$7 billion pumped hydro projects declared critical for NSW

Two multi-billion-dollar renewable energy projects with the potential to power over 1 million homes in peak demand have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the Minns Labor Government.

Worth more than $7 billion, the projects, if approved, would help secure the state’s clean energy future.

The projects declared are:

  • The $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Burragorang, is a ZEN Energy which will have the potential to power 500,000 homes.
  • The $3.6 billion Yarrabin (Phoenix) Pumped Hydro Project near Mudgee in Central West NSW, is a ACEN Australia project which will have the capacity to power 600,000 homes.

Both projects, are in the early planning stages and are located on WaterNSW land.

A comprehensive assessment will still be undertaken on each of the projects, including public exhibition and an opportunity for submissions from the community.

The Minns Labor Government has approved more renewables projects in three years than the last twelve years combined. With approved 44 renewable energy projects have been approved since 2023 that, when built, will generate enough electricity to power 5.2 million homes.

There are currently more than 50 renewable energy, storage and transmission projects under assessment. If approved, these 13.5 GW of generation projects could produce enough electricity to power about 6 million homes.

A further 196 projects, including solar, wind, battery storage and pumped hydro projects are at various stages in the planning pipeline.

Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“These projects will help stabilise the grid, support energy reliability during peak demand periods and underpin the transition away from coal‑fired power.

“Long‑duration storage like pumped hydro is essential to building a modern energy system that works for households, businesses and industry across NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These two pumped hydro projects could play a vital role in supporting our energy security together able to generate enough energy to power every home in Greater Perth during peak demand.

“These projects are part of a strong pipeline of renewable energy proposals that shows industry confidence in our planning system and our commitment to delivering the infrastructure NSW needs for a clean energy future.”

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Water is vital to our everyday lives and these projects could further harness it to power more than a million homes.

“Importantly WaterNSW has already conducted a number of initial assessments to make sure these projects won’t impact water security or quality and we will continue to do analysis regularly, to help inform the planning and assessment processes.”

Transport Oriented Development unlocks more than 31,000 homes

The Minns Labor Government has finalised planning controls in four more Transport Oriented Development precincts in agreement with the relevant local councils which together unlock more than 31,000 new homes near metro and train stations.

The NSW Government worked closely with Penrith City, Canterbury-Bankstown and Burwood councils to finalise their masterplans around St Marys, Croydon, Belmore and Lakemba stations.

The new tailored plans will have unlocked thousands of additional homes across the precincts by allowing taller, mixed-use buildings in existing centres, with new infrastructure, community facilities and open spaces.

We have now finalised planning controls in 35 of 37 TOD precincts and a strong pipeline of development is underway with almost 18,000 homes the planning system including more than 1700 that have already been approved. 

St Marys

Penrith City Council’s plan will unlock 11,500 homes the new scheme adding an extra 10, 000 homes near the upcoming St Marys metro station, by allowing buildings of up to 18 storeys.

The council plan will also be a major employment booster expected to help create an estimated 8,000 new jobs, rejuvenating Queen Street as a mixed-use entertainment and dining precinct.

Planned improvements include a new ‘Central Park’, future library and community hub, cycle and pedestrian links, and public open spaces.

Belmore and Lakemba

Canterbury-Bankstown Council’s alternative scheme will unlock more than 18,000 homes allowing buildings up to 18 storeys near the soon to open Belmore and Lakemba metro stations.

The plan will see Belmore and Lakemba’s main streets revitalised, with new shop-top housing, shops and services and provide new and improved public open spaces and pedestrian links.

Croydon

Burwood Council has prepared an alternative scheme that protects heritage areas while spreading new homes across Croydon and Burwood North.

The master plan will help deliver about 1,840 homes at Croydon concentrating most of the growth near the station in buildings up to 10 storeys high.

Additional homes originally set to be delivered in Croydon have been redistributed to Burwood North which is expected to deliver a total of 15, 000 homes.

The formalisation of TOD controls means developers can now lodge applications and bypass lengthy rezoning processes.

The Minns Labor Government introduced the TOD program in May 2024 to deliver more affordable, well-designed, and well-located homes within 400m of 37 stations across NSW.

For more information about the Transport Oriented Development program, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The finalisation of planning controls in each of these Transport Oriented Development areas is a major milestone which will ultimately put more keys in more doors.

“Penrith City Council, Burwood Council and City of Canterbury Bankstown have all stepped up to the plate delivering quality local planning which will enable more homes close to transport, jobs and services.

“It’s particularly great to see councils like Penrith using this as an opportunity to also revitalise local business to create vibrant local neighbourhoods where people want to live.

“Every finalisation builds further momentum behind the Transport Oriented Development program which has already got a strong pipeline of almost 18, 000 homes in the planning system of which around 10 per cent are already approved.”

Illawarra welcomes 63 new junior doctors

Public Hospitals in the Illawarra Shoalhaven have welcomed 63 new medical graduate interns, providing a welcome boost to the local health workforce.

Having completed their orientation, the junior doctors are already providing care to local patients and much needed support to the region’s hardworking health staff.

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to gain general registration.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

The interns also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The Minns Labor Government is building an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
  • Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
  • Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;
  • Supporting our future health workforce by providing them with study subsidies; and

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“These new medical graduate interns already play an important role in helping to provide high-quality care in our public hospitals. We are proud to have them on our team.

“Choosing to work here in NSW means these new junior doctors will have the opportunity to learn from some of the country’s very best, as part of Australia’s largest health system.”

“From doctors, to nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals – we are rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully

“This is another great boost to our local health workforce which will make sure people can access quality healthcare when they need it.

“These junior doctors will bolster the already great staff of nurses, paramedics, doctors midwives and allied health professionals which serve our community everyday.” 

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“Welcoming 63 new medical graduate interns to our Illawarra Shoalhaven public hospitals is a real boost for patients, staff and the future of local healthcare. These junior doctors are already making a difference on the ground, while gaining invaluable experience alongside our highly skilled health professionals. It’s a clear example of our commitment to building a strong, supported health workforce that delivers high-quality care close to home.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“Welcoming 63 new medical interns to the Illawarra Shoalhaven is a fantastic boost for our local health services and our community,”

“These junior doctors are the future of our health system, and through the Minns Labor Government’s investment in wages, training and workforce support, we’re ensuring they have the skills, experience and backing they need to deliver high-quality care for patients across our region.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney

‘It is wonderful to have more junior doctors boosting the capacity of our local health system. The Minns Labor Government is delivering for regional communities by investing in health workforce as we prepare for the redeveloped Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and the new Shellharbour Hospital.’

9,000 more NSW families need emergency help for their energy bills

The NSW Labor Government’s energy affordability crisis is spiralling out of control, with the Government’s own annual reports revealing a shocking 12% year-on-year surge in families needing emergency crisis payments just to pay their power bills.

Shadow Minister for Energy James Griffin said the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s 2024-2025 annual report[1] exposed a catastrophic worsening of the energy affordability crisis on Labor’s watch, with an extra 9,000 families pushed into crisis in just one year.
“In their first full year in government, 75,000 NSW families needed crisis help with their power bills. Just one year later, that number has exploded to 84,000 – a 12% increase,” Mr Griffin said.

Mr Griffin said the 12% year-on-year increase represented real NSW families being pushed further into hardship under Labor.

“Every one of those 84,000 crisis payments represents a family in desperate circumstances who are choosing between heating and key items like food. The NSW Government can no longer hide from the fact that their energy transition is failing,” he said.

“That’s 9,000 more NSW families in desperate crisis this year compared to last. Under Labor, the energy affordability situation isn’t improving – it’s getting dramatically worse.”
 
Mr Griffin said despite Labor throwing billions of dollars at the problem through various rebates and relief packages, the underlying energy affordability crisis had worsened dramatically.

The annual reports reveal the devastating scale of Labor’s energy policy failure across two consecutive years in government:

  • 2023-24 (Labor’s first full year): 75,000 households in crisis, $30.6 million in emergency support
  • 2024-25 (Labor’s second year): 84,000+ households in crisis, $33 million in emergency support

“Since Labor came to power, there have been 159,000 instances where NSW families couldn’t afford to keep their lights on without emergency government intervention,” Mr Griffin said.

“Labor promised affordable, reliable renewable energy. Instead they’re delivering soaring bills, looming blackouts and a renewable energy roadmap that’s hopelessly failing,” Mr Griffin said.

“NSW families deserve an energy policy that delivers affordability and reliability, not one that drives thousands more into crisis every year. This Government has proven beyond doubt it cannot deliver either.”

Bondi Junction tragedy: coronial inquest findings

The Bondi Junction tragedy was a senseless attack that shocked our state and the eastern suburbs community. 

We continue to remember the six innocent victims who were murdered that day, Pikria Darchia, Ashlee Good, Dawn Singleton, Jade Young, Cheng Yixuan and Faraz Ahmed Tahir. 

On behalf of the NSW Opposition, we extend our ongoing condolences to the families of the victims and all those who still live with the trauma and injuries of that day. 

Today will not be an easy day for many. The State Coroner’s finding’s and 23 recommendations will not heal the hurt the victims and families of that day live with, but they do provide a pathway forward. 

The State Coroner made a number of recommendations in relation to mental health services, which I call on the Government to adopt. 

The Bondi Junction tragedy reminded us of the incredible bravery of our first responders and everyday Australians. 

We honour the bravery of Inspector Amy Scott. As a police officer she has spent her career protecting others, often in the toughest of circumstances. The eastern suburbs community and our entire state stand with Amy as she battles cancer. 

The Opposition support’s the State Coroner’s recommendation to the Council for the Australian Bravery Decorations that Inspector Amy Scott, Ashlee Good, Noel McLaughlin, Damien Guerot (Bollard Man) and Silas Despreaux be recognised for their actions on that day. 

NSW Liberals and Nationals welcome action to protect our kids in NSW early learning

Shadow Minister for Early Learning, Felicity Wilson, today welcomed the work of the NSW Early Learning Commission which confirmed that action is being taken to address the risks our children face in early education and care across NSW. 

“Today’s reporting that early education services are being held to account for lack of compliance is a welcome sign that the NSW Early Learning Commission is working as intended,” Ms Wilson said. 

“However, action needs to be taken sooner to ensure services aren’t failing, and parents and kids aren’t left in the lurch, particularly when places are in such high demand.” 

Last October, the NSW Liberals and Nationals supported laws that created the NSW Early Learning Commission to improve the quality of early education and care across NSW, with child safety key to this reform. 

“This Minns Labor Government needs to ensure early learning is of a quality and standard that parents expect and kids deserve.” 

Ms Wilson added that financial and reputational consequences are clear; if you put children at risk, you will pay the price. 

“It is clear, cutting corners in NSW on children’s safety is not acceptable.” 

“As a mum with a child in childcare at the time, I welcomed the reforms, but there will always be more to do to protect our kids and ensure their early education and care services.” 

“Child safety is not a partisan issue; it is the responsibility of all political parties to ensure that child safety in early education and care is paramount.” 

Ms Wilson concluded that she looks forward to working with stakeholders and parents in 2026 to ensure that when parents send their kids to early learning services, they have confidence that their kids’ safety and wellbeing are protected. 

Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

I am pleased to announce the Governor-General has appointed Mr Simon Duggan as the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).

Mr Duggan has an extensive career in the Australian Public Service most recently as the Deputy Secretary of the Energy Group at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Prior to joining DCCEEW, Mr Duggan was a Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet where he led the Economy and Industry Group and served as Australia’s G20 and G7 plus Sherpa.

Mr Duggan also spent 18 years at the Department of the Treasury, leading on policy reforms relating to the domestic and international economy.

Mr Duggan’s term will commence on 16 February 2026 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Ms Tania Rishniw for acting as Secretary since December 2025.

Man charged over allegedly displaying Nazi symbol – Cessnock

A man has been charged after allegedly displaying Nazi symbols in the state’s Hunter region.


Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation on Saturday 31 January 2026, following reports Nazi symbols were displayed on a council issued bin in Cessnock.

Following inquiries, a 44-year-old man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice today (Thursday 5 February 2026), for the charge of knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse.

He is due to face Cessnock Local Court on Thursday 19 March 2026.

Delivering the Future Defence Estate

The Albanese Government is undertaking the most significant reform to the Defence estate ever to ensure it is fit‑for‑purpose – providing the ADF with the facilities and capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.

Today, the Albanese Government has released a public version of the Defence Estate Audit and the Government’s response to it – agreeing or agreeing-in-principle to all 20 of the Audit’s recommendations.

Commissioned following the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, Ms Jan Mason and Mr Jim Miller led an independent process to assess whether the estate is fit‑for‑purpose and provides the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the facilities and capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.

Key areas of focus for the Audit included strengthening the resilience of the Defence estate, mechanisms to accelerate delivery of major infrastructure, and options for consolidation of underutilised facilities.

The Defence Estate Audit found: 

“Defence is constrained by the weight of its past when it comes to management of the estate. 

“Today’s estate footprint comprises numerous legacy sites without a clear ongoing link to current or future capabilities. 

“Urgent interventions are needed to correct the unsustainable trajectory that has resulted from decades of deferred decisions on contentious estate issues.”

The Audit’s 20 recommendations aim to transition the estate toward a more modern, future‑focused and fit-for-purpose capability that best enables the ADF in its tasks. 

The Audit’s first recommendation, which the Government has agreed to, calls for Defence to “reduce its property holdings through focussed divestment of sites at market value in areas not aligned with current or future capability priorities”.

The Government received the Audit at the end of 2023 and has since taken the necessary and appropriate time to assess potential impacts on personnel, capability and broader community groups.

A total of 68 sites were identified for divestment by the Audit. Following assessment, the Government has agreed to: 

  • Wholly divest 64 sites, three of which have been divested since the Audit’s commissioning: Magnetic Island (QLD), Haberfield Training Depot (NSW) and Garbutt (QLD)
  • Partially divest three sites: HMAS Penguin (NSW), RAAF Williams – Laverton (VIC) and Warradale Barracks (SA)
  • Retain in full one site: Pittwater Annex (NSW)

Some of the sites are historically significant and have important meaning to current and former Defence personnel. The Albanese Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections so that all Australians can celebrate our proud military history.

As part of the divestment process, the Department of Finance will manage the new divestments arising from the Defence Estate Audit. 

Finance is leading this process due to its experience in managing large-scale divestment programs, expertise in divestment and remediation, and oversight of the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy and other land policy and legislation.

All proceeds from divestments under this process will be retained within the Defence portfolio and be reinvested in National Defence Strategy priorities, including continuing to upgrade and strengthen our northern bases.

The Albanese Government thanks Ms Jan Mason and Mr Jim Miller for their diligent, focused Audit, drawing on their experience in estate management, infrastructure development and financial governance.

The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the Australian Defence Force has the facilities and capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe. This means making the hard decisions to transition to a modern Defence estate that reflects the needs of our nation and our Defence personnel.

A copy of the final report and the government’s response is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/defence-estate-audit

A full list of sites is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate

The Department of Finance expression of interest site is available here: https://www.finance.gov.au/government/property-and-construction/divestments/defence-estate-audit

Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence: 

“In order for the Australian Defence Force to protect our nation and keep Australians safe, it must have a Defence estate that meets its operational and capability needs.

“For many years this has not been the case, with many Defence sites vacant, decaying, underutilised and costing millions of dollars to maintain. That is why the Albanese Government is undertaking the most significant reform to the Defence estate in Australia’s history.

“We know this is significant and challenging reform, but we are clear-eyed and committed to seeing it through, because it is the right thing to do in the national interest.”

Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance:

“The Department of Finance has the expertise to manage the large-scale Defence estate divestment program.

“This approach will ensure sites identified by the Audit are sold at market value, with careful consideration of remediation, heritage and community impacts. Importantly, proceeds will be reinvested in key Defence priorities.”

Peter Khalil, Assistant Minister for Defence: 

“We promised to ensure taxpayer money spent within Defence is aligned with the public’s expectations, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“These reforms present a once in a generation opportunity to reposition Australia’s Defence estate to ensure it meets the strategic challenges we are facing, and enhance our ability to maintain the stability of our region.

“The Defence estate plays such an important role for our Defence personnel and within the broader community. We will continue to support and engage closely with the community as these reforms are implemented.”

Dr Yang Jun

Today marks two years since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, received a suspended death sentence in Beijing.

Dr Yang has demonstrated remarkable resilience and fortitude in the face of great challenges for the past seven years of his detention.

The Australian Government has made clear to China that we remain appalled by Dr Yang’s suspended death sentence.

Dr Yang is entitled to basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations. We advocate consistently for Dr Yang’s welfare and conditions.

Today our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his loved ones. We want to see him reunited with his family.

The Government will continue to advocate for Dr Yang at every opportunity.