Category: NSW News

Hundreds of families across Far West NSW are a step closer to accessing fee-free, high-quality early learning, with contracts awarded for four brand-new public early learning services in the region. 

Each public early learning service will be co-located with an existing public primary school, making drop-off and pick up easier for busy families and helping children transition into kindergarten with confidence.

The new services include preschools at Menindee Central School, Parkes East Public School and Morgan Street Public School, and an Early Years Transition Centre at Bourke Public School.

The Department of Education continues to work closely with the local community as each project progresses.

Shape Australia Pty Ltd will deliver the projects, with construction expected to begin later this year and doors opening by early 2027. Once open, the four sites will cater for up to 320 local children a week.

They will join the recently opened Gulyangarri Public Preschool in Liverpool – the first new public preschool built in NSW in almost 20 years. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment to rapidly expand the provision of public preschool in NSW, funded by our record investment in the 2024-25 Budget.

As the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, the NSW Government’s rollout of 100 more public preschools will provide access to high quality early learning for up to 9,000 children across NSW by 2027. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are metropolitan Sydney and 49 are in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process. 

This historic investment is a major turnaround from the former Liberal National Government, who didn’t build a single public preschool in 12 years.  

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:  

“Access to preschool can be difficult for young families, particularly in regional areas, which is why we are delivering new public preschools across towns in the state’s far west in areas where they are needed most. 

“The Minns Labor Government, with the advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to improving access to free, quality public preschool for our youngest learners because we know how crucial early learning is for a child’s development.  

“The former Liberal National government failed to deliver for young families in the regions and didn’t build a single new public preschool while in office. 

“The Minns Labor Government made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Minister for Western New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Early learning is a vital first step in a child’s education and these new fee-free preschools will help our regional communities thrive. 

“With 49 new public preschools across regional NSW, this historic investment is a major turning point for regional families after years of neglect by the former Liberal National Government who failed to invest in public preschools.

“Families in our regions deserve access to high-quality early learning and I am proud to see the Minns Labor Government continuing to make significant investment in regional communities.”

Bourke Public School Executive Principal Margaret Gordon-Poole said:

“The start of construction for the new Early Years Transition Centre is an exciting step forward for the entire Bourke community.

“Having the Early Years Transition Centre on site will improve transition to school for our Kindergarten children, improve learning outcomes and offer convenience for parents.”

Menindee Central School Executive Principal Fiona Kelly said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the whole Menindee community. 

“Our new service will provide greater access and support for our young children as they transition to Kindergarten.

“We are very excited to welcome our newest learners and support the beginning of their learning journey.”

Parkes East Public School Principal Michael Ostler said:

“We’re excited to be establishing a preschool at Parkes East Public School.

“This is an opportunity to welcome young learners into the heart of our school community, where we lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning within the strong and supportive environment of public education.”

Morgan Street Public School Principal Scott Sanford said:

“Our community is looking forward to having a public preschool on the same site as Morgan Street Public School.

“We are excited to welcome our youngest learners when the new preschool opens, as we understand the positive impact that quality early childhood education has on their learning.”

Additional support has been announced for Primary Producers in New South Wales affected by the East Coast Severe Weather event from 18 May 2025.

This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments. 

The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority that enable eligible primary producers to access up to $75,000 in assistance.

Eligible primary producers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist with:

• Clean-up and debris removal
• Repairing damaged infrastructure and equipment
• Restocking and replanting
• Replacing lost or damaged assets
• Restoring operations to pre-disaster levels

These grants are designed to support rapid recovery and help producers return to business as quickly as possible. 

Support is available to primary producers in declared disaster areas under AGRN 1212, covering regions impacted by the East Coast flooding in May. Affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) are listed on the NSW Disaster Assistance website.

Primary producers may also be eligible for other DRFA measures, including:

·         Emergency hardship payments for individuals and households

·         Disaster Recovery Allowance and lump sum payments via Services Australia

·         Disaster loans for farmers through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority

The East Coast severe weather event caused widespread damage across NSW, including the loss of livestock, destruction of fencing and crops and significant infrastructure damage.

This funding aims to provide immediate and practical support to help producers recover and rebuild.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Our primary producers are the backbone of regional Australia, and we’re making sure they have the support they need to bounce back stronger from this disaster.

“This additional funding means farmers can focus on rebuilding and getting back to work without the weight of financial uncertainty holding them back.

“Recovery is never one size fits all, and this support will give farmers the flexibility to address the unique challenges they’re facing on the ground.

“We know the damage has been severe and the recovery will take time but we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with affected communities every step of the way.”

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

“These grants will help with clean up and recovery costs for New South Wales farmers and I know it is critical support.

“Grants like this can make all the difference helping farmers get back on their feet, faster.

“We know the terrible impact this disaster has had on farmers which is why this additional support is so important.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“This is important support to help farmers get back on their feet.

“We knew more support would be needed, and we are pleased the Commonwealth Government has agreed to our request.

“This will help farmers clean up, rebuild, and keep producing for our state.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We have seen the destructive impact of the floods and talked with dairy, oyster and other farmers who have being doing it tough. This decision, with the Commonwealth, again shows our commitment to helping farmers get their businesses back to producing great produce.”

“I urge primary producers to contact the Rural Assistance Authority as soon as they can and get an application in for this additional assistance.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“I’ve seen how hard the floods have been on our farmers on the mid north coast and in the Hunter. I know that the wait while we put our application together has been a tough one, but we have been successful.

“It’s great news that our application for category D funding has been successful. This means local producers who’ve lost feed livestock and vital infrastructure continue to get the help they need to recover and rebuild.”

The growing communities in Sydney’s north west will benefit from a boost to frontline emergency care, with the NSW Government today announcing the site of a new ambulance station to be built at Macquarie Park.

The new Macquarie Park Ambulance Station will be purpose-built on a government-owned site at the corner of Khartoum Road and Tasman Place next to the M2 motorway, as part of a $615.5 million Ambulance Infrastructure Program to deliver 30 additional ambulance stations across NSW.

With thousands of families expected to move into the area in the coming years, Macquarie Park was identified by NSW Ambulance as a high priority location for a new Ambulance Station.

The site on Khartoum Road and Tasman Place was selected following a comprehensive service planning process by Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance using best practice modelling software to map Triple Zero (000) calls. This location of the new ambulance station will optimise response performance to better meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

Early planning is underway for the new Macquarie Park Ambulance Station, a builder is expected to be awarded in mid-2026, with construction to start soon after.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, the Hunter, Newcastle and Wollongong over the coming years, boosting frontline emergency ambulance care.

Health Infrastructure is working with NSW Ambulance and other Government stakeholders to identify potential sites for new ambulance stations. Sites for new ambulance stations are now confirmed for North Sydney, South Windsor, Oran Park, Berowra, Prestons, Moss Vale, Bargo, Lisarow, Glendenning, Caves Beach, Carlingford and now Macquarie Park. 

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

The NSW Government is also investing $526.8 million for the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment to enable Ryde to have a hospital of the future, meeting the long-term health needs of the local community in north-west Sydney. 

Also under construction in north-west Sydney, is the $96 million RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing facility co-located at Macquarie University’s Wallumattagal campus. The first of its kind in Australia, it will deliver new capabilities to develop world leading vaccines and medical therapies for humans and animals based on cutting edge RNA technology.

The Minns Labor Government is also turbocharging the delivery of new housing in Sydney by supporting transport-oriented development at train and metros stations including an accelerated precinct at Macquarie Park.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Our essential services need to grow with the communities they serve, and with major transport and housing projects planned for Macquarie Park it’s a high priority location for out-of-hospital emergency medical care.

“I am pleased the community here is a step closer to getting a new ambulance station, with the site now selected in Macquarie Park.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The new Macquarie Park Ambulance Station will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile medical care well into the future.

“The confirmation of the site on Khartoum Road marks a significant milestone in delivering a vital health service for Macquarie Park and surrounding suburbs.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Local paramedics will have a purpose-built ambulance station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care to the local community when and where it is needed.

“The new ambulance station will function in support of other stations located across the greater Ryde, Gladesville and North Shore areas.”

The NSW Opposition has acknowledged today’s long overdue announcement of $75,000 Category D funding for primary producers across the Mid North Coast and Hunter region.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said while the news will bring some relief, we have also been calling for $50,000 Category D funding to be made available for businesses throughout the impacted LGAs and additional mental health supports.
 
“In contrast, the Queensland LNP Government has today announced an additional support package for those affected by the recent Western Queensland floods that includes Community Health and Wellbeing grants, Tourism

Industry grants and funding for small businesses to get back on their feet. None of this has been made available to our Mid North Coast and Hunter communities,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it’s hard to believe the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments couldn’t find any additional support for businesses of all shapes and sizes that are often the backbone of their community. 
 
“Last month the Premier visited Pulteney Street arcade in Taree, looked business owners in the eye and said this was worse than Lismore,” Mr Saunders said.  
 
“The decision not to provide any extra help is a real kick in the guts, and will spell the end for many family-run regional businesses.”
 
Last week more than 5,000 community members rallied in Taree and Kempsey calling for increased Category D funding for primary producers and small businesses.
 
Mr Speakman said our Coalition team will keep fighting until businesses receive the support they need and deserve.

The Albanese Labor Government have signed contracts with the Minns Labor Government to deliver more social homes for New South Wales through the latest round of Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) funding.

As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 55,000 social and affordable homes nationally, 1,535 new homes will be built around New South Wales across 14 projects, representing almost $1.2b of investment.

This round has seen close, effective collaboration between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, with each deploying their strengths – in financing, land access and streamlined approvals – to get projects to contract sooner.

These homes will support Australians doing it tough including key workers, veterans and older women at risk of homelessness and women and children escaping situations of family or domestic violence.

Despite delays caused by Coalition and Greens opposition in the Federal Parliament, the HAFF is now delivering long-term, reliable funding to help address Australia’s social housing shortfall.

The Albanese Government is investing $43 billion to improve housing supply—across social, affordable, and market housing—and to help more Australians buy a home of their own.

Minister Clare O’Neil:

“Today’s announcement is proof that when the Commonwealth works with the states on housing, we get results that change lives. 

“Every one of these new homes represents hope for a family in New South Wales doing it tough. Whether it’s a mum and her kids escaping domestic violence, a veteran struggling to find affordable housing, or a frontline worker priced out of their own community – these homes will give people the foundation they need to rebuild their lives.

“This is what happens when governments stop making excuses and start building solutions. We’re working with the NSW Government and community housing providers to create a pipeline of homes that will make a real difference for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:

“This is what Labor governments do – we work together to deliver real results. These homes will give thousands of people the stability and dignity they deserve.

“For too long, housing in NSW was neglected. This partnership is a major step in rebuilding a system that puts people first.

“These homes mean safety for women and children escaping violence, security for older women and veterans, and peace of mind for essential workers who keep our state running.

“In just one year, we’ve delivered the biggest increase in public, social and affordable housing for NSW in over a decade – this new funding means we can build even more.”

The Minns Labor Government’s plans to deliver a new high school for the growing Wilton community are progressing, with the community getting a first look at designs for the school as the site is confirmed.

The new high school is one of three brand new schools added to the Minns Labor Government’s record pipeline of new and upgraded schools being built for Western Sydney in the 2025-26 Budget. It will be the first high school built in Wilton and only the second high school for the entire Wollondilly region after a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals.

Located at 205 Fairway Drive, the high school will adjoin the site of the new primary school and public preschool also being delivered for Wilton, ensuring families in this rapidly growing suburb have access to a world-class public education system from preschool to Year 12.

The new high school will be built in stages, with a 3-storey building comprising 12 classrooms opening for the first cohort in 2027, along with a full-sized sports field and sports court.

The second stage of the project will open for Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and include another two 3-storey buildings with additional classrooms, two more sports courts, a school hall, VET facilities and expanded parking.

Public secondary students in Wilton currently have to travel up to 16 kilometres to attend Picton High School. The much-needed new high school will ensure students in this growing region have access to a world class public education close to home.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing the work of rebuilding public education in NSW, delivering a record $9 billion over four years for school infrastructure in the 2025-26 Budget.

Importantly, every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, honouring the Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including 49 in Western Sydney.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“I am pleased to share the designs for this much-needed new high school and confirm that it will be co-located with the brand new public school and public preschool for Wilton.

“This is part of our work to rebuild public education in NSW, which includes record funding in this year’s Budget to build new and upgraded schools where they are needed, ensuring every child can access a world-class public education close to home.

“This exciting project is one the Deputy Premier Prue Car as both Education Minister and Minister for Western Sydney has worked tirelessly to progress, with strong advocacy from local member Judy Hannan.

“I look forward to providing additional updates on this brand-new high school, along with the new public school and preschool for families in Wilton, as they progress further.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said:

“Making these investments in public education means our community can access public education closer to home, now and into the future. These new schools will provide benefits to local families and children for generations.”

“It is wonderful to see the plans for our new Wilton high school becoming a reality for the Wollondilly region.”

Wilton Public School principal Debra Gray said:

“As our community continues to grow, so too does the demand for high quality education facilities. The announcement of a new public high school adjoining the new primary school site is a significant and welcomed investment in the future of our Wilton students and families.

“The construction of these schools will ease pressure on existing schools whilst ensuring that every child has access to the best possible learning environments which will provide much needed space, modern facilities and new opportunities for students to thrive.”

For the first time, all NSW regional bus passengers can access real-time bus travel information from their smart devices – the same smart technology Sydney commuters have enjoyed for years.

All 3,010 contracted buses across rural and regional NSW, which collectively cover more than 3,880 routes and around 316,000 kilometres per day, are now fitted out with GPS and automatic passenger counting technology.

The upgrades give rural and regional communities more reliable trips, with passengers now able to:  

• Track their bus in real-time using any travel app, including Opal Travel or via Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner website 
• Get accurate arrival times and capacity information  
• Access interactive maps, digital timetables, and route information  
• Plan smoother journeys through Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner 

The smart technology system brings rural and regional NSW in line with Greater Sydney and Outer Metropolitan areas. It means the state’s entire fleet of contracted buses, both on regular and school services, can now be tracked by their passengers.

As well as benefiting passengers, this data gives Transport and bus operators the tools to improve operations management to help keep services running on time. The technology was also used by bus operators on the NSW North Coast to cancel trips promptly and consistently during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The Transport Connected Bus program was the result of collaboration with 451 contracted bus operators, ranging from large fleet companies to small mum-and-dad businesses, with the fit-outs completed ahead of schedule.

More about the Transport Connected Bus program can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/transport-connected-bus-program.  

Learn about using use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner tool at transportnsw.info/trip or other apps at transportnsw.info/apps.

Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to accessing real-time data. No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience.  

“The Minns Labor Government isn’t just upgrading buses – we’re leveling the playing field and building stronger, more connected regional communities.

“With more than 40 million regional bus journeys every year, every passenger deserves a smooth, reliable trip. These upgrades eliminate the guesswork, now you’ll know exactly where your bus is and when it will arrive.

“This is the Minns Labor Government building better communities and a better NSW, ensuring regional areas aren’t left behind but are equipped with the same world-class transport technology as our biggest cities.” 

Construction is now underway on the most ambitious development in Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s history, the Serengeti Resort in Dubbo.

Set across 55 hectares of expansive grasslands, the Serengeti Resort will offer an immersive experience, unlocking a previously unused area of the Zoo, five times the size of the current African Savannah habitat. It will be home to species including giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and antelope.

The resort will feature a central hub with a function and events centre, café restaurant, and infinity-edge pool, surrounded by diverse accommodation options with views of roaming African wildlife.

The Serengeti Resort will transform Taronga Western Plains Zoo into a multi-day proposition, delivering significant economic and tourism benefits to the Dubbo region. The resort is projected inject an estimated $391 million into the local visitor economy, over the next 20 years.

The development has received a $20 million investment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, made possible through a partnership between Dubbo Regional Council and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with a co-contribution from Taronga.

This strategic partnership on this project is one that will provide a major boost to the regional visitor economy.

In the coming months the resort will start to take shape with pier drilling, concrete slab pours, pool excavation and the construction of a prototype suite. Building works are predicted to create around 70 construction jobs and a further 28 ongoing roles will be created once the facility is operational.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo currently welcomes around 300,000 guests a year, with 40,000 staying overnight in one of its three award-winning accommodation offerings. The Serengeti Resort will build on this legacy, more than doubling the overnight stay numbers and offering a new level of connection with wildlife and conservation.

The new visitor experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will contribute to a sustainable future for tourism in the Dubbo region.

The Serengeti Resort is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Taronga does incredibly important work in the wildlife conservation space. Both nationally and internationally, they are renowned for their breeding programs, research facilities and animal hospitals.

“This new facility will help visitors connect with nature in a whole new way, whilst boosting revenue for the zoo and the local economy.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“It’s fantastic to see construction well underway, with building works started and milestones already achieved at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This exciting and deliverable project is a great example of NSW Government investment that will deliver a major boost to the Dubbo region.”

“Dubbo Zoo is already a wonderful place and once completed, the Serengeti Resort will mean even more visitors can stay and enjoy this iconic attraction for longer.”

Taronga Chief Executive, Cam Kerr:

“The Serengeti Resort will be a game changer for Taronga Western Plains Zoo and for tourism in regional NSW. Designed with families in mind, it brings the beauty and excitement of an African safari to our own backyard, right here in Dubbo. This is more than just a place to stay; it’s an unforgettable experience that blends Taronga’s world-class wildlife expertise with the warmth of regional hospitality. It will firmly cement Dubbo as a must-do holiday destination for every Australian family.”

Residents in Urbenville, Muli Muli, and Woodenbong in northern New South Wales have access to safer and more reliable drinking water with a critical $3.5 million infrastructure project to expand the Urbenville Water Treatment Plant now complete.

The upgrade was made possible through $1.42 million from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, $2 million from the NSW Government’s Drought Fund and $100,000 from Tenterfield Shire and Kyogle Councils.

The landmark project will improve water quality and boost drought resilience across the three villages while increasing the plant’s service capacity, ensuring first-rate drinking water continues to flow well into the future.

Despite being built in 2010, the original plant was in desperate need of an upgrade with the original technology struggling to manage the increasingly variable raw water quality.

As part of the overhaul, two new clarifier lagoons have been built that will pre-treat the raw water sourced from Tooloom Creek, giving existing filters a leg up to keep producing high-quality drinking water even during low-quality periods.

A new bore and storage tanks have been brought online, providing a valuable back-up supply and lifeline for residents during drought conditions.

The existing jetty offtake structure has also been upgraded, and new cages have been installed to protect the pumps from excess river debris which can build up during wet weather.

The completion is the crowning milestone of the 3-year project, which will now support around 700 people across the region, locking in reliable and high-quality drinking water and helping residents weather a future drought.

This also marks the final project to complete construction under the National Water Grid’s NSW Connections package – which has seen 3 critical projects in Walcha, West Wyalong and now Urbenville delivered in NSW thanks to over $30 million in joint funding.

Acting Federal Minister for Water, Catherine King said:

“Everyone deserves clean and reliable drinking water, no matter where they live.

“This project has future-proofed water security for local residents and I’m incredibly pleased to see these critical upgrades now complete.

“Locals in Urbenville, Muli Muli and Woodenbong are now in the best possible position ahead of the next dry spell for the region.

“This is a win for these communities and a win for New South Wales.”

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“This upgrade to the Urbenville Water Treatment Plant is a gamechanger for the area, and another example of all levels of government coming together to achieve big things for the people of NSW.

“The last drought hit people in the region incredibly hard, which is why it was so important to get their water infrastructure upgraded and working to modern-day standards.

“It’s a fantastic result and will mean safe and secure water for generations to come.”

NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is great example of what can happen when all three levels of government work together to make people’s everyday lives better.

“We haven’t just delivered the clean water that these communities deserve, we’ve also delivered an upgrade to make Tenterfield and Kyogle Shires more resilient during future droughts. 

“I’d like to thank the Federal and State governments for working together with our local Shire Councils to get this project up and running.”

Mayor of Tenterfield Shire Council Bronwyn Petrie said:

“This is a landmark day for Urbenville, Muli Muli, and Woodenbong.

“It has been three years in the making, and we’ve had our fair share of setbacks, but we are now able to cut the ribbon on this incredible water treatment upgrade and deliver a secure water future for these communities.

“Thanks to crucial investments from the Australian and NSW Governments, the co-funding from Councils and a lot of hard work and collaboration, we have now crossed the finish line.”

Mayor of Kyogle Council Danielle Mulholland said:

“This is a great result for these villages. Clean and reliable water is essential to everyone, and more than 400 people across Muli Muli and Woodenbong alone will now reap the benefits of these upgrades.

“We are grateful to all levels of Government who contributed to this exceptional project and supported this fantastic outcome for our community.”