January 2025 – Page 13

Greens call for moratorium on clearing koala habitat at GKNP rally today

What: Press Conference and community rally for the Great Koala National Park

When: 10 am TODAY, Monday, 13 January

Where: Coffs Harbour – Forestry Corporation Office – 30 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour NSW

Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young will call for a moratorium on clearing koala habitat and an end to native forest logging at a rally for the Great Koala National Park in Coffs Harbour today.

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens will be putting the environment top of the agenda during the federal election campaign and in any power-sharing parliament which is looking increasingly likely.

“You can’t save koalas while continuing to destroy their homes. Unless we take urgent action to end clearing of critical habitat, koalas will be extinct in NSW by 2050,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

“Experts have been warning us for years that habitat loss is putting our national treasure, the koala, at risk. Yet the Albanese Government continues to approve the clearing of koala habitat for mining and development including three coal mine extensions just before Christmas.

“Time is up for up native forest logging. It’s time to start protecting nature.

“The NSW Government promised to protect this precious koala habitat as a national park, yet destruction from logging has only increased.

“Loopholes in our national environment laws continue to allow this destruction to go unassessed. Labor is turning a blind eye to this logging while they should be banning the destruction of koala habitat and working to end native forest logging.

“Saving forests from logging is good for the climate, good for the animals and good for the community.

“We have the opportunity right now to stop more extinctions and protect endangered wildlife including our precious koala, swift parrot and greater glider.

“Whether it is by the creation of the Great Koala National Park or stronger environment laws that stop the destruction of critical habitat, the Greens urge Labor to save Australia’s great forests from the chainsaws and the bulldozers before it’s too late.”

Australians continue to be let down by the Federal government when it comes to seeing the GP

Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country.

The report demonstrates that:

Almost 80% of available Australian GP clinics no longer offer bulk billing to adults.
The average out-of-pocket cost to see a GP is $43.38 per visit.

The community and general practitioners are at breaking point. The lack of action on bulk billing is harming our community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system.

The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including:

Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card.
Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.

“It’s disgraceful that we’re in a cost of living crisis where people are choosing between going to the doctor, paying rent and putting food on the table.

“The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. We’re committed to getting back to going to the GP for Free, including increasing the bulk-billing incentive and establishing 1000 Free Local Healthcare centres across Australia.

“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”

WA patients would save thousands under Greens plan to see the GP for Free

Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country.

The report demonstrates that bulk-billing rates are tanking and costs are increasing; the average out of pocket cost to see a GP in WA is $42.66 per visit.

In a cost-of-living crisis, the lack of action on bulk billing is causing harm to the community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system. The community and general practitioners are at breaking point.

The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including:

Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card.
Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services.

WA Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health

“The West Australian healthcare system is at breaking point. With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.”

“The Greens plan will see at least 96 new public and free healthcare clinics across Western Australia.”

“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so West Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”

“I’ve spoken to thousands of people across the electorate and people have shared with me that they’re suffering because of the current cost of healthcare. I’ve heard from parents who are deciding between putting food on the table or going to the doctor. It’s clear this is a crisis.

“New data shows that in the Perth CBD, the average out-of-pocket cost to see the GP is nearly $50 and rising. This is not only putting people’s health at risk, it is completely unsustainable with those effects found later down the line in overwhelmed emergency rooms.

“I’ve spoken to nurses working at Royal Perth Hospital who feel completely overwhelmed and undervalued. They’ve shared that emergency admissions are on the rise but resources aren’t keeping up.

“The Greens Plan for Perth includes building 6 new free healthcare clinics. This will mean our community can access General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners without worrying about the out-of-pocket cost.

The gambling industry’s chokehold on our government means you’re about to lose, Canberra

Tim Costello is right – we’re all about to lose to vested interests.

Labor has abandoned its long-awaited reforms despite over 70 per cent of Australians wanting a full gambling ad ban.

I’m one of those 70 per cent.

I have a 10-year-old and the idea that she may be exposed to gambling ads on YouTube, Spotify and other channels horrifies me.

And it’s not just in the Federal Parliament.

The Tasmanian government backflipped on pokies reform. In NSW, pokies reform has stalled.

Here in the ACT, Labor withdrew its own amendments to reduce pokies and continued to block the cashless gaming system proposed by the Greens Minister, despite academics and harm reduction experts supporting those reforms.

It’s honestly insulting to the community. The lack of action on gambling ads. The backflipping on pokies reform and now, for Canberra, the backing of developments in our city that don’t meet community needs, including affordable housing options for the many Canberrans struggling to pay their bills.

Canberra’s horseracing industry is asking the ACT Government to rezone their land at Thoroughbred Park so they can profit from a $2 billion property development.

It’s a great idea to rezone that land for housing. It’s on light rail and only 5 km from our city’s centre. In fact, we could put a whole suburb there with public and affordable housing, community facilities, schools and parks – something the Greens proposed months ago.

But that’s not the deal on the table.

The only deal on the table is the one by the Canberra Racing Club, which is a joint venture with the ACT Government to add 3000 apartments on the side of their racetrack – no parks, no playgrounds, no community facilities and no schools, despite those in the area already at 94 per cent capacity.

Does this development mean we may see some affordable housing options for people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads? That’s uncertain.

Despite us living in an urgent housing crisis, Treasury documents released under freedom of information have indicated no homes in this proposal will be affordable. The Labor Government is yet to make a commitment about this one way or the other.

Various people have asked if the government will compare the two options, but they’ve been told no by the Chief Minister’s office.

Labor and the Liberals have actively voted against community consultation, considering various options for the site and publishing the results. This seems unbelievable.

This comes from an industry with declining membership that’s running deficits year after year, that provides most economic value to the ACT through gambling ads (according to a report commissioned by the Canberra Racing Club), and receives 27 times more in public funding than they generate in the ACT betting tax and only donate $50,000 yearly to a local charity despite receiving $8 million of public funding.

And this is all hidden behind closed doors.

You wouldn’t know you’re getting a dodgy deal simply because this conversation is not happening publicly.

But the Greens are trying to change that. You deserve to know what’s happening in your city. You deserve to have a say, and you deserve to know that the people you elected are working transparently and in good faith.

Even the public funding between the ACT Government and the racing industry is done through multi-year deals, which until recently weren’t even published – not through public tenders, grants or annual processes, which most other non-government entities seeking public funding have to do. In fact, each year, the horseracing industry receives more public funding than the Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies, Canberra United and all our community sports programs combined.

They’re the only non-government member of a steering committee making recommendations to government about whether to rezone Thoroughbred Park and whether government should enter into a property deal with them. The only public information I’ve found about this process so far came from my parliamentary questions and FOI requests.

So yes, rezoning for housing is a great idea. But it’s all hushed, and there is no genuine community consultation and involvement. The only plan being considered is that of the Canberra Racing Club, which has no experience in property development. So you could ask, what are the chances of us getting a development that will deliver for Canberra’s growing population?

My asks to the Labor Government are simple: let people have a genuine say, plan for the growing community, and show some leadership to ensure there are housing options for everyone in Canberra, not just those who can afford the private market.

Jo Clay is the Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens and a Member for Ginninderra in the Legislative Assembly. This article was originally posted on the Riot ACT.

City of Newcastle moves forward with independent review

Community members are being invited to have their say on the terms of reference that will guide an independent review of City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance.

Councillors unanimously voted at the December Council meeting to undertake a review, which will be conducted by Davidson Business Advisory.

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said the purpose is to provide an independent review of City of Newcastle’s performance, processes and procedures to uphold public trust and enhance governance.

“I am committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and excellence in our governance,” Cr Kerridge said.

“The goal is to objectively assess our current practices and identify areas for potential improvement. This review is not about restructuring or reducing Council operations but about providing independent assurance of our performance and compliance with regulated obligations.”

Cr Kerridge said the review provides the opportunity for community input.

From Monday 13 January to Wednesday 29 January 2025 the community is invited to provide submissions and feedback on the terms of reference as resolved by Council at the December meeting, which covers five themes:

1. General Governance – assessing the adequacy of City of Newcastle’s general governance processes

2. Financial Governance – assessing the adequacy of City of Newcastle’s financial governance processes

3. Compliance – assessing City of Newcastle’s compliance against key legislative requirements

4. Engagement – assessing City of Newcastle’s processes to engage the community

5. Major Projects – assessing City of Newcastle’s governance of major projects

“I am pleased that we are moving forward with this important review and that it offers the opportunity for community submissions and feedback on the scope. Davidson Business Advisory has established a secure portal for this input to be lodged directly with them and this mechanism enables respondents to opt for their submission to be treated as confidential if they wish,” Cr Kerridge said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who brought the Notice of Motion to the December Council meeting, said the review will be led by Davidson Business Advisory, who have worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews, with oversight from City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

“Davidson’s lead consultant, Colin Jensen spent 14 years as the CEO of the largest local government in Australia, the City of Brisbane. Prior to this he was Director General of the Queensland Government Infrastructure and Planning Department, and has extensive experience in navigating complex, highly regulated environments,” Cr Pull said.

Davidson will prepare a report for City of Newcastle’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee prior to the review findings being presented to the elected Council later this year.

Submissions to the Independent Review can be made via the external, secure portal here.

Investigations underway after hate filled, antisemitic graffiti overnight

I am aware that Police are currently investigating offensive, antisemitic graffiti that was located on a home in Sydney’s east and on a synagogue in Newtown overnight.

Police have also released CCTV vision of the person alleged to have graffitied the Southern Sydney Synagogue yesterday. We encourage any witnesses to come forward to NSW police through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through Triple Zero (000).

Our message is clear – these acts designed to intimidate and divide will not work.

In addition, the NSW Government is announcing today the extension of a one-off grant of $340,000 from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to contribute towards enhanced temporary security measures for the NSW Jewish Community.

These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are – monstrous and appalling.

The Minns Labor government will continue to strengthen the laws protecting people’s right to worship safely as well as ensuring NSW Police have the resources they need to catch the people who commit these bastardly acts.

When Parliament resumes this year, we’ll be introducing legislation that protects religious institutions and places of worship to prevents attempts to intimidate or stop religious people from practicing their faith.

New Year, new round of toll relief as car-dependent suburbs benefit most

Motorists in Western Sydney suburbs located nearby one or more tolled motorways are benefitting most from toll relief after 12 months of the Minns Labor Government’s $60 weekly toll cap.

There are now five suburbs in the $1 million club where paid claims total $1 million or more – Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Auburn, Merrylands and Marsden Park.

The NSW Government is today urging drivers everywhere to familiarise themselves with the toll relief claim process because there is a little under twice as much money available to be claimed in relief than has so far been paid out under the scheme.

Since the cap was introduced on 1 January 2024, $75 million has been paid to motorists but the total that can be claimed exceeds $215 million – leaving $140 million still to be claimed as of today.

Toll relief has become a key cost-of-living support measure under the Minns Labor Government after the Liberals left behind a total toll bill of $195 billion in nominal terms that must be paid by motorists out to 2060 on top of the billions they have already paid.

The Government is progressing toll reform in negotiation with the private toll road concessionaires while providing vital toll relief through the $60 cap.

In Marsden Park, it is estimated that motorists are eligible to claim $3.1 million but have so far been paid out just over $1 million, leaving $2.1 million to be returned. Likewise in Greystanes, eligible toll relief is approximately $1.97 million, with over $660,000 so far returned to drivers, according to Transport for NSW data.

With the claim period for the fourth quarter of 2024 having opened on January 9, there are now 720,000 toll road users eligible to make a claim.

A little over 276,000 claims have been paid out, with $277 being the average claim returned to motorists.

There are 115 suburbs where the average claim is $300 or above, including, Parramatta, Lidcombe, Schofields, Westmead, Toongabbie, Merrylands and Auburn.

As part of a “fair use” provision in place, motorists can claim up to a maximum of $340 per week for each tag or licence plate number after they pass $60 paid on tolls in any one week.

Claims for quarter four of 2024 (30 September to 29 December) opened on Thurs 9 January 2025 with eligible motorists able to claim for 2024 toll spend until Monday 30 June 2025.

Drivers who have spent more than $60 a week on toll trips are encouraged to visit the Service NSW website, link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account and claim if eligible.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The $60 toll cap is a critical cost-of-living support for hundreds of thousands of drivers, many of whom really have no viable alternative than to use Sydney’s toll road network to get to work or get the kids where they need to be.

“When we designed the toll relief scheme we did so with those suburbs in mind where paying a toll is the price to get around and where in many cases public transport service is nowhere near the level of service enjoyed by other parts of Sydney.

“Labor does not forget these suburbs that were saddled with such high tolls by the previous coalition government. We know people are doing it tough and the toll cap is making it just that little bit fairer for drivers that heavily rely on the toll roads.

“The NSW Government is progressing with toll reform to make tolls fairer overall. I want to remind motorists to get on to the Service NSW website and claim what they are entitled to in relief.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The quarterly data keeps telling us that it is the people whose journeys start and end in Western Sydney who are claiming the lion’s share of toll relief, and this is where it is needed most.

“Drivers from the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, and Wollongong are also benefitting in great numbers, showing just how far and wide the benefits are flowing.

“This is a great initiative we have delivered through Service NSW to put money back into people’s pockets at a time when they need it most.

“The claim process is quick and simple to follow on the Service NSW website but if you need that extra support to understand the process, team members at Service NSW Centres across the State are ready to help in person or via 13 77 88.”

Top toll relief claim suburbs
Suburb	Claim Count	Claim Amount	Average Amount
Blacktown	3,723	$1,250,711	$336
Baulkham Hills	3,838	$1,237,822	$323
Auburn	1,844	$1,067,737	$579
Merrylands	2,416	$1,009,022	$418
Marsden Park	2,661	$1,007,888	$379
Castle Hill	3,172	$980,905	$309
Quakers Hill	2,663	$845,430	$317
Kellyville	2,678	$777,926	$290
Lakemba	1,267	$718,402	$567
Greystanes	2,221	$664,123	$299
Bankstown	1,604	$636,616	$397
West Pennant Hills	1,760	$619,333	$352
Glenwood	1,742	$544,136	$312
Punchbowl	1,317	$537,696	$408
Schofields	1,626	$532,126	$327
Glenmore Park	1,990	$512,897	$258
Seven Hills	1,477	$508,506	$344
Maroubra	2,010	$507,334	$252
Mosman	2,310	$506,883	$219
Carlingford	1,534	$501,144	$327
Cherrybrook	1,440	$499,052	$347

Smart tech trials to drive safer behaviour on the roads

The Minns Labor Government has launched a new program of low-cost technology trials on highways throughout regional NSW to prompt safer driver behaviour on roads in 2025.

The $5 million Smarter Highways program will harness emerging and existing technologies in innovative ways to address driver behavioural issues that can lead to crashes. The aim is to improve journey management, especially when a major disruption occurs.

Each trial will feature technology that detects an issue on the network causing systems to be activated to warn drivers about hazards and, if possible, provide alternative options.

Most of the trial technologies are wireless solar-powered systems that can be installed relatively cheaply and are also tailored to suit individual sites, taking into account the environment and conditions of the road.

Smarter Highways is part of a suite of measures to improve road safety but also aims to use technology to help create a safer work environment for road crews, traffic managers and emergency workers by reducing the amount of time they are exposed to live traffic.

Transport for NSW will trial the technologies on state managed highways but also consider how they could be adapted for use on local roads, in partnership with councils.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making our road network safer, more reliable and more resilient to better connect our communities. We are always looking at harnessing innovations in technology as they become available.

“What’s so important about Smarter Highways is that the technology’s focus is to effect behavioural change and reduce risky driving actions, such as not driving to the conditions, that we know contribute to deaths and injuries on our roads.

“I’m glad that the Smarter Highway technologies will be trialled in the regions because outside of the cities, driving is often the only available form of transport and sometimes there are no alternative routes, so we need to make those journeys safer.

“Key to these innovations is improving safety for road crews by reducing the risks of carrying out works near traffic. The aim is to minimise the amount of time work crews have to spend in live traffic environments by increasing the use remotely controlled traffic operations, which creates a safer work environment.”

The Smarter Highway trials

Smarter Highway Activated Vehicle and Environmental Systems (SHAVES)

Self-adaptive electronic signage with machine learning capability which is able to predict events and provide motorists with advance warning of hazards such as black ice, smoke or wildlife.
Designed to replace the current processes whereby maintenance crews need to source and locate portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) to high-risk areas.
Includes three components to warn motorists – prism signs with vertical slats that slide across to reveal different warnings, VMS screens and flashing lights
Solar powered with high-capacity batteries, localised radio communications between signs, and full Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity for real-time remote access and status reporting.
Trial locations under investigation

Permanent traffic counters – Road Pod Vehicle Magnetometer (VM)

A new form of permanent traffic counter device installed on the road which can detect and provide information on vehicle volumes, classifications, speeds, headways, road temperatures and system health in real time.
A very low-cost 4G technology system that is powered by solar-panels and offers significant cost and time savings compared to ad-hoc traffic surveys. It is also easy to install and takes less than an hour to set up.
Allows live monitoring of traffic in various scenarios but will be especially beneficial particularly during the start and end of holidays, during harvest sessions, and situations where monitoring seasonal variations and natural disaster periods is critical.
Importantly, data collected will be provided via NSW Traffic Viewer.
Can be deployed relatively quickly when a part of the network is likely to face disruption to help monitor and address impacts. For example, key routes that connect ports to renewable energy zones.
Trial locations – Great Western Highway, Kelso and Newell Highway, Dubbo.

Rural Intersection Activated Warning System (RIAWS)

When a vehicle on a side road approaches a high-speed main road, sensors trigger Variable Speed Limit Signs (VSLS), which instruct drivers on the main road to slow down.
Designed to provide safer gaps in the traffic and provide more time for better driver reactions. This is particularly important for larger vehicles (such as trucks and buses) looking to turn from a side road onto a main road with a higher speed limit.
Less severe crashes due to the reduced speed limit when traffic is merging from the side roads.
Reduces the need for permanent speed reductions on main roads.
This technology is currently being used in Victoria.
Trial location under investigation

Improving local area traffic management during major disruptions

Using technology to provide safe reliable access in times of unplanned and planned events that cause disruption on the roads.
One trial will be conducted at Jenolan Caves ahead of its planned opening to the public in late 2025, the other will be Cowra, where roads are often flooded.
The type of technology to be used is still to be determined.

Permanent Congestion Management

Using existing technology, such as radars and traffic signals, and combining them in a way that will enable dynamic management of traffic congestion at a notorious breakdown location in the Blue Mountains.
Designed to resolve issues caused by vehicles breaking down while queuing on the steep climb up Victoria Pass during peak periods such as holiday periods and around key events such as the Bathurst 1000.
The system will detect eastbound queues forming at the top of Victoria Pass and that data would then be fed into the operation of traffic lights at the bottom of the hill. The vehicles will then be released up the hill in a managed way that is safe and reduces the number of vehicles breaking down on the incline.
If the trial is successful, this system will be a more permanent replacement for the current system whereby crews have to stay onsite during congested periods and use temporary signals to control the flow of traffic.
Trial location – Victoria Pass – Great Western Highway near Mount Victoria.

Work to start on upgrades to Kyeamba Gap rest area

Motorists will soon experience improved rest stop facilities in both directions on the Hume Highway between Tarcutta and Holbrook with work to start this month on upgrades to the Kyeamba Gap Rest Areas.

Thanks to a more than $1.8 million investment from the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the existing composting toilet at the northbound rest stop will be upgraded to feature flushing toilets with disabled access and improved lighting.

The upgraded southbound rest stop, which currently only offers bins, will soon boast a new toilet block with disability access.

Both rest stop upgrades will also include the installation of new lighting, and parking for heavy vehicles.

The northbound rest area will be upgraded first, with works set to start this month and be completed by March, weather permitting.

During construction the northbound rest area will remain open, with additional portable toilets installed to limit impacts on road users.

The southbound rest area will be closed to all traffic when construction is expected to start later in 2025.

Motorists are advised the next available rest areas are at North Billabong (southbound) and South Tarcutta (northbound).

Access to local properties will be maintained throughout the work.

Work will be carried out on weekdays from 7am to 6pm and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Electronic signs and safety fencing will be in place to alert motorists to the upgrade work and access to the rest area will be maintained for motorists to continue to use the rest area during work.

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“These upgrades will vastly improve the amenities available to motorists and truckies who travel along the Hume Highway with toilets now open, new lighting installed and more parking available.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top three contributors to fatal crashes on NSW roads so these rest area upgrade investments we are making are designed to improve facilities to encourage the community to stop and rest.”

NSW Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“Rest is something that should be factored into all road journeys and this is the perfect reminder to motorists to stop in at a rest area like Kyeamba Gap and make the most of these facilities, before hitting the road again.”

New clean energy resource discovered under our feet

A new report from Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of New South Wales, has found elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium in locations throughout New South Wales.

This research is an example of the benefits from the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion investment over 35 years into the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative, under its Future Made in Australia plan.

The report provides Australian explorers with geological information and a comprehensive methodology for testing soil gas samples for natural hydrogen, bringing scientific rigour to this emerging field.

Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of our ancient geology.

Since the discovery of a 98 per cent pure natural hydrogen gas field in Mali in 2018, explorers around the world are looking for accumulations of natural hydrogen. This is because natural hydrogen holds the potential to be a new, emission-free energy source, especially if it can be recovered at low cost from the earth directly for use.

In Australia, hydrogen gas is primarily used for industrial processes including ammonia and fertilizer production, while helium is used in medical equipment, manufacturing, research, and the space sector.

Hydrogen can also be used to reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industries, like remote power applications, heavy vehicle transportation, and industries like iron and steelmaking.

Minister for Resources, the Hon. Madeleine King MP:

“The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity.

“The Albanese Government is committed to unlocking our minerals potential and discovering opportunities for alternative energy and storage.

“This report is just one example of how our government is working with our state and territory colleagues to help build a Future Made in Australia.”

Acting NSW Minister for Natural Resources, the Hon. John Graham MLC:

“This new data grows the wealth of knowledge about NSW’s geological potential, as well as our understanding of natural hydrogen and helium.

“Natural hydrogen has potential as a new energy source and can support the economy’s shift to a net-zero future.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to exploring new ways to innovate and create a clean energy future using NSW’s natural resources.”