and prospective strata management fees by giving like-for-like comparisons on costs and services from different strata managing agents.

NSW Fair Trading has also this week released a report by John Trowbridge OAM which examines insurance broker fees and commissions on strata insurance. The Benchmarking Strata Insurance Broker Pricing report sets out the typical prices strata insurance brokers charge for their services and gives consumers an understanding of what they may reasonably be expected to be charged by insurance brokers arranging insurances.

Feedback from key stakeholders has informed the final Bill to ensure it will deliver intended benefits and meet the evolving needs of strata residents, owners, industry and the broader community. For more information on strata law changes, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/fair-trading/news/changes-to-strata-laws

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“If we want more people living in higher-density developments, then we need to make the experience of strata living as attractive as possible.

“Effective and transparent strata management is a significant part of this Government’s plan to improve housing quality in New South Wales, and we are delivering on it. 

“This final suite of legislative changes in response to the statutory review into strata laws is a key milestone for NSW.

“This ensures our laws are up to date for what is expected when living in multi-dwelling complexes.”

Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee said:

“While this has been a huge uplift in the rights for residents and responsibilities for owners corporations, it is not the end of the journey for modernising strata living.

“Work will continue to ensure the benefits of the Government’s strata reform agenda are not only realised but sustained through fair, transparent, and responsive regulation.

“These changes ensure we have the right rules for strata – backed up with more support from NSW Fair Trading to ensure strata living is fair for all.”

The Minns Labor Government is increasing busking locations across The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo by nearly two thirds.

Our harbour precincts already host 22 existing busking locations. As part of our ongoing vibrancy reforms we’re turning up the volume, working with the busking community to deliver 16 new locations. 

The additional locations include:

• Four spots in Barangaroo, bringing busking to Barangaroo for the first time
• Seven additional spots in The Rocks
• Five additional spots in Darling Harbour

The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo attract millions of tourists and locals every month, making them the perfect place to platform talented street performers.

The additional busking locations are now available and have been selected based on existing suitability assessments and engagement with the busking community to make sure they meet their needs.

This builds on the Minns Labor Governments on-going vibrancy agenda which has recently seen event caps lifted and red tape around entertainment, outdoor dining and events slashed.

For more information visit:  The Rocks, Darling Harbour or Barangaroo.

Minister for the Music and Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We want more busking on our streets, not less. That’s why we’re unlocking new places for buskers to play – and new places for people to enjoy their performances.

“Welcoming more music into the streets of Sydney’s harbour precincts makes sense. Busking brings our city streets alive, buskers surprise and entertain locals and visitors alike.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We are backing in Sydney’s busking community, boosting arts and culture and bringing back fun.

“The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo are hubs of activity which welcome millions of locals and visitors, expanding the busking activity here will bring a soundtrack to our streets as people explore the city.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government unlocking opportunities which support Sydney to be a bustling and vibrant city.”

Busker Roshani Sriyani Everett said:
“I’ve spent years busking around The Rocks and Circular Quay, and some of my favourite memories were made there — playing by the water, connecting with people from all over the world, and feeling the city come alive around me.

“Busking gave me a stage when I had no stage, and I’ll always be grateful for the way those streets supported my music and helped me grow.

“I fully support the introduction of new busking spots in the Barangaroo precinct. Live music brings a place to life, creates real connection, and gives artists a chance to grow while adding colour and energy to the community.”

Modern workplaces are evolving, with digital work systems offering enormous potential to boost efficiency and unlock creativity, drive productivity, innovation, and job opportunities.

However, guardrails are required around the safety of these tools’ use in workplaces. That is why the Minns Labor Government is introducing legislation to safeguard the wellbeing of workers.  

The proposed reforms to Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws clarifies the responsibility around the use of digital work systems.  A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) will be required to ensure these important tools do not lead to unsafe workloads, unreasonable performance tracking, excessive surveillance or discriminatory work allocation.   

This clarifies and adds to the existing workplace safety duties under the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) that require employers to provide safe workplaces. By embracing technology responsibly, NSW is setting the standard for workplaces that are innovative, productive, and safe for everyone. 

The Minns Labor Government has also committed to continuing to work with other jurisdictions through the SafeWork Australia process on how digital systems can be kept safe at work.  This Bill provides for a review provision if model WHS laws are developed by SafeWork Australia which address the same subject matter to ensure alignment with model laws.

The Bill responds to relevant recommendations of the Select Committee on the Impact of Technological and Other Change on the Future of Work and Workers in NSW (reported in 2022) regarding the rise of digital systems and their real impacts on worker psychosocial health. The committee received 53 submissions and held seven public hearings. The committee also conducted a site visit to the Amazon Distribution Centre.

This reform follows the Minns Labor Government’s broader packages aimed at creating better, safer workplaces, which prevent injuries before they occur, support injured workers to recover faster, and ensure the workers compensation scheme remains sustainable for business. These reforms include: 

• Establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator, including 20 new psychosocial focused inspectors targeting psychosocial harm to identify risks early.
• A new Psychosocial Advisory Service that will provide advice to businesses and workers on how to manage psychosocial safety in the workplace
• A $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces. 

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“As digital systems become more common in workplaces, the Minns Labor Government is making sure that these systems help businesses without undermining the health and safety of workers. 

“This is about protecting workers’ mental health, preventing harm before it occurs, and giving everyone confidence that workplace technology is used responsibly.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening a culture of prevention, early intervention, recovery, and effective return to work through a series of reforms. If a system tracks you, times you, and pushes you beyond safe limits – it’s not innovation, its exploitation.

“These include major reforms to SafeWork NSW, including investing in more inspectors to focus on psychosocial harm prevention.” 

The Minns Labor Government has today released new plans to revitalise Nowra’s CBD, deliver more jobs, boost the local economy, and create a vibrant riverfront precinct that will unlock more than 900 new homes.

The Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap, sets out a blueprint for long-term growth in the city’s commercial heart, unlocking investment opportunities, supporting new jobs and businesses, and expanding people’s ability to live, work and access essential services within the City Centre.

Alongside this, two rezoning proposals for land near the Nowra riverfront will help to unlock hundreds of well-located homes, while improving links between Nowra’s city centre and the Shoalhaven River.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct proposal will rezone 3.4 hectares of land between Bridge Road, Hyam Street and Scenic Drive. In parallel, Homes NSW is leading a rezoning proposal for the Mandalay Sub-Precinct site, on 2.7 hectares of adjacent riverfront land.

Both precincts are located within 200 metres of schools, parks, the newly upgraded hospital, transport connections, and key community facilities.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct Rezoning Proposal will:

• Enable up to 377 new homes.
• Introduce a two per cent affordable housing requirement.
• Apply new building heights of between 20m-44m at the Hyam Street, Scenic Drive and Bridge Road sub-precincts (from the previous limit of 11m-28m).
• Floor space ratios ranging from 0.6:1 to 2:1.
• Allow boatsheds to operate on land fronting the river at Scenic Drive.

The Mandalay Sub-Precinct Rezoning Proposal will:

• Unlock approximately 530 new homes, including approximately 100 social and affordable homes.
• A minimum of 30 per cent social and affordable housing across Homes NSW-owned sites.
• Increase the building height limit from 2 storeys to between three to six storeys.
• Create opportunities for new restaurants and cafes along the Nowra riverfront.

The NSW Government’s is working closely with Shoalhaven City Council to deliver more homes through these proposals and jobs by revitalising the Nowra City Centre, which is a priority of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041.

The planning builds on recent NSW Government investments in city-shaping projects for Nowra, including the Princes Highway upgrade and four-lane Nowra Bridge, and the $440 million Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital upgrade.

The Nowra Riverfront Precinct and Mandalay Sub-Precinct proposals are now on public exhibition until 5pm 17 December 2025.

A drop-in community engagement session will be held between 4pm and 6.45pm on 27 November 2025. To secure your place, please sign-up for a free ticket to the event here.

For more information on the Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Each of these projects supports the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver more homes and jobs for the growing communities, so families and key workers can continue to live and work locally.

“With the Shoalhaven council area expected to grow by more than 43,000 people by 2041, we’re acting now to ensure the community has access to affordable, well-located homes, supported by a strong local economy.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Nowra City Centre Strategic Roadmap alongside the two proposed rezonings is an opportunity to create a thriving hub with new jobs and homes.

“Through projects like this we’re enabling more well-located homes close to jobs and services, to give young people, families, and key local workers greater choice in where they live.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Nowra is ideally positioned to deliver new social housing for the wider Shoalhaven area, supported by high-quality community services and infrastructure.

“I’m so pleased to see a purpose-built precinct such as Mandalay planned with social housing at its core, providing more than 100 social homes within walking distance of public transport, jobs and essential services.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Revitalising Nowra City Centre is a key action in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan 2041 and this roadmap provides a clear, long-term vision that supports more homes and jobs.

“These rezoning proposals will greatly improve connections between the CBD and the Shoalhaven River, while supporting new riverfront dining and entertainment options for our growing community.”

Member for Kiama Kaitlin McInerney said:

“The strategic roadmap and proposed rezonings released today will together shape the future of Nowra.

“I encourage the community to have their say on both proposed rezonings so together we can build a strong future for our community.” 

The NSW Government has passed legislation enshrining a standard non-parole period of 25 years for the murder of a current or former partner.

This is the first time in Australia a specific non-parole period for intimate partner homicide has been legislated. Reflecting the gravity of the crime, the 25-year standard non-parole period is among the highest of any offence in NSW.

Murder carries a standard non-parole period of 20 years. This reform represents a 25% increase, aligning intimate partner murder with other offences that attract the state’s most severe sentencing standards, such as the murder of a child or public officials acting in the course of their duties.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences) Bill 2025 passed NSW Parliament on Tuesday night. It amended the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 following the extraordinary advocacy of Tabitha Acret whose daughter Mackenzie Anderson was tragically murdered by her former partner in 2022.

The murder of a current or former intimate partner is a heinous crime that causes profound harm to victims, families and communities. This legislation ensures our laws reflect both the severity of these offences and their devastating impact.

In the five years to June 2025, 59 people in NSW were murdered by a current or former intimate partner – 42 of them women.

This reform builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure the justice system protects victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and holds perpetrators to account.

This work has included:

• Introducing the toughest bail laws in the country for perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
• Requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence offences who are on bail.
• Increasing penalties for certain breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs).
• Establishing Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to better protect victim-survivors.

In addition, the Government has commenced implementation of NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy and delivered record investment in crisis support.

The Minns Labor Government knows there is more work to be done. It remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside advocates, experts, and victim-survivors to prevent domestic and family violence, ensure accountability, and stop its devastating impact across NSW.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I thank Tabitha Acret for her courage and advocacy. She has endured something that no parent should.

“Homicide is the most horrific form of domestic and family violence. It’s vital that sentencing reflects the gravity of this crime, and its impact on victims’ families and the broader community.

“This important change means domestic violence killers will be subject to the highest non-parole periods available in NSW.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The passing of this important piece of legislation sends a strong message that we will hold perpetrators to account for intimate partner homicide. Increasing the standard non-parole period aligns with community expectations and reflects the gravity of the crime.

“I want to thank Tabitha Acret for her powerful advocacy, helping us make New South Wales a safer place.

“We know there is more work to do, especially to stop the violence before it starts and we will continue to listen to and work with advocates, experts and victim-survivors to do this.”

Artist’s impressions showcasing new ambulance stations at North Sydney, Oran Park and South Windsor have been unveiled, providing a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities that will soon bolster emergency and mobile medical care in Sydney.

The new ambulance stations are part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, which will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and support paramedic infrastructure over the coming years.

The new stations will significantly enhance emergency care capacity, and support paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care to local communities.

Each purpose-built station will include internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, a dedicated vehicle wash bay, a multipurpose area for paramedics, a gym, meeting and training rooms, administration areas, logistics and storage facilities, and on-site parking.

With excellent access to the major road network, the sites are ideally situated to complement existing ambulance stations in the network, and will help meet the growing health needs of local communities.

Construction is expected to begin on the new stations in 2026, following planning approval and appointment of building contractors.

The planning and design stage is nearing completion, and communities will be kept informed as the projects progress.

Locations for the new ambulance stations:

• North Sydney Ambulance Station – 224-230 Falcon Street, North Sydney
• Oran Park Ambulance Station – 1-3 Porter Street, Oran Park
• South Windsor Ambulance Station – 7-11 Acacia Close, South Windsor

To progress planning for the North Sydney Ambulance station, the community is encouraged to attend drop-in information sessions to learn more:

• Thursday, 4 December, 4.00pm-6.00pm, Outside Victoria Cross Metro Station, Miller Street
• Saturday, 6 December, 8.00am-12 midday, Northside Produce Market, Ted Mack Civic Place

The planning application for the North Sydney ambulance station is expected to be placed on exhibition in early 2026.

The Minns Labor Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics in rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ambulance-infrastructure-program

Premier Chris Minns:

“These new ambulance stations will give our paramedics the modern facilities they need to care for our communities.

“This investment is about improving response times and making sure people get the care they need, when they need it.

“We’re backing our frontline workers with the infrastructure and resources required to deliver high-quality emergency care across NSW.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our top priority is to ensure that our growing communities can access the health care they need, where they need it and when they need it.

“We’re committed to ensuring our hardworking paramedics have high-quality, purpose-built facilities to support them while they deliver world-class emergency mobile medical care to local communities well into the future.

“With design well underway and builders soon to be appointed to commence construction, it’s exciting to know these new stations are a step closer for the Lower North Shore and Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell:

“For too long, Camden’s healthcare has been neglected, with under-funded resources spread thin over a growing population.

“The new Oran Park ambulance station will take the pressure off our Camden healthcare system.

“The Oran Park ambulance station will significantly boost emergency care and provide the facilities our hardworking paramedics need to deliver lifesaving care in our communities.

“I’m exceptionally proud to be a part of a government which is delivering the healthcare that we need, and very excited to see construction of the new station getting underway in 2026.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Willoughby Courtney Houssos:

“The new North Sydney Ambulance Station is a great addition for the communities of the Lower North Shore. When emergencies happen, help will be closer and faster, supported by a modern facility designed to meet the health needs of our growing community.

“Our paramedics do an extraordinary job under immense pressure, and the Minns Labor Government is supporting this by planning for the future. With excellent access to major roads and state-of-the-art facilities, the North Sydney Ambulance Station will strengthen emergency care for decades to come.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Hawkesbury Peter Primrose:

“This is great news for the Hawkesbury region – this new station will bolster existing emergency and mobile care as well as significantly enhance emergency care capacity.

“The South Windsor Ambulance Station, once built, will also support our committed paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care in the Hawkesbury region.”

The Minns Government has returned its workers compensation bill to the parliament and is preparing for associated reforms.

The Government will:

• Pass the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
• Amend the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 to reflect the compromise offered by independent members of the cross bench.
• Commission the Chief Psychiatrist to devise a better system for psychiatric assessment in workers compensation claims.
• Ask icare to provide the state’s policy holders with early advice about their upcoming premium rises.
• Ask icare to alert policy holders of existing hardship provisions.

These actions have become necessary after the Liberals and Nationals, Mark Latham and the Greens teamed up to force the state’s employers to carry the burden of a broken workers compensation system.

They did this despite a sensible compromise position having been offered by independent cross benchers in both houses.

Workers compensation in NSW can still be put back on a path to stability to properly serve workers, employers and taxpayers.

The Government stands ready to continue this reform once its opponents in the parliament agree to support jobs, community organisations and businesses.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government will shift its attention now to getting the community ready to deal with some very steep rises in premiums, following the Liberal Party’s decision to block reform.

“Businesses and charities will be slugged with the worst premiums in the country.

“This situation could have been avoided if the Liberal Party had spent more time working towards a solution and less time playing politics on an issue.”

NSW public servants have been recognised for their outstanding service and community impact at the 2025 Premier’s Awards presentation last night at Parliament House.

This year’s eight award categories reflect outstanding work of public sector teams and individuals who drive innovation, deliver exceptional services, strengthen communities, and uphold integrity.

From advancing education and healthcare to creating economic opportunities and fostering workforce excellence, these awards highlight the commitment to building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous NSW.

This year’s awards celebrated a strong field of finalists who represent the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity and service that lie at the heart of the NSW public sector.

Glenn George from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is the recipient of the 2025 NSW Public Servant of the Year. This award recognises an individual who demonstrates a commitment to shaping an exceptional public service.

Mr George is a highly respected leader in the sector, whose work has resulted in measurable improvements in water quality, operational efficiency, and emergency preparedness. His perseverance, adaptability and commitment to outcomes have supported more than 40,00 people, redefining the partnership between government and community to deliver lasting, meaningful change.

Each year, the Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future leader, a person who displays outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work. This year’s Anthea Kerr Award recipient is Jayla Nix from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

Ms Nix, a proud Wiradjuri woman, stepped into senior executive leadership following the passing of a valued colleague, and despite personal grief went beyond the expectations of her role to create a supportive environment for all levels of staff.

Through her work, Ms Nix is building a health system where Aboriginal leadership and lived experience drive decision-making and accountability, embedding cultural safety throughout the organisation.

The 2025 Premier’s Awards individual and team recipients are:

• Anthea Kerr Award: Jayla Nix, Murrumbidgee Local Health District
• NSW Public Servant of the Year: Glenn George, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• Driving public sector workforce excellence and integrity: NSW Health Pathology Aboriginal & Disability targeted traineeships, NSW Health Pathology
• Delivering world-class education and training: Life-changing pathways for students with disability, TAFE NSW
  • Partner: Woolworths Group
• Creating safe and thriving communities: Broadband Cells on Wheels for emergency community Wi-Fi, NSW Telco Authority
• Delivering innovative economic opportunities for the community: Australia’s first family-friendly Healthy Higher Density Living Guide, Western Sydney Local Health District
  • Partners: City of Parramatta Council and Cities for Play
• Excellence in service delivery: Language+ App – Connecting Communities with Emergency Services, Multicultural NSW
  • Partner: NSW Police
• Providing world-class healthcare: All Together Now: Coordinating Care for Kids, Hunter New England Local Health District

For more information on the recipients and finalists, visit NSW Premier’s Awards Winners and Finalists.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“I’m pleased to recognise the recipients and finalists of the 2025 Premier’s Awards.”

“These awards highlight the important work done every day by public sector employees across NSW, often behind the scenes, to deliver essential services and improve outcomes for communities.

“The finalists represent the best of our public service — people who show professionalism, care and a genuine commitment to making NSW a better place to live.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank all public sector employees for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and finalists.”

Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper said:

“Our public service agencies are at the heart of this state’s delivery and innovation, inspiring positive change across our communities.

“The Premier’s Awards highlight the incredible leadership and commitment of public sector employees, week in and week out, as they serve the people of NSW.

“We are privileged to have such a dedicated public service. Thank you to our unsung heroes that work tirelessly for NSW, and congratulations to our well-deserved recipients.”

A total of 18 projects will receive funding across NSW as part of Round Three of the Albanese Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), helping to make the state more resilient to natural hazards. 

NSW communities will be more resilient to increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events, with $69.46 million to be invested in projects including flood protection, levee infrastructure, emergency evacuation facilities, ecological restoration, and support for community resilience groups to strengthen disaster readiness across NSW.

Funding of $37.18 million has also been committed by partners bringing the total combined investment to $106.64 million.

Australian Government funding of $46.12 million will go towards 10 infrastructure projects and $22.3 million will go towards eight disaster resilience and risk reduction projects that will deliver enduring benefits for communities at risk of future natural disasters.

The Albanese Government established the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.

Examples of successful DRF Round Three projects include:

• Narrandera Urban Stormwater Upgrade is improving flood protection for the community, with funding of $14.2 million.
• Raising the North Wagga Levee with matched funding of $9.1 million.
• Wytaliba and Weilmoringle Levees Enhancement and Pumping Infrastructure Project is strengthening levee infrastructure for local flood resilience in Brewarrina, supported by $8.4 million.
• Baryulgil Evacuation Centre and Community Resilience Project is providing vital facilities for emergency evacuation and resilience, with $2 million awarded.
• Mountains to Sea – Nature-based Ecological Restoration is rehabilitating 43 km and 128 hectares along NSW North Coast, helping to reduce disaster risk and build resilience to floods, storms and cyclones, with $2.7 million in funding.
• Enabling Regional Readiness will deliver tailored support to 60 volunteer-led resilience groups across the Northern Rivers, with $1.5 million provided.
• Deliver the Resilience Homes and Preparedness Program providing 2000 home assessments to the most at risk properties in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, with just over $2 million in funding.
• Complete the design and construction for $2.1km of flood prone section of a vital emergency connection route for the town of Iluka with just over $3 million of matched funding. 

The full list of successful projects supported by DRF Round Three is available at Disaster Ready Fund.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“This third round of investment builds on the work delivered by the Australian Government to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards.

“People across NSW are no stranger to floods, bushfires, and severe storms – that’s why we established the flagship Disaster Ready Fund.

“Round Three will benefit all 128 NSW local government areas and support state and local authorities including non-government organisations to protect themselves and their communities.

“Crucially, Round Three brings our investment to make Australia more resilient through the DRF to $600 million – and I’d like to thank many of the project proponents for matching our funding.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“This investment is about building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities right across NSW.”

“Through the Disaster Ready Fund, we’re working with councils, communities and recovery partners to deliver practical projects that reduce risk and protect lives and livelihoods.”

“From upgraded evacuation routes to strengthened levees and community preparedness programs, these projects are a vital part of our ongoing recovery and resilience effort.”

This latest investment builds on the previous two rounds of the Disaster Ready Fund in NSW, with over $72 million in Australian Government funding awarded to 49 projects. Of these projects, just under half are in planning and design or pre-construction phase, with five projects already nearing completion or complete. 

This morning, the mask slipped. On live radio, Premier Chris Minns admitted that the NSW Labor Government wants to introduce two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, just to fund the $60 toll cap they promised wouldn’t be needed long-term.
 
They campaigned on “no new tolls”, but now they’re going to slug drivers twice to cross the same bridge.
 
This is the latest in a long line of Labor’s broken promises.
 
We know of the 19 Labor Ministers who broke their pledge to protect injured workers, and today they broke their promise on no new tolls, without even a media release to explain it.
 
They quietly dropped it into a breakfast radio chat. No transparency. No accountability.
 
Chris Minns helped build the toll network when he worked for Labor’s former Roads Minister Carl Scully. Now he’s doubling down on it. He wants drivers to pay more just to fund a toll cap his government can’t afford, because instead of investing in infrastructure or even an infrastructure minister, they spent millions on another toll review that delivered nothing and even continues to pay the consultants.
 
Labor governs by ambush, not by integrity. And it’s costing people more every day.
 
What really goes on in this Government, when issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
 
Today’s revelation shows that it’s not just one broken promise. It’s a pattern. And it’s life under Labor.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns campaigned on no new tolls.
 
“Now he’s taxing people twice to cross the Harbour Bridge or use the Harbour Tunnel. Labor had a choice to cut waste, or new tolls. They chose new tolls and more broken promises,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said this two-way tolling is sneaky, costly, and dishonest.
 
“Labor is using Sydney drivers as a cash machine to cover their own failures. Chris Minns broke faith with voters today, and every driver in this city will pay for it.”