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Solar battery installations soar, cutting energy bills in NSW

Thousands of NSW households are enjoying lower energy bills thanks to the strong early adoption of the Minns Labor Government’s household battery incentive, which delivers thousands of dollars off the cost of installation.

Since the incentive was launched in November, more than 7,800 batteries have been installed in homes and businesses across NSW.

By using the incentive scheme, eligible homeowners and businesses get an upfront discount on the cost of battery installation through installers working with government-accredited suppliers.

The discount amount is related to the size of the battery, meaning larger batteries attract bigger discounts. For a typical household battery with 13.5 kilowatt-hours of capacity, this is a discount of more than $2000 on average and is available for both new and existing solar systems.

A typical household with an $1850 annual electricity bill can save around $1500 per year by installing solar and a battery.

More than half of the 7,800 installations have taken place outside the Sydney Region, including 23 in the City of Broken Hill. The scheme has reached more than 90% of all Local Government Areas in NSW, with more than 600 installers taking part across the state.

The top 15 Local Government Areas for installations so far are:

Northern Beaches	402
Central Coast	337
City of Blacktown	286
City of Shoalhaven	280
Sutherland Shire	270
City of Lake Macquarie	241
City of Penrith	236
City of Wollongong	214
The Hills	208
Ku-ring-gai	178
City of Parramatta	173
City of Blue Mountains	172
Camden	166
City of Campbelltown	166
Tweed	163

With more than one-third of NSW homes now equipped with rooftop solar systems, the ability to store this solar energy in batteries for later use offers significant benefits for household budgets and energy reliability.

Households will also be able to receive an extra discount and generate revenue by signing their new and existing batteries up to a Virtual Power Plant. This will allow excess energy that households have stored in batteries to be sold back into the grid.

The household battery incentive is part of the NSW Government’s Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, reducing peak electricity demand in NSW, maintaining grid stability during periods of high electricity demand and reducing the grid’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering cost of living relief through $435 million in annual energy bill rebates, $200 million to support the roll-out of public EV charging stations and $175 million to make energy savings upgrades for 24,000 social housing homes.

Find out more information about the NSW Government’s household battery incentive program.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“More than a third of NSW homes already have rooftop solar, and now we’re helping thousands of them connect a battery so they can store the energy produced when the sun is up, and use it around the clock.

“We know there is a lot more work to do to reduce cost of living pressures but schemes like this are putting money back in people’s pockets in a way that is good for energy reliability and good for the environment.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW has set a cracking pace for battery adoption across the country, and we only see this momentum picking up.

“These installations are providing cost of living relief through lower energy bills and are making a valuable contribution to a more sustainable and secure energy system.”

Minister for Families and Communities to meet with senior child protection officials in New Zealand

The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, will travel to New Zealand this morning for four days to meet with senior child protection officials and other stakeholders, as part of the NSW Government’s continuing efforts to reform our child protection and out-of-home care (OOHC) systems.

New Zealand’s child protection system has undergone significant reform and transformation since 2017, focussed on more effective and efficient early intervention supports, and building Māori service provider capacity within their service system. The New Zealand reform journey – including its successes and stumbles – offers unique insights into the challenging road ahead for NSW.

Across the four days, Minister Washington is scheduled to visit Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, and Dunedin. She will meet with New Zealand’s Minister for Children, as well as the Independent Children’s Monitor, the Chief Social Worker, the Principal Youth Court Judge, and various child protection stakeholders and service providers, including Maori services.

Oranga Tamariki – New Zealand’s Ministry for Children will host the Minister’s official visit.

While Minister Washington is overseas, the Attorney General will act as the Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion.

PUBLIC HOUSING CLASS ACTION JUST THE BEGINNING, LABOR WON’T GET AWAY WITH DEMOLITION: GREENS

The Victorian Greens say that the public housing residents’ class action is just the beginning and that residents across the 44 public housing towers will continue to resist and fight back as Labor steamrolls ahead with their disastrous plan that will displace thousands of people in a housing crisis.

The lawsuit that included 479 households from the three towers in North Melbourne and Flemington argued that the Victorian Labor Government failed to properly consider the residents’ human rights when they decided to demolish the towers, and that other alternatives – such as retrofitting the towers – weren’t even considered.

Since Labor’s plan was first announced, they’ve refused to provide documents to justify the demolition of the towers, failing to produce documents to the parliament and the courts as part of this case.

The Victorian Greens attempted to compel the documents through the parliament and Labor blocked 148 out of 156 claiming ‘executive privilege’ to keep the documents secret. From what the Greens did receive it implies that the plan to demolish and privatise the towers was based on nothing more than a few dot points on the back of an envelope.

The Victorian Greens say that the case has made it clear that residents do not want to be kicked out so Labor can privatise the public housing estates, and that this is only the beginning of residents fighting back against Labor’s plans to demolish their homes.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for Public and Affordable Housing, Gabrielle de Vietri:

“This case has made one thing clear, residents do not want Labor to demolish their homes so the public housing estates can be privatised. This is just the beginning of residents fighting back against Labor’s bad plan. This plan that wants to tear down homes and displace thousands of public housing residents in a housing crisis has never stacked up. It’s only a matter of time until the wheels fall completely off.”

Leader of the Victorian Greens and member for Melbourne, Ellen Sandell:

“The outcome today is disappointing for the brave North Melbourne and Flemington residents who took the state Labor government to court, but the fight is not over. Residents are speaking out, they deserve to have their voices heard and the Greens are going to keep standing alongside them to oppose Labor’s demolition and privatisation of public housing.”

Putting Newcastle on the national cricket map

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind the second stage of planned improvements to Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground, which would deliver the upgrades required to host elite national level competition.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the $20 million project builds on City of Newcastle’s ongoing investment into city’s premier sportsground, with a vision to attract men’s and women’s domestic first-class cricket and Big Bash League matches, as well as high level AFL fixtures.

“City of Newcastle is committed to the major redevelopment of No.1 Sportsground, which will transform the facility into a modern venue able to cater for the needs of local, regional and elite-level sporting fixtures,” Mr Bath said.

“In 2022 we completed an $8 million refurbishment, which included major upgrades to the field of play, lighting and seating capacity.

“At that time we said government grants would be required to deliver the second stage of this development, which includes a two-storey addition at the rear of the existing grandstand to provide upgraded amenities for players, officials and spectators.

“We have been working with Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia for a number of years to develop this proposal to complete the facility’s transformation, with lighting, media and spectator upgrades that would make No.1 Sportsground a destination for top level sport across a range of codes, including cricket and AFL.”

Proposed improvements to No.1 Sportsground include:

Enhanced player and match official amenity, including upgraded changerooms and new turf training pitches.
Improved fan experiences, featuring new entry points, shaded seating and upgraded restrooms with enhanced accessibility for females and people with disabilities.
Upgraded media and broadcast infrastructure, including enhanced lighting to meet the 1500 LUX standard required for live broadcast and streaming.
Multipurpose spaces that would be utilised as community rooms outside of match days.

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon said securing a commitment from the Australian Government for the Newcastle project was one of their top national priorities ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

“The cricket community in Newcastle, along with the City of Newcastle, Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia, have identified the enormous benefits these improvements to Newcastle No.1 Sportsground would bring in inspiring everyone to play and love cricket,” Mr Germon said.

“If the facilities for the players, fans and our broadcast partners are able to get to an acceptable level with a capacity up to 15,000 people, Newcastle No.1 could become a second home venue for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL.

“An upgraded Newcastle No.1 could also be utilised as a multi-sport, multi-purpose facility. Therefore, we call on the Federal candidates in Newcastle to commit their support ahead of the May 3 election.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Advisory Committee Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the project would deliver wide-ranging benefits.

“We have been working collaboratively with cricket and AFL for a number of years on the revitalisation of No.1 Sportsground for the benefit of players and spectators,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This project will not only deliver enhanced facilities for those within our community who utilise it for grassroots and regional level sport, but will also have a wider-reaching impact on Newcastle’s economy through its potential to attract and host major sporting events.”

Councillor Peter Gittins, who sits on City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities committee, welcomed the plans and the backing of Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia.

“I remember fondly the time when Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground was a premier sporting venue. Not only was there the rugby league match of the day every Saturday but the ground played host to numerous touring league and cricket teams. The crowds were large, the atmosphere electric and the ground itself was always immaculate and a Newcastle icon,” Cr Gittins said.

“As a city with such a proud sporting tradition, Newcastle deserves a venue that will enable it to host first-class cricket including Sheffield Shield, the Marsh Cup and the Women’s National Cricket League as well as extending its AFL arm.

“The time has come for our No.1 Sportsground to regain the crown as a sporting venue of the highest order and, in so doing, return top quality sport to what was once its natural home in the region.”

New planning pathway to deliver 330 new homes in Orange

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a massive boost to Orange’s housing market after giving the green light for 330 new homes to be built through the new Redmond Place housing precinct.

It’s the first proposal to be finalised under the Minns Government’s Social and Affordable Housing Rezoning Pathway which seeks to accelerate rezoning proposals for NSW communities in need.

The precinct will dedicate up to 20 per cent of the homes as affordable housing to make sure there are more affordable places to live, so everyone has access to a safe and secure place to call home.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has prioritised the Redmond Place rezoning so more homes can be delivered in a shortened timeframe for those who would otherwise not be able to afford to rent privately.

Landcom will work closely with Orange City Council to deliver this new neighbourhood which will feature a variety of open space areas, parks and shared community facilities in a safe and well-connected street network.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

This follows other significant changes introduced by the Minns Labor Government to deliver more new homes including by making the largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW, and undertaking the largest rezoning in NSW history.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

For more information, please visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/redmond-place-orange

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Redmond Place precinct will deliver quality affordable housing in Orange for families, essential workers and vulnerable people.

“We’re not just building 330 new homes, we’re also building a community with parks and shared infrastructure to create a place people are proud to call home.

“As the first proposal finalised under the Social and Affordable Housing Pathway this precinct is evidence that the reforms being delivered by the Minns Government are working to get more roofs over heads faster.”

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“The regions are again leading the way with this resilient new neighbourhood in the heart of the Central West which improves housing supply and meets local needs.

“As Orange continues to grow, so too must its housing options. Redmond Place will offer a mix of homes including single dwellings, duplexes, town houses and low-rise apartments, delivering greater choice and affordability.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“These new planning pathways will cut red tape to fast-track the delivery of social and affordable homes for the communities that need them most.

“Everyone deserves a secure, affordable place to call home, no matter where they live. Supporting our growing regional areas means making sure more people have access to housing they can afford.”

Member for Orange Philip Donato said:

“Orange is a growing community and projects like the Redmond Place Precinct will allow it to continue to thrive.

“These 330 homes are great news for Orange and will help to keep the great Australian dream of owning a home a reality in the Central West.”

Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said:

“Redmond Place Precinct is an investment in the future of our growing region.

“Now that the project has the green light, I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground to bring this vital development to life.”

New homes delivered in Bellambi

The Minns Labor Government has invested $9.74 million to transform four aging cottages into eighteen social housing units at Bellambi. The units will provide a safe, secure and affordable home for residents in the Illawarra region.

The new two-storey development quadruples the social housing originally on the site, with eight one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units available, including 16 car and two motorbike parking spaces.

The new complex is just a moments’ walk to local shops, cafes, health services and transport connections including Bellambi station.

Around 44 jobs were created during construction of the building, which sits on the land of the Dharawal people. The site includes extensive landscaping and mature tree planting throughout.

The project showcases the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver more and better social and affordable housing and homelessness services across the state, thanks to the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW package.

Meanwhile, a People and Place Plan is currently being developed by Homes NSW to help guide future renewal of the wider Bellambi estate, which is set to be shared with the community in mid-2025.

Homes NSW has identified Bellambi as a key site for renewal due to the age of the housing in the region and the changing needs of the community who live in the area.

The planned renewal is still in the early planning stage and no social housing residents living in the Bellambi Estate are currently being asked to move, and there are no changes to current tenancy arrangements.

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

“I’ve been privileged to attend some of the community engagement sessions in Bellambi, and I’m heartened to see how closely Homes NSW has been collaborating with residents, I’m excited for the future of this neighbourhood.

“There is a clear and urgent need for more and better social housing in Wollongong, particularly for people living with disability and the elderly.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“The community have been calling for more homes that work for them – that is what we are delivering. These new, modern social homes are fit-for-purpose and built to meet the needs of residents.

“This area desperately needs more accessible one and two-bedroom homes that are safe and comfortable to ensure older tenants are able to age in place with dignity.

“This renewal isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about building a community. We’re increasing the supply of social and affordable homes, but also delivering the infrastructure and support that locals in the Illawarra rely on.”

Deal is sealed for Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone

Australia’s first declared Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) will formally commence construction within months after the NSW Government awarded ACEREZ the contract and reached financial close to deliver the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project.

This landmark project will establish critical infrastructure that will connect solar and wind farms and energy storage to the NSW electricity grid. It’s central to the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of a reliable, affordable energy system that benefits communities and the economy.

EnergyCo has appointed ACEREZ – a consortium of ACCIONA, COBRA, and Endeavour Energy – to design, build and finance the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project and operate and maintain it for the next 35 years.

The project will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity by 2028, to connect 7.7 gigawatts of wind and solar projects, which is enough to power more than 2 million homes each year.

It will generate a significant economic boost in the Central-West Orana region and NSW as a whole, supporting more than 5,000 construction jobs at its peak and bringing $20 billion in private investment into the region by 2030.

This milestone of reaching contract and financial close follows a robust procurement process overseen by the Australian Energy Regulator.

This project is the first competitively sourced REZ transmission project in Australia. EnergyCo implemented a tailored procurement model, that incentivises early delivery and cost efficiency for the network operator, safeguarding long-term interests of energy consumers.

Early works on the project started in February, and construction is scheduled to start mid-year.

The NSW Government is investing $128 million in communities which will host the Central-West Orana REZ, through grants for Councils as well as community and First Nations groups and projects. The recipients of the first round of grants will soon be announced, to inject funding into the area before major construction starts.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“Getting this deal done brings us closer to delivering more affordable and reliable renewable energy to NSW households and businesses.

“With three out of four of the state’s remaining coal-fired power stations set to close in less than 10 years, this Renewable Energy Zone will help us meet our future energy needs in order to keep the lights on and avoid price spikes.

“The project will also inject billions of dollars in private investment into the Central-West Orana region by 2030, along with thousands of jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.”

EnergyCo chief executive officer, Hannah McCaughey:

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with ACEREZ as we move into the delivery phase for the state’s first Renewable Energy Zone, which will harness our abundant wind and solar resources to power NSW.

“The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is part of a once-in-a-generation extension of the NSW electricity grid. It’s a major step in securing our energy future and keeping the lights on as coal-fired power stations retire.”

ACEREZ chief executive, Trevor Armstrong:

“This is a significant milestone and ACEREZ is proud to play a role in powering homes and businesses in NSW for generations to come.

“We will work alongside Central-West Orana communities to provide jobs and economic growth and lasting benefits across the region.”

Further information:

What is a Renewable Energy Zone?

Renewable Energy Zones will group new wind and solar power generation into locations where it can be efficiently stored and transmitted across NSW. Five zones have been identified and will keep NSW electricity reliable as coal-fired power stations retire, delivering large amounts of new energy to power our regions and cities.

REZs will help deliver lower wholesale electricity costs and place downward pressure on customer bills through increased competition, while supporting local jobs and business opportunities during construction and operation.

Where is the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone?

The state’s first REZ is in the Central-West Orana region, centred by Dubbo and Dunedoo. It also takes in cities and towns including Gulgong, Mudgee, Wellington and Gilgandra.

It is expected to bring up to $20 billion in private investment to the Central-West Orana region by 2030.

At its peak, this REZ is expected to support around 5,000 construction jobs in the region, as well as opportunities for local suppliers.

Community invited to have their say on plans for a new shared path bridge over Mount Ousley Road

Community members are invited to have their say on a proposed concept design for a shared path bridge across Mount Ousley Road.

The proposed design, now available to view online, would provide safer and more accessible connections for people walking and cycling between the University of Wollongong and TAFE precincts and suburbs to the north while maintaining critical access to Port Kembla for over height vehicles.

Key features of the concept design include:

a new accessible four-metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists that incorporates a bridge over Mount Ousley Road adjacent to McMahon Street
connections from the southern side of Mount Ousley Road to other planned shared paths across the M1 Princes Motorway and towards Wollongong TAFE
a designated, accessible, raised pedestrian crossing at Dumfries Avenue, approximately 120 metres west of McMahon Street
a 130-metre-long shared path along the southern side of Dumfries Avenue, connecting the new bridge to the new pedestrian crossing
traffic calming measures along Dumfries Avenue to the east and west of the crossing to provide for a safer road environment for active transport users, residents and motorists
stairs, with a wheeling channel for cyclists to more easily move bikes up and down the stairs, helping to provide access to the north and east
landscaping and revegetation, along with urban design treatments.

Transport for NSW has worked with Wollongong City Council, community groups and other stakeholders to develop the proposed concept design.

Key considerations, raised during early consultation and considered during the development of the concept design, include improving safety, accessibility and use of the crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, sustainability and minimising environmental impacts including tree and vegetation clearing, and ensuring the bridge can be safely and efficiently built and maintained.

Transport for NSW is inviting community members to provide their feedback before Friday 2 May by visiting transport.nsw.gov.au/mtousleyrdbridge

Community members are also invited to attend a drop-in session at Bass Park on Dumfries Avenue, Mount Ousley on Thursday 10 April from 3pm to 6pm to discuss the bridge design and ask Transport for NSW questions about the project.

All community feedback will be considered as Transport finalises the concept design.

Following the consultation period, Transport will share a summary of feedback received with the community.

Transport will keep the community and stakeholders informed as the project progresses.

More information on the shared path bridge is available at transport.nsw.gov.au/mtousleyrdbridge

Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park:

“I want to thank the community groups, residents and other stakeholders who have been instrumental in the development of the proposed design.

“The local insight into issues and other considerations for the design of the bridge and surrounding connections has been invaluable and has led to a well-thought-out proposal for the broader community to provide feedback on.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Today we are releasing a bridge design that balances the need to keep freight moving through our road network and community connection.

“This proposed design incorporates initial community feedback to minimise impacts to vegetation, improve connectivity to surrounding streets and enhance safety features.”

Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes:

“With construction of the Australian and NSW governments’ $390 million Mount Ousley Interchange now well under way, we are focused on ensuring we also deliver improved active connections for local residents through the area.

“We know a shared path bridge over Mount Ousley Road is important to the community and I’ve worked hard with Minister Park, Minister Scully and Transport for NSW to develop a preliminary design that improves active transport connections through the area while maintaining critical access to Port Kembla for over height vehicles.

“This has been a great example of three levels of government working together to achieve great outcomes for our local community. I want to congratulate all involved, especially the local community groups and residents who worked so collaboratively with us to achieve this result.”

New intake of paramedics and control staff for NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 157 new paramedic interns and 17 trainee emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony.

Following the largest induction held by NSW Ambulance so far this year, these new recruits will start their roles from tomorrow, further boosting frontline health services across the state.

The new recruits joining the service come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Jayden McGrady, a former Australian water ski champion and trainee emergency medical call taker Rebekah Kirkman, a much-travelled mum of three.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas. 

The emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney and Northern (Newcastle) control centres.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I congratulate these paramedics and control staff, for their dedication, compassion and desire to make a difference in their communities.

“Every call the new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a difference and help those in our community in their most vulnerable moments.

“NSW will benefit from the clinical skills and expertise these new recruits bring to the healthcare workforce.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Paramedics and control staff are highly trained clinicians and coordinators, bringing advanced medical care to the patient, continually refining clinical skills and expertise.

“Paramedicine and control coordination demands precision, critical thinking and clinical excellence. Stay sharp, stay committed and always put patient care first.”

Jayden McGrady:

“After my sporting career in water skiing, I often thought back to the medical support staff I encountered.

“I am attracted to the variety and career opportunities of paramedicine.”

Rebekah Kirkman:

“I am excited to be joining NSW Ambulance, I thrive on being busy so a busy control room will be a great start.

“I am very excited with where I am at, and I am looking forward to seeing where my career takes me.”

Greens slam Coalition’s Trump-style crackdown on universities

Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and Spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has strongly condemned Peter Dutton’s latest remarks about cracking down on so-called ‘woke’ ideology at universities. She warned that this is yet another dangerous attempt by the Coalition to police academic freedom, silence progressive voices, and impose ideological control over higher education institutions.

Senator Faruqi:

“The Coalition’s pathetic Trump-style attempt to control what’s taught in our universities will be nothing short of authoritarian censorship. It is dangerous, unwanted and has no place in our universities.

“This is the latest desperate effort by Peter Dutton and the Liberals to manufacture a culture war to distract from their lack of genuine policies or solutions to the issues people are facing. When it comes to education, the Coalition has no vision beyond control, fear and division.

“Ministerial interventions in university curricula are an attack on academic independence. What’s next—Dutton personally vetting lecture notes?

“Universities must be places of inquiry and rigorous debate, not vehicles to serve conservative politicians looking for cheap headlines.

“Let’s be clear: The Coalition cannot stand the idea of young people engaging with progressive ideas or questioning the status quo.

“This election the Greens will keep Dutton and his Trump-like politics out and get Labor to act on wiping all student debt and making uni and TAFE free. You can’t keep voting for the two major parties expecting a different result—if you want change, you have to vote for it.”