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Creek Road sporting precinct receives overwhelming community support

City of Newcastle has begun determining the preferred layout for a new district level sports facility in Maryland, using community feedback to inform the final masterplan.

More than 120 submissions were received from sporting associations, clubs and individuals during the public exhibition period for the Creek Road sporting precinct, with over 90% in favour of the draft concept plans.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said the project has generated interest from a wide range of stakeholders.

“We heard from 106 individuals, six sporting associations and nine local clubs,” Ms Duffy said.

“They represented a variety of codes including football, rugby league, cricket, tennis, netball, cycling, touch football and Oz tag.

“As we move toward the design phase, we’ll consider all submissions alongside established criteria such as participation trends, female participation, potential for growth and shared use, to guide the most suitable sporting codes and layout for the site.”

The sporting facilities will be located on a five-hectare parcel of land, which sits at the south-western corner of a larger 30-hectare site at Creek Road owned by City of Newcastle.

Community members were invited to share their views on two concepts, which both included one all year-round rectangular field and one cricket field with four turf wickets.

Two additional rectangular fields or one AFL field were proposed as part of the two options.

Almost 34% of respondents want football to be accommodated at the five-hectare site, with 22% advocating for multi-sport facilities.

The draft masterplan also includes a dual-facing grandstand with change rooms, a canteen, storage facilities and public amenities.

Open spaces for training, cricket practice nets, fitness stations, car parking, new trees and landscaping are also proposed.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the key theme of the feedback was ensuring the site is a multisport space.

“As Minmi, Fletcher, Maryland and surrounding suburbs continue to attract more families it’s clear we need to accommodate a range of sporting codes at Creek Road,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The community emphasised the need to facilitate female participation, with a desire for the grounds to have modern drainage and irrigation, and for the site to have adequate parking options.

“As the site contains a mix of natural areas including wetlands, the project will be designed to ensure the surrounding natural environment is also celebrated and protected, allowing for a range of active and passive recreation opportunities to co-exist within the precinct.”

Once the final masterplan has been developed, it will be presented to the elected Council for adoption next year.

Detailed design work is expected to commence in the 2026/27 financial year.

The project is likely to be delivered in stages during the next five to 10 years, with the support of government funding and external partnerships.

The allocation of grounds to specific sporting clubs will form a separate process during a later stage of the development.

First look at the new $835 million John Hunter Hospital

Communities across the greater Hunter region are one step closer to receiving expanded world-class health care, with the façade of the new acute services building at John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct now revealed.

The $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct will increase the overall capacity of the redeveloped Hospital to continue to provide essential healthcare services to Newcastle, the greater Hunter region and northern NSW communities.

The new acute services building will deliver:

A new emergency department to meet a projected future demand of more than 95,000 presentations each year
22 operating theatres and nine interventional suites to respond to significantly increasing demand for surgical services
birthing suites, inpatient maternity, neonatal ICU, and special care units
Rooftop helipad
more than 900 additional car parking spaces on the precinct for patients, staff, and visitors.

The expanded John Hunter Hospital will deliver a 60 per cent increase in intensive care unit (ICU) capacity and almost 50 per cent more theatres.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering the health infrastructure growing communities need.

This is why our last budget delivered $12.4 billion to build and upgrade health infrastructure over the next four years, including $3.5 billion to upgrade regional hospitals.

With the building façade for John Hunter Hospital now complete, work is progressing on the interior fit-out and landscaping.

The two cranes ‘Lifty’ and ‘Lofty’ that were named by the community and have been a prominent feature of the Newcastle skyline for almost two years have also departed the site.

The colours of the building’s façade have been inspired by the nearby bushland, combining shades of green and cream, to create a design that reflects the surrounding environment.

The new acute services building features four link bridges, connecting with the existing hospital, as well as the Hunter Medical Research Institute, to create a direct link between research and clinical care.

Two large, elevated gardens that span more than 2,600 square metres, which is around half the size of a soccer field sits between both buildings offering welcoming outdoor spaces for staff, patients and visitors.

As construction progresses, new artist impressions are providing a look inside the new building, highlighting the modern one and two-bed inpatient rooms, as well as the new elevated gardens.

Construction of the new building is expected to be completed in 2026, followed by an operational commissioning period to ensure the new building and staff are ready to welcome patients.

For more information about the project, visit: http://nsw.gov.au/john-hunter-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“More hospitals and more beds mean more people can access the care they need, when they need it, and closer to home.

“The enhanced services at John Hunter Hospital will ensure the community has access to world class care now and into the future.

“The unveiling of the façade for this new state-of-the-art facility means communities across the Hunter region are one step closer to benefiting from this exciting development.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley

“When we came into Government, we promised we wouldn’t waste time getting essential services to the people of the Hunter and the $835 million John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct was one of our boldest commitments.

“Seeing the facade today is proof we are delivering on what we promised. This project is rising out of the ground and it’s on track to be completed next year.

“Healthcare isn’t something you can kick down the road. The Hunter needs world-class care and it needs it now – not in five or ten years’ time. This project shows we’re cutting through and getting on with the job, delivering the infrastructure this region deserves.

“The Hunter is the economic powerhouse of the state, and with investments like this, it’s also one of the very best places to build a life – something I’m proud our Labor Government is delivering for the people of the Hunter.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery

“This project is a long time coming, it’s something I’ve been lobbying for over many years and seeing the façade now gives a tangible sense of the project making strong progress.

“The John Hunter Hospital is a major hospital in my electorate and in our region and this expansion will mean more services, more patients being seen and most importantly, better health outcomes for our communities.”

Minns Labor Government acts on Drake Inquiry report to reform governance of greyhound industry

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

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

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

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

New Operating Licence for Greyhound Racing NSW

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

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

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

Statement of Expectations for the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission

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

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

The expectations include:

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

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

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

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wentworth Park to support thousands of new homes

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

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

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

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

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

We understand the significance of Wentworth Park to many people.

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

The housing our state needs close to jobs and transport

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

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

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

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

Sporting fields for the whole community

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

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

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

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

Investing in Greyhound Racing

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

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

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

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

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

Minister for Lands and Property and Sport Steve Kamper said:

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

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

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

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

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

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

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

$70 million in new funding to drive jobs and industry in the NSW southern Basin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This latest round will target 12 Local Government Areas:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community invited to shape future Illawarra and Shoalhaven transport system

The Minns Labor Government has today released the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), a 20-year vision to guide the region’s transport future and support one of the most strategically important and fast-growing regions in NSW.

For the first time in over a decade, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be able to view an integrated long-term plan that sets out priorities based on evidence, data and extensive consultation with more than forty stakeholders including councils, members of parliament and community groups.

The draft Plan identifies a range of short, medium and long term actions across public transport, active transport, roads and freight to support the region’s population growth and changing needs.

The Minns Government is calling on the community to have their say.

Community members can view the draft Plan and provide comment until Monday, 9 February 2026 at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/illawarra-shoalhaven.

A community survey has been designed to help people provide feedback easily, and more detailed submissions can be uploaded or sent to engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au or PO Box 477, Wollongong NSW 2520.

During the public feedback period, Transport for NSW staff will also be out across the region speaking directly with residents at local pop-up sessions.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra is growing fast, and our transport network needs to grow with it. This draft Plan gives our community a clear view of what the next twenty years can look like.

“This work is about helping people get to work, school, the hospital and the beach more easily while keeping freight moving to support local jobs and industry.

“For locals, it means more reliable public transport, safer roads and stronger connections between our towns, suburbs and regional centres.

“I encourage the community to take a look and share feedback so we can keep shaping a strong transport future for the region.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This draft Plan is laying important groundwork to support the Illawarra and Shoalhaven’s fast growing community.

“As a major and fast expanding centre our community deserves transport planning for the future.

“The plan reflects the work the Minns Labor Government have been delivering through planning reforms and other initiatives in the region setting out practical actions to support new homes, new jobs and a growing population.

“By working closely with councils and community groups, we are making sure the long term vision for our region is coordinated, evidence based and ready for delivery.”

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

“Today we are releasing a long-term vision that has been built with and for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities.

“Only the Minns Labor Government will deliver the well planned, people focused transport network that this growing region needs.

“We heard loud and clear that people want more travel choices, safer roads and better connections between towns and regional centres. This draft Plan reflects those priorities.

“I want to thank every resident and stakeholder who has shared feedback so far. Your insights help ensure the final Plan truly reflects the needs of the region.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“Our communities have been calling for safer roads and stronger connections between towns for many years. This draft Plan finally puts these priorities on the table.

“Reliable transport options make a real difference whether you live in Ulladulla, Nowra or our smaller coastal villages. I encourage everyone to have their say.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart said:

“This draft Plan puts people first. It recognises that families across the region need safe, reliable and efficient ways to get around.

“I want the community to jump online, take a look and help us shape the final Plan.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

“This is an important milestone for our region. For the first time in a long while, we have a draft blueprint that reflects what Shellharbour residents have been saying for years.

“The plan sets out achievable actions that can improve public transport, strengthen safety and make life easier for the community.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerny said:

“The Illawarra and Shoalhaven are experiencing strong growth and need a transport network that keeps pace with that change.

“This draft Plan outlines practical ideas to improve public transport, boost safety and make it easier for people to access work, study and essential services.”

NATURAL DISASTER DECLARATION FOR LAKE MACQUARIE LGA FOLLOWING BUSHFIRES

The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated additional assistance for communities impacted by recent bushfires with a Natural Disaster Declaration for the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area.

In the Lake Macquarie area, the bushfire threatened homes in the townships of Redhead, Gateshead, Whitebridge and Dudley, requiring significant aviation support and causing damage to over 90 hectares of bushland.

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

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

Assistance measures that may be available, depending on eligibility include:
Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

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

The Natural Disaster Declaration for Lake Macquarie follows the earlier announcement of DRFA disaster assistance to communities in the 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo.

To keep up to date with recovery advice and support go to nsw.gov.au/firerecoveryupdates

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said:

I want people in the Lake Macquarie region to know the Albanese Government is here to support you. We are working closely with our New South Wales counterparts to ensure people get assistance as quickly as possible.

To have this happen to people just weeks before Christmas is especially tough, and as a community we are all here to help.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

The Lake Macquarie community has endured a frightening and disruptive period of bushfires.

This declaration enables immediate access to essential support so people can begin to get back on their feet.

Recovery staff are on the ground with Council and emergency services, undertaking impact assessments and recovery planning to ensure resources are directed where they’re needed most, as quickly as possible.”

Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will travel to Washington DC for the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) on 8 December.

They will meet with their counterparts US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

AUSMIN 2025 will mark 40 years of Australia-United States Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister consultations, demonstrating the strength of the Alliance and the importance of our continued cooperation in our region.

Following AUSMIN the Deputy Prime Minister will join Secretary Hegseth and the UK Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon John Healey, for an AUKUS Defence Ministers’ meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:

“Australia’s Alliance with the United States is fundamental to our national security, built on our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

“AUSMIN is an invaluable forum to set the strategic direction for the Alliance, including on defence and security.”

“I look forward to advancing our strong defence partnership, including through AUKUS and our long-standing US Force Posture Initiatives in Australia.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The United States is Australia’s principal ally and strategic partner.

“For four decades, AUSMIN has enabled foreign and defence consultations during periods of great strategic change and challenge. Together, we are working to shape the Indo-Pacific for the better.

“AUSMIN 2025 is an opportunity to advance priorities that deliver for Australia, the United States and our region.”

Westmead metro station reaches major construction milestone with updated project costs released

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

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

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

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

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

Metro funding review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

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

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

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

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

Joint funding paves the way for Narrandera water treatment plant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

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

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

the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson:

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

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

the Mayor of Narrandera Shire Council Cr Neville Kschenka:

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

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