Plans for the world’s largest industrial land transformation are here

The world’s current largest industrial land transformation project has taken a major step forward, with a rezoning proposal released today to revitalise 200 hectares of land at BlueScope’s Port Kembla site.

Now on public exhibition, the proposal outlines plans to rezone 200 hectares of underutilised land on the southern edge of the Port Kembla Steelworks. This paves the way for a future-focused hub that will support up to 30,000 local jobs and drive the Illawarra’s economic growth for decades to come.

The proposed precinct will rezone the existing industrial land to attract new industries across advanced manufacturing, clean and renewable energy, education, and data and logistics which will help position the Illawarra as a leader in next-generation industries.

Several historic buildings will be preserved and repurposed, maintaining the site’s industrial legacy alongside its transformation into a modern and innovative precinct.

The ongoing operations of the steelworks and the port will continue uninterrupted, with existing infrastructure and transport connections at the site to support new development.

The NSW Government is fast-tracking the rezoning through a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal process, recognising its strategic importance for the region and the state.

A Cabinet-endorsed Working Group, led by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, is overseeing the strategic coordination of the project.

The group brings together representatives from NSW Government agencies, Wollongong City Council and BlueScope.

Community members and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposal, which includes a draft master plan, technical studies, and an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE). Submissions are open until Thursday, 5 October 2025.

For more information visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/port-kembla

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This site has the potential to make the most significant difference to the Illawarra’s industrial landscape since steelmaking commenced nearly 100 years ago and the biggest change to our local economy since the University of Wollongong became an independent institution 50 years ago.

“This site is about the same size as Monaco and has the potential to transform the local economy and create 30,000 jobs.

“The Port Kembla Steelworks has been at the heart of Wollongong for nearly a century, shaping our city, our economy and our identity.

“This transformation is about honouring the site’s industrial history while building a precinct that brings new industries and new jobs to the Illawarra.

“BlueScope currently contributes around 1 per cent of NSW’s Gross State Product from its Port Kembla site, the proposed masterplan could support an additional 30,000 jobs and could double this economic contribution.

“This will support thousands of new jobs in fast growing industries like advanced manufacturing, education, tech, and renewable energy that will sustain our region for generations.”

BlueScope Head of Property Development Michael Yiend said:

“The public exhibition represents a significant milestone in the Port Kembla Land Transformation Project—an opportunity to unlock 200 hectares of previously heavy industrial operational land and deliver enduring benefits to the Illawarra region and beyond.

“This transformation will complement existing and future steelmaking operations while attracting emerging industries to the site, creating a multi-decade pipeline of investment, economic growth, and new local career opportunities. We are proud to work alongside the NSW Government, Wollongong City Council, and the community to realise this vision and reinforce the Illawarra’s key role in Australian industry, driving sustainable growth for decades to come.”

Cabonne Shire bridges and causeways the first focus of Central West Disaster recovery funding

Cabonne Shire has commenced much needed disaster recovery works to rebuild and strengthen transport infrastructure impacted by the 2022 floods, which caused widespread damage across the Central West LGAs.

Work is now underway to improve the drainage capacity and efficacy of causeways along key roads in the shire, with planning and design being prepared for improvements to a number of bridges across the shire.

These two transport infrastructure upgrade packages are made possible through the Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) provided jointly by the NSW and Australian governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Disaster recovery funding of up to $3.8 million will cover the installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls and concrete decks at various locations across the Cabonne LGA.

A further $5.3 million in disaster recovery funding will enable a package of bridge work, which will involve:

  • raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindra
  • culvert upgrades on Edward Street, Cudal
  • replacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargo
  • raising the bridge deck at Ophir Road Bridge, Ophir
  • replacing the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra.

Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs also received betterment funding for infrastructure upgrades to improve resilience.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The DRFA supported RTRF allows these Central West communities to continue to rebuild following the devastating floods in 2022.

“Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs were all invited to apply for project-specific funding to carry out upgrades on damaged local roads and bridges and to help better prepare for future severe weather events with nine projects receiving funding.

“These Central West councils will share in more than $30 million of disaster relief funding as their communities continue to rebuild from floods while also doing whatever can be done to improve future flood resilience using clever design.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Central West Regional Transport Resilience Funding (RTRF) forms part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

“Importantly, this package focuses on building back better to ensure communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.

“The aim is to ensure local road and bridge infrastructure is built back to better withstand disasters and to improved standards.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“The impact of the 2022 floods was felt across 11,000 kilometres of the Central West, with some areas remaining underwater for extended periods of time, causing significant impact on the transport network and community connectivity.

“It is because of the advocacy of these Councils and their commitment to community restoration that this funding has been able to be secured.

“This work starting in Cabonne is a huge step forward for community recovery in this region.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato:

“The 2022 floods caused significant damage across Cabonne Shire, and this funding is a crucial step in helping our communities recover and build back stronger. These upgrades will improve the safety and resilience of key transport routes that locals, farmers and businesses rely on every day.

“I am pleased to see all levels of government working together to deliver real outcomes for our region. This is about ensuring our infrastructure can better withstand future weather events and keep our communities connected.”

Cabonne Shire Council Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Matthew Christensen:

“Access to this funding stream and acknowledgement by both the Australian and NSW governments that local councils just do not have capacity to fund the repairs required after a natural disaster, let alone consider how to rebuild important infrastructure to withstand future events.

“It is vital that council’s roads, bridges, culverts and footpaths are maintained to support Cabonne’s agriculture industry, encourage tourism, and ensure that all road users are able to travel safely.”

Nurses & midwives vote to accept pay rise and improved working conditions

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a 3 per cent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.

The agreement provides an interim 3 per cent pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.

Nurses and Midwives will also see an increase to their Night Shift Penalty rate from 15 to 20 per cent, effective from 1 July 2025, with this issue no longer part of future arbitration proceedings.

Nurses and midwives will also see improvements to their working conditions and work-life balance, including:

  • Two consecutive days off
  • No night shifts before annual leave unless requested
  • No changes on published roster without consultation

The offer gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for the remaining matters to be determined by the independent Industrial Relations Commission.

The Minns Labor Government re-empowered the independent industrial umpire to make a decision free of a wages cap.

This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an 8 per cent increase to pay (inclusive of a 1 per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Labor Government.

After 12 years of wage suppression and neglect of the health system, the Minns Labor Government abolished the wages cap and is working to rebuild the health workforce.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This interim deal on pay, nightshift penalties and improvements to conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

“We have delivered wage agreements for 81 per cent of public sector workers – investing in the teachers, paramedics, health workers and police who provide essential services.  This would not be possible under the Coalition’s wage cap.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“When we came to office, NSW was facing a health workforce crisis – our nurses, our paramedics, our hospital workers were leaving. We are turning things around.

“This vote is a major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals but there is more to do.

“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists.

“This was opposed by the Liberals – only Labor can keep getting on with the job of improving our hospitals and recruiting more health workers.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis: 

“This agreement is long overdue recognition for nurses and midwives who have been campaigning for a long time. We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.

“Our agreement to a historic increase in night shift penalties and improved working conditions for nurses and midwives reflects our commitment to valuing frontline workers.”

The Great Koala National Park

The Minns Labor Government has today confirmed the next major step delivering on an election commitment to protect koalas in the wild, announcing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park, alongside a comprehensive plan to support workers, industry and local communities.

On National Threatened Species Day, the NSW Government is announcing:

  • The proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park
  • An immediate temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within this proposed boundary
  • A comprehensive worker and industry support package
  • $6m in community and small business supports for the mid-north coast region
  • An additional $60 million to establish the park.

Without action, koalas are on track to be extinct in the wild in NSW by 2050. At the last election, we promised to take action to establish the Great Koala National Park — and today we are delivering on that commitment.

The park will reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest and connect with existing national parks to create a 476,000-hectare reserve – one of the largest in NSW.

This park will protect more than 12,000 koalas, 36,000 Greater Gliders and habitat for over 100 other threatened species.

The Government has imposed a temporary moratorium effective Monday 8 September 2025 on timber harvesting within the proposed park boundary.

The NSW Government has planned carefully and will stand with affected workers, businesses and communities every step of the way.

It’s why today we are announcing comprehensive assistance for impacted business and workers.

The immediate temporary moratorium will have an impact on 6 out of more than 25 timber mills in the region and approximately 300 jobs.

Assistance includes JobKeeper-style payments to support workers by covering salaries, and also financial assistance towards business operating costs.

As well as financial payments to cover salaries, workers and their families will have immediate free access to mental health, financial and legal counselling services and training support.

The Government has contacted every impacted mill and will now commence discussions with them about their long-term options and ensure appropriate support for workers.

The Government recognises there will be challenges as the transition begins and is committed to working with local communities every step of the way.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million to support new opportunities for tourism and small businesses on the Mid North Coast, with the package to be developed in consultation with local communities to grow jobs and investment as the Great Koala National Park is established.

An additional $60 million in funding is being announced for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to support the establishment of the park. This is in addition to the $80 million announced in 2023.

The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management Method, which is currently moving through the Federal Government assessment processes.

Today’s announcement follows extensive consultation with industry and community stakeholders and a comprehensive expert assessment process.

The Government thanks everyone involved for their input and patience during this process.

The Great Koala National Park will not end forestry on the North Coast. The Independent Forestry Panel is continuing to provide advice to the Government to inform the Forestry Industry Action Plan.

Information is available online, via www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns:

“Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around.

“We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The Great Koala National Park has been a dream for more than a decade. It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild.

“These amazing old-growth forests are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots – home to more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders.”

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:

“Our government’s priority is to fully support impacted workers with payments and services during this major change.

“That is why we will provide financial assistance to businesses we know will be impacted, so they can continue to pay their staff’s salaries and cover costs.

“We are committed to a sustainable forestry industry in NSW.”

Minister for the North Coast and Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin:

“We are delivering on our election promise to deliver the Great Koala National Park for the North Coast.

“This will deliver the protection of our most precious and loved species, our koalas, that everyone in NSW wants to see protected; and the Greater Koala National Park will also provide an economic boon for locals and businesses alike.

“It is important to work together to ensure no one is left behind. We will be supporting impacted workers, businesses, communities and industry to maximise opportunities as we deliver the Great Koala National Park.

“I am committed to ensure that our forest workers and small business forest operators are supported economically and emotionally through this change.”

Koala park is welcome and needed, but 2025 is already a terrible year for koala habitat destruction

As the NSW government announces the proposed boundary for a Great Koala National Park, a new study by the Australian Conservation Foundation reveals more koala habitat has been approved for destruction under the national nature law in 2025 than in any other year.

This is despite the koala being listed as an endangered species and the federal government recognising habitat destruction and fragmentation as a ‘major’ and ‘increasing’ threat to the iconic marsupial (see page 15 and page 18 of the Conservation Advice for the Koala).

The Albanese government is currently reforming the national nature law.

Released for National Threatened Species Day, 7 September, the ACF study reveals:

2025 is already the worst year on record for federally-approved destruction of koala habitat. Almost 4,000 hectares has been approved to be bulldozed for eight projects.
Since 2011, an area larger than two Royal National Parks has been approved for destruction. Almost 38,000 hectares of koala habitat has been approved to be bulldozed under Australia’s failing nature ‘protection’ law, the EPBC Act – more than for any other threatened species in Australia.
98% of destroyed koala habitat has been flattened without assessment by Australia’s national nature law. Agriculture is the biggest driver of koala habitat destruction.
Native forest logging continues to destroy koala habitat, particularly in NSW.
“ACF welcomes the NSW government’s announcement of details of the long-promised and much needed Great Koala National Park,” said ACF nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers.

“Despite its commitment to ‘zero new extinctions’, the Albanese government has already approved the destruction of 3,958 hectares, or four Sydney Airports’ worth of koala habitat, so far this year.

“Even worse, 98% of koala habitat has been bulldozed without even being assessed under the national law. The very law meant to protect nature is so poorly enforced that it has failed to stop nearly 2.3 million hectares of likely koala habitat from being bulldozed and cut down.

“Given that the koala has been recognised as threatened with extinction since 2012 and therefore should be protected from harm, this underscores the total failure of the current laws to keep trees in the ground and prevent the further decline of the species.

“In its revision of Australia’s national nature law, the Albanese government must set clear rules to protect habitat for threatened species like the koala, close loopholes that enable rogue bulldozers and establish an independent watchdog to enforce the law.

“Congratulations, and thank you, to all the groups and community members who have fought hard for the Great Koala National Park.”

Associate Professor Desley Whisson from Deakin University said:

“To prevent koala extinction, we must stop the broadscale destruction of their habitat. Our current environmental laws are doing nothing to protect this iconic species.

“We know habitat loss is the leading cause of koala decline, yet deforestation continues unchecked. If we are serious about preventing extinction of this iconic species, our national laws must be strengthened to keep trees standing.

“Preventing koala extinction isn’t complicated. We need to stop deforestation by strengthening our national laws.”

Dr Kita Ashman, Adjunct Professor at Charles Sturt University, said:

“The way Regional Forests Agreements operate under the EPBC Act is effectively as a backdoor for destructive practices like logging to continue with very little scrutiny.

“If we remove this loophole, it will mean climate refuges and places that are critical for the survival of the species will remain intact.”

Critical incident declared after teen dies following pursuit, crash – Hunter Valley

A critical incident investigation is underway after a teenage boy died and four people were taken to hospital following the pursuit and crash of a stolen car in the state’s Hunter overnight.

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command first attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025), due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The 14-year-old boy driving the vehicle and his 17-year-old male front-seat passenger were initially trapped.

Once released, they were treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the front-seat passenger died at the scene.

The driver was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he and the three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – are all being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Initial information indicates all boys are from the Tamworth area while the woman is from the Newcastle area.

It’s believed vehicle was stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025).

A crime scene has now been established, with specialist officers from Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Appeal to locate boy missing from Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Matei Ernst, aged 14, was last seen on Marlborough Street, Rutherford, about 8am yesterday (Thursday 4 September 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police have concerns for Matei’s welfare due to his young age.

Matei is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, of thin build and between 150cm – 160cm tall.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform – white shirt, black shorts and a black Nike backpack.

Matei is known to frequent the Maitland, Rutherford, Greenhills areas and local shopping centres in those areas.

Project of Concern Summit held in Canberra

A Project of Concern Summit has been held in Canberra to discuss the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS) project.

Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Pat Conroy MP hosted senior Defence and Airservices Australia officials and industry representatives. 

This Summit was an important milestone that provided representatives the opportunity to discuss the progress made on the remediation plan since the last Project of Concern Summit in November 2024. 

The Summit allowed stakeholders to come together, share updates and strengthen collaboration, supporting the ongoing work to deliver this important capability and ensure it meets operational needs.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“I would like to thank all representatives for their attendance as we focus on the progress we have made on remediating project performance.

“Project of Concern Summits provide a valuable forum for Defence and industry to engage on projects requiring high-level intervention to achieve successful delivery. Participating parties identify remediation methods, commit to working together and review project progress. 

“These summits are an important part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to actively monitor high-priority projects and maintain momentum on the delivery of capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.” 

Universities & Government must heed historic student referendum on Gaza

Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Higher Education spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has called on universities to respect the overwhelming mandate of their students and end all partnerships with weapons companies, following the results of a historic national referendum on Palestine.

More than 5,000 students across roughly 20 campuses voted in the first National Union of Students (NUS) referendum in the union’s four-decade history. The grassroots referendum passed two motions almost unanimously: censuring the Australian government for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza, and demanding universities cut ties with weapons manufacturers.

In February, Senator Mehreen Faruqi introduced a Bill requiring universities to disclose and divest from any partnerships with dirty industries, including weapons manufacturers, gambling, fossil fuel and tobacco companies.

Senator Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Greens and Spokesperson for Tertiary Education:

“For the first time in decades, thousands of students have spoken with one voice, demanding that their universities stop profiting from war, militarism and the machinery of genocide. University leadership cannot ignore this.

“Students have given their universities a clear, democratic instruction: end the dirty partnerships with the weapons companies profiting from Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“Universities exist to serve the public interest. They shouldn’t be getting into bed with arms companies and helping to sanitize their reputations.

“History will not be kind to those who ignored this moment — University Vice-Chancellors must cut the bloody ties now or forever wear the shame.

“Students across the country have issued a historic censure of the Albanese Government for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. This is a wake-up call from the next generation, and the message is clear: sanction Israel, stop the two-way arms trade, and end the complicity.

“When thousands of students, in the first national referendum of its kind, vote almost unanimously to condemn the Government’s role in war crimes, it cannot be ignored.

“In light of this historic result, the Albanese government must back the Greens’ bill forcing universities to be transparent and cut ties with dirty industries—whether weapons, fossil fuels, or gambling—so our institutions serve the public good, not corporate profiteers.”

$2.5 billion to force people to Nauru and denial of natural justice in new Labor law

The Home Affairs (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 was rammed through today by the Liberals and Labor, following revelations that the secret agreement with Nauru signed by the Albanese Government will cost $2.5 billion. 

In a rushed hearing last night, it was made clear that this Bill would impact tens of thousands of people, denying them natural justice, and the secret Nauru Memorandum of Understanding signed last week will cost billions. 

The Department of Home Affairs could not even confirm if the Nauru MOU made reference to the Refugee Convention. This is despite the Nauru President David Adeang saying that Nauru’s long-term goal is to remove people back to the country they fled, in clear breach of the Convention. 

Under this law, the Minister can direct a woman who is escaping domestic violence to get a passport. When she rightfully is fearful that doing this would require her to meet her abuser, this law prevents her from even informing the government of this fact. Instead, she either puts herself in danger by obeying the Minister or goes to jail for trying to protect herself.

This law also allows the Government to forcibly remove people to Nauru (and any other third country with which there is an agreement) with no natural justice considerations. 

Labor refused to allow submissions from the public at the hearing into the Bill last night. However, the Greens tabled a series of submissions from the public to ensure they are on the record, which can be accessed here. 

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson for Immigration, said: “There are no depths Labor won’t explore to outflank the Coalition on the right on immigration. 

“The cornerstone of our entire legal system, natural justice, has just been smashed by the Albanese Government.

“Mandatory detention, offshore detention, preventing people who sought asylum by sea from resettling, a Trump-style travel ban and now laws that can deny natural justice, this is Labor’s legacy. It’s a legacy that deliberately undermines multiculturalism and fairness. 

“When Labor makes laws that say some people who were not born here are denied basic legal rights, that feeds the far-right extremism we saw at anti-immigration rallies over the last weekend. 

“Australia should be treating our neighbours with respect, not bribing them to become a 21st-century penal colony. 
“The Pacific can see how Australia bullies and bribes its neighbours. 

“Failing to treat our neighbours as friends and equals comes at a cost, and is a long-term threat to Australia’s political and moral leadership in the Pacific.”