Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government will today introduce a new law to speed up the delivery of key renewable energy projects, to power large energy users as coal-fired power stations exit the system.

The proposed legislation will allow the NSW Energy Minister to identify the highest-priority renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline, and prioritise them for streamlining.

It will result in more streamlined approvals for generation, storage and network projects that will power homes, industry and economic growth.

The proposed law will not remove any environmental or community assessment requirements. Developers will still need to meet all relevant planning, environmental and consultation obligations.

Priority energy projects must demonstrate best practice in how they work with landholders and communities, particularly in regional NSW.

The NSW energy grid is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades, with the Minns Labor Government supporting new energy infrastructure to replace our retiring power stations, support the ongoing operation of heavy industry and power new economic growth across the state.

Renewable energy already provides about 36 per cent of NSW’s annual electricity supply. In a first for NSW, there were multiple periods in summer when renewable energy accounted for more than 80 per cent of the electricity supply mix, contributing to keeping lights and air conditioners running.

The proposed law is designed to build on this progress, by accelerating the infrastructure needed to generate, store and move clean energy across the state.

The Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026 will also support the effective and consistent implementation of the NSW Benefit-Sharing Guideline, ensuring councils and communities hosting projects receive associated benefits.

More than $180 million in benefits have been committed to communities since the guideline’s introduction in November 2024. This is in addition to the Renewable Energy Zone community and employment benefit funds coordinated by EnergyCo.

Further reforms are also in development to improve the way projects are referred to the Independent Planning Commission for determination, to ensure NSW residents continue to have a strong voice while avoiding unnecessary delays to energy projects that are critical to NSW.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring reliable, affordable energy for our heavy industries like the Tomago aluminium smelter, and to power economic growth across the state.

“This new legislation will mean infrastructure projects that are critical for manufacturing jobs, economic growth and energy affordability don’t get stuck in the queue.

“No matter where you live in this state, you will benefit from us getting on with the job and delivering quality renewable projects as fast as we can.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“With a growing pipeline of energy projects ahead of us, we need a planning system that can support achieving our ambitious energy targets.

“Since 2023, we’ve already reduced assessment times for renewable energy projects by almost 20 per cent while delivering 50 per cent more approvals.

“These reforms build on that success by enshrining the community benefit scheme and streamlining prioritised projects in the planning system with the most potential to power our state’s future, making sure the right projects are delivered at the right time in the right places in line with our energy goals.

“These reforms will also make sure critical projects are not being delayed by objections from people thousands of kilometres away who will never be impacted by them – NSW locals should and will have the loudest voice.”

Scientists from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are taking the lead on multi-million-dollar research projects focussing on tackling soil-borne diseases that are costing Australian crop farmers more than a billion dollars a year.

The projects are part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Soilborne Disease Initiative, a coordinated $34.6 million, five-year, Australia-wide research program. GRDC estimates soil-borne diseases cause $1.71 billion in lost grain production annually nationwide, including $1.23 billion in wheat alone.

The research projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and boost the economic growth of the state’s $25 billion primary industries sector.

The research, which is focused on fusarium crown rot in grains and cereals and Sclerotinia stem rot in broadleaf crops will provide growers with integrated disease management strategies to minimise yield loss and economic impacts.

Integrated disease management strategies could include a combination of crop rotation, stubble management, varietal disease tolerance, strategic fungicide use and novel strategies such as application of biological control agents.

• Fusarium crown rot mainly affects winter cereal crops including wheat, barley, durum wheat and triticale and is a major issue in dryland farming systems across Australia, including NSW. It is estimated to cost growers in NSW and Queensland around $112 million annually.
• Sclerotinia stem rot, often called “white mould”, is a major fungal disease that affects a range of broadleaf crops, particularly in higher rainfall or irrigated systems, including canola, chickpea, lupin, and faba bean. It is estimated to cost NSW southern region growers around $70 million annually.

The projects will also have a strong focus on skills transfer of research methodologies and capacity building to support the management of future soil-borne disease issues.

NSW DPIRD plant pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer, a national expert on Fusarium crown rot, is leading the state’s contribution to that disease theme and DPIRD broadleaf crop pathologist Dr Kurt Lindbeck is leading the national theme on Sclerotinia stem rot.

The importance of managing soil-borne diseases has increased as growers adopt conservation cropping practices, in particular stubble retention, which has associated environmental benefits of reduced soil erosion, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increased water use efficiency, and improved drought resilience.

Soil-borne diseases also reduce nitrogen use efficiency, which not only increases the economic impact to farmers but also elevates greenhouse gas emissions through the need to apply more artificial fertiliser to compensate.

Recent crop vulnerability studies have highlighted that the impact of soil-borne diseases will increase further under future climate scenarios making this is a priority area for future sustainable land use and nature positive research.

Visit the GRDC website to learn more about the Soil-borne disease initiative.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Cropping is worth $11.6 billion to the NSW economy, so this research partnership between the NSW Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation is vital to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to tackle soil-borne diseases on their farms.

“This initiative will provide crop producers with the scientifically proven disease management strategies so they can remain productive as part of the state’s annual primary industries output worth $25.5 billion.

“These projects will bring wider benefits to the economic growth of NSW and maintain regional biosecurity expertise to respond to endemic and exotic crop disease issues.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Cropping Systems Guy McMullen said:

“NSW growers need regionally proven integrated disease management strategies so that soil-borne diseases do not become an economic barrier to continuing and further adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices.

“Without such intervention, growers may have to resort to more aggressive stubble management practices such as burning and cultivation, which have associated negative impacts on the environment from soil erosion, air pollution through increased frequency of dust storms, and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The capacity building part of these projects is critical to ensuring the availability of expertise to respond to sporadic issues with endemic diseases and regional biosecurity capacity in the event of exotic incursions.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Board Chair Sharon Starick said:

“Soil-borne diseases are responsible for more than half of total yield losses from disease in Australian grain crops.

“Through this initiative, GRDC will invest $20 million nationally, complemented by an additional $14 million from collaborating research partners.

“As part of the program, which builds on past research, we aim to equip Australian grain growers with practical, economic and innovative soil-borne disease management strategies that reduce the financial impact of these diseases on their farming businesses.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Managing Director Nigel Hart said:

“We know this is a critical area for growers and advisers, which is why we have committed to bringing current and new research together in a highly effective multi-disciplinary way.

“By bringing together Australia’s leading researchers and communication and extension specialists, we’re ensuring growers and advisers have the information, support and confidence they need to adopt and implement new and improved disease management strategies.

“To help address the specific needs of the northern cropping regions, nodes will be developed in partnership with NSW DPIRD, University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.”

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the loss of two brave Marine Rescue NSW crew members who have died in a tragic incident at Ballina.

Our emergency services are the first to rush to the rescue of people in danger and last night two of our courageous volunteers made the ultimate sacrifice.

Along with four of their crew mates, the volunteers were heading to the aid of a yacht in distress when their Marine Rescue NSW vessel capsized.

In difficult and dark conditions, additional emergency services then raced to their assistance.

Sadly, the mariner on board the yacht has also lost their life, and we offer our condolences to their family.

Four of the Marine Rescue crew are receiving medical treatment, and we give heartfelt thanks for their safety and their courage throughout these terrible events.

The loss of these members of our emergency services is a tragedy for their families and friends, as well as the communities they helped protect. It is a loss that is deeply felt across all our emergency services, especially throughout the Marine Rescue family.

My heart goes out to their loved ones and fellow crew members at the Marine Rescue Ballina unit. Our thoughts and thanks are also with the emergency service members who came together to assist them.

This is a very difficult and heart-breaking time for such a tight knit community.

Background:

Two Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from Ballina have lost their lives while coming to the aid of a stricken yacht on the State’s North Coast last night.

At approximately 6.15 pm on Monday evening, a Marine Rescue NSW crew from Ballina was responding to the distressed yacht off the South Ballina break wall when their boat capsized in heavy seas crossing the bar. The Marine Rescue NSW vessel had six crew members on board, four of whom made it to shore. Another person who was on board the yacht has also died.

Marine Rescue NSW is providing support to the volunteers’ families, unit members and rescue community through its wellbeing and chaplaincy services. Support for the community is also available through the 24/7 Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. For crisis support, call 13YARN (139 276) or Lifeline 13 11 14.

NSW Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Minister for Emergency Services will travel to Ballina this afternoon.

Scientists from the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are taking the lead on multi-million-dollar research projects focussing on tackling soil-borne diseases that are costing Australian crop farmers more than a billion dollars a year.

The projects are part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Soilborne Disease Initiative, a coordinated $34.6 million, five-year, Australia-wide research program. GRDC estimates soil-borne diseases cause $1.71 billion in lost grain production annually nationwide, including $1.23 billion in wheat alone.

The research projects are part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $1 billion biosecurity investment to protect and boost the economic growth of the state’s $25 billion primary industries sector.

The research, which is focused on fusarium crown rot in grains and cereals and Sclerotinia stem rot in broadleaf crops will provide growers with integrated disease management strategies to minimise yield loss and economic impacts.

Integrated disease management strategies could include a combination of crop rotation, stubble management, varietal disease tolerance, strategic fungicide use and novel strategies such as application of biological control agents.

• Fusarium crown rot mainly affects winter cereal crops including wheat, barley, durum wheat and triticale and is a major issue in dryland farming systems across Australia, including NSW. It is estimated to cost growers in NSW and Queensland around $112 million annually.
• Sclerotinia stem rot, often called “white mould”, is a major fungal disease that affects a range of broadleaf crops, particularly in higher rainfall or irrigated systems, including canola, chickpea, lupin, and faba bean. It is estimated to cost NSW southern region growers around $70 million annually.

The projects will also have a strong focus on skills transfer of research methodologies and capacity building to support the management of future soil-borne disease issues.

NSW DPIRD plant pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer, a national expert on Fusarium crown rot, is leading the state’s contribution to that disease theme and DPIRD broadleaf crop pathologist Dr Kurt Lindbeck is leading the national theme on Sclerotinia stem rot.

The importance of managing soil-borne diseases has increased as growers adopt conservation cropping practices, in particular stubble retention, which has associated environmental benefits of reduced soil erosion, reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increased water use efficiency, and improved drought resilience.

Soil-borne diseases also reduce nitrogen use efficiency, which not only increases the economic impact to farmers but also elevates greenhouse gas emissions through the need to apply more artificial fertiliser to compensate.

Recent crop vulnerability studies have highlighted that the impact of soil-borne diseases will increase further under future climate scenarios making this is a priority area for future sustainable land use and nature positive research.

Visit the GRDC website to learn more about the Soil-borne disease initiative.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Cropping is worth $11.6 billion to the NSW economy, so this research partnership between the NSW Government and the Grains Research and Development Corporation is vital to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to tackle soil-borne diseases on their farms.

“This initiative will provide crop producers with the scientifically proven disease management strategies so they can remain productive as part of the state’s annual primary industries output worth $25.5 billion.

“These projects will bring wider benefits to the economic growth of NSW and maintain regional biosecurity expertise to respond to endemic and exotic crop disease issues.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Cropping Systems Guy McMullen said:

“NSW growers need regionally proven integrated disease management strategies so that soil-borne diseases do not become an economic barrier to continuing and further adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices.

“Without such intervention, growers may have to resort to more aggressive stubble management practices such as burning and cultivation, which have associated negative impacts on the environment from soil erosion, air pollution through increased frequency of dust storms, and greenhouse gas emissions.

“The capacity building part of these projects is critical to ensuring the availability of expertise to respond to sporadic issues with endemic diseases and regional biosecurity capacity in the event of exotic incursions.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Board Chair Sharon Starick said:

“Soil-borne diseases are responsible for more than half of total yield losses from disease in Australian grain crops.

“Through this initiative, GRDC will invest $20 million nationally, complemented by an additional $14 million from collaborating research partners.

“As part of the program, which builds on past research, we aim to equip Australian grain growers with practical, economic and innovative soil-borne disease management strategies that reduce the financial impact of these diseases on their farming businesses.”

Grains Research and Development Corporation Managing Director Nigel Hart said:

“We know this is a critical area for growers and advisers, which is why we have committed to bringing current and new research together in a highly effective multi-disciplinary way.

“By bringing together Australia’s leading researchers and communication and extension specialists, we’re ensuring growers and advisers have the information, support and confidence they need to adopt and implement new and improved disease management strategies.

“To help address the specific needs of the northern cropping regions, nodes will be developed in partnership with NSW DPIRD, University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.”

The use of council-controlled facilities for activities deemed antisemitic will be prohibited under an amendment to the Local Government Act to be moved by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. 
 
The amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 would prohibit the use of council-controlled land or facilities by any person or organisation reasonably suspected of being likely to engage in antisemitic activities with consideration given to the use of the phrases “globalise the Intifada” and “from the river to the sea”. 
 
The amendments would draw on elements of the Prevention of Antisemitism Bill 2026 introduced by NSW Liberals and Nationals in February which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. 
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said social cohesion is at the core of the change.  
 
“This is not some harmless phrase; it is an incitement to hatred and violence against the Jewish community, and allowing its use in a council-controlled venue puts at risk everything we have done to promote social cohesion,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“By prohibiting antisemitic events in council venues, the Liberals and Nationals are drawing a line unlike the Premier who can’t even pick up the phone to Clover Moore.” 
 
“This amendment will ensure local government has to take action against divisive events like Tuesday’s forum.” 
 
Shadow Attorney General Damien Tudehope said considering events such as tonight’s public forum hosted by Stop The War in Palestine, action cannot wait.  
 
“The amendment is directed at antisemitic activities because antisemitism is a real current threat to the wellbeing of the Jewish community in New South Wales,” Mr Tudehope said.  
 
“Antisemitism has no place in our community. No local government facility should be made available to those wishing to promote the destruction of the Jewish people.”  

Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government rat-bags on e-bikes will be held accountable.
 
The Opposition will move to amend the Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 to enable the NSW Police Force to seize any e-bike, regardless of its legality, from the community if the rider’s behaviour falls short of community standards.
 
Adults would have their bike seized for 14 days, while minors would be forced to have a parent or guardian collect the device.
 
The rat-bag laws follow the Opposition’s strong action on e-bikes including its policy to introduce a licence plate scheme for particular rider cohorts if elected.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Labor Government is all talk and no action on out-of-control e-bike behaviour, ignoring the lived experience of the community.
 
“People are sick of dodging rat-bags on e-bikes while the Government sits on its hands and tells them to cop it. This is about consequences,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Chris Minns and John Graham want headlines about crushing bikes, but they still won’t give police the powers they need to stop rat-bag behaviour.”
 
“If you ride responsibly, you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re tearing through shopping centres, abusing police or treating suburban streets like a racetrack, your e-bike will be taken.”
 
The Opposition amendments would allow NSW Police to seize legal e-bikes based on an agreed level of behaviour between the transport minister and NSW Police Commissioner.
 
As the Opposition does not have access to the NSW Police Force, it proposes that the regulations establish the clear guidelines that will be the criteria for seizure, and expects it to include dangerous or anti-social behaviour, reckless riding, intimidating the public, abusing police, or riding through private property and shopping centres.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said the Government’s approach is weak, reactive and completely disconnected from what communities are demanding.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are on the side of families, local communities and police officers who are sick of seeing the rules ignored with no meaningful deterrent,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Mrs Ward said Labor now faced a clear choice.
 
“They can back common-sense powers for police, or they can keep protecting e-bike rat-bags while communities suffer.”

Two communities in southwest Sydney will receive long-awaited accessibility upgrades at their local train stations, with Carramar and Yennora stations set for new lifts and other essential works.

Left behind by the former Liberal-National government, these two suburban stations have never been fully accessible despite hosting diverse communities with a high proportion of young families with prams, people with disability and elderly people.

After local campaigns, supported by their local Labor MPs, Carramar, which opened in 1924, and Yennora, which opened in 1927, will both receive major works.

Carramar will:

• Now have lift access from underpass to platform
• Upgraded ramps and pathways
• New tactile indicators to assist blind and vision-impaired passengers

Yennora will:

• Now have lift access connecting an upgraded footbridge with street and platforms
• New station forecourts featuring landscaping, seating and lighting
• A new station building

Both stations will have power supply upgrades, better lighting, CCTV, clearer signage, family accessible and unisex ambulant toilets, accessible parking, and kiss and ride parking.

The work is being funded by the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program which currently has 15 projects funded for delivery and 16 for design and investigation.

Major milestones were reached at Macquarie Fields and Chester Hill stations over the weekend, with work on lift installation, platform resurfacing, and safety screens.

Work will be completed on the Bardwell Park station upgrade in coming months.

Recently delivered upgrades include stations at Griffith, Moss Vale, Queanbeyan, and Tuggerah.

While delivering the massive metro and road infrastructure Sydney needs, the Minns Labor Government is focused on improving the daily journeys of the 1.1 million people each weekday who use Sydney Trains.

An investment of $458 million is currently bringing rail reliability up to scratch, with work on tracks, signals and overhead wires recommended by the 2025 Independent Rail Review led by Kerry Schott.

At the same time, a new and upgraded train fleet is rolling on to the tracks. In April, the new intercity Mariyung train went into service on the South Coast Line, following its introduction on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line in October last year.

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program is updating 55 trains. Newer trains mean fewer breakdowns and delays.

The NSW Government is also overhauling the Opal ticketing system, with a new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card as part of an $820 million investment in convenience, affordability and reliability.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“South West Sydney has been forgotten by successive governments and we’re not doing that.

“The communities around Yennora and Carramar have been crying out for decades for the lifts and accessibility features that are enjoyed at so many other railway stations and right across the Sydney Metro system.

“A single lift to a platform or a better ramp can be the difference between someone being able to use the Sydney Trains network and get around like everyone else to work, study and social outings.

“We are focused on improving the everyday experience of those 1.1 million people who use the Sydney Trains network as we invest in reliability, convenience, technology and accessibility.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to particularly thank local Labor MP David Saliba for his tireless advocacy for these upgrades, which included doorknocking thousands of homes in the area before knocking at my door as minister to ask for action.

“Carramar and Yennora stations have changed very little since they were built in the 1920s and both are past due for these updates.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“This will be a gamechanger for locals with disability, elderly people, and families with prams. We are investing in accessible upgrades across the State because we know that removing barriers to getting around is a win for everyone.

“Station by station, the Minns Labor Government is making NSW more accessible and inclusive.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba said:

“After 12 years of neglect from the former government, the Carramar and Yennora community is getting what it so desperately needs.

“Our petition for these upgrades received thousands of signatures, with many residents in the community telling me these are essential for getting to work and visiting family and friends — and now that’s becoming a reality.

“This project shows the power of the people at work, and I am proud to be part of a government delivering this for Carramar and Yennora.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo said:

“Upgrading our local train stations is a major win for our local community, making public transport safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone.

“These long-awaited upgrades will transform how people in our community access public transport, ensuring no one is left behind.

“It’s fantastic that everyone in our community will now be able to access public transport with these upgrades.”

Member for Granville Julia Finn said:

“I am thrilled that these stations will be upgraded, as the residents and businesses have been advocating for these improvements for such a long time.

“This investment is delivering modern, accessible facilities that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.”

The NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer has downgraded the recently declared ‘significant cyber incident’ allegedly involving a Treasury staff member.

Her declaration comes after the Taskforce the Government established in response to the data breach confirmed:

• The incident has been contained and is now in the recovery phase; and
• Agencies have implemented appropriate remediation measures.

While legal reviews are continuing, efforts to date to determine any potential impacts on active or past government procurements show that no project has been adversely affected.

I thank again Cyber Security NSW, the Taskforce, NSW Treasury and the NSW Police for their rapid actions since the breach was discovered, including launching Strike Force Civic.

The matter remains before the courts and is subject to an internal investigation.

Expectant parents in Canterbury will soon have access to enhanced and expanded antenatal facilities, with the early works now approved for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment.

The Minns Labor Government’s $350 million investment in the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment will deliver the largest upgrade to the hospital in more than 26 years, helping to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the growing community.

The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major health facilities around NSW, leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure. The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.

The early works phase of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment will prepare the site for main works construction, and includes the expansion and refurbishment of the existing antenatal department. This will more than double the size of the current antenatal unit and provide families in Canterbury with access to enhanced facilities and care sooner, well ahead of the major works to deliver the broader hospital redevelopment.

The expanded antenatal department will feature new patient areas, including additional ultrasound and consultation rooms. The antenatal department expansion is scheduled for completion in 2027, with the service opening to the community the same year.

Following a competitive tender process, TCQ Construction has been engaged to deliver the early works package.

The scope for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment is expected to include:

• a new expanded and enhanced Intensive Care Unit
• new purpose-built adult inpatient accommodation
• expanded and enhanced Emergency Department
• additional surgical theatres
• expanded and enhanced antenatal facilities
• additional ambulatory and outpatient care capacity
• new and enhanced facilities to support clinical education, workforce training, and research
• new Diagnostic Services Unit to support diagnosis and medical condition management
• enhancements to hospital support services, including pathology and pharmacy
• improved accessibility to the campus, including internal access, outdoor spaces, landscaping and wayfinding.

Construction timeframes for the main works will be confirmed as planning progresses and the community will continue to be updated.

The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and save the health services the Coalition jeopardised.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget included $12.4 billion to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including:

• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital – which the Liberals promised and failed to deliver at three elections – and which will include an emergency department as well as birthing services;
• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital – which the Liberals promised in 2019 and failed to deliver;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment;
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital; and
• $330 million to open the New Eurobodalla Hospital at level 4.

For more information on the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment and to speak with the team, visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/canterbury-hospital-redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job to deliver the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment, and we’re pleased that families will be able to access upgraded antenatal facilities ahead of the wider redevelopment being completed.

“The expansion and refurbishment of the hospital’s antenatal department will provide more purpose-built spaces for expectant parents to receive crucial check-ups and support in preparation for birth.

“The Coalition’s failure to deliver on major hospital projects left parts of the state without whole hospitals, health systems under pressure, and jeopardised health services for local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and more staff, to deliver better outcomes for patients.” 

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:

“I’m delighted to see the progress of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment and the positive impact the upgraded antenatal facilities will have for our local families and our hardworking health staff.

“We’re grateful to the community and staff who’ve taken time to share valuable feedback during the planning and design of this project to help shape our fabulous new hospital redevelopment.

“More than 1,000 people recently took part in consultation to inform early works planning, highlighting the strong interest in this significant redevelopment that will serve our community now and into the future.” 

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen:

“I’m so proud to see the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment taking shape, these upgraded antenatal facilities are going to make a real difference for local families and for the incredible staff who care for them every day.

This project has been shaped by the people who know this hospital best. We’ve listened to our community and our frontline health workers right through the planning and design to make this hospital work for our community. 

These upgrades will make sure that our community has access to world-class healthcare close to home for generations to come”

Member for Jason Yat-Sen Li:

‘Families in Canterbury deserve the very best start in life, and that begins with access to world-class healthcare close to home.

‘The expansion of Canterbury Hospital’s antenatal facilities is a major step forward for our community, ensuring expectant parents have the support, space and care they need during such a crucial time. These new facilities will mean a very much more comfortable experience for families.

‘This investment is about putting people first and making sure that every parent and every newborn gets the care they deserve. I’m proud to see our government delivering on its promise to strengthen local health services and invest in the future of our community.’

Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox:

“Expanding and upgrading Canterbury Hospital’s antenatal services in advance of the main works will make a meaningful difference for expectant mothers and their families.

“This will allow our maternity teams to provide antenatal care that is more comfortable, timely and tailored to each woman’s specific needs. We’re proud to deliver improvements that support a better experience for families as the broader Hospital redevelopment progresses.”

The Minns Labor Government is kicking off vital work today to secure the future of the heritage listed Cooreei Bridge over the Williams River east of Dungog.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.3 million to rehabilitate this historic landmark on Stroud Hill Road – preserving a critical road link and preserving an iconic piece of the region’s history for generations to come.

Cooreei Bridge, which is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, is the first Henry Harvey Dare-type timber bridge built in NSW and one of only 15 historic bridges built in the Hunter before 1905.

The project involves replacing the bridge’s dilapidated timber abutments with concrete, giving the bridge the strength it needs into the future.

Preparation work started in late 2025, with the project expected to take around 16 months to complete, weather permitting.

While most of the work will be carried out underneath the span, the bridge will need to be temporarily closed at times to allow replacement of the abutments and reconnection of the bridge to Stroud Hill Road.

Transport for NSW will try to limit closures to minimise disruption to the community and will be notified in advance.

During the closures, all motorists will be detoured via Alison Road, Clarence Town Road, Mary Street and Dowling Street, which adds around 30 minutes to journeys.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Cooreei Bridge is part of the Hunter’s story, and we’re making sure it has a future.

“This $7.3 million investment protects a critical local link while preserving one of the region’s most important heritage bridges.

“The Minns Labor Government will strengthen the bridge, keep the community connected and ensure this landmark can serve Dungog for generations to come.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This project is a major investment in both local infrastructure and the preservation of a unique piece of the region’s heritage.

“We know how important connectivity is for the Dungog community. As the last stop on the Hunter train line and a key crossing over the Williams River, I’m proud to announce the start of this important rehabilitation work which will ensure this iconic timber truss bridge is fit for purpose for many years to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“It’s great to see this important project underway.

“Projects like this show you don’t have to choose between preserving our history and delivering safe, “reliable infrastructure – you can and should do both.

“By strengthening Cooreei Bridge while protecting its heritage, we’re making sure this local connection remains open and dependable for the community now and into the future.”