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Construction of new permanent public primary school and high school begins in Box Hill

Construction is underway on the permanent Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School as the Minns Labor Government delivers the largest investment in new public school across The Hills in a generation.

The milestone marks a major step forward for a community that has long advocated for local public schools, with student enrolment growth in Box Hill increasing by more than 1,000 per cent between 2018 and 2023, according to the NSW Enrolment Growth Audit.

The new permanent Box Hill Public School will cater for 1,000 students and include 44 classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, sports court, play areas and covered outdoor learning areas. It will also have co-located public early learning for up to 120 children each week.

In recognition the significant growth in the area, Box Hill High School will be built to accommodate 2,000 students, with 79 classrooms, including seven support classrooms, plus specialist science, arts and technology spaces, a hospitality kitchen, multipurpose hall, library, sports field and courts.

This will be the first new high school in The Hills since Labor was last in Government.

The new permanent schools will open on Day 1, Term 1 2028 and are part of the Minns Labor Government’s $1 billion investment in new school infrastructure in The Hills, which is the largest investment in new schools in a generation.

Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School are currently operating from purpose-built temporary facilities delivered by the Minns Labor Government last year as an urgent measure to ensure local children could attend school close to home while the permanent facilities are built.

In total, the Minns Labor Government is delivering five brand-new schools including new primary schools in Gables and Bella Vista and a new high school in Bella Vista as well as co-located public learning alongside three primary schools.

This is on top of major upgrades at Cherrybrook Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School, Rouse Hill High School, Excelsior Public School and Castle Hill Public School.

Across the state, the NSW Government is investing a record $9.2 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, including $4.1 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the permanent public schools Box Hill families should have had years ago.

“We made a commitment to families in Box Hill that we would urgently deliver local public schools and we did just that. While local students are learning today in their temporary schools, I cannot wait to welcome them into their brand-new schools in 2028.

“The failure of the Liberals to deliver much-needed schools across The Hills and North West Sydney as it exploded in population has no clearer example than in Box Hill, where their own local MP Robyn Preston could not explain it when asked why.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the biggest investment in public schools across The Hills in a generation because we believe families deserve world-class public education close to home.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“Labor promised to deliver for Box Hill, and that’s exactly what we’re focussed on achieving.

“This is an exciting milestone for our local community and will ensure that families and students have access to high-quality, permanent facilities from Day 1, Term 1, 2028.

“Box Hill is one of the fastest-growing communities in New South Wales, and I’m proud to that by working together, state and federal Labor are delivering the essential infrastructure locals deserve.”

Relieving Box Hill High School Principal Colleen McKenna said:

“This is a significant milestone for our school community and an exciting moment for our students and families.

“We have already established a strong culture and identity in our temporary facilities and look forward to continuing that journey in our permanent home in 2028.”

Box Hill Public School Principal Melanie Mackie said:

“Our school community has been looking forward to this moment, and it is exciting to see construction now underway.

“These permanent facilities will create outstanding opportunities for current and future students and support the continued growth of our school community.”

Toll reform – a disappointing half-done job

After three and a half years of much promised toll reform, the Minns Labor Government’s deal announced today will do next to nothing to reduce the impact on most drivers, especially in Sydney’s West and South West.

Analysis by the Opposition shows this announcement only covers 40 per cent total traffic movements in Sydney on any given day, with drivers using WestConnex and drivers in South West Sydney receiving a small benefit.

The Government had years to come up with a deal that its own Fels Review said was possible, and instead it has delivered a half-done job despite their spin.

With the Opposition still reviewing the terms of the proposed deal, we would highlight the following:
Four new tolls will be introduced across Sydney – The Western Harbour Tunnel, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Sydney Harbour Tunnel and the Eastern Distributor.
Taxpayers are on the hook to pay up to $600 million to Transurban directly.
60 per cent of drivers will receive no benefit under the terms of the deal.
Taxpayers will pay to widen the M2-M7 with the additional revenue going to Transurban.

The Opposition has supported toll reform and consistently advocated for greater detail from the Government. The Opposition remains committed to the $50 toll cap until July 2027 – in line with the Labor Government’s commitment.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward was surprised by the limited scope of the deal.

“A fairly shocking admission today by Labor’s John Graham to describe his own deal as ‘modest’ after three and a half years and empty promise after empty promise,” Mrs Ward said.

“This is hardly the radical reform that was promised by Chris Minns and Labor with 60 per cent of drivers still waiting for any benefit and other drivers unable to even buy a coffee with what they’ll save.”

“The Minns Labor Government’s promise of toll reform has been all talk and no action.”

Man dies after being pulled from the water – Port Stephens

A man has died after being pulled from the water at a beach on the mid-north coast today.

About 11.15am (Monday 3 August 2027), emergency services were called to One Mile Beach, One Mile (Port Stephens), following reports of a person unresponsive in the water.

Members of the public pulled a 69-year-old man from the water and commenced CPR.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he was unable to be revived.

Officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Man dies following crash at a mine – Singleton

A man has died following a crash at a mine site in the Hunter Valley.

Just after 1pm today (Monday 3 August 2026), emergency services were called to a coal mine on Watt Street, Warkworth (approximately 23km west of Singleton), following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended, along with Fire and Rescue NSW and located a man who had been struck by a truck.

The man – believed to be aged in his 50s – died at the scene.

He is yet to be formerly identified.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Teenage boy dies in single-vehicle crash – Lake Macquarie

A teenage boy has died in a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.

About 3am today (Monday 3 August 2026), emergency services were called to a paddock on Willow Road, Gateshead, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and found a Toyota Kluger had left the roadway, and crashed into a paddock.

A 13-year-old boy was treated by first responders, but he could not be revived and died at the scene.

A 14- year-old boy, who was an occupant of the vehicle, was arrested at the scene. He was taken to hospital with leg injuries, under police guard.

Two other people are believed to have been in the vehicle at the time of the crash but left the scene prior to the arrival of police.

Police established a crime scene and officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Initial inquiries have established the vehicle was stolen from the Swansea area between 10pm yesterday (Sunday 2 August 2026) and 3am today.

Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard.

As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Australia provides firefighting support to France

Australia is sending aerial firefighting assets and teams to support the response to devastating wildfires in France.

A CH-47D Chinook helicopter, equipped with an 11,300-litre water tank, and a Bell 412 reconnaissance and support aircraft will be deployed to France, accompanied by 24 highly skilled aerial and ground crew from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS).

Together, they will support around-the-clock firefighting operations, providing much-needed relief to emergency services responding on the ground.

The wildfires in France are among the worst the country has experienced in decades, driven by multiple active fire fronts and a prolonged summer heatwave.

The NSW RFS is internationally recognised as an expert in bushfire management and represents the very best of Australian emergency management capability.

The assistance is being provided in response to a request from the French Government. It will be delivered in close partnership with the Australian Defence Force, which will support the rapid deployment of personnel, aircraft and equipment through strategic airlift and logistics.

The deployment will take place in coming days.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles:

“Australia and France work closely together in our region, and we are proud to be supporting them now during their time of need.

“The Australian Defence Force will make an important contribution to these efforts, using its assets to help get assistance to where it’s needed.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:

“France is a close and valued friend of Australia, and we stand with the French people as they respond to these devastating wildfires.”

“The scale of these fires is immense, and it is in moments like these that the strength of our partnership and solidarity is most evident.”

Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“Having seen firsthand the severe impacts bushfires have had on both my own community and many others across Australia, my heart goes out to the people of France.

“Australia has some of the finest fire-fighting capability on the planet and we are only too happy to do whatever we can to assist, just as France came to our aid during the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

“I want to thank the emergency services personnel who are travelling to France. I wish you a safe deployment.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“Our emergency services are proud to support our international partners in their time of need, and the Chinook will be a welcome boost to French firefighting capabilities with its large water storage and night-time capabilities.”

“The deployment of RFS personnel, the Chinook and Bell 412 support aircraft, together with the ongoing work of the Marie Bashir large air tanker in the US, demonstrates the depth of capability NSW can deliver during major fire emergencies.”

Australia provides firefighting support to France

Australia is sending aerial firefighting assets and teams to support the response to devastating wildfires in France.

Together, they will support around-the-clock firefighting operations, providing much-needed relief to emergency services responding on the ground.

The wildfires in France are among the worst the country has experienced in decades, driven by multiple active fire fronts and a prolonged summer heatwave.

The NSW RFS is internationally recognised as an expert in bushfire management and represents the very best of Australian emergency management capability.

The deployment will take place in coming days.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles:

“Australia and France work closely together in our region, and we are proud to be supporting them now during their time of need.

“The Australian Defence Force will make an important contribution to these efforts, using its assets to help get assistance to where it’s needed.”

the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:

“France is a close and valued friend of Australia, and we stand with the French people as they respond to these devastating wildfires.”

“The scale of these fires is immense, and it is in moments like these that the strength of our partnership and solidarity is most evident.”

the Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“Having seen firsthand the severe impacts bushfires have had on both my own community and many others across Australia, my heart goes out to the people of France.

“Australia has some of the finest fire-fighting capability on the planet and we are only too happy to do whatever we can to assist, just as France came to our aid during the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires.

“I want to thank the emergency services personnel who are travelling to France. I wish you a safe deployment.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“Our emergency services are proud to support our international partners in their time of need, and the Chinook will be a welcome boost to French firefighting capabilities with its large water storage and night-time capabilities.”

“The deployment of RFS personnel, the Chinook and Bell 412 support aircraft, together with the ongoing work of the Marie Bashir large air tanker in the US, demonstrates the depth of capability NSW can deliver during major fire emergencies.”

Coastline captivates from dawn to dusk in packed New Annual program

Newcastle’s favourite seaside settings will become platforms for performance when New Annual returns in September with 10 days of unforgettable experiences, live shows and audience participation.

City of Newcastle unveiled the full program for its flagship arts festival today, launching a line-up of events that bring art to the audience and turn the city itself into the stage. Izabela Pluta at Canoe Pool Cavitation: Izabela Pluta. Pictured: Izabela Pluta in the Canoe Pool, Newcastle. Photo credit: Edwina Richards

Festival Director Tory Loudon said New Annual continues to champion the stories, places and creative spirit that make Newcastle unique.

“This year’s program reflects a city that’s creative, confident and constantly evolving. It brings together remarkable local artists with leading voices from across Australia, all responding to this place with curiosity and imagination,” Ms Loudon said.

“From sunrise gatherings on Dixon Park Beach and sunset music at Newcastle Ocean Baths to intimate theatre in the pub and indie-rock odes to Silverchair, we’re inviting audiences to experience Newcastle through the stories, sub-cultures and landscapes that define it.”

Featuring 40 events, 402 artists and seven new commissions, the sixth edition of the festival will run from 25 September to 4 October, with an abundance of free and low-cost ticketed performances for audiences of all ages.

Newcastle’s coastline will become the festival’s most dramatic stage from dawn till dusk, with sunrise theatre experience Sea Stories at Dixon Park Beach, an open-air photographic exhibition on Bathers Way and a living work of art that shifts with the tides at the Canoe Pool, accompanied by an early morning dance performance.

The setting sun will transform the Newcastle Ocean Baths into one of Australia’s most spectacular open-air music venues over four free concerts, before peace returns to its waters beneath the full moon for a special one-off spiritual celebration of feminine sovereignty.

Beyond the coastline, New Annual will transform Newcastle’s pubs, theatres, galleries, parks and public spaces into places of participation and discovery.

City of Newcastle’s cultural facilities will be front and centre with spectacular live shows and captivating displays of visual art at Newcastle Museum, Civic Theatre, The Playhouse, City Hall and Newcastle Art Gallery, while Wheeler Place, Civic Park and Laman Street will be transformed into hubs of performance, food and culture.

Audiences can also expect the unexpected from new venues such as the Oriental Hotel, Bartholomews, Carrington Foreshore and Charlestown Square, as New Annual showcases local people, places and performances alongside some of the best theatre, art and music from Australia and overseas.

All In Dance Makers Collective All In: Dance Makers Collective. Photo credit: Joshua Morris

New Annual is delivered by City of Newcastle and proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, Multicultural NSW, Transport for NSW and Create NSW. The University of Newcastle returns as a presenting partner for the 2026 event.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said events such as New Annual help celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity of local communities while also driving economic growth.

“The NSW Government is proud to support New Annual in its sixth year, cementing the event as a mainstay in Newcastle’s cultural calendar and enriching the local arts scene,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“New Annual gets better and better every year. Through our investment across Create NSW, Transport for NSW, and Multicultural NSW, the State Government is ensuring that locals and visitors alike can experience vibrant public spaces, world-class art and unforgettable live performances for free or low cost.”

University of Newcastle Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Equity, Nathan Towney said the University was proud to continue its support of New Annual.

“New Annual is a wonderful example of how arts and culture bring people together, spark creativity and celebrate the unique character of our region,” Mr Towney said.

“The festival highlights Newcastle as a city of innovation, imagination and cultural excellence, and our University is excited to support another year of unforgettable experiences for residents, students and visitors alike.”

Event details are live now on the New Annual website, with tickets to go on sale to the general public at 10am on Monday 3 August.

Curtain Call: Strut your Stuff by Fast Fashun. Photo courtesy of Fast Fashun

2026 New Annual Festival program

All In at City Hall: Dance Makers Collective bring together professional dancers and three local dance schools for a joyful large-scale performance
At Sea at the Canoe Pool: free daily 8am performance performed at the water’s edge by Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub inspired by Izabela Pluta’s large scale floating artwork
AUTO-TUNE at the Playhouse: a riotous gig-theatre work from re:group performance collective that channels Silverchair obsession, millennial culture and questionable decisions, all told through original music. Stay after the show each night for a free gig from local bands, including a performance by Newcastle’s own Trophy Wyfe – 2026 winners of triple j Unearthed High.
Bizarre Newcastle at King Street: newly commissioned film by Stories of Our Town uncovering 10 extraordinary local tales, followed by live cabaret and music from Steve Abbott (Sandman), Christa Hughes, DJ Maynard, Pucko and host Chit Chat
BLOOM presented by Charlestown Square: artist MelissaLikesSushi transforms Charlestown Square with a massive and vibrant inflatable installation
Cavitation at the Canoe Pool: Izabela Pluta’s monumental art installation, with an accompanying exhibition at The Lock-Up Gallery
Chat 10, Looks 3 Live at Civic Theatre: Renowned journalists Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales bringing their celebrated podcast to the stage
Curtain Call: Strut Your Stuff at Museum Park: Melbourne collective Fast Fashun invite festivalgoers to create wearable art from recycled clothing before taking to the runway
First Night Art Party in Laman Street: a free celebration fuelled by Pasifika creativity, featuring three powerhouse female performers – Aleksiah, Djanaba, and Ngaiire
Global Table at Wheeler Place: world-class food, live performance, and cultural storytelling hosted by writer Benjamin Law and writer and comedian Jennifer Wong
GRUMBLE BOOGIE at Watt Space: an aerobic dance class led by performance artist Betty Grumble – expect a genre smash of ritual movement, cabaret-style panache and performance art
Lenny’s Country at the Carrington Foreshore: a joyful community celebration of local Indigenous culture led by Curious Legends at Nan’s Place
Muse at Newcastle Art Gallery: a 20-year survey of work created by internationally acclaimed Newcastle artist Angela Tiatia
Night Flowers at Watt Space: Damien Frost’s extensive exhibition presents more than a hundred portraits of ‘elusive and exotic self-styled walking works of art’
NM:PM PUNK! at Newcastle Museum: free high-energy celebration of local punk culture featuring Boudicca, No Reason, Bitchcraft, and ska-legends, The Porkers
Ocean Rituals at Dixon Park Beach: Passionate open water swimmer and award-winning ocean and coast-life photographer Penny Green presents a series of joyous, moody, and captivating photographs celebrating Newcastle’s coastline and the city’s dynamic ocean swimming community.
Petite Suite at the Oriental Hotel: Brand X transforms seven hotel rooms into seven intimate theatrical encounters inspired by one of Newcastle’s most beloved pubs
Praxis at Newcastle Art Gallery: pairing local visual artists and choreographers to create new collaborative works.
Press Play at the Playhouse: celebrating 50 years of Tantrum Youth Arts with an interactive theatrical adventure for young imaginations
Sea Stories at Dixon Park Beach: acclaimed theatre-maker Roslyn Oades shares an intimate sunrise listening experience celebrating friendship, ritual and life by the ocean in Newcastle
SOAK: Live at the Baths at the Newcastle Ocean Baths: four free sunset sessions curated by Urthboy (Tim Levison), with live music from Hermitude and Claire O’Brien, 92Wrld & Kobie Dee, and Karen Lee Andrews
Stories of Water and Earth at The Conservatorium: Ensemble Offspring and Nardi Simpson weave chamber music, storytelling and Country
The Spiegeltent with Loca Vida at Civic Park: cabaret, comedy and late-night spectacle
Through the Lens of Tony Mott at Newcastle Museum: four decades of iconic Australian and international rock photography.
Triceratop at University House: a wildly inventive one-person gay dinosaur love story with climate change in its sights.
Truck Driver at the Playhouse: Jonny Hawkins’ funny and moving portrait of life on the road.
Twisted at Bartholomews: the one-night-only after-dark art party inspired by the Night Flowers exhibition, featuring DJs and performance artists including Phasmahammer.
Wansolmoana Lunar Assembly at Newcastle Ocean Baths: Tongan-Australian artist Latai Taumoepeau invites hundreds of participants to float together under the moon for a special one-off celebration of feminine sovereignty and collective power
Wolf at Civic Theatre: a thrilling mix of acrobatics, artistry and primal instincts from internationally renowned contemporary circus company, Circa

NM:PM Punk! Featuring Bouddica. Photo credit: moshcam18

Greta report highlights key safety reforms for bus sector

The NSW Government has accepted all recommendations from the Office of Transport Safety Investigations report into the Greta bus crash and will progress major reforms aimed at improving passenger, driver and community safety.

The Minns Labor Government will implement reforms to improve safety for bus passengers, drivers and communities in the wake of the Greta bus crash in June 2023 which claimed the lives of ten people.

Today the Government has tabled the Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI) final report and accepted, or accepted in-principle, all 21 recommendations for Transport NSW on passenger safety, driver management, road design and safety systems.

Acting on key OTSI recommendations the Government will consult with the bus industry to implement the biggest reform of the NSW Bus Safety Regulatory Framework in 20 years under new legislation that will include:

A new set of safety duties for bus operators, company officers, procurers, bus safety workers and drivers.
A strengthened compliance and enforcement framework with expanded tools proportionate to the level of risk that includes education and a tiered offence and penalty structure.
Continuing with the work of the NSW Bus Taskforce, including the establishment a new regulator in consultation with the bus industry, which would administer the new framework and oversee compliance of the bus industry.

In parallel to the OTSI investigation the NSW Government has also been improving safety by implementing findings of the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce, including all five recommendations from the Safety Report that the Taskforce produced in direct response to the Hunter Valley crash.

To date, 33 of the 58 recommendations made by the Taskforce have been implemented.

These include strengthening regulatory safety, such as updating the Safety Management System Guidelines for accredited bus operators, revising the Fit and Proper Person Policy for bus drivers and operators, commencing a technology initiative to improve safety outcomes, and updating the Annual Self-Assessment Reporting tool for bus operators.

Increasing seatbelt use has been a major focus, including fitting seatbelts to more rural, regional and outer-metropolitan buses, and delivering the ‘Buckle Up on the Bus’ safety campaign, which encourages passengers—particularly children and young people—to wear seatbelts where they are provided on buses.

Work to address the Taskforce’s remaining recommendations is ongoing and Transport for NSW continues to work closely with industry through audits, engagement, and education to strengthen safety practices and meet regulatory requirements.

As part of its broader commitment to road safety, the NSW Government is continuing to deliver the $2.8 billion Towards Zero Safer Roads Program which is focused on reducing fatalities and serious injuries through evidence-based road safety improvements across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW, with 62 per cent of road safety funding in 2026-27 to go to regional areas.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to thank Jim Modrouvanos and the Office of Transport Safety Investigations for this important work that will make the people of NSW safer.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors, families, first responders and the entire community affected by this tragedy, which continues to have a profound impact.

“We can’t undo the immense loss and trauma caused by this crash, but we learn and change from it – and we are doing that.

“The recommendations in OTSI’s report provide a clear path to strengthening safety across our bus network, and the NSW Government is committed to acting on them for our communities.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“This tragedy deeply affected families and communities right across Australia, but particularly NSW and the Hunter, where its impact continues to be felt every day.

“Having spoken with family members who lost their loved ones, I know that no amount of time that passes can reduce the devastation and loss they feel. The grief and trauma of this loss will last a lifetime.

“That’s why safety must always remain at the centre of every decision we make across our road and transport network. To ensure that other families do not have to share this trauma and loss.

“By acting on OTSI’s recommendations and continuing to invest in safer roads, safer vehicles and stronger safety standards – we will reduce risks and better protect the people who use our road and transport system every day.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Transport for NSW again extends its heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.

“We have already begun delivering on OTSI’s recommendations. A key part of this work is our ongoing collaboration with NSW Police, NSW Health, Australian Government agencies and industry partners to improve safety outcomes across the network.

“We will continue implementing recommendations from both OTSI and the Bus Industry Taskforce, with a focus on practical measures that improve passenger safety and strengthen public confidence in the bus industry.”

Minns Labor Government delivering better healthcare for the Eurobodalla community

Work on the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is progressing quickly, with upgrades to connecting roads underway, the helipad under construction and the internal fit out of several clinical and support departments well progressed.

Premier Chris Minns will today tour the construction sites of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and the Batemans Bay Community Health facility, as work progresses to deliver expanded healthcare facilities to communities across the South Coast.

The Minns Labor Government’s $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will deliver expanded world-class services in a modern, purpose-built facility, providing care to communities from Narooma to Batemans Bay and significantly improving access to essential health services.

The new Hospital will have an emergency department larger than currently available at Moruya and Batemans Bay combined, it will feature the region’s first intensive care unit and new services which will mean in some cases patients no longer need to travel to Canberra, Bega or Shoalhaven for care.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital includes:

An Emergency Department
An eight-bed Intensive Care/Close Observation Unit — the region’s first Intensive Care Unit
Surgical and operating theatres, including a day-stay surgical unit
Expanded chemotherapy and renal dialysis services
An expanded medical imaging department, including MRI
Ambulatory care and outpatient services
Paediatric and maternity services, with a special care nursery
Mental health beds for short-term care
Education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory

Key medical equipment is being installed throughout the facility, including an MRI machine, CT scanner, as well as X-ray and ultrasound equipment, which will expand access to medical imaging services for the growing South Coast community.

Additionally, the hospital’s main entrance is taking shape with a new canopy structure now in place and landscaping around the hospital progressing, creating welcoming outdoor areas for patients, visitors and staff.

Construction of the $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility is also making significant progress, with the building façade nearing completion and internal fit-out well underway.

The new health facility is located on the existing Batemans Bay Hospital site and, together with the existing Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, it will provide the community with convenient access to both health services.

The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver the health facilities growing communities around NSW need delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities, after the Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major hospital projects around NSW.

Premier Chris Minns:

“I’m excited to see the significant progress that has been made here at Eurobodalla, this facility is going to make a major difference to healthcare in the region.

“With more ED beds than currently on offer at both Moruya and Batemans Bay Hospitals, the first intensive care unit in the region and new services which will mean patients no longer have to travel to Bega, Shoalhaven or Canberra, this facility is an investment in the future of this region.

“No one will be more excited to see Eurobodalla Hospital open its doors than Dr Michael Holland, the Member for Bega is a lifelong advocate for healthcare in this region and has been fighting for this brand-new hospital for a very long time.”

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will transform access to healthcare across the region, with expanded services and contemporary facilities designed to meet the needs of a growing community.

“The Minns Government is investing in the essential services the Eurobodalla community needs, delivering more beds, more hospitals, and more staff for the region.

“Once complete, the Batemans Bay Community Health facility and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, will provide the south communities with greater access to healthcare, closer to home.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“As a Doctor, I know how important timely access to high-quality healthcare is for patients and their families. That’s why seeing the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital taking shape is so significant for our community.

“This new hospital will provide a level of care that has never before been available in the Eurobodalla, including the region’s first Intensive Care Unit, expanded emergency services, advanced medical imaging and a broader range of specialist services closer to home.

“It’s also wonderful to see the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility progressing so well. Together, these projects represent a once-in-a-generation investment in healthcare that will improve access to services, support our dedicated health professionals and deliver better health outcomes for communities across the Eurobodalla for decades to come.”