Month: December 2024

Greens launch legislation to enshrine housing as a human right

Today the ACT Greens have launched draft legislation to enshrine housing as a human right, alongside a discussion paper seeking community feedback.

“Like education or healthcare, affordable housing is an essential service and key to living a life with dignity. From childhood through to adulthood, housing provides the basis for stability in all aspects of our lives,” said Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury. 

“For too long, politicians across the nation have treated the government’s role in the housing market as providing for private profit, rather than safeguarding our community from the skyrocketing cost of finding and keeping a home. 

“Now more than ever, in the middle of the most urgent housing crisis in living memory, we need to think about housing differently.  

“We need to set the groundwork for a complete rethink of the government’s role in the housing market, providing a starting point for deeper, more ambitious discussions about how the government can provide truly affordable homes.

“This legislation put forward by the Greens’ reflects a practical way we can focus the priorities of the government, ensuring that the government properly considers housing affordability in decision making. 

“This means that when legislation is introduced in the Assembly, the government will need to consider the human right to housing, which includes the impact on security of tenure for Canberrans, affordability, services like water and electricity, accessibility, location and cultural adequacy

“It is my hope this legislation will start a conversation both within and outside the government about the level of change that is needed to prioritise building homes for people over the private profit of property investors and companies.

“This could include greater focus on market interventions or broader provision of publicly owned housing to boost the rental market with affordable places to live, we’re open to all sorts of ideas from the community.

“That’s why we’ve launched a discussion paper alongside this new legislation to ensure there is a real grassroots movement behind this call for change.

“Canberrans who want to have their say can submit their feedback by getting in touch with my office. These submissions will inform the future of Greens action on enshrining housing a human right.”

For more information about the draft legislation and discussion paper, visit the ACT Greens website. Consultation for the draft legislation will close on Friday the 28th of February 2025 and is welcome from everyone in the community.

Greens launch legislation to enshrine housing as a human right

Today the ACT Greens have launched draft legislation to enshrine housing as a human right, alongside a discussion paper seeking community feedback.

“Like education or healthcare, affordable housing is an essential service and key to living a life with dignity. From childhood through to adulthood, housing provides the basis for stability in all aspects of our lives,” said Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury. 

“For too long, politicians across the nation have treated the government’s role in the housing market as providing for private profit, rather than safeguarding our community from the skyrocketing cost of finding and keeping a home. 

“Now more than ever, in the middle of the most urgent housing crisis in living memory, we need to think about housing differently.  

“We need to set the groundwork for a complete rethink of the government’s role in the housing market, providing a starting point for deeper, more ambitious discussions about how the government can provide truly affordable homes.

“This legislation put forward by the Greens’ reflects a practical way we can focus the priorities of the government, ensuring that the government properly considers housing affordability in decision making. 

“This means that when legislation is introduced in the Assembly, the government will need to consider the human right to housing, which includes the impact on security of tenure for Canberrans, affordability, services like water and electricity, accessibility, location and cultural adequacy

“It is my hope this legislation will start a conversation both within and outside the government about the level of change that is needed to prioritise building homes for people over the private profit of property investors and companies.

“This could include greater focus on market interventions or broader provision of publicly owned housing to boost the rental market with affordable places to live, we’re open to all sorts of ideas from the community.

“That’s why we’ve launched a discussion paper alongside this new legislation to ensure there is a real grassroots movement behind this call for change.

“Canberrans who want to have their say can submit their feedback by getting in touch with my office. These submissions will inform the future of Greens action on enshrining housing a human right.”

For more information about the draft legislation and discussion paper, visit the ACT Greens website. Consultation for the draft legislation will close on Friday the 28th of February 2025 and is welcome from everyone in the community.

Labor finally shifts towards Greens position after tens of thousands killed in Gaza

The Greens have said Labor’s move towards the Greens’ consistently advocated position for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire proved the minor party right from the beginning, but have criticised Labor for allowing tens of thousands of people to be killed in Gaza before starting to recognise the reality of the unfolding genocide. 

The Greens say Labor must now start to implement the Greens’ calls for sanctions on the extremist Netanyahu government, and commit to actioning arrest warrants issued by the ICC. 

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:

“Labor is recognising the Greens were right all along to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, but tragically tens of thousands of people have been killed in Gaza in the meantime.

“The Greens opposed the invasion of Gaza from the beginning, and consistently called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire. Labor attacked us, backed the invasion and refused to call for Benjamin Netanyahu to simply stop, but today Labor’s position has been exposed for the mistake it always was.

“Since the Greens first called for a ceasefire, Gaza has been levelled, its health system has totally collapsed and a genocide is unfolding, while international courts have issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu and found apartheid is being committed.

“Now Labor must do what the Greens have been calling for and put real pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the invasion, starting with sanctions on his extremist government and ending the two-way arms trade.”

Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Senator Jordon Steele-John:

“This is a move in the right direction but it must now be backed with action to pressure The State of Israel into complying with international law. 

“Labor has resisted supporting an unconditional ceasefire for too long while tens of thousands have been killed and the extremist Netanyahu government has crossed every red line set out by the International Community.

“This government must end its opposition to applying sanctions to members of the State of Israel’s government including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

“Australia must now show leadership by joining South Africa’s case at the international Court of Justice and by stopping the two-way arms trade with Israel.

“There is a genocide occurring in Gaza right now and we cannot afford not to act.”

Justice for Buddy Kelly, Community rallies at Coroner’s Court

Dozens of community members have rallied at the NSW Coroner’s Court in Lidcombe today calling for the reopening of the coronial investigation into the death of Lewis “Buddy” Kelly in 1983. Buddy Kelly was just 16-years-old when he was found dead on railway tracks outside of Kempsey and the initial investigation into the circumstances of Buddy’s death was completely inadequate with no autopsy, no blood alcohol readings and with the police failing to take individual statements from key witnesses.  

In 2020, Buddy’s body was exhumed with the permission of his family by the NSW Coroner to be forensically examined. Four years later, Buddy’s family are calling for answers and for an investigation into new evidence that has been reported to the NSW Police and Coroner.   

Buddy’s sister Monica Kelly spoke in front of the Coroner’s Court today, “It’s been four years since our family made the impossible decision to have our Buddy exhumed, and more than 41 years since he was taken from us and denied his life. We need answers and we need them urgently,”  

“What our family has gone through has been four decades and four generations of trauma. We have not received updates from the Coroner about the investigation, and for four years we have had to live with the freshly opened wound of Buddy’s death. If there is any information that can be provided to us, then it should be. Our lives are passing by while waiting for the results of this investigation that started more than four years ago,”  

“We will keep going down this path for as long as it takes, no family could rest if they had gone through the same trauma as us. It is impossible to see why there has not been more progress on finding the truth behind Buddy’s death even though we are now years down the track from the Coroner exhuming him,”  

“We also know that there has been fresh evidence given to the NSW Police and the Coroner that should have been the trigger for a fresh investigation to start. Everyday that there is no progress, and that we aren’t told what is going on, is another day of injustice for Buddy and for us,”  

“This journey we are on trying to access justice for Buddy and our families should not be this long and hard. It has been 4 years since we saw the exhuming of the body. Things are not moving fast enough and we have been left out. There should be better processes and support in place for our family. We are doing this because we want the system to change so that we can access justice and so that other families that may follow ours don’t have to do it so hard. We just want a fair and proper process while we find the truth about our Buddy. It’s what everyone deserves.”  

“The Coroner has a responsibility to see justice served, and in our case the injustice is extensive, painful and ongoing. We are here today to show the world that we are not going away, and that we will not give up on justice for Buddy,” Ms Kelly said.  

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 10 December 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 10 December 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Launch of new Mariyung fleet services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the historic launch of the new Mariyung fleet service from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal on December 3, 2024. The CEO will write to the Minister for Transport expressing Council’s congratulations and support and advocate for increased and quicker services between Sydney and Newcastle.

Mandatory track changes requirements for Council reports and policy documents

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting the commitment from the CEO that all reports and policy documents submitted to the Council Chamber will include a version with track changes or detailed commentary clearly showing all modifications, additions, and deletions from the previous version at the time of publication of the agenda papers.

World Stroke Day morning tea

An amended Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously adopted that called for City of Newcastle to continue its support of World Stroke Day and acknowledged and thanked former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for holding the inaugural World Stroke Day in 2016, and subsequent morning teas each year in collaboration with HMRI

Ordinary business 

Adoption of Council policies

Council voted to approve revised and updated Council Policies including the Investment and Borrowing Policy, Art Gallery Acquisition and Deaccessioning Policy, Media Policy and Social Media Policy.

Adoption of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee’s Strategic Work Plan

Council voted unanimously to endorse the Strategic Work Plan of City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Adoption of the Walking and Mobility Plan

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Walking and Mobility Plan, noting the summary engagement report from the recent public exhibition. The Plan is a 10-year framework that sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to support the community’s desire for Newcastle to be a city where walking is a safe, accessible, convenient and enjoyable part of people’s lives.

Draft Newcastle 2040 review

Council voted unanimously to place the draft revised Community Strategic Plan – Newcastle 2040 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

Demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application for the demolition, alterations and additions to the No.1 Sportsground grandstand, with consent granted subject to compliance with the conditions set out in the Draft Schedule of Conditions.

14 Sunderland Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 14 Sunderland Street Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

22 Victoria Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 22 Victoria Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

13 Section Street, Mayfield – adoption of heritage listing

Council voted unanimously to endorse the planning proposal prepared under Section 3.33 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to create a new heritage item at 13 Section Street, Mayfield. City of Newcastle will forward the planning proposal to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for finalisation.

115 Maryland Drive, Maryland – telecommunications facility

Council voted unanimously to approve the development application to erect a ‘telecommunications facility’, granting consent subject to compliance with conditions set out in the draft schedule of conditions.

Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South – roundabout safety improvements 

Council voted unanimously to approve roundabout safety improvements at two roundabouts on Parkway Avenue Hamilton South, at the intersections with National Park Street and Smith Street.

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Complaints Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.

Response to questions regarding Newcastle Airport

Council approved City of Newcastle undertaking community engagement within the Newcastle local government area to better understand awareness and support for Astra Aerolab. The findings of this community engagement will be reported to the Council in 2025.

Tender report – purchase of Summerhill Waste Management Centre landfill compactor 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the purchase of a Landfill Compactor for the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Rescinding of tender award – construction of operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre

Council voted unanimously to rescind the tender for the construction of an operational area for recycled materials transfer at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Late Item

505 Minmi Road

Council voted for the Lord Mayor and the City of Newcastle considers any action necessary, including legal responses, to protect the planning powers of the democratically elected City of Newcastle Council, including its LEP and planning functions, with respect to 505 Minmi Road.

Notices of Motion 

Youth Mock Council 2024 and investigating the re-establishment of a dedicated youth space

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that congratulated the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2024 and reiterated its commitment to the Youth Council and quality civics engagement and education. City of Newcastle staff will engage with the Youth Council to assess the need, requirements and viability of a dedicated youth space. 

Investigating opportunities for new and upgraded sporting facilities in the Western Suburbs 

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the growing need for new and upgraded sporting facilities in our city’s western suburbs and requested a report be provided to Councillors assessing the viability of new or upgraded facilities.

Citizenship Ceremonies 

Council supported an amended notice of motion that delegates the decision to schedule the January citizenship ceremony to the Lord Mayor, in his capacity as the Presiding Officer of Citizenship Ceremonies, and in line with the Lord Mayor’s existing delegations.

Lambton Pool

Council supported an amended notice of motion that included a request that staff consider, as part of the December quarterly budget review process, funding for the installation of a platform at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre that would enable those with mobility issues to enter the 25m and 50m pools more easily and safely.

111 Beaumont Street, Hamilton – place activation

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion requesting that City of Newcastle staff engage with Hamilton Business Improvement Association to determine events throughout 2025 that the vacant spaces within 111 Beaumont Street could support and enters into short term licenses with the community groups best suited to support those events, for an appropriate period before and after events.

Commissioning an independent review of council processes, procedures and performance

Council unanimously adopted an amended notice of motion for an independent review of Council’s processes, procedures and performance to uphold public trust and ensure high governance.

One step closer to a more pedestrian-friendly city

City of Newcastle is investing $2 million into footpaths this year as it takes the next step to make walking and active transport the preferred choice for short trips by 2034.

Councillors voted to adopt the Walking and Mobility Plan on Tuesday night, paving the way to implement a shared vision for enhanced pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience across the city.

The plan includes a framework for determining how projects will be identified, prioritised, and scheduled.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the adoption of the 10-year plan reaffirms a commitment to building and supporting walkable neighbourhoods.

“Walking provides wide-ranging social, environmental and health benefits, and this plan ensures we’re taking the right steps so they can be enjoyed across the community,” Cr Kerridge said.

“One of the first unanimous resolutions of this elected Council was to commit to delivering at least 20 kilometres of new footpaths over this new term of Council, because we know that having the right pedestrian infrastructure is vital to realising our vision of a more walkable Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Transport & Regulation Ryan Tranter said almost $2 million has already been allocated this financial year for footpath projects, including Freyberg Street, New Lambton and Traise Street, Waratah, where works are underway.

“Some new projects will update and expand existing pathways, while others will provide missing links and new crossing infrastructure,” Mr Tranter said.

“It’s all about taking a systematic, data-driven approach to make sure we are focusing our resourcing in the most beneficial areas for the community.”

Twenty-four key actions will guide the delivery of the plan, focused around promoting the safety and prioritisation of pedestrians, building and maintaining walkable neighbours, supporting walking trips and destinations, and fostering and celebrating walking in our communities.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said that when we refer to walking, we include all pedestrian movements, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams. 

“The adoption of this Walking and Mobility Plan will ensure pedestrians of all ages, abilities and mobilities, feel safe within the public road space,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Social equity and inclusivity are at the heart of this plan, because we want to make sure the benefits of walking can be enjoyed by everyone. 

“Including accessibility and socio-demographic factors such as age and disability as essential considerations when prioritising new pedestrian infrastructure projects is important to ensure that what we deliver is accessible and safe for the whole community”. 

Actions in the plan were updated following feedback from its public exhibition earlier this year, to provide clarity around how accessibility will be improved.

It followed an extensive consultation process with the community and other relevant stakeholders to shape the plan.  

The Walking and Mobility Plan aligns with the main objectives of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, helping to make the city a more liveable, sustainable and creative place.

$4.25 million grants for community-led programs to prevent domestic violence

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in meaningful action to prevent domestic and family violence, today opening expressions of interest for community-led primary prevention initiatives.

Up to $4.25 million in grant funding is on offer to local organisations statewide, including regional and rural, for proposals that address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence in our community.

Proposals that align with the Pathways to Prevention strategy will be given priority consideration, including gender-based violence prevention programs that:

  • Focus on high-impact settings such as schools, workplaces and sporting clubs
  • Engage men and boys in prevention initiatives
  • Align with the ’Change the Story’ framework, including related frameworks ‘Changing the Picture’, ‘Changing the Landscape’ and ‘Pride in Prevention’
  • Support LGBTQIA+ communities through inclusive programming
  • Support migrant and refugee communities
  • Explore innovative approaches, including the use of digital spaces such as social media.

Successful projects will run over a three-year period.

Following the EOI, eligible organisations will be invited to submit detailed proposals for funding consideration.

The full grant application process for the Primary Prevention Multi-Year Partnership Grants Program will be run in early 2025.

The NSW Government has committed $38 million over four years to roll out the state’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy, to partner with local organisations on addressing the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence.

For more information and to apply, go to: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants/grants-open/nsw-primary-prevention-multi-year-partnerships-grant-program.html

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Violence against women and girls can and must be prevented.

“Our government’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy provides a roadmap of the work we need to do to address the drivers of violence against women and stop the violence before it starts.

“We want to partner with local organisations and the community on programs that disrupt the drivers of gendered violence, promote healthy and respectful relationships, and change attitudes towards women. That will be the key to ending violence against women and girls.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

More well-located homes for St Leonards

The Minns Labor Government is speeding up the delivery of new housing using streamlined solutions to planning assessment.

More than 280 new homes at the Telstra Exchange site in St Leonards have been approved in a concurrent rezoning and assessment process.

The State Significant Development proposal worth $209 million will include 272 build-to-rent homes, 10 affordable housing units, 84 serviced apartments and retail stores, all within a 43-storey mixed-use tower.

The streamlined planning process where a site is concurrently rezoned and assessed is the same model that will be offered to proponents who opt-in to the soon-to-be established Housing Delivery Authority.

The site was rezoned under the Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct and the assessment has been approved a short time later.

The proposed development will create 250 construction jobs and a further 40 ongoing jobs, with the existing Telstra Exchange building to be integrated into the new build.

Delivering well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, as well as finding new and innovative ways to speed up planning processes.

To support the community with more homes, this project will raise up to $9.8 million in development contributions for Lane Cove Council to improve local infrastructure such as parks, community facilities and local roads.

A further $3 million will be provided by NSW Housing and Productivity Contribution for State and regional infrastructure projects such as roads, parks, hospitals and schools.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This project is a great example of an innovative infill development proposal which will provide nearly 290 new homes plus new short-term accommodation within six kilometres of the Sydney CBD.

“The Telstra Exchange site will retain its operations at this location while enabling redevelopment over its existing building for much needed new homes.

“This rezoning and assessment pathway is similar to what proponents will have access to when working with the Housing Delivery Authority, this will speed up the delivery of good projects.

“This project will be backed with $12.8 million in combined developer contributions to both Lane Cove Council and the NSW Government Housing and Productivity fund. This contribution will help deliver new and improved public infrastructure for the St Leonards community.” 

New overtaking lanes open as part of the Newell Highway upgrade

Three new overtaking lanes south of Moree are now open thanks to a $261.1 million investment between the Australian and New South Wales governments, providing safer and more efficient road journeys.

For drivers of the Newell Highway the upgrades are a welcome improvement, with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree, and a new northbound lane now open at Bellata.

The works are part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades, which are being delivered in four sections. Remaining activities include:

  • the installation of a pedestrian refuge and turning lane, as well as switching on the remaining streetlights at Bellata
  • construction of north-west NSW’s largest heavy vehicle rest area north of Narrabri
  • improved pavement, culverts and two new overtaking lanes south of Edgeroi.

The project will also upgrade 20 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.

North of Narrabri, traffic has switched over to a recently finished section of new highway, providing a safer and more comfortable drive for motorists.

The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades not only improves safety, it reduces future maintenance requirements and costs, improves the highway’s flood resilience and improves freight productivity and access to the Moree Special Activation Precinct.

Construction on these essential upgrades began in mid-2022, and has already created job opportunities for more than 940 people.

The Australian Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of an $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.

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

“The Australian Government is proud to be working with our state counterparts by investing in the future of regional NSW.

“The $1.5 billion we’re investing in the Newell Highway will pay dividends for decades, ensuring this essential transport corridor will serve local motorists and the road freight industry alike.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.

“The opening of three new overtaking lanes is an important milestone for this highway upgrade project which will greatly improve the way people move around the state’s north-west.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are pleased to be working together to improve road safety and reduce travel times for motorists who travel on this critical national highway.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“The Australian Government is investing in the road infrastructure which keeps freight moving and travellers safe.

“We’re partnering with the NSW Government to deliver projects that local communities need and deserve.”

NSW Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“The mix of road users travelling on the Newell Highway means it’s not uncommon for faster moving vehicles to come up behind slower moving heavy vehicles or holidaying caravanners.

“The provision of extra overtaking lanes is a vital safety initiative that helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces some of the frustration that can come from not being able to safely pass.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose MLC said:

“These new overtaking lanes will improve regional travel, especially during the end of year school holiday period, lead to improved efficiency for freight operators who use the Newell Highway, and safer road travel for holiday makers and regular Newell Highway users on the western side of the Northern Tablelands.

“The whole project is a great example of the Australian and NSW Governments collaborating to prioritise investment in regional communities.”

Work progressing for new palliative care units in Western Sydney

Work to deliver enhanced palliative care facilities for communities in western Sydney is progressing, with planning and design for new, purpose-built palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals now completed.

The completion of the design phase for the palliative care units at both Westmead and Nepean hospitals paves the way for the tender process to appoint a building contractor to commence next year.  

The NSW Government is investing $93 million as part of the World Class End of Life Care Program to deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state, including at Nepean, Westmead, Wyong, Tamworth, and Orange hospitals. 

The new purpose-built palliative care units, offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest standard of care. 

Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has played an important role in the design development for each unit at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, and ensures the palliative care space meets the needs of the local community.

At Westmead Hospital, the new unit will include bedrooms with ensuites, communal spaces, a multi-faith room, and direct access to a shared outdoor area. This facility will be located within an extension to the Clinical Acute Services Building and has been designed to offer privacy and access to complementary health services within Westmead Hospital. 

At Nepean Hospital, the new unit which is on the top floor of the new Stage 2 Redevelopment building, will feature bedrooms with ensuites and include a rooftop courtyard, as well as family-orientated, shared spaces aimed at creating a supportive, inclusive setting for patients and their loved ones. 

Construction timeframes for the new palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals will be confirmed following the appointment of a building contractor.  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“The NSW Government’s investment to enhance palliative care facilities is focused on delivering respectful and purpose-built spaces which provide dignity and comfort for people in their final stages of life. 

“These units at Nepean and Westmead hospitals will ensure patients and their families have both privacy and comfort, as well as enhanced access to palliative care services and facilities.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown: 

“It is important that the design for these new palliative care facilities included input from health staff and the community. It will provide our Nepean hospital patients and their families with the comfort, ease, and solace they deserve during these difficult times.

“Our Government’s $93 million commitment is part of the World Class End of Life Care Program highlighting our dedication to expanding access to quality and compassionate care for communities throughout NSW.” 

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis

“The new unit at Westmead Hospital will provide quality end-of-life and supportive care in a calm, homely environment, supporting local patients and their families during a difficult time.”