Minns Labor Government investment in North-West Sydney grows with new public primary school and preschool for Grantham Farm

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its record investment in rebuilding public education, with a new primary school and co-located public preschool for Grantham Farm to meet the needs of families in the rapidly growing region of North-West Sydney.

The new primary school in Grantham Farm, located on the corner of Hamilton and Crown Street, will cater to the suburb’s increasing student population, with 24 modern classrooms, three support learning rooms, a multipurpose hall, a covered outdoor learning area, and outside of school hours care facilities.

The new primary school will open for at least 500 students on Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and will be masterplanned for future expansion. It will also include a new library, a canteen, administration facilities and staff parking. The public preschool will cater for up to 60 children per day.

As part of long-term planning for growth and infrastructure development in the area, Vineyard Public School will transition to the new school in Grantham Farm once built, to mitigate future impacts to its site from the planned Bandon Road upgrade by Transport for NSW. The new school at Grantham Farm will accommodate five times the number of students that are currently at Vineyard Public School.

Student learning will continue at Vineyard Public School until the new facilities at Grantham Farm are built. All families, students, and staff will be supported during their transition to the new school, with updates for families to be shared as the project progresses.

As the project progresses, consultation with the community will be undertaken to determine the name for the new school.

This project adds to the significant number new and upgraded schools already delivered or on the way that are adding more than 600 new permanent classrooms across Sydney’s North West, including:

  • Melonba Public School
  • Melonba High School
  • Tallawong Public School
  • Nirimba Fields Public School
  • Box Hill Public School
  • Box Hill High School
  • Gables – new primary school
  • Schofields and Tallawong – new high school
  • Rouse Hill High School upgrade
  • Castle Hill Public School upgrade
  • Matthew Pearce Public School upgrade
  • Excelsior Public School upgrade
  • Glenwood High School upgrade
  • John Palmer Public School upgrade
  • Riverbank Public School and The Ponds High School upgrade

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW, including a record $3.6 billion to upgrade and build new schools in Western Sydney.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This new school at Grantham Farm is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild public education and ensure every child has access to a modern, high-quality learning environment close to home.

“For over a decade, families in Grantham Farm were ignored by the former Liberal National Government as the suburb grew without a school.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering world-class schools for families across North West Sydney, and this new school will be a game-changer for the growing Grantham Farm community. 

“North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, and this new school and preschool will support local families for generations to come.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: 

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to investing in our schools, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth.

“Investing in our children’s future means creating spaces where students and teachers can excel, which is why it’s so exciting to see plans progressing for this much-needed new school.

“This is an exciting milestone for our families in Grantham Farm and surrounding areas, and I look forward to seeing plans progress for a modern and inclusive school that meets the needs of our growing communities.

“I also want to reassure our Vineyard Public School community that student learning will continue uninterrupted at the existing site while the new school is built, and we will continue to keep you updated as plans progress.”

Disaster support for North West NSW following severe storms

Disaster assistance is now available in the Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast, Local Government Areas (LGAs) following widespread severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and floods.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – with assistance for the Narrabri Local Government Area already in place.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities 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.
  • Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
  • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
  • 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.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said this assistance would support families, local businesses, sporting clubs, and local councils in the North West of NSW continue to recover from this year’s floods and strong winds.

“I know how distressing extreme weather events and the damage they leave behind are for our communities, which is why the Albanese and Minns governments are ensuring support is available for the on-going clean-up and recovery,” Minister McBain said.

“This extension will support more impacted communities in the North West of NSW – a region that’s had more than its fair share of extreme weather events, with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged local roads and other essential public assets.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the extension of the natural disaster declaration to include Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast is critical to ensuring the community can get back to their daily lives as soon as possible. 

“We know that people’s daily lives were seriously disrupted by the flooding which has put significant pressure on local councils. That’s why we have unlocked this funding support, so they’ll have the resources to clean up and restore any public assets impacted by the flooding,” Minister Saffin said.

“We will continue to work closely with council to make sure the community is getting the support it needs, and we will work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure no one is left behind in the recovery.” 

More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au

Statement from the Prime Minister on the opening of Parliament

I have recommended to Her Excellency the Governor-General Sam Mostyn that the opening of the 48th Parliament take place on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

A proposed Parliamentary sitting calendar can be found on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

The Government is humbled by the support of the Australian people.

I look forward to advancing the Government’s legislative agenda over the coming Parliamentary term.

The reform program we took to the election was shaped by the priorities of the Australian people.

We look forward to continuing the work of Building Australia’s Future.

Flood impacts on rail and roads networks

There are widespread issues on the rail and roads networks today due to flooding and extreme weather. People who need to travel are urged to leave plenty of additional time and plan ahead, as impacts are expected for the remainder of the day.

This is a fast-moving situation, rail passengers are advised to check www.transportnsw.info or live travel apps, and motorists are advised to check www.livetraffic.com before travelling.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink passengers travelling on the T8 Airport & South, and Central Coast & Newcastle Lines, are advised to avoid non-essential travel as heavy rain is causing localised flooding on the rail network.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said, “We have emergency crews deployed across the network to address rising flood waters. We are monitoring key locations and intervening to reduce impacts to passenger services.”

Passengers on the T8 Airport & South Line between Revesby and Turrella, and the Central Coast Line between Newcastle and Morrisett are advised to seek alternative travel if possible as buses are replacing trains.

10 replacement buses are in operation between Revesby and Turrella to assist with passenger movements due to flooding between Bardwell Park and Bexley North.

Trains in or near the affected area will stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing. Trains departing Macarthur heading to the city will be diverted via other lines to the city.

On the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, Cockle Creek has continued to flood, with water over the rail and affecting signal equipment.

Between Kotara and Cardiff, there has been a substantial landslip. We have crews on the ground now assessing the damage.

Buses are replacing trains from Newcastle to Morrisett and Wyong in both directions.

Passengers on the T2 Leppington & T3 Liverpool and Inner West, T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Lines, Hunter Line, Southern Highlands Line and South Coast Lines are also seeing impacts from the extreme weather.

Hunter Line

Sandgate is flooded, we have limited buses replacing train services between Maitland, Dungog and Scone. Nine buses are in operation.

Southern Highlands Line

Train services are currently suspended between Picton and Moss Vale in both directions due to reports of flooding near Mittagong. Shuttle trains are operating between Campbelltown and Picton.

South Coast Line

At Helensburgh the rainfall monitors there are in warning mode, we are watching this, trains are being warned and slowing down through the area, resulting in minor delays.

T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra

Trains are experiencing minor delays due to water over the track earlier at Oatley, minor delays in both directions as a result.

T2 Leppington & T3 Liverpool and Inner West Lines

Passengers on these lines are experiencing flow on delays and some service gaps travelling away from the city, due to the flooding on the T8.

Blue Mountains

A failed freight train on the Blue Mountains line has been removed but passengers may experience some flow-on delays.

Roads

There are widespread impacts across the road network, with several major closures in place on the Mid North Coast, in the Hunter and across parts of Sydney.

In addition to state managed roads, many local roads managed by councils are also affected.

Floodwater is extremely dangerous, especially for drivers. If the road is flooded, forget it. Roads can close and reopen at short notice. Motorists should continue to avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas and visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.

Vivid Sydney

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said, “If you are heading in tonight to see Vivid Sydney please allow plenty of extra travel time and check your transport apps before heading out.

“The city is no place for cars during Vivid Sydney with road closures and parking restrictions in place each night on roads around the Harbour and surrounding Vivid Sydney precincts.”

For the latest public transport information, visit www.transportnsw.info or download a live travel app like the Opal app.

Communities urged to remain on high alert as flood emergency continues

As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Mid-North Coast, communities are being urged to remain on high alert.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue throughout today, and flash flooding is a risk in the Mid-North Coast region and adjacent Northern Tablelands and the Hunter, with a particular focus between Kempsey and Dorrigo.  

While heavy rainfall continues, the impacts remain wide-reaching, with communities being strongly advised to evacuate when asked to do so by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).

To stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app. The number of people using the Hazards Near Me app has quadrupled in the past week from around 26,000 to more than 100,000 active users.

More than 2,500 personnel, 500 boats and vehicles and a fleet of helicopters have been deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.

The NSW SES has responded to around 4,000 incidents since the severe weather began.

Rescues are continuing with around 300 people already brought to safety over the past 24 hours including dozens of overnight rescues.

Conditions remain challenging with fast flowing rivers, continuous rainfall and flooded roads making it difficult for emergency services to safely access some isolated areas. 

While authorities continue to work around the clock, emergency service crews can never guarantee an immediate rescue of those who remain in impacted areas.

In total, more than 500 flood rescues have been completed with the support of specialist flood and in water crews from the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW. 

Personnel from Ambulance NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are also assisting in the natural disaster response, along with the Australian Defence Force.

14 evacuation centres remain open across the region where hundreds of people have taken emergency shelter overnight.

The community is being urged to heed the advice of emergency services and always avoid driving through floodwaters.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has signed a protection order for volunteers involved in responding to this weather event ensuring their employment will not be affected while they assist in the response. 

As this situation continues to unfold, the ongoing support of volunteers will be crucial over the coming days and weeks.

If you are an individual or part of a group who is ready and willing to help, consider partnering with the NSW SES, local authorities and endorsed community groups.

Your support could be invaluable for urgent tasks such as sandbagging, sharing information, and participating in clean-up activities.

For evacuation centre locations and more information, visit the NSW SES website. 

Visit the Live Traffic NSW website for the latest road closures and traffic conditions. 

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are sending in all our available emergency service resources to support the impacted region. Please check the NSW SES website and Hazards Near Me app and follow public safety advice.

“I want to thank all the amazing volunteers who are currently supporting flood-affected communities across the Mid-North Coast.

“I’ve signed a protection order for volunteers from the NSW SES and other emergency service organisations, providing employment protection while they’re undertaking vital assistance work supporting flood impacted communities.

“I encourage people to download the Hazards Near Me App which includes the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.”

Support for farmers during the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter flood events

The Minns Labor Government has activated assistance for farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions who are experiencing severe weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding.  

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, impacted landholders are encouraged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647 which is available 9.00 am to 5.00 pm seven days a week.

For emergency calls at any time call NSW SES – 132 500.

The Government urges farmers and families to continue preparations for flood impacts but only where safe to do so. 

Animal Safe Places are being activated to support people with large pets and lifestyle animals such as horses at Wauchope, Wingham, and Kempsey Showgrounds.

Travelling stock routes (TSR) have been opened for farmers to move livestock to when needed and AASFA can assist with displaced stock, if required.

The Government’s NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development with Local Land Services, through AASFA are supporting the NSW SES to assist affected farmers.

With further rain forecast and floodwaters expected to move through the region in the coming days and weeks, farmers are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect livestock and property—but only where it is safe to do so.

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

  • Animal assessment and veterinary support
  • Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
  • Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
  • Livestock feeding and management advice
  • Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

The AASFA State Control Centre is operating from Orange with two Forward Command Posts in Paterson and Coffs Harbour providing operational support.

RSPCA and Australian Veterinarian Association are available to provide support as required at Evacuation Centres where animals are housed.

Most importantly, farmers are reminded to prioritise personal safety. Do not take unnecessary risks around floodwaters.

DPIRD and LLS have commenced preparations for recovery under the coordination of the Reconstruction Authority. 

People in impacted areas are reminded to follow the directions of emergency services personnel and check on their neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages. Download the Hazards Near Me app and set watch points for your area.

If you need emergency assistance, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

If the matter is life threatening, call Triple Zero (000).

Latest warnings and information for impacted communities, including evacuation centre locations, are available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au   

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Our agencies have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area to support landholders and regional communities affected by flooding in the Hunter and up the coast,” Minister Moriarty said.

“We know our states farmers are resilient in the face of natural disasters, be it droughts, bushfires, cyclones or a flood.

“But we genuinely understand our responsibility to support them in the face of an extreme weather event like this, because our state relies on them.

“It is currently too early to determine the full extent of stock losses across affected areas with ongoing rainfall and access issues limiting any ability to assess on-ground impacts.

“Our AASFA personnel bring valuable knowledge, experience, and strong networks. They are there when it matters—ready to help landholders in need.

“When it is safe, I want to encourage primary producers to report flood-related damage including stock and fodder losses, damage to crops, pastures, fencing and other farm infrastructure through the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA).

“This will ensure that we understand the severity and regional distribution of the damage and can target resources and assistance in the appropriate areas.”

Visit to Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu

This week, we will travel to the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Vanuatu as Australia continues to strengthen our enduring partnership with the Pacific.

This early visit to the region again demonstrates how deeply we value being part of the Pacific family.

This will be the first official overseas visit for the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite.

While in Suva, we will meet Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss strengthening our Vuvale Partnership, deepening our trade arrangements, and boosting our cooperation on development, climate action, and resilience.

In Nuku’alofa, we will meet Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke and Minister for Foreign Affairs and His Majesty’s Armed Forces His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ‘Ulukalala to advance our deep partnership, and our shared Pacific Islands Forum priorities with Tonga, the current Forum Chair.

In Port Vila, we will meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat and senior government ministers. We will reaffirm Australia’s commitment to elevate our bilateral relationship through the development of the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, including strengthening our community and First Nations connections.

Australia is a respectful, reliable and transparent partner, responding to the region’s needs and priorities.

In uncertain times, Australia and the Pacific are counting on each other as we build a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Joint donor statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza

  • Joint statement with:

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

19 May 2025

Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.

Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.

Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone. The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.

As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference. It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.

Adoption of World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”

Revitalisation of Hunter Street moves to next stage

Work is ready to commence on the next stage of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project, with onsite crews mobilising next week for the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets.

New paving, roadway and footpaths will enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Stormwater pipes will also be upgraded as part of the project to replace the Hunter Street Mall with a reinstated traditional high street.

An artist's impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.

The project will deliver a range of streetscape improvements including multi-function street lighting, new street furniture and extensive landscaping, as well as an extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street.

Underground site investigations were carried out last year in preparation for the main construction work, which was programmed to begin after the upgrade between Perkins and Brown streets was finalised. That section of Hunter Street was reopened to the community earlier this month.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said extensive community input into the East End Streetscape Masterplan helped shape the project.

“This is a shared vision developed in consultation with the community, which will see the reinstatement of a traditional high street where people can enjoy boutique retail opportunities and outdoor dining,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“When we complete this stage of the project we will have invested more than $16 million, which is being delivered in sections to minimise, as much as possible, the disruption for local residents and businesses. 

“The staged nature of the program also allows us to align our improvements with other developments in the area including that being undertaken by Iris Capital, as we work collaboratively to enhance the lifestyle and experience offered within our city centre.”

This will be the third phase of five scheduled for the East End Village project. Construction initially focused on the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins streets to deliver new paving, service upgrades, street furniture, new gardens and trees, as well as significant upgrades to stormwater, drainage, cycleways and footpaths.

The recently completed second phase has transformed a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point between Perkins and Brown streets, improving and extending the streetscape with new trees, landscaping and paving, as well as extensive work to upgrade and relocate key utilities, and realign the road.

Preliminary design work is already underway for the remaining stages along Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen, and then Market Street, with work planned for delivery in the current Council term.

Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.