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A further 17 projects have been declared as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of the declared proposals, 12 are in metropolitan Sydney and five are in regional New South Wales.

If all are lodged and approved, it could create almost 4000 homes including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, on the recommendation of the HDA, 493 proposals have been declared SSD, which would create close to 153,000 homes.  

Fourteen of these proposals have been approved, unlocking more than 2500 homes.  

State Significant Development applications have been lodged for a further 81 projects representing around 26,600 potential homes.

State significant development declarations have been revoked from seven proposals which failed to meet timelines or where the applicant decided not to proceed.  

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.  

The Ministerial Order can be found here: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/Orders.

Queanbeyan and surrounding communities are set to benefit from a boost to frontline healthcare, with an additional 14 paramedics due to start in early 2027.

These paramedics will be part of the fourth intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW as part of the Minns Labor Government’s regional 500 initiative. This expansion will help strengthen emergency and mobile healthcare services across the southern NSW region and support growing demand for ambulance services.

NSW Ambulance is continuing consultation with staff and the Health Services Union to finalise proposals for the remainder of the fourth intake of 125 paramedics planned for regional NSW under the program.

Under the Regional 500 initiative, an additional 58 paramedics are already working across the southern part of the state, including 17 additional paramedics who commenced at Cooma Ambulance Station earlier this year.

The fourth intake follows the successful rollout of previous Regional 500 cohorts, with 375 paramedics commencing work across regional NSW since the initiative launched in 2024.

Future locations continue to be determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence-based service and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is delivering on our commitment to strengthen ambulance services in regional, rural and remote communities by rolling out an additional 500 paramedics across the state.

“We are recruiting more paramedics and building more ambulance stations to deliver faster response times and better outcomes for communities like Queanbeyan.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are rebuilding a strong healthcare workforce to ensure our essential services can meet community needs, now and into the future.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“This upgrade is all about the growth Queanbeyan is experiencing with new communities in Googong and South Jerrabomberra.

“My first task in 2023 was to get our Queanbeyan ambulance service up to the staffing levels it was meant to have – fixing the Nationals neglect. Since then I have focused on making sure we have enough paramedics for the future to make sure Googong and South Jerrabomberra residents get appropriate response times.

“I’ve worked closely with Health Minister Ryan Park and the Ambulance service on this and this massive boost of 14 paramedics is by far the best way of giving our communities the service they need.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“The Regional 500 initiative is helping NSW Ambulance build a stronger and more sustainable workforce to help us meet increasing demand for ambulance services across the state.

“NSW Ambulance will continue consulting with staff and unions as we plan for the next intake of paramedics and work to ensure our resources are aligned with the healthcare needs of local communities.”

New scholarships will help veterinary students complete clinical placements in regional NSW, supporting workforce development and encouraging more graduates to pursue careers in rural and regional communities.

The Minns Labor Government today announced at Charles Sturt Univeristy in Wagga Wagga the creation of 94 scholarships for veterinary students to undertake work placements in the bush and regional areas.

This initiative is part of the Minns Government’s plan to address the veterinary workforce shortage in NSW, particularly in regional areas and to maintain a well-functioning veterinary profession to safeguard animal and public health and welfare, plus manage biosecurity threats.  

The Regional Placement Scholarships Program is providing financial support of between $1,500 and $3,000 for 94 veterinary students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the University of Sydney (USYD), to complete their unpaid clinical placements in regional areas.

Students placed in regional veterinary practices experience first hand the benefits of living in regional NSW, and are more likely to be enticed back when they finish their studies, playing a role in supporting the state’s critical agricultural industry.

According to the Australian Veterinarian Association the veterinary workforce shortage is particularly acute in regional areas, with 44 per cent of advertised jobs left vacant for more than 12 months, compared to 28 per cent left vacant in metropolitan areas.

Vet students are required to undertake at least 52 weeks of unpaid work placement and financial pressures are a significant reason many students drop out.

The NSW Government is rolling out a series of support programs to get vets into regional NSW and boost services across the state, by delivering the following:

• The Minns Government’s Welcome Experience Program which has supported the placement of 44 veterinarians and veterinary nurses across NSW so far (by 30 June 2026).
• $900,000 in funding to support to veterinary hospitals for small capital expenditure, consumables and operating costs to assist with wildlife treatment.
• Work is underway to reform the Veterinary Practice Act so it is modernised, and increases workforce capacity and capability and better protects the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary workforce

These scholarships are higher for those completing placements in large/mixed animal clinics, that are critical to the agricultural industry. They include:

• $1,500 for a small animal regional veterinary placement
• $3,000 for a large/mixed animal regional veterinary placement, and
• $3,000 for a Local Land Services regional district veterinary placement.

As well as easing the financial burden through the Regional Placement Scholarship, the NSW Government through The Welcome Experience can offer relocation advice, help in finding temporary housing and facilitating new social connections.  

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring our state has a thriving veterinary profession working closely with our farmers, regional families and part of the team addressing biosecurity threats.  

“Regional NSW has a higher rate of veterinary shortages than the cities and we need to focus on solving that issue with these scholarships. That is critical for maintaining both our livestock industry and our regional lifestyle.

“Regional NSW has much to offer young professionals and by supporting these students spend time undertaking their work placements in regional and rural areas we will make a difference down the line.

“Attracting a sustainable veterinary workforce to regional NSW is a priority and so is developing a thriving veterinary profession across the board, and our Government will continue delivering reforms and initiatives to make that happen.

President of the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW, Dr Magdoline Awad said:  

“The Veterinary Practitioners Board welcomes this initiative, which provides students with financial support to pursue opportunities to move beyond the classroom and into real clinical settings, building confidence and practical skills.

“Placement costs can be a real barrier for students, especially when they are unpaid and involve travel and accommodation in regional areas. Anything that helps ease that pressure makes a meaningful difference.

“Regional practices give students exposure to a wide and varied caseload, particularly in large and mixed animal work, and that hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing them for everyday veterinary practice.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Leigh Henson

“I’ve had incredibly positive placement experiences throughout my degree so far.

“Placements are invaluable opportunities to develop the skills and experience needed for professional practice.

“However, they can be financially challenging due to the costs of travel, accommodation and groceries, and the demands of placement often prevent us from working.

“Financial support through scholarships makes a significant difference, helping us manage these costs and fully engage with every placement opportunity.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Noah Esmonde

“Our placements are an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

“Throughout my degree I have done many placements on farms and in vet clinics across Australia.

“It’s the best way we can apply our learning, improve our communication skills and network across the industry.

“As well as being great for our learning, the placements are a requirement to complete our course, and travelling so much, costs a lot of money.

“Each placement is three weeks and across our final year we end up doing 30 weeks of unpaid placement.

“Scholarships like this large animal scholarship allow students like me the opportunity to travel and experience as much variation as possible.

“It also means that the financial stress that all full-time university students struggle with is reduced and means we have more time to study and focus on our learning.”

Vet Scholarship Case Study: Jasmine Wholton

“The costs associated with work placements are significant.  

“Many veterinary clinics simply don’t have the capacity to offer accommodation to students, as their priority has to be looking after their staff – which is completely understandable.

“If we limit ourselves to only doing our placements at clinics that are able to offer accommodation, we miss out on some amazing places.  

“This scholarship has made it possible for me to complete placements in rural clinics including three weeks in Holbrook.

“When we do our placements, we should be focused on trying to put our best foot forward and learn as much as we can, but instead we’re often worrying about how we’ll afford three weeks of unpaid work, while also juggling final exams and planning the next placement.

“This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Having the accommodation costs looked after is one less thing to worry about, and it’s allowed me to fully focus on gaining the experience I need.” 

A draft 20-year plan for the Illawarra Shoalhaven has been released for public exhibition, outlining a vision for housing, jobs, infrastructure and environmental protection across one of NSW’s fastest-growing regions.

The Minns Labor Government is backing the Illawarra Shoalhaven and helping it plan for a strong future with the release of the draft Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Plan.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the state’s fastest growing regions and the Plan will help cement its position as a globally connected hub for investment, innovation, jobs and a great place to live.  

The draft 20-year Plan, which is now on exhibition, will guide the region’s long-term direction for homes, jobs and infrastructure investment.  

It has set clear goals to help deliver 117,000 more homes, more than 101,000 new jobs and mapped out the delivery of critical infrastructure such as transport, roads, schools, and health services to make sure communities across the region can continue to thrive.  

With the Illawarra Shoalhaven expected to be home to an extra 161,000 people by 2046 it’s critical we create a clear vision now which can make sure the growth of homes and jobs happens in the right places.  

For the first time the draft Plan sets a benchmark for jobs growth targets for each local government area in the region.  

Through this planning it has identified Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra as key locations to drive employment and economic growth.  

Additionally, it acknowledges the need for improved transport connections between Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven and stronger connections to South West Sydney and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which is an emerging epicentre for employment and investment opportunities.

The Plan also highlights the increasing connectivity and strengthening economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney by bringing the Wingecarribee Local Government Area into Illawarra Shoalhaven region.  

To continue to support vibrant communities around 80 per cent of housing growth will be focused around key urban centres like Wollongong, Shellharbour, Bowral, Kiama, and Nowra with access to jobs, transport, schools and services.

This reflects recent work around Transport Oriented Development precincts in Corrimal, Dapto, and North Wollongong, and will help councils identify opportunities for more housing to make sure there is a steady supply of feasible development-ready land.

Building on this the Plan will strengthen vibrant centres and public spaces across the region, including key destinations such as Wollongong Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre, the Nowra Riverfront and Warrawong Parklands, alongside beaches, national parks, and other community spaces.

It also prioritises protecting the Illawarra Shoalhaven’s unique environmental assets, while creating new opportunities for First Nations land management and stewardship.

Importantly, the Plan supports the delivery of Australia’s first Urban Renewable Energy Zone, helping position the Illawarra Shoalhaven at the centre of the state’s clean energy future.

Following the release of the NSW Government’s draft Sydney Plan in late 2025, the draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Plan is the next region plan to be released as part of a new generation of simpler, action-focused plans.  

Together, these plans will support a more consistent, coordinated and fit-for-purpose planning system that delivers on the NSW Government’s broader planning reforms flowing from the passage in November 2025 of legislation to overhaul the nearly 50-year-old Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Once finalised, the Plan will make sure the region’s growth is well-planned and support a more connected coastline with liveable communities, backed by a strong economy.

The community have until Monday, 28 September 2026 to have their say on the Plan.

For more information and to view the draft Plan, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:

“The Illawarra Shoalhaven is one of the most beautiful regions in New South Wales, and this Plan will help ensure it remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“As the region continues to grow, we need to make sure we deliver the infrastructure, services, and jobs to grow with it

“We’re planning for the years to come by creating more opportunities close to where people live, whether that’s new jobs, more homes or better-connected communities.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Illawarra-Shoalhaven is one of the country’s great regions and through this plan for the region we are helping build a bright future for it.  

“By including the Wingecarribee region for the first time this recognises the growing social and economic connections between the Illawarra and southwest Sydney.  

“Through its jobs targets the Plan is backing the region’s economic future. Driving key employment precinct in Port Kembla, the Wollongong Health Precinct, Shellharbour Airport and industrial lands around Nowra while also strengthening ties to the emerging innovation and investment hub that is Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:  

“This Plan puts communities at the centre and invites people to have their say on how Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra Shoalhaven grows and evolves over the coming decades.

“It in particular highlights important investments to upgrade Shellharbour Hospital and the crucial role Shellharbour Airport will play as an economic anchor for the south of the region.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“This plan creates a clear road map so we can get growth right for the South Coast and broader region – coordinating homes, jobs, transport and infrastructure so our region can thrive over the next 20 years.

“For the South Coast in particular, it lays crucial groundwork for a secure jobs future by identifying industrial land around Nowra as a key employment centre for the region.”  

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“This is an opportunity for local communities to help shape the future of Kiama and the broader the Illawarra Shoalhaven, and I encourage everyone to have their say.

“It spotlights some of the great housing projects already being delivered in our region like the Bomaderry build to rent project that is providing a vital boost to our regions rental housing availability.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“The Illawarra Shoalhaven has always been a place of opportunity, and this Plan gives us the roadmap to continue building an ever brighter future.

“It sets a clear intention tap into the growing opportunities offered by strengthening the economic, social and strategic relationship of the region with South West Sydney in which the Heathcote electorate will play a vital role.” 

The NSW Government is moving ahead with critical water and wastewater works to support housing growth in the community of Wilton in Sydney’s south-west.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering the homes, the infrastructure, and the essential services communities need as part of one plan.

Wilton Stage 2 will enable water and wastewater services for about 4,000 new homes in the area, doubling the total servicing capacity across Wilton to around 8,000 homes and businesses.

This investment builds on major work already underway, ensuring essential water and wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, allowing more families to move to one of the state’s key growth areas.

Sydney Water has already begun construction in Wilton Stage 1, which is upgrading the existing Wilton Water Resource Recovery Facility and building new pumping stations, reservoirs and pipelines.  

In another major delivery milestone, Sydney Water has awarded Haslin Constructions the contract to upgrade the Wilton Water Resource Recovery Facility.

The upgrade will significantly increase local wastewater treatment capacity to support future growth while helping reduce truck movement through the area.  

Stage 2 is now in the early planning and design phase with planning and pre-delivery activities underway, including partnering with NSW Government property developer Landcom on its North Wilton development. Stage 1 works are on track for completion at the end of 2027.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities by delivering homes alongside essential infrastructure and services.

NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson:

“We need and want more homes but they can’t be built without the essential pipes and pumps that support them.

“For too long, a lack of investment in essential infrastructure has created headaches for housing growth. Our government is doing things differently.

“We are making sure water and wastewater services keep pace with demand, giving thousands more families an opportunity to call Wilton home.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan:

“I acknowledge this is a significant milestone for this growing community in Wollondilly. A long-standing problem with housing growth in areas with inadequate but necessary water and sewer services has been solved.  

“The community can look forward to another Wilton infrastructure project moving from planning stage to construction stage. When completed, this essential sewer infrastructure project will put an end to Wilton Green residents having their have sewerage collected and transported out by trucks.  

“Also, this exciting announcement will have capacity to service new home approvals in the future to about 8,000 new homes in total across the three estates in Wilton.”  

Sydney Water Managing Director, Darren Cleary:

“Sydney Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said Stage 1 work was already taking shape across Wilton while planning and pre-delivery activities progress for the next stage of growth.

“Wilton is growing quickly and we’re working hard to deliver the infrastructure required to support that growth now and well into the future,” Mr Cleary said.

“Five new reservoirs are nearing completion, a new pumping station is about to be commissioned, and Wilton High School will be connected to our network ahead of its opening.

“We’re also supplying recycled water to the high school grounds, Hannaford Oval and Bingara Gorge Golf Course to help keep these important community spaces green, while making better use of our water resources.

“The next stage of our work will expand water, wastewater and recycled water servicing to support around 4,000 more homes and provide greater certainty for Wilton’s continued growth.” 

Sixteen NSW sporting organisations will share in $500,000 to deliver 19 projects aimed at getting more women and girls into sport and keeping them there as part of the Minns Labor Government’s four-year Play Her Way strategy to help women and girls get into sport and stay in it.

The projects will build career pathways, drive inclusive cultures, and lift participation for women and girls across NSW.

Grants of $3,000 to $45,000 were awarded to NSW State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability across four funding streams. Applicants could also partner with academies or organisations already working with women, girls, and under-represented communities to deliver their projects.

Projects funded through the Play Her Way Innovation Program include:

Triathlon NSW received $45,000 for Tri Her Way, a women-led digital triathlon club that will create a safe, inclusive and connected online community where young women can build skills, connect with others and participate in the sport.

NSW Rugby Union received $44,983 for Rugby Her Way, a female-focused participation and development program designed by women to support new and returning players while building the skills and confidence of players and coaches.

Motorsport Australia received $45,000 for AccelerateHER NSW: A Connected Pathway for Girls in Motorsport, delivering school programs, mentoring opportunities and a regional rally school to encourage more girls and young women—particularly first-time and regional participants—to get involved in motorsport.

Athletics NSW received $5,000 for Her Track, Her Career, creating a structured internship program to provide young women with career pathways and practical experience in the sports industry.

Volleyball NSW received $45,000 for CoachHer, a flexible leadership and coach development program that will support more women to become coaches through inclusive and hybrid training opportunities.

For further information, including the list of recipients visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Play Her Way Innovation Program is helping more women and girls access the opportunities, support and pathways they need to participate and thrive in sport.”

“This funding will help sporting organisations test new ideas, create more welcoming environments and open up more opportunities for women and girls to get involved and stay involved.

“The Play Her Way Innovation Program is about giving sporting organisations the tools to make lasting change, so the next generation of women and girls can see a place for themselves in every part of sport.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is working to empower women and girls to participate in sport at all levels.

“It’s great to see so many different organisations receiving the Play Her Way grants so that together we can develop inclusive cultures and remove barriers across sport for women and girls.

“These projects will provide safe and supportive environments for

them to not just participate but develop into coaching and leadership positions.”

Triathlon NSW CEO Adam Wicks said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for supporting innovative approaches that help more women and girls connect with triathlon.

“This funding will enable us to create a women-led digital triathlon club specifically designed for women aged 16-25, providing a safe, flexible and supportive community that overcomes many of the traditional barriers to participation.

“All the benefits of a the traditional ‘membership’ with the added benefits of being online and virtual, creating online communities.

“Importantly, the initiative will be shaped by the very women it aims to support.

“We know that participation looks different for everyone, particularly for young women balancing work, study, family and other commitments.

“By leveraging technology and online engagement, we can create stronger connections, build confidence, and belong, and provide new pathways for more women to discover and thrive in our sport.”