16 News

The Minns Labor Government’s long-term vision to transform the State Library of NSW’s forecourt into a new 3,000 square metre public domain is one step closer with development approval by the City of Sydney.

The plans allow for nearly double the size of the existing forecourt, creating a vibrant public space with new native trees and plants, public art, and a central lawn plaza for library events and community activities. The design also incorporates improved lighting and wayfinding signage, seating, and space for a new kiosk.

The State Library Public Domain plan includes the realignment of Sir John Young Crescent and Hospital Road to increase safety for pedestrians and drivers and improve access to the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Domain.

Under the plan, the Shakespeare Memorial will be relocated to the front of the Library’s Shakespeare Room where it can be more easily enjoyed by the public. New art works and interpretations will also be introduced as part of a comprehensive precinct public art program led by First Nations curators.

The revitalisation of the State Library forecourt is an initiative under the government’s 20-year vision to elevate the Macquarie Street East Precinct into a vibrant arts and culture destination, while protecting the precinct’s historic integrity and original character.

Situated on Gadigal Land, Macquarie Street features some of Australia’s most significant civic and cultural institutions housed in heritage buildings. These new public spaces provide opportunities to tell the long history of this place, sharing stories of Country and culture.

For more information, visit Macquarie Street East Precinct.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“For almost 200 years the State Library has been a central place of learning and ideas in our city – a home to the state’s readers, writers and researchers.

“The ambition to reimagine the forecourt looks to the next 200-years for the library and library precinct. The vision is to reset the civic space, to make entry from the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Domain or Art Gallery of NSW, easier and more welcoming.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Modern libraries are critical places for reading and research, but they are also important public spaces, so extending the forecourt will allow us to expand community use beyond the doors of the library.

“Bringing this vision to life with added native trees and plants will help create a seamless transition of open spaces from the State Library’s forecourt into The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:

“This project is part of a long-term vision to create spaces in the Macquarie Street East Precinct that celebrate our history and heritage, and that are welcoming and engaging for all.

“The revitalisation of the State Library forecourt will be the next step in the vision to create a vibrant, connected, people-friendly arts and culture destination for the people of NSW.”

State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“The State Library of New South Wales is one of the great libraries of the world. Greatly loved, it is a hive of reading, research and creativity for over a million visitors who walk through our doors each year to use our collection, explore our galleries and enjoy our cultural and learning programs.

“The new public forecourt will further elevate the library as both a cultural destination and a welcoming and magnificent setting for discovery for everyone, every day of the week.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing in the vital role of local neighbourhood centres through a formal agreement signed this week outlining a shared vision for the future.

The Shared Commitment agreement between the Local Community Services Association (LCSA), Neighbourhood and Community Centres (NCCs) and the NSW Government sets out a collaborative approach to strengthen communities across the state.

There are more than 180 not-for-profit NCCs across the state, delivering vital local services such as family support groups, playgroups, counselling and youth programs.

The Minns Labor Government is proud to formalise this essential partnership with not-for-profit hubs and the role they play in building safe, strong and connected communities in NSW.

Co-designed by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and LCSA, the inaugural Shared Commitment agreement outlines 15 commitments and sets clear priorities to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

In 2023–24, more than 436,000 people accessed group services at NCCs in NSW, with nearly 39,000 receiving individual support cementing their role as the heart of local communities.

The Shared Commitment agreement complements broader reforms being undertaken by the Minns Labor Government to strengthen community and social services across NSW. For example, the Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty roadmap provides longer-term funding in exchange for improved job security within non-government organisations and increased performance measurement.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Local neighbourhood centres so often represent the heart and soul and generosity of local communities. This formal agreement is about acknowledging the important role of neighbourhood centres, and working together to ensure local communities are strong, safe and supported.

“Neighbourhood and community centres respond to the unique needs of their local communities, so they look different in every town and region. But they all serve a critical role in supporting families, building resilience, and connecting communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting the organisations and workers who support local families, and this agreement represents an important step in the right direction.”

LCSA CEO Can Yasmut said:

“We thank Minister Kate Washington for recognising the role of NCCs as vital social infrastructure and for embedding this recognition in social policy. This is a landmark acknowledgement that resilient communities are built when social infrastructure is valued, resourced, and sustained.”

“For too long, social infrastructure has been invisible in policy discussions, yet it is the foundation that enables communities to withstand crises and build stronger futures.”

“This partnership recognises that communities already hold the solutions and just need the right support to put them into action.”

The Minns Labor Government is making significant strides to boost standards and safety in the NSW corrective services system in response to recommendations made by Special Commission of Inquiry into the Offending of Former Corrections Officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.

Marking one year from the Government’s formal response to the Inquiry, nine of the 31 recommendations have already been fully implemented, with the remainder making notable progress.

The Inquiry, led by Hon Peter McClellan AM KC and initiated by the Minns Labor Government, found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) system.

In response to the Inquiry’s report the Government committed to undertaking the reform necessary to ensure inmates are properly protected, hard-working corrections officers are supported by sound management and strong integrity processes, and public confidence in the corrections system is restored. 

The NSW Government has made significant progress to deliver on that commitment, implementing the following initial reforms, supported by a $30 million investment over four years:

Stronger protections and support for inmates

• A Sexual Misconduct Reporting line offering a trauma-informed, confidential avenue for inmates to disclose allegations of sexual misconduct and seek support.
• Triaging of new allegations through the Sexual Misconduct Reporting line, including referral to relevant bodies for investigation such as the NSW Police Force, where appropriate.
• Specialised trauma counselling for victims who wish to access further support.
• Clear advice about managing privileged and confidential information issued to both staff and inmates.
• Assurance to both staff and inmates that phone calls to exempt bodies are not recorded or monitored, through changes to policy and procedure including a new automated message on the inmate telephone system and updated staff communications.

A safer workplace for staff supported by strong integrity processes and improved reporting and misconduct procedures

• New Machinery of Government arrangements to ensure that misconduct matters are managed in an appropriate external, more frequent and transparent manner.
• Enhanced probity checks for staff, including a standard of required conduct relating to persons relieving as Intelligence Officers.
• Records of any disciplinary processes or outcomes made available on all staff personnel files and in a centralised database.
• An updated direct form for reporting misconduct, now including the option to report to the Governor of the relevant correctional centre.
• Improved mechanisms for reporting allegations of serious misconduct.
• A new training program for existing staff and new recruits, including standards for ethical practice, handling privileged or confidential information, identifying and reporting misconduct and complaint handling.
• New laws to make all sexual relationships between staff and inmates illegal.
• The appointment of a stand-alone Governor to Dillwynia Correctional Centre.

This is in addition to several other changes that have been made to better support inmates in direct response to the Special Commission’s findings, including the provision of sexual assault trauma counselling for the victims of Astill’s offending, increased CCTV coverage and body worn cameras for uniformed staff who work directly with inmates at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.

The Government accepted all the recommendations of the Special Commission in full or in principle.

The Government is implementing the most urgent recommendations while working through the longer-term reforms.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The NSW Government is committed to implementing the reforms needed to ensure that the deplorable and unconscionable crimes outlined by the Special Commission can never be repeated. 

“We take seriously our responsibility to reform the NSW prison system into one that properly protects inmates and ensures our hardworking staff are safe and supported.

“While many improvements are now in place, there is work still needing to be done.

“As we continue undertaking reform, our thoughts remain with the victims of Wayne Astill’s offending, and we thank the staff, inmates and advocates who had the courage to speak up against wrongdoing.

“We will continue to pursue the changes needed to fix the culture and system that has seen too many people let down.”

From today, the north-west region’s largest heavy vehicle rest area is open thanks to investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments. 

The opening marks the completion of a three-year project to upgrade the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, with all sections of the highway now open to traffic.

The jointly funded Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade was made possible with a $205.73 million investment by the Albanese Government and a $55.44 million Minns Government contribution.

The project spanned more than 20 kilometres along this important regional freight route. The upgrades have included intersection improvements, widened road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes, creating a safer and more efficient journey for all drivers. 

These upgrades have been delivered across four priority sections: 

• 8 kilometres of pavement upgrades south of Moree as well as a new culvert at Clarks Gully to improve drainage, and upgrades to the Burrington Road, Tapscott Road and Wallanol Road intersections which were completed in December 2024.
• 4.4 kilometres of pavement upgrades around Bellata, plus upgrades to Temi Road, North Street, Wilga Street and Oak Street intersections, completed in February 2025.
• 5.6 kilometres of pavement upgrades around Edgeroi as well as upgrades to the Smithfield Lane Intersection, completed in June 2025.
• 2.6 kilometres of pavement upgrades north of Narrabri) in addition to a new culvert at the Murrumbilla Lane Intersection, completed in August 2025. 

The pavement upgrades have involved stripping the road back to base level before repairing, reconstructing and resurfacing the road in order to make it smoother, safer and more resilient. 

The final completed element of the over $261.17 million project is the massive Spring Creek Rest Area. The new rest area provides short and long-term heavy vehicle parking for up to 18 vehicles, as well as separate parking for light vehicles and light vehicles with caravans or trailers in tow.

The area also provides access to amenities including two flushable toilets with disabled access, picnic shelters and bins. 

The whole area is illuminated at night with solar lighting to increase safety and more than 500 trees have been planted in the vicinity of the rest area to provide shade.

Crews working on the upgrades between Narrabri and Moree have used 3900 cubic metres of structural concrete, 8900 tonnes of asphalt, 700 tonnes of structural steel and 575,000 tonnes of pavement material and gravel, and moved 100,400 cubic metres of earth.

Despite losing 118 days of work during the three-year project due to bad weather, the project has remained on track throughout.

While major construction work has been completed, some minor work remains including fencing and installation of guard rail and signage, as well as applying the final seal to the upgraded areas in early 2026. 

For more information visit Newell Highway upgrade Narrabri-Moree pavement upgrade.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: 

“This section of the Newell Highway is an essential freight corridor and the Albanese Government’s $205 million investment will make the journey safer for truck drivers, locals and people passing through on long road trips.

“Thank you to all road users for their patience as this massive project was undertaken and also to the 970 workers involved in completing the upgrades. 

“The new Spring Creek Rest Area will help truckies to better manage their fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.” 

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison: 

“This Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project completion is an incredible achievement and a credit to our Transport for NSW team, lead contractor Fulton Hogan and the residents and commuters of the area who showed great patience throughout the past three years.

“The jointly funded program has reached this milestone despite crews needing to battle extreme weather, floods and bushfires.

“A highlight of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade program has been a focus on employing local staff, providing not only a significant boost to local infrastructure but also a massive injection to the local economy.

“The NSW Government values the safe, sustainable and productive movement of freight throughout the vastness of the state and acknowledges the difficulties heavy vehicle drivers face when finding a

safe and reliable area to rest, park, and access services.”

Senator for WA Glenn Sterle: 

“As a former truck driver and current Chair of the Albanese Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, I am very proud to see this investment from both the Federal and NSW Government. 

“The sheer size of this project, including how many drivers it will accommodate, should serve as a blueprint for large scale heavy vehicle rest stops in other regional areas across Australia. 

“I commend both the Albanese and Minns’ Governments on their vision for this project and their commitment to improving conditions for our essential truckies.”

Labor Duty MLC for Barwon, Stephen Lawrence:

“This upgrade supported local businesses, provided local jobs, and now delivers safer roads for our north west communities.

“The project inducted more than 970 workers, involved more than 60 local businesses, and more than 800,000 hours worked.

“Northwest locals are better connected on our roads, truck drivers will be better rested, and locals can feel safe getting home.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“The Newell Highway is a major transport artery running from Queensland down through central NSW, much of it through Barwon, down to Victoria. It is fantastic to see the completion of these upgrades

to the highway, which will significantly increase safety and improve the efficiency of this vital roadway.

“One of the impressive things about the upgrade was that it has put money into the local economy, by using than 60 local businesses to supply goods and services, from water and equipment to accommodation and catering. 

“There was also an emphasis on Aboriginal employment and business engagement. The project has brought a range of benefits to the local community and will continue to be of benefit to all who rely on the highway.”

A free dazzling drone show on Saturday night saw around 20,000 people gather on Darling Harbor forecourts for a vibrant spring-themed display.

The drones will be lighting up the night in Darling Harbour every Saturday in September as part of a new entertainment trial.

From a whimsical white snowfall to a stunning burst of blossoms, the drone show is a visual masterpiece set against the iconic backdrop of Cockle Bay.

Weather permitting the 10-minute spectacular will be on every Saturday in September at 8:30pm so people can choose a date that’s most convenient for them to come along and check it out.

The free display is currently running as a trial in place of the Saturday night fireworks.

People can watch the spectacle for free from anywhere along the harbour’s edge. So, whether you’re at one of the waterfront restaurants or bars or simply enjoying a stroll along the water you can enjoy the show.

It has been delivered by Aura Drone Shows in Partnership with the NSW Government and precinct partners.

Tell us what you think by visiting https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on/events/drone-show

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Don’t miss the chance to see Darling Harbour’s new free dazzling drone show on every Saturday night this September.

“The free spring themed display is the perfect excuse for a budget friendly family night out ending with a burst of light.”

Work will start from next week to repair the next stage of landslip damage on Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Stanwell Park.

The repairs are needed following damage caused by extreme weather events in early 2023 and are being jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

A total of $1.8 million worth of repairs will be carried out on the eastern side of Lawrence Hargrave Drive between Coalcliff and Stanwell Park to prevent further ground movement. 

Work will include clearing debris and vegetation, drilling steel rods into the slope and installing a new guardrail.

This latest work will be carried out from Monday 15 September is expected to be completed by late November, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Natural disasters and heavy rainfall can have a significant impact on travel through our regions.

“It’s so important that we build back better after a severe weather event to ensure communities like the Illawarra can stay connected and be more resilient in the future.

“Recovery projects like this take time, but the Albanese Government is focused on ensuring reconstruction projects give communities confidence for decades in the safety and reliability of their roads.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government has committed more than $1 billion to infrastructure repairs after storms and floods this year.

“That is five times what the previous Coalition government committed as they failed to appreciate the devastating impact of these events on roads and the communities that rely on them.”

Federal Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes:

“I know what an important thoroughfare this is for our community, and I am absolutely delighted that the Australian Government is supporting these crucial repair works to be completed.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as these works are undertaken.

“Stabilising the road will help keep our community safe and ensure that the road remains accessible which is great news for local people.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“Lawrence Hargrave Drive is a key artery for our community and it’s critical that it is kept safe for local motorists to use. The NSW and Commonwealth governments are to be congratulated on undertaking this project.

“Our community has been looking forward to this project and the start of works will be widely welcomed.”

An elected NSW Liberal and Nationals government will repurpose the Long Bay Correctional Centre site, unlocking land to deliver many thousands of new homes and create a connected, sustainable community. This is the first in a series of announcements that will come from the NSW Coalition to transform our state’s housing landscape and give more buyers and renters a fair go.
 
Repurposing Long Bay is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn an outdated, centrally located jail into a vibrant neighbourhood with homes, parks, shops and community facilities. 
 
Under the plan, the existing correctional centre will remain operational until a new, modern facility is built outside the city, ensuring community safety and capacity while the site is redeveloped.
 
It has been suggested that the Long Bay precinct could accommodate up to 12,000 homes. 
 
These dwellings will be a mix of housing, with a strong focus on affordability and diversity. 
 
The development will also include new childcare centres, healthcare services and green spaces, all connected to improved transport infrastructure.
 
Today’s announcement is not just about building homes; it is about building a community. By unlocking Long Bay, we can contribute to easing the housing shortage, create jobs in construction and infrastructure, and deliver a sustainable precinct that honours the site’s history while embracing its future.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said today we dare to imagine something bigger, turning a relic of the past into a beacon of hope. 
 
“Our plan is about doing the right thing now, so our children aren’t locked out tomorrow,” Mr Speakman said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said a great community needs great transport and infrastructure. 
 
“With wide footpaths, cycleways and public transport on your doorstep, this will be a place where people can live, work and play without relying on the car,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said this project embodies the best of planning with a complete community with homes, parks and services all within reach. 
 
“We will work hand in hand with local residents and experts to design a precinct that
respects its heritage and embraces the future and together, we will prove that density and amenity can go hand in hand,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Corrections Adam Crouch said we’re committed to public safety and rehabilitation. 
 
“Our plan moves corrections into the 21st century by building a modern facility outside the city, freeing the Long Bay site for housing and community uses,” Mr Crouch said. 
 
Key features of the plan include:

• Master planning a new community with phased redevelopment of adjoining social housing across a 50-hectare site to deliver many thousands of new dwellings, with 30% reserved for social and affordable housing, helping address the housing crisis while ensuring a fair mix for key workers, families and first home buyers.
• Construction of a modern, purpose-built, publicly owned and operated correctional facility outside the city, with no inmates moved until the new centre is operational.
• A commitment to improved transport links, including new public transport options and upgraded roads, to support the community.
• Preservation and adaptive reuse of significant heritage elements.
• Strong environmental standards, including green infrastructure and water-sensitive urban design.
• Ongoing community consultation and transparent governance to ensure the project meets the needs of residents and the wider city. 

This plan for Long Bay marks the start of a new era in housing and community building for New South Wales.