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Funding boost enables delivery of social and affordable homes on the Central Coast

Construction has begun on a new housing development in Woy Woy that will deliver 21 much-needed social and affordable homes for the Central Coast.

It’s all part of the Minns Labor Government’s record-breaking $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver 8,400 new social homes and upgrades to 30,000 existing ones.

The project will revitalise vacant and underused land to deliver high-quality a high-quality, modern mix of 12 social and nine affordable units and villas, featuring communal areas and shared gardens for approximately 21 residents.

The NSW Government has invested $4.8 million into the project, partnering with Housing Australia and Pacific Link Housing, as part of a coordinated effort with the Commonwealth to increase housing supply.

Designed to meet the needs of its future community, the new homes will be just two kilometres from the CBD and within walking distance of parks, schools, childcare, and public transport, providing convenient access to everyday essentials and services.

Construction is expected to be complete by August-2027.

The Minns Labor Government has delivered 82 public homes on the Central Coast since April 2023, with a further 19 set for completion in the next six months.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Addressing the housing crisis requires all levels of government to work together, and this Woy Woy project shows exactly what can be achieved when we partner to deliver more homes where they are needed most.

“These 21 new social and affordable homes will provide safe, modern and secure housing for Central Coast residents while ensuring the area remains a vibrant and inclusive community where locals, key workers and seniors can find a home that suits their needs.

“We cannot solve homelessness without more homes and that’s why we are on a mission to transform underutilised land into places people in need can call home and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in Woy Woy.”

Minister for Central Coast David Harris said:

“This another win for Woy Woy, transforming under-utilised land into high-quality, modern homes for our growing community.

“I know the Central Coast needs more social homes for people in our community doing it tough and our government is delivering. These new homes are just the latest example of how we are investing in putting a roof over the heads of people who really need it, but they won’t be the last.”

Member Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Under the former Liberal National Government, social housing was neglected and sold off. I am proud the NSW Labor Government is investing a record-breaking amount in social and affordable housing here on the Central Coast.

“This boost to the social and affordable housing stock is a welcome addition, with well-built, well-located social and affordable homes being delivered in the heart of Woy Woy.”

Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford said:

“Delivering more homes for Australians requires strong and sustained collaboration across government, community housing and the private sector. This project at Woy Woy demonstrates the impact that coordinated investment can have in accelerating new supply where it’s needed most.”

Critical New England Highway corridor transformed with $15.67 million upgrade

A major safety transformation on one of the most important highways in regional NSW is now complete, thanks to a $15.7 million upgrade funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

Motorists are set to benefit from safer, smoother and more reliable journeys through Sidling Hill on the New England Highway at Kentucky, after a critical 4km stretch of the highway was upgraded south of Uralla.

The project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments under the Road Safety Program.

The works mark the completion of the second stage of the Sidling Hill upgrades, building on earlier improvements delivered to the north and south and creating a consistent, higher safety standard through this challenging section of highway.

The first stage of works strengthened the corridor with improved road alignment, upgraded barriers and enhanced line marking to reduce the risk of serious crashes through the steep and winding terrain. Stage 2 has delivered:

Wider road shoulders to improve recovery space
New rumble strips to prevent run-off-road crashes
Extended southbound overtaking lanes to reduce driver frustration and unsafe manoeuvres
Additional safety barriers to better protect motorists.

Around 4,000 vehicles travel this stretch of highway every day, including approximately 650 heavy vehicles, making this a vital freight and commuter link connecting communities across regional NSW.

Transport crews will carry out minor finishing work including line marking in coming weeks, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“Investing in safer roads in regional Australia means fewer serious crashes and more Australians getting home safely to their loved ones.

“This is one of the largest and most complex safety upgrades delivered in this part of the state, and it will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists and hundreds of heavy vehicles that use this route every day.

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Minns Labor Government to deliver major safety upgrades on key regional highways like the New England Highway.”

Federal Senator for NSW, Tim Ayres:

“This upgrade is about delivering the critical infrastructure regional communities rely on every day for easier journeys, safer roads and more reliable freight routes.

“This is one of the most important highways in regional NSW – and the Albanese Labor Government’s investment delivers important safety upgrades for the 4,000 motorists who use this stretch of the New England Highway every day.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are delivering real safety upgrades on regional highways because people in the bush deserve the same high safety standards as motorists anywhere else in NSW.

“Sidling Hill is a challenging section of road. By widening shoulders, extending overtaking lanes and installing additional safety barriers, we’re reducing the risk of serious crashes and helping more people get home safely.

“This project is part of a broader program of improvements along the New England Highway – strengthening this critical corridor for local families, freight operators and visitors alike.”

NSW Duty MLC for the Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose:

“As the Duty MLC for this region, I know how important the New England Highway is for local communities, freight operators and the many people who travel through the Northern Tablelands every day.

“These upgrades at Sidling Hill will make a real difference for the thousands of motorists who rely on this road, delivering a safer and more reliable journey through what has long been a challenging section of highway.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in safer regional roads so communities like Kentucky, Uralla and the wider New England area stay well connected and people can travel with greater confidence.”

Fuel Security Crisis Exposes Energy Policy Failures

This week a war started in the Middle East, a war that will pause the importation of 20% of Australia’s oil supplies.

Labor has not increased our reserve oil supplies or prepared our nation for this shock since taking office four years ago.

As the Maritime Union of Australia said this week,

“Australia is an energy exporting nation. It is indefensible that we cannot guarantee our own fuel supply. Fuel sovereignty is a national responsibility. The time for half measures has passed; decisive action is required now.”

Our oil reserves are running low, primarily because of the idiotic energy policies pushed by Labor and the Greens, and too often implemented by the Liberals, which have shut down our domestic oil refining capabilities.

The United States has been very clear for a long period of time that war with Iran was imminent.

Never once did Labor pause and reflect on their policies or increase our strategic reserves of oil.

Like a tone-deaf school prefect, Labor Minister Tanya Plibersek screeched at Barnaby Joyce on national TV this week that, and we quote, “this is a good reason to have electric vehicles”.

Those outrageous comments drove Barnaby Joyce to despair.

One Nation has long had a raft of policies that would increase our domestic supply of energy, including oil. We would protect our domestic market from shocks like this by increasing our strategic reserves and halving the tax on petrol, which Labor has raised eight times since taking office.

Labor will seek to profit from this war, whereas One Nation would give back to taxpayers and battlers.

On May 9 the electorate of Farrer will get a chance to vote on the policies that Labor, the Greens, the Teals and the Liberals have been using to damage Australia.

This electoral test will primarily be about energy. The cost of fuel is a primary driver of inflation and increases the cost of everything.

When all is said and done, Australia can walk one of two paths. The left wants energy poverty, no manufacturing, a destroyed rural sector and citizens living in tents.

Or Australians can back a party prepared to rebuild our nation, cut red tape, stop government waste and lower taxes. Most of all we have a plan to make energy, both petrol and electricity, substantially cheaper.

It’s that simple. The Farrer by-election is the choice between One Nation’s offer of hope and better living standards, or more of the radical left’s destruction of Australia. Because remember, the Teals and the Liberal Party vote with Anthony Albanese more often than they oppose him.

Charges laid as critical incident investigation continues – Newcastle

Charges have been laid after a man was shot by police in Newcastle this week, critical incident investigation continues.

The Northern Operations Support Group and Northern Region Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team attended a unit block on Honeysuckle Drive about 8.30am on Tuesday (3 March 2026), to arrest a man wanted on five outstanding arrest warrants.

Officers forced entry to a unit where a man – allegedly armed with a knife – confronted police.

Two Tasers were deployed; however, both were ineffective against the man.

The man allegedly continued threatening officers with the knife before a police officer discharged a firearm, shooting the man.

The 36-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition before being airlifted to the Royal North Shore Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition, under police guard.

Police have been told that the man’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The five outstanding warrants for domestic violence, firearm, drug and traffic offences have subsequently been executed.

The matters were mentioned in Bail Division – Court 2 on Wednesday (4 March 2026) and were mentioned in the same court again today (Friday 6 March 2026).

A critical incident team from Lake Macquarie Police District will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).

Appeal to locate man missing from Rutherford

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Thomas Smith, aged 25, was last seen on Benjamin Circle, Rutherford, on Wednesday 28 January 2026.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Thursday 6 March 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare.

Thomas is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with medium build and brown hair.

He is known to drive a red Honda Jazz with NSW registration CHW81E.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Port Stephens Hunter police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

New rental assistance announced for New Lambton residents as recovery efforts continue

The NSW Government will provide additional financial support to assist residents impacted by the New Lambton landslip, ensuring familes have housing security while long-term recovery options are considered.

From May, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will provide funding for eligible residents directly impacted by the landslip to assist with alternative accommodation for up to 12 months.

The funding will allow residents to remain in alternative accommodation while the City of Newcastle and the NSW Reconstruction Authority explore potential long-term steps for the site, following the release of the geotechnical report and engineering assessments into the landslip.

The NSW Government has been working closely with the City of Newcastle since the landslip occurred, previously providing emergency accommodation, one-off financial assistance for renters, and up to $900 personal hardship grants.

Additionally, Council was granted $1 million through the Community Recovery Support Fund for immediate clean-up/make safe works on community assets not covered by standard disaster funding.

Representatives from the NSW Reconstruction Authority this week met with Council and impacted residents to discuss the geotechnical report.

Directly impacted New Lambton residents, eligible for the rental assistance, will be contacted by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said :

Safety and certainty are two of the most important things people crave after a disaster. This rental assistance will take the immediate pressure off New Lambton residents while we work alongside them and the City of Newcastle on the next steps for recovery.

I want to particularly thank the Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison, who has been a tireless advocate for her community, working closely with me to ensure that the voices of impacted residents are heard.

There is no quick fix, but we’re committed to sitting at the table with the community and Council and to navigate these challenges together.

We understand the distress these disasters cause. Our role is to provide the necessary support to ensure the residents of New Lambton are not facing their recovery alone.”

Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison said:

We have listened and understand the financial stress that the affected New Lambton residents are facing.

I’m pleased that this additional rental assistance is now being offered and it will go some way to supporting residents, as the government works through the findings of the geotechnical report and next steps.

I will continue to work with the government, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and the Reconstruction Authority to make sure residents’ voices are heard, and that they continue to be supported through the recovery process.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Chief Executive Officer Kate Fitzgerald said:

We know recovery takes time, especially with complex events like the New Lambton landslip, and I’d like to thank residents and Council for the open discussions we’ve had .

RA met with Council and residents this week and remains firmly committed to working closely with those impacted to identify clear, long‑term solutions.”

FOI Bill scrapped in victory of transparency over Labor’s secrecy

The Albanese Government today finally admitted defeat and scrapped its toxic Freedom of Information bill after massive community backlash and almost unanimous opposition from all political parties except Labor.

The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 was justified by the Government on a series of false claims about foreign bots abusing FOI and the need for even more secrecy to “protect” government decision-making.

After close scrutiny from parliament and civil society, it was clear that Labor’s FOI “reforms” would only make the FOI system more expensive, more secretive and even slower.

No one outside of the Government supported this Bill, and this backdown from Labor is a recognition of the reality that their FOI reforms had no friends and no supporters inside or outside Parliament.

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

“This Bill was written by a Government high on hubris with an addiction to secrecy. This Bill had no friends inside or outside of Parliament and Labor has finally recognised this.

“Labor’s attack was never about fixing FOI for the public, it was about making it harder to see what the Government was doing.

“The problem with FOIs is not that the public is getting too much information, it’s that the government is spending a million hours of bureaucrats’ time a year refusing and redacting applications.

“The claims from Labor that AI ‘bots’ were to blame for vexatious FOI claims were based on zero evidence. The threat to the public’s right to know isn’t from Russian bots, it’s from the Labor Cabinet.

“The Albanese Labor Government has been one of the most secretive Governments in Australian history. This commitment to keep the public in the dark must end with the death of this Bill.

“Now that this Bill has been withdrawn, it is time for a positive way forward in FOI reform.

“What is now needed is an open public consultation process with public submissions and real transparency that can build public confidence in positive FOI reforms.”

To build a hotel, or not to build a hotel? Uncertain future for land around major stadiums

The NSW Government is keeping communities in the dark about plans for publicly-owned land around four major sporting stadiums. The Sporting Venues Authorities Amendment Bill 2025, which has already passed the lower house of the Parliament, would enable residential and tourist accommodation on public land near stadiums in Newcastle, Wollongong, Parramatta and Penrith.

In last week’s Budget Estimates, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said that there would not be any hotels built on the Venues NSW land surrounding WIN Stadium in Wollongong, following Dr Cohn’s questions.

But today Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper told the Budget Estimates hearing: “We’re legislating across the board for residential and hotel accommodation on all sites… We didn’t want to have any restrictions on any of our land holdings.”

Greens spokesperson for Sport and Recreation Dr Amanda Cohn asked Minister Kamper whether he would amend legislation to limit accommodation development in keeping with announced plans, for example at the site of the current car park adjacent to McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle as outlined by the Broadmeadow Place Strategy.

Dr Cohn told the hearing:

“There’s a real inconsistency between what the government is saying they’re going to do at these sites and what you’re wanting legislation to permit you to do on these sites.”

“The legislation you’ve put forward would allow development not only in that carpark but also at the showground and on the land that’s currently the hockey fields and the Knights Centre of Excellence.”

According to Dr Cohn, the NSW Government is attempting to quietly pass this legislation without community consultation or scrutiny.

“The land belongs to all of us,” Dr Cohn said.

“Venues NSW was created to manage major facilities for sport and entertainment events, not to act as a real-estate arm for the government,” Dr Cohn said.

“This bill is quietly opening the door to for-profit accommodation on public land, and it’s not consistent with the plans the government has announced for Wollongong or for Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle forging new bonds across generations at Newcastle Libraries

Tiny hands and great wisdom are coming together as part of new program created by City of Newcastle to encourage shared moments of connection between different generations.

Little and Wise pairs pint-sized storytellers from Merindah Children’s Centre with residents from Uniting Koombahla aged care facility for shared adventures in creativity, play and learning.

From L-R: Aged care resident Mary Michel and Merindah preschooler Laine join Newcastle Libraries Head of Service Delivery Mala Scorse for the final Little and Wise session at Wallsend Library.The four-week program, being delivered at Wallsend Library, is designed to strengthen social connections across generations through guided sessions and hands-on activities including storytelling, art, music, gardening, movement and technology-based activities.

Newcastle Libraries Director Julie Baird said Little and Wise reflects the evolving role of libraries as inclusive community spaces.

“Libraries play an increasingly important role as welcoming places where people can come together, access support and build relationships,” Ms Baird said.

“It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact, helping children build confidence and communication skills, while supporting older residents to stay socially connected and engaged in their community.

“The program is designed to bring generations together so they can learn from their shared experiences. These interactions build empathy, mutual respect and emotional connections that might not otherwise happen in our busy lives.”

Each session begins with group story time led by library staff using large-format picture books, before participants move into one-on-one reading and hands-on activities designed to encourage interaction, communication and creativity.

The inaugural program wraps up at Wallsend Library this week before moving on to Newcastle City Library for the next four weeks with participants from Maroba Aged Care and Cooks Hill Preschool.

Preschool Educator Bella Goldfinch from Merindah Children’s Centre said the program provided children with the opportunity to experience play and learning in a different setting while building confidence and social skills.

“The program was very engaging, and the joy shown by both groups was truly a special, memorable experience. We have had a lot of positive feedback from the children and families as they have shared stories of the program at home,” Miss Goldfinch said.

Uniting Koombahla Leisure and Wellness Coordinator Irene Ross said the program created valuable opportunities for residents to stay socially active and engaged.

“Seeing two different generations connect is truly wonderful,” Mrs Ross said.

“The little ones are learning how to engage with their wise friends, and wise friends enjoy watching their little friends mind explore the world. Our wise friends have so much fun taking part in activities with the little friends.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson said programs like Little and Wise demonstrate City of Newcastle’s commitment to building inclusive communities.

“Supporting programs that bring our youngest and oldest residents together strengthens the social fabric of our city and ensures everyone has opportunities to participate in community life,” Cr Richardson said.

“The initiative reflects the evolving role of libraries as community hubs. Libraries are more than places to borrow books, they are welcoming spaces that support learning, connection and wellbeing.

“Little and Wise is a great example of how City of Newcastle is working with community partners to deliver programs that benefit both young children and older residents.”

Little and Wise is supported through the Australian Library and Information Association’s Community Cohesion Program, which delivers more than 750 learning programs across public and university libraries nationally.

Following the completion of the first two rounds of the program, it will be evaluated to inform future delivery. Sessions are currently limited to children from selected children’s centres and childcare facilities.

Government moves to make feral pig and deer management bigger and better as nearly 250k pigs culled over past three years

The Minns Labor Government has sought a technical review of feral pig and deer management to build on the historic levels of success that have seen almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across NSW in the past three years.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty has announced following the Government’s record $40 million investment in the program, the appointment of a feral pig coordinator and implementation of the Biosecurity Action Plan, the Government is doing even more to support farmers across NSW.

The success of the program, which has seen some 240,000 feral pigs controlled over the past three years, has been built on increased aerial culling, a huge free bait program, and the promotion of landholders working together to address the common problem.

Responding to feral pigs and pests is a key part of the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity program designed to protect the State’s $25 billion primary industries sectors.

The Government will continue to work with landholders who have responsibility to manage feral pests on their properties.

To ensure the Government can continue to build on the success of its pest control program, Minister Moriarty has tasked the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift, to investigate ways to further improve feral pig and deer management in NSW.

Minister Moriarty will be requesting the Independent Commissioner to consider and recommend actions that will:

Examine the best available tools and techniques for controlling feral pigs and deer at a regional scale, including new and emerging technologies.
Work through the challenges of delivering feral pest programs across different landscapes and land tenures
Increase landholder participation in regional programs, to ensure landholders deliver on their biosecurity duty and improve the success of on-ground management efforts including trapping and baiting.

Preliminary advice will be delivered to the NSW Government in June 2026 and a final report will be delivered in October 2026.

The review comes in the wake of another highly successful aerial shooting operation which removed 2,276 feral pigs over five days in the Mungery and Dandaloo area, near the Bogan River, an hour west of Dubbo.

The Government’s Local Land Services carried out the shoot across more than 149,000 hectares of land, including private farmland and publicly managed travelling stock reserves and State Forest.

Since 2023, coordinated aerial shooting, trapping and baiting programs in this area has seen more than two tonnes of baited grain provided to landholders and undertaken three aerial shooting programs.

Over the next two months, Local Land Services is planning to undertake another 17 aerial shooting operations in different locations across NSW, targeting feral pigs and other pest animals.

Aerial shooting is a key component of coordinated control programs, that follows months of work being undertaken with primary control measures such as baiting and trapping.

These primary control methods are currently the most effective at reducing large feral pig numbers, with aerial shooting used in combination to address any remaining pigs.

Local Land Services helps facilitate broadscale, cross-tenure pest animal control programs across NSW in line with Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plans, working closely with landholders to coordinate control efforts.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said:

“The NSW Government’s feral pig and pest program is culling more pigs than ever before but there is still more work to be done.

“The recent arial shoot west of Dubbo demonstrates that feral pigs will continue to be a problem particularly when conditions are favorable and numbers are increasing.

“We are supporting landowners to carry out coordinated ground control before and after the aerial shoot, to deliver best practice pest animal management.

“Dr Katherine Clift’s review into our feral pig program is an important next step in making sure we are getting the most out of the program.

“The findings will help refine how public and private land managers work together, ensuring control programs are consistent, practical and responsive to local needs.”