Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government’s move to strengthen SafeWork NSW is delivering results, with the largest compliance blitz in a decade leading to over 500 non-compliance notices issued across NSW.

Marking its first days as a standalone regulator under its new Commissioner, SafeWork NSW carried out unannounced inspections targeting close to 400 high-risk workplaces and industries.

SafeWork NSW inspectors issued 506 notices for non-compliance, comprising 435 improvement notices, 61 prohibition notices and 10 fines worth almost $50,000.

Unsafe work from heights and the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery were the top two safety risks across worksites.

Key hazards associated with falls from heights include unprotected edges and fragile surfaces.

Businesses were issued with 192 notices for non-compliance with safety requirements relating to work at heights.

Inspectors issued 285 notices for the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery. Some examples include lifts, cranes, scaffolding components, conveyors, forklifts and amusement devices.

Hundreds of SafeWork NSW staff travelled across regional and metropolitan NSW between 1 July and 4 July to conduct unannounced compliance checks to ensure safety obligations were being followed to keep workers safe on the job.

Inspections occurred across the state – from a construction site in Wollongong and farm outside Orange to a manufacturer in Dubbo and nursing home in Ballina.

They were focused on SafeWork NSW’s five regulatory priorities and harms which cause the greatest risk to workers:

• falls from heights,
• harms to workers in the healthcare and social assistance sector,
• psychosocial risks at work including sexual harassment,
• exposure to hazardous chemicals including silica, asbestos and welding fumes, and
• injury from mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery.

Inspectors also engaged with workers, businesses, health and safety representatives and union delegates during these visits.

The compliance operation coincided with SafeWork NSW’s formal transition to a standalone agency on 1 July and the publication of its new Annual Regulatory Statement for 2025-26.

The statement outlines what SafeWork NSW aims to deliver over the next 12 months and the regulatory priorities it will focus on.

This includes SafeWork NSW’s approach to compliance, enforcement, programs targeting harm prevention and outlines the agency’s key measurable actions to deliver on its regulatory priorities.

For more information on how to manage the risks of working at heights, mobile plant safety and how to how to manage psychosocial risks in construction visit the SafeWork NSW website at www.safework.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The results speak for themselves. With over 500 compliance notices issued during the largest blitz in a decade, we’re showing that we are serious about protecting workers across NSW.

“There is zero-tolerance for putting worker safety at risk. The Government together with employers and unions have an important role to play to better protect workers.

“By establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator, the Minns Labor Government is sending a clear message: workplace safety is non-negotiable.

“This move strengthens our ability to enforce work health and safety laws, support businesses to meet their obligations, and drive real cultural change to prevent harm.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“SafeWork NSW’s first compliance operation as a standalone regulator was the agency’s largest proactive and targeted verification program is the past decade.

“The hundreds of unannounced site visits reflect SafeWork NSW’s determination to be a visible regulator.

“However, there is still more work to do to ensure workers are not placed in potentially hazardous situations.

“SafeWork NSW will continue to focus on falls from heights hazards and the unsafe operation of moving plant, vehicles and fixed machinery as a priority in the year ahead.”

Readers and writers across the state will benefit from a $1.5 million investment to establish a dedicated literature hub in Sydney, providing a dynamic, year-round home for storytelling.

The partnership between the Sydney Writers Festival and the State Library of NSW will deliver a new continuous program of literary events in addition to its annual Festival, beginning this September 2025.

The $1.5 million initiative is the first part of a sector-wide strategy to position writing and literature at the heart of NSWs’ cultural, educational, and economic life.

Supported by world-class publishers, a depth of writing talent, and a network of festivals, libraries, schools, booksellers and literary organisations. The initiative will create over 300 paid opportunities for local writers over 12 months and offering exceptional events, many of them free.

The list of writers who have called NSW home stretches from iconic figures such as Patrick White, Christina Stead and Tom Keneally to contemporary global superstars like Anna Funder, Markus Zusak, Charlotte McConaghy, Tara June Winch and Aaron Blabey. The strategy, an Australian first, will recognize NSW is home to a rich and dynamic literary ecosystem.

The partnership between the Sydney Writers Festival and the State Library of NSW will boost participation in literary events, embed reading and writing into Sydney’s cultural identity, and deliver a diverse program of events, workshops and readings.

The initiative will also support global literary exchange and nurture emerging talent through appearances by international and local authors. Crucially, it will provide an inclusive and accessible platform for NSW’s diverse communities, amplifying underrepresented voices and strengthening the connection between writers and readers.

The first series of events, announced today and available for presale from 30 July, will bring some of the most exciting Australian and international voices to the Library Auditorium.

Highlights include Stella Prize winner Michelle de Kretser, 2025 Festival favourite Hannah Kent, former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown, and Happy Endings with Melanie Saward and Saman Shad.

Minister for Arts, John Graham said:

“In Australia, writers earn on average $18,500 per year, yet reading and writing are vital to our personal wellbeing, and to our collective prosperity.

“The NSW Government is pleased to support this partnership between the Sydney Writers Festival and the State Library of NSW. The partnership recognises the role libraries play as the homes for readers and writers, and the great contribution that writers festivals play in taking what is quite a solitary act – reading – and transforming it into community experience.

“This $1.5 million investment into a year-around program will benefit us all, strengthening the cultural heartbeat of our city, creating a home for readers and writers – a place for discussion, ideas, reflection, discovery.

“This investment is the first step in our upcoming writing and literature strategy – the first time an Australian government has put together a comprehensive strategy to support the writing and literature sector.”

Sydney Writers’ Festival CEO Brooke Webb said:

“Sydney Writers’ Festival is proud to partner with the State Library of NSW — a relationship that began almost 30 years ago, when some of our earliest events were held there.

“This new chapter allows us to extend the spirit of the Festival year-round, engaging loyal audiences and inviting new readers to discover the power of books, stories, and ideas. United by a shared commitment to literature and learning, we’re working together to champion more writers, inspire readers, and nurture vibrant literary communities across NSW.”

State Librarian Dr. Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“As the home of reading, research and creativity in NSW, the State Library is pleased to be partnering with Sydney Writers’ Festival to enhance our state’s cultural offering and deepen our commitment to making literature and storytelling more accessible, inclusive and engaging for all.

“We’re excited to welcome new and familiar visitors through our doors and continue to offer unforgettable experiences all year round.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking a major step forward in building a safer road network across the state, today releasing an interactive digital map showing the safety star ratings of more than 20,000 km of state and 15,000 km of regional roads.

NSW is performing well compared with other Australian states and territories, with more than 71 per cent of all road travel taken on state roads rated 3 or more stars according to the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) national standard. The data was collected over the past 10 years.

This means NSW is closing on the national target of 80 per cent of all road travel in the state being taken on state roads rated 3 or more stars by 2030 – roads that have the most modern safety features, such as barriers, divided dual carriageways and wide shoulders.

The Minns Government continues to invest more than half a billion dollars into road safety in NSW to upgrade and improve our roads with the rollout of safety measures after Liberal-National neglect.

While this map confirms NSW has some of the safest road corridors, including the Hume and Pacific Highways, it also highlights opportunities to increase road safety measures further:

• By far most state roads in NSW are rated 3 stars, which represents a high-quality road which meets national and regulatory standards.
• Less than 1 per cent of roads are rated 5 stars (such as new and high-speed roads) and represent the newest and busiest roads such as new or upgraded freeways and arterial routes.
• Some 90% of all road travel in NSW takes place on state roads rating 2 stars or more, with room to lift more roads to 3 stars through installing extra safety features.
• A further 23.5 per cent of travel is on state roads are rated 2 stars and 3.8 per cent rated 1 star. A 1-star rating does not mean unsafe. These roads have far less traffic and less installed safety features.

AusRAP targets do not require all roads in NSW to become five-star, rather, they focus on lifting more of the network to three stars or above, focusing on those roads with higher traffic volumes which research shows significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death.

For example, going from 1 to 3 stars requires roadside barriers to protect road users from impacting with power poles or trees, and increased shoulder width to allow more recovery time for drivers. Over two years, the Commonwealth-NSW Road Safety Program is improving an estimated 450 km of 1 and 2-star roads to at least 3 stars or greater.

Not all roads need to be 5-stars, and not all 1-star roads need to be upgraded to be fit for purpose.

In most cases the biggest impact on road trauma comes from upgrading high-risk roads where people travel the most, resulting in reduced crash risk and trauma.

The release of this data is part of the Minns Government’s effort to improve fairness and transparency across the road network, pinpointing locations for further investment.

This map will enable evidence-based decision making about road safety improvement funding, ensuring fairness in distributing safety infrastructure like barriers and wider shoulders.

Other states are expected to release their mapping data in coming months. However, NSW has gone beyond the national requirements by measuring not only State roads but also Regional roads for the first time. All states have committed to work together collaboratively and to share road safety information alongside

Austroads as the peak association of transport agencies.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are being fair dinkum with the people of NSW.

“While in NSW more than 71 per cent of all road travel taken on roads rated highly under the national standard, we know there is room to roll out more safety features on our roads.

“We’re using this information to take a serious look at our road network and then leverage the data to deliver evidence-based upgrades and safety improvements.

“You can’t fix what you don’t measure. This map shows us what’s working and where we can go further. It’s a vital step forward in making sure every region gets the safe, high-quality roads it deserves.

“In the recent Budget, we announced we’re investing $2.8 billion in road safety projects across the state.

“These are much-needed projects that will greatly reduce the risk of death and serious injury across our road network. For example, over two years, we will improve an estimated 450 km of the 1- and 2-star roads to at least 3 stars or greater. 

“We have been hard at work for two years but cannot turn around 12 years of Liberal-National neglect overnight.

“We know some parts of our network have been underfunded and insufficiently maintained. Labor has made historic investments in maintenance, road safety and upgrades, quintupling recovery funding.

“Independent budget costings showed the Liberals and Nationals had budgeted $0 for new regional and rural road commitments for 2022-23 and 2023-2024, and only $85 million set to be delivered in the 2025/25 year. They only committed $230 million over four years, less than the $390 million we put out in our first year on regional road repair.

“The Minns Labor Government is about delivering safer, smarter and fairer roads for everyone across NSW. We want to base investment decisions on data, not guesswork. We’re pulling every lever to save lives.”

Geoff Allan, Chief Executive, Austroads said:

“Austroads commends Transport for NSW for publishing their AusRAP results. Road safety star ratings are a powerful tool to help road managers prioritise improvements that save the most lives as quickly as possible, while providing transparency for the community.

“As the national manager and coordinator of AusRAP, Austroads is looking forward to sharing results from other jurisdictions in the near future.

“The NSW results show strong progress towards the 2030 target of 80% of travel on 3-star or better roads. But that milestone is just one step on our journey. Achieving our long-term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Australian and New Zealand roads by 2050 will require continued commitment and action.”

Link to interactive AusRAP map here

Analysis by icare shows workers compensation amendments co-authored by the Liberal Party and Mark Latham would cut off almost all victims of harassment, bullying and vicarious trauma, and still deliver higher premiums to NSW businesses.

The 19-page report was prepared at the request of Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope to assist the Opposition to develop their policy. NSW Treasury provided it to Mr Tudehope on 20 June 2025.

The analysis of the Tudehope-Latham amendments was prepared by icare’s chief actuary and underwent a technical review and internal peer review.

It shows:

• Sexual harassment, racial harassment and bullying would be effectively extinguished.

The Tudehope-Latham plan puts the burden on victims to prove that their perpetrator intended to harm them. The report cites: “The need to prove intent of the perpetrator to harm would effectively remove all types of bullying and harassment from the schemes.”

• Businesses will pay higher premiums.

By opposing the proposed threshold to access lifetime income support, the Tudehope-Latham amendments will leave the private sector’s workers compensation scheme $800 million worse off by 2029 compared to the government’s plan, forcing 340,000 NSW businesses  to pay the highest premiums in Australia.

• Nurses, childcare protection workers and other workers repeatedly exposed to trauma will lose protection

Workers who are repeatedly exposed to the trauma of others will no longer be eligible for compensation. Icare found “Social workers and Welfare support workers identified as key high risk industries. These industries represented 6 per cent of the total psychological claims.”

• Workers regularly exposed to excessive work demands will be barred from making a claim.

Workers who have been subjected to demands beyond the requirements expected of their roles, which is repeated or persistent, and not reasonable in all circumstances, will be cut off from the system entirely.     
Whilst Mr Tudehope and Mr Latham are continuing to block reform,  the workers compensation system remains under intense pressure.

• Just 50 per cent of workers with a psychological injury can return to work within a year, compared to 95 per cent of workers with a physical injury.
• The private sector scheme is going backwards by $6 million per day. It is soon expected to hold only 80 cents in assets for every dollar it will have to pay in claims.
• Absent reform, 340,000 NSW businesses will have to pay a 36 per cent increase in premiums over the next three years even if they have no claims against them.

The government’s bill, which passed the Legislative Assembly in early June, has broad support from business groups, the not-for-profit sector and disability providers.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Mr Tudehope’s and Mr Latham’s plan is the worst of both worlds.  Workers get less protection. Businesses will have to pay higher premiums.

“Worse, the Tudehope-Latham amendments will force every victim of sexual harassment, racial harassment and bullying making a claim to prove their perpetrator deliberately wanted to hurt them. 

“Small businesses and injured workers deserve better. Every day Mr Tudehope and Mr Latham block reform, the scheme gets worse.

“The sooner we enact reform, the sooner we can get on with stopping psychological injuries in the workplace, rather than expending vast sums compensating for injuries which could have been prevented.”   

The Minns Labor Government is backing the careers of local musicians and growing job opportunities in the music industry through its biggest ever package of grants. The total $9.3 million of funding will support bands on national and international tours, studio recording, promotion and industry development.

Delivering this vital support is designed boost an industry facing significant challenges including unpredictable ticket sales, a retraction in music festivals and competition from international artists on streaming services.

The 2024/2025 Sound NSW grants includes two new funds specifically designed to boost First Nations artists, and a new industry development fund that backs organisations crucial to building skills, networks and new collaborations.

There is also a significant support for regional music with 29% of the Contemporary Music Development Grants and 30% of the Touring and Travel Fund going to regional recipients.

The funding is spread across three key programs:

• Contemporary Music Development Grants: $4.2 million to support 71 artists and organisations to record new music, collaborate and deliver professional development programs.
  • Recording, Content and Promotion: $641,233 for 25 artists and acts to create, record and promote new music, including DMAs, Hermitude, Middle Kids, The Rubens, MAY-A and Jack River.
  • First Nations Creative and Professional Development (new fund): $575,313 for 21 First Nations artists and acts to create, record and promote new music, including Dan Sultan, BARKAA, Becca Hatch, 3%, Nooky, Mi-kaisha, Kobie Dee for recording new music.
  • First Nations Industry Development (new fund): $600,000 for 4 First Nations-led organisations to deliver sector development projects for First Nations communities, including Mad Proppa Deadly Indigenous Corporation for regional artists development, We Are Warriors Creative Workshops and Awesome Black Studio.
  • Industry Development (new fund): $2.4 million for 21 organisations to deliver sector development projects, including FBi Radio for creative and presenter development and Accessible Arts to coordinate a songwriting program for disabled artists.
• Touring and Travel Fund: $1.8 million to provide critical support for 144 artists and industry professionals including Hayden James for a US tour, SPEED performing at Coachella, total tommy for their debut UK/EU tour, Sarah Blasko for a UK/EU tour, Kita Alexander for a national support tour with Dua Lipa.
• Strategic Funding program: $3.25 million to support the delivery of 10 key initiatives that will provide significant outcomes for the NSW music industry including an Australian Women in Music regional delegates program, APRA regional and songwriting workshops and the Australian Festivals Association for a best practice festival safety guide.

Delivering this $9.3 million of support is the latest action from the NSW Government’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy. Since coming to office in 2023 the government has been working hard to repair the damage caused by the former Liberal government’s lockout policy and overregulation of live music venues and music festivals. So far the work has included:

• Creating the $80,000 NSW Music Prize, Australia’s largest cash music prize.
• Introducing ‘Michael’s Rule’ incentives for international touring artists to book local supports.
• Establishing the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund in September 2024 which has allocated a combined $2.25 million of emergency funding to five festivals.
• Delivering recording, touring and promotion grants to help artists and bands create new work, grow audiences and build their careers.
• Introducing Venue Upgrade grants for operators to install sound proofing and get their venues gig ready.
• Offering extended trading hours and an 80% discount on licensing fees for venues that program live music which has tripled the number of venues receiving these incentives.
• Reforming the noise complaints system so single serial noise complainants can no longer shut down existing live music venues.
• Rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts that future proof entertainment districts.
• Establishing Sound NSW, the state’s first ever government backed contemporary music agency.

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

“You actually can’t overstate it – if we don’t support our local artists, they will struggle to survive the onslaught of American music on the streaming platforms.

“If we want to keep our home-grown sound and have music reflects who we are, we have to back our artists to make music and take it on the road, not just here but overseas where they can find new audiences.

“After some challenging years, we’re working to build the NSW music industry one band, one venue, one tour at a time.”

“This year’s grants put particular focus on First Nations music, regional artists and some of the crucial organisations that foster talent and industry development. For this industry to grow, we have to support the ecosystem and that’s what these grants do.”

Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said:

“We know that NSW is absolutely brimming with talent, and these targeted funding initiatives focus on enabling the artists and music industry organisations innovate, develop and create.

“From regional tours and international collaborations to strategic initiatives that will drive change, these programs are an investment in the sustainability and long-term success of NSW music.

“The funding outcomes show the depth and breadth of the state’s creative potential – we’re seeing powerful new voices, bold ideas and collaborative projects come to life thanks to this funding.

“Sound NSW is proud to support projects that aren’t just about performance, but about self-determination and storytelling, and growing the next generation of artists and leaders.

The iconic Snowy 2.0 project isn’t just powering homes, it’s powering futures.

As the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia, Snowy 2.0 is securing the Snowy region’s place at the centre of the clean energy transition and delivering lasting economic benefits and jobs while continuing a proud legacy of nation-building infrastructure.

Today, that legacy is continuing, as eight Year 12 students from Monaro High School become the first to graduate with a Certificate II in Supply Chain Operations through a school-based traineeship, delivered on-site at Snowy 2.0 in Cooma.

This qualification has been delivered in partnership with the NSW Department of Education’s School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program, TAFE NSW and Monaro High School. Students have learnt skills in logistics, safety and how supply chains work in the real world, being paid while completing their school studies.

This is more than just a qualification. It’s the start of a career in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, supported by the Minns Labor Government.

Around 30 local high school students have participated in Snowy 2.0 SBAT program completing various qualifications and 12 have then gone into full-time jobs on Australia’s largest renewable energy project.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“We know the Snowy 2.0 project is a game-changer for the region, and this program is making sure local young people are ready to be part of it.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to support more initiatives like this especially in regional communities to make sure students can train, work and build great careers.

“The skills and credentials these students have earned will form the basis of great careers, there is the prospect of working near home but also a skill that is in high demand across the economy.”

Principal of Monaro High School, James Armitage said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our students and this program has given them a unique opportunity to step into the workforce while still at school, and they’ve embraced it with enthusiasm.

“This SBAT partnership has shown how powerful it is when education and industry come together with a shared goal of supporting young people into meaningful careers.”

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said:

“Snowy 2.0 is not just about building Australia’s largest renewable energy project – we’re creating a lasting skills legacy in the Snowy Mountains while securing our clean energy future.

“We are incredibly proud to empower local students by offering career-defining opportunities close to home on this once-in-a-generation project.”

Two mega tunnel boring machines have smashed through solid rock to arrive within hours of each other in the Pyrmont metro station cavern, with just over one kilometre to their final stop in the Sydney CBD at the future Hunter Street station.

TBMs Jessie and Ruby started their journey from The Bays precinct in May 2024, completing one of the most complex digs on the Metro West project.

The tunnel between The Bays and Pyrmont comes within 25 metres of the Anzac Bridge, goes under Johnstons Bay and through the complex geographical ground of the Luna Park Fault Zone.

The machines broke through within five hours of each other, making it only the second double TBM breakthrough for the Sydney Metro West project.

Following a five-week pit stop 24 metres underground, Jessie and Ruby will start their final stretch of tunnelling under Darling Harbour to connect the city-shaping project to Hunter Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Work to unlock the transformation of the western harbour foreshore has also leapt forward, with planning approval for a vibrant mixed-use precinct at Pyrmont given the green light.

A 31-storey over station development will rise above the future metro station, with room for 160 residential apartments and five levels of commercial and retail opportunities.

On the doorstep of Darling Harbour and the new Sydney Fish Market, the new Pyrmont metro precinct will connect more passengers than ever before to the harbourside suburb, creating new jobs and housing supply in the process.

When it opens in 2032, Sydney Metro West will connect Pyrmont to Hunter Street in just two minutes.

For further information, including a 3D interactive model of the proposed development at Pyrmont, visit the Sydney Metro West interactive portal.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“TBMs Ruby and Jessie are doing a smashing job delivering this complex section of tunnels into Pyrmont.

“These tunnels will form what will be a critical public transport connection between the Sydney CBD and the Parramatta CBD.

“Pyrmont’s new metro station precinct will be a dynamic hub and play a key role in supporting the transformation of Sydney’s western harbourside into a growing entertainment destination.

“Sydney Metro West is more than just a transport project – along with moving hundreds of thousands of passengers each day, it will deliver up to 1,600 well-located homes within its station precincts.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $13.9 million in critical Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station upgrades in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands, strengthening the state’s frontline emergency service response.

Moss Vale, Parramatta and Wentworthville station upgrades and rebuild form part of a $98.7 million capital investment by the NSW Government, in addition to the $42.2 million being invested to operate a new 24-hour fire station at Badgerys Creek.

This investment is part of crucial work to rebuild essential services people rely on after more than a decade of neglect by the former Liberal-National government.

The Parramatta precinct project includes the expansion of Parramatta Fire Station, supporting future growth and meeting the increasing operational demands of the area, while Wentworthville receives a new fit-for-purpose station.

Work is underway to upgrade Parramatta Station, with completion expected in early 2026.

Once work at Parramatta is complete, Wentworthville Station will be demolished and rebuilt, delivering a new purpose-built facility for Western Sydney by the end of 2027.

During construction of the new station, Wentworthville firefighters will be temporarily relocated to the upgraded Parramatta Fire Station.

As well as support from Parramatta, Wentworthville and surrounds will continue to be serviced by staff at Merrylands, Rydalmere and Seven Hills, as well as benefitting from resources across Sydney as required.

Work has also begun to upgrade Moss Vale Fire Station. The station is receiving a major refurbishment transforming the current facility into a modern, fit for purpose fire station, delivering on this Government’s election commitment to improve fire services in Moss Vale.

The investment forms part of the Minns Labor Government and FRNSWs station renewal program, part of our work to keep people safe and better serve communities by supporting frontline emergency services.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’re investing in our emergency services in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands to deliver the equipment and infrastructure required to keep people and property safe.

“This investment future proofs our response capabilities in Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands while delivering safer, more modern workplaces for our firefighters.

“This year’s multi-million-dollar commitment to modern firefighting stations will protect communities across Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands for years to come.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Fire stations are an integral part of every community, providing an essential service to keep our community safe.

“The Parramatta station upgrade will deliver a modern facility, allowing the team to better support our fast-growing Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott said:

“The rebuild of Wentworthville Fire Station is an important investment in the safety of our community.

“This new fire station will play an important role in strengthening our emergency response for years to come.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said:

“These station upgrades will provide our crews with facilities to train, respond and operate at their best.

“We’ll continue to work with the NSW Government to modernise our facilities and best serve communities.”

A further 30 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 29 are in metropolitan Sydney and one in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 10,800 homes, including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, 187 proposals amounting to more than 70,100 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA in January this year, 60 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and two Development Applications have been lodged.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering critical infrastructure to boost freight efficiency and strengthen regional supply chains, with a $13 million contract awarded for the construction of a new rail siding at Wumbulgal in the Riverina.

The project will deliver a 1,500-metre, multi-user rail siding between Griffith and Leeton – a major step forward in improving reliability for both freight and passenger services across the region.

Designed to be accessible to any rail operator, the new siding will address a major rail bottleneck where grain trains can currently take up to eight hours to load, blocking the main line and preventing other trains from passing.

The siding will allow trains up to 1.5 kilometres long to load, park or pass others without disrupting the main line – boosting capacity and improving efficiency on the track section between Coolamon and Griffith.

The upgrade also sets the groundwork for future connection into the proposed Western Riverina Connect (WR Connect) intermodal freight terminal, a project being developed by Griffith and Leeton councils.

Laing O’Rourke has been engaged to construct the new siding, with work set to begin this month.

This latest investment builds on the NSW Government’s recent $60 million, 25-tonne axle-load upgrade across 174 kilometres of track between Junee and Griffith, and an $8 million 1,500-metre siding extension at Coolamon.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Modern, efficient rail infrastructure like this siding at Wumbulgal means better outcomes for farmers, businesses and communities, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening regional freight networks now and into the future.

“This investment is part of our wider commitment to regional transport infrastructure – reducing bottlenecks, unlocking economic potential, and supporting jobs and industry across the Riverina.

“Through our RNEW Program, we’re planning for the future – with smarter, more strategic investment to ensure regional rail keeps pace with the needs of modern freight, agriculture and passenger services.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“It’s great to see the government investing in an open access rail and road freight facility. The siding and internodal will not only improve safety, but productivity and efficiencies in partnership with the world’s largest freight company.

“The government and MEDLOG are committing to affordable, open access to all train truck companies which is a significant improvement for business and industry in the Riverina.

“The Wumbulgal rail siding addresses a key freight bottleneck, cutting grain loading times and stimulating investment in faster loading infrastructure. It’s a major win for Riverina producers and the wider regional economy.

“By improving freight capacity and reducing delays, we’re helping our local agricultural sector thrive – while taking pressure off local roads and improving safety for all motorists.”

State Government spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering real investment in regional NSW, backing the Riverina with the infrastructure needed to grow jobs and move goods faster and more reliably.

“Local businesses cannot grow without access to high-quality infrastructure such as roads and rail connections.

“That’s why projects like this are essential to delivering sustainable economic growth for regional NSW.”

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