16 News

The Minns Labor Government will significantly expand accessible housing options for people with disability thanks to NSW Housing Pattern Book designs that uphold industry standards for accessibility and adaptability. 

All NSW Housing Pattern Book designs will at least meet the requirements of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Liveable Housing Design Standard, which has been adapted from the silver level Liveable Housing Design Guidelines.  

Silver level core design requirements include:  

• a step-free path from the street entrance to the home
• bathrooms with showers flush with the surrounding floor level
• internal doors or corridors which offer comfortable and unimpeded movement between spaces. 

In addition, all mid-rise apartment buildings between three and six stories will also include a minimum of 10 per cent adaptable homes.

An adaptable home is designed to make it easy to modify parts of the home, such as kitchen, laundry, or bathroom, to meet the changing needs of the residents. 

The NSW Housing Pattern Book is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to increasing housing choice and making NSW more inclusive and accessible for people with disability.  

We’ve already made significant investments to improve disability inclusion across NSW Government services including: 

• Investing $800 million to upgrade public transport accessibility 
• Expanding disability support classes in schools, with 243 new support classes established this year
• Making the largest ever investment in silver-level accessible housing in the State’s history, with 8,400 new social homes being built through the government’s $5.1 billion investment in public housing 

The NSW Government will launch the Pattern Book technical designs in mid-2025. The pre-approved housing designs will be accompanied by a fast-track planning pathway to support speedier construction.  

For more information on the NSW Housing Pattern Book please visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/housing-design/nsw-housing-pattern-book. 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“The NSW Government is focused on building well-designed modern homes that can adapt to the needs of people and families, regardless of their abilities or stages of life. 

“This requires bold and innovative designs for terrace houses and mid-rise apartments that meet rigorous standards, and the NSW Housing Pattern Book is providing an important blueprint for achieving these standards across NSW. 

“These world class designs will play a crucial role in increasing the supply of housing in NSW so that more people have homes that meet their needs.” 

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said: 

“We’re making sure that more new homes will be accessible to more people by embedding accessibility standards into the NSW Housing Pattern Book designs.

“The NSW Housing Pattern Book reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis while making our communities more inclusive and accessible for all.

“With these new designs and planning processes, we’ll be delivering what communities across the state desperately need – more places for more people to call home.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion Liesl Tesch said: 

“Enhancing access to broader scale inclusive housing is such an important next step in the NSW Government’s commitment to increasing accessible housing supply across our communities.

“People with disability have been calling for a focus on accessibility in the housing design process for decades. Ensuring that accessibility standards are embedded in the NSW Housing Pattern Book designs is critical in making inclusion a must-have for future housing investment.”

Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin said: 

“Patterns catering to accessibility and gaps in the market, including intergenerational and family friendly housing, will be a feature of the designs in the NSW Housing Pattern Book. 

“This allows people to remain in their homes for longer and reduces the likelihood of having to relocate to alternative housing, which can cause significant disruption and break community ties.” 

Families planning to welcome a new cat or dog into their household this festive season are being urged to “Adopt, Don’t Shop”, and help pets in council pounds and rehoming facilities find fur-ever homes.

Adopting from a pound or rehoming facility rather than buying from a pet shop or breeder is a great way to welcome a new pet into your family and give them a brighter future.

It can also help take the burden off council pounds and rehoming facilities which are continuing to experience challenges with high numbers of animals being surrendered.

Data from the Office of Local Government shows more than 3,837 dogs and 4,473 cats found forever homes after being adopted through council pounds in the year to 30 June 2024.

To adopt a pet, contact your local council for information on council pounds, or visit the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Cat Protection Society or another approved rehoming organisation.

In the lead-up to the festive season, current and prospective pet owners are also being urged to ensure their pets are microchipped and registered.

Ensuring your details are correct is an important part of responsible pet ownership and can help reunite owners with pets if they go missing during a family holiday or get spooked by fireworks.

Registration is free-of-charge for desexed cats and dogs adopted from pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“I’d strongly encourage anyone hoping to find a pet dog or cat under the tree this year to consider adopting.

“When it comes to Christmas presents, it’s hard to think of a better gift then giving a pet a second chance at life.

“There are many cats and dogs in council pounds and rehoming facilities and I hope everyone looking to buy a pet will consider adoption instead.

“It’s important to remember that owning a pet is a significant responsibility and I urge anyone who does get a pet for Christmas to make sure they’re ready to take on that commitment.”

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 16 new paramedic interns and 18 trainee emergency medical call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

Joining the 518 paramedics and 140 emergency medical call takers who have already been inducted into the service this year, these new recruits will further boost frontline health services across the state, when they start their roles from tomorrow.

The new recruits joining the service come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including trainee call taker Jamie Wales, who has five years call taking and dispatch experience with London Ambulance Service. Originally from Sydney, she is coming home to be with her family and looking forward to continuing her profession at Sydney Control Centre.

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, Northern and Western Triple Zero (000) control centres.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our paramedic workforce, investing in a record pay increase for paramedics in December 2023 making them among the highest paid in the country and rolling out of 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.

Each year, NSW Ambulance receives more than 1.1 million Triple Zero (000) calls for assistance and our ambulance vehicles travel more than 46 million kilometres to keep the community safe.

NSW Ambulance provides high quality clinical care, compassion, relief of pain and suffering and rescue and retrieval services to the more than 8.1 million people of NSW.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Today, we celebrate the graduation of our new paramedics and trainee call takers, who are now equipped to respond to the needs of our communities.

“Their commitment to service is commendable, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make as part of NSW Ambulance.

“The dedication they have shown to caring for others is truly commendable. I wish them all the best as they embark on your careers with NSW Ambulance.” 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Our newest paramedics and emergency medical call takers are becoming a vital part of NSW Ambulance’s mission to provide compassionate, emergency care.

“As I welcome our graduates, I would like to acknowledge their dedication and compassion as they celebrate this important milestone in their careers, which combined with their highly skilled training, will be vital in saving lives and providing comfort in difficult times.”

Jamie Wales:

“I love being a part of frontline emergency healthcare, in particular the teamwork and engaging with patients to provide the first line of comfort and care.

“I am from Sydney originally, so to move back here and do a job I love with NSW Ambulance, is very exciting for me.”

Communities in Far West NSW will benefit from a $1.9 million funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Projects in Far West Local Health District include:

• $500,000 to upgrade Broken Hill Hospital’s Central Sterilising Service Department’s Electronic Tracking System and Instrument Management System, with the work to be completed in three phases.
• $250,000 to Wilcannia Multi-Purpose Service to support essential safety measures for health staff who travel in and around the facility during all hours.  This will include installation of security lighting, cameras, wet-weather ground coating, installation of duress alarms to outside areas with increased range and durability, a fire panel upgrade, and installation of perimeter fencing.
• $250,000 to purchase a Transperineal Biopsy of the Prostate ultrasound machine and biopsy probe at Broken Hill Hospital which will assist the urology service with diagnosis.
• $220,000 to support the repurposing of a medical records room and an unused bathroom to toilet and shower facilities for emergency department and palliative care patients at Wilcannia MPS.
• $190,000 to upgrade waste sanitisers across the District.
• $170,000 for three projects at White Cliffs Health Service to improve patient experiences and support staff safety. This includes the installation of an accessible patient toilet, upgrading CCTV cameras, and soundproofing the waiting room.
• $160,000 for key clinical equipment for a new Renal Dialysis Unit currently being developed at Wilcannia MPS. These include an ECG machine, a dedicated virtual care unit for clinical support, and a pan sanitiser to meet infection prevention and control guidelines.
• $90,000 to create a community walking track and memorial garden at Menindee Health Service for Aboriginal communities to place a plant of their choice in remembrance. The project will also enable patients to exercise to improve their mental and physical health, as well as reflect in a culturally safe and appropriate environment.
• $75,000 to upgrade the front entry at Tibooburra Health Service to improve safety for staff and patients. Works will also be undertaken to improve comfort and liveability of staff accommodation.

The Far West LHD is planning to complete these projects over the current financial year and the next.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“This Government’s $1.9 million investment as part of the Rural Minor Works Program will allow Far West Local Health District to carry out critical upgrades to equipment and health facilities.

“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“The NSW Government’s commitment to upgrading equipment and health facilities in the Far West is pleasing to see and will help to make a positive difference in the provision of healthcare to our communities.

“It’s often that clinical health services are at the forefront when we think of healthcare delivery, but providing functional, up-to-date and high-quality amenities for our healthcare workforce is just as important.”

The Minns Government is acting on its commitment to attract veterinarians to regional NSW with an expansion of the highly successful Welcome Experience program that has helped hundreds of essential workers make the move to the bush.

Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has helped some 843 essential workers settle into their new regional home by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.

Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in 55 local government areas across regional NSW.

The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in New South Wales highlighted the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.

Expanding The Welcome Experience will address these shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals to relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.

The Welcome Experience is part of the $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in the regions and includes the Make the Move advertising campaign.

It continues to support the continued delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our regions and is further proof of the NSW Government’s dedication to paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that every corner of the state thrives.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage highlighted key challenges facing regional veterinarians, including the need to travel long distances, difficulty finding suitable housing, and a lack of mentorship for new graduates.

“These challenges mirror those faced by firefighters, who often relocate to regional areas where stable housing and community connections are critical for workforce retention.

“By expanding The Welcome Experience again the NSW Government is addressing unique challenges in attracting and retaining critical workers which has a direct impact on the safety, health, and resilience of these communities.”

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jo Coombe said:

“Veterinary services are critical in managing biosecurity risks and safeguarding animal health, animal welfare and public health.

“Vets help deliver food security, farm productivity and wildlife health.

“Regional and rural communities are struggling more than metro areas to access veterinary services, including support for primary production and support for animals, large or small animals.”

Wauchope Veterinary Clinic owner and Advisory Board member, Australian Vet Association’s Veterinary Business Group, Michael Ferguson said:

“We have had to cut back our services, almost across the board, from opening less hours, to not having vets available on some days (especially Saturdays) and no longer being able to provide vet services to the local farms and producers.

“This year less than 70 vets graduated from Sydney Uni and less than 70 will come out of Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga, so competition to attract and retain vets is fierce.

“The variety and scope of the work they would be exposed to and be able to take on is so much greater in regional areas. Experience-wise, a vet who has spent a year or two in the regions will have been able to undertake so many more different surgeries, medical cases and become so much more adept, flexible and employable than those in the cities.

“I believe the rewards, enjoyment and fulfilment both personally and professionally are fantastic in regional workplaces like ours and I encourage all the vet students we come across to seriously consider the benefits of regional work.”

Greater Parramatta is better connected than ever before with the new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line opening today through the Parramatta CBD in a significant moment in NSW transport history.

From 5am this morning, passengers started boarding modern and comfortable air-conditioned light rail vehicles on the new 12-kilometre network, with frequent and reliable services across 16 accessible stops.

The opening passenger service saw three light rail vehicles commence concurrently from the Westmead and Carlingford light rail stops at 5:00am, and Parramatta Square at 5:02am.

The L4 line will launch to a weekday timetable, with initial services every 9 minutes between 7am to 7pm; every 12 minutes between 5am and 7am and 7pm and 11pm; and every 16 minutes between 11pm to 1am.

The 13 new 45-metre-long light rail vehicles can each move up to 400 people, making it easier for residents and visitors to connect to and move through Sydney’s second CBD.

The new light rail line provides connections to key destinations, including the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, over 60 cafes and restaurants on and around Church Street, Parramatta Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses.

The L4 Line is part of the Transport Opal network – passengers can tap on and off at Opal readers located at each light rail stop, with ticket machines at Westmead Hospital, Childrens Hospital and Ngara stops.

Passengers can plan their trips by visiting transportnsw.info or the Opal Travel App.

Over the coming weeks, additional staff will be placed at each stop to support passengers as they become familiar with the new service.

Audio help points are also located at each stop which connect directly to staff at Parramatta Light Rail’s Operations Control Centre.

Parramatta Light Rail is the first light rail project in the State to deliver ‘green track’, incorporating it with wire-free technology, in park lands and heritage-sensitive environments along 1.3kms of the alignment. The award-winning ‘green track’ design used 81 per cent less concrete in its construction, reduces noise and urban heat, and delivers environmental and health benefits.

Additionally, a new 5.7km walking and bike riding path between Carlingford and Parramatta opened to the public in May 2023 as part of the project, providing residents and visitors with more active transport options. Cyclists will benefit from 160 new bike hoops located near the majority of the light rail stops across the alignment, with the trams equipped with four bike spots.

Parramatta Light Rail has converted the former single-track T6 Carlingford Line between Camellia and Carlingford, which ran two train services per hour and stopped 70,000 drivers each day at the historic level crossing on Parramatta Road, Granville to dual-track light rail. This will provide residents with more frequent services and better connections to town centres, including Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.

With the Parramatta Light Rail now operational, bus routes 535 which ran along the Carlingford to Parramatta alignment during construction and testing, and the 900 Parramatta shuttle bus will be withdrawn from service.

By 2026, around 22,000 people are expected to use Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops.

Parramatta Light Rail was delivered by Ford Civil, Ventia, Diona Ward Joint Venture, Parramatta Connect (CPB Contractors and Downer Joint Venture), Great River City Light Rail consortium (Transdev and CAF Rail Australia), and their subcontractors.

In the 2024-25 Budget, the Minns Labor Government committed $2.1 billion to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to extend Stage 1 and further connect growing communities in Western Sydney between Ermington, Melrose Park, Parramatta, and Olympic Park.

Early works commenced this month on the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works project to deliver the first 1.3km light rail alignment. This will include a 320m public and active transport bridge between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. Major bridge construction is expected to commence in 2025.

The Parramatta Light Rail stages 1 and 2 network from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park will support the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) priority growth area, one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas.

With GPOP’s population expected to exceed 277,000 by 2041, light rail will be critical to serve this growing demand and connect residents to key employment hubs, entertainment, and amenities

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in transport in Western Sydney, and now the people of Parramatta have light rail travelling on their streets again for the first time in 80 years.

“We are focusing on delivering the essential services that Western Sydney needs most, and that includes reliable public transport to reduce travel times and congestion for local residents.

“The opening of this significant transport link is a big investment in the future of Parramatta, and will soon become part of the daily routines of thousands of Parramatta residents for generations to come.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has been part of bringing this megaproject to life in Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta. 

“This is the public transport network Western Sydney has been waiting for and will provide economic and social benefits for years to come.

“By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links.

“The L4 will connect some of our fastest growing communities and premier destinations in the area, making it easier for people to live, visit and work here.”

“I want to thank the more than 15,500 workers who have played a part in delivering this important piece of transport history.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP said:

“Welcome Parramatta Light Rail! The new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line is the first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail. Stage 2 will extend this network to Sydney Olympic Park.

“It is an exciting time for Parramatta, we now have access to a modern and reliable light rail service and new active transport links.

“Delivering a major infrastructure project in the heart of our historic city has been challenging and I want to thank the local community for their patience.

“The big day has finally come Parramatta, enjoy!”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“While people become familiar with sharing the road with light rail, we urge everyone to be careful and mindful when driving, riding a bike, or walking nearby.

“The trams are big and can’t swerve, so it is important that people keep an eye out for them, and always stop, listen, and look around.

“There will be Customer Service Officers, along with street teams in red shirts, on the ground, ready to answer questions about the new service. 

“We’re asking people to plan ahead at transportnsw.info or via the Opal Travel app.”

It’s the last day of the school year for 2024, but students at Edmondson Park Public School in Sydney’s west are marking a new beginning as construction officially commences on a long-awaited, brand new high school.

With turning of the first sod for Edmondson Park’s new high school, next door to Edmondson Park Public School, work continues on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure students in Sydney’s rapidly-growing South West have access to high quality public education. 

It also caps off a big year of investment in NSW public school infrastructure as the Minns Labor Government rebuilds public education after 12 years of Liberal neglect, ensuring growing communities have access to the essential services they deserve, like local public schools. 

Construction has started on more than 20 new schools, major upgrades and rebuild projects across metropolitan and regional areas in NSW, and more than 30 new and upgraded schools have been delivered this year alone, with investment totalling more than $1.1 billion.

The first of 100 new public preschools opened at Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, and a further 85 preschools are currently out to tender with builders expected to be appointed over coming months.

As part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2024-25 Budget is delivering record funding of $3.6 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney. This investment will help ensure families in growing communities have access to world-class education facilities.

The new high school in Edmondson Park, located adjacent to Edmondson Park Public School on Buchan Avenue, will include 37 modern classrooms, 3 support learning classrooms and a range of world class education facilities including science, technology, performing arts, and fitness hubs, a library, canteen, sports field and multi-sports courts and lecture theatre.

It will be ready to open for students on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The project is one of more than 60 new public schools and school upgrades now underway in Western Sydney, along with 49 new public preschools to support local families.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be building this much-needed high school for the Edmondson Park community, who waited too long under the Liberals for action.

“This project reflects Labor’s commitment to ensuring students in rapidly-growing suburbs in Western Sydney have access to a world-class public education in future-ready facilities.

“Our new NSW Labor Government is investing in quality public services, including quality, fee-free public schools for working families.”

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This brand-new high school in Edmondson Park will be transformative for local families and students.

“With the region continuing to grow, this investment is essential for meeting the increasing demand for quality public schooling.

“I am thrilled to see work begin on this vital project and can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Principal of Edmondson Park Public School Heather Alé said:

“The new high school will provide a much-needed resource for our students and local community.

“Our students will have opportunities for enhanced and supported transitions from primary to high school, as well as access to state-of-the-art learning spaces and sports facilities right here in their local community.”