A man has died after being pulled from the water in the state’s Hunter region today.
Just before 4pm (Sunday 20 September 2026), emergency services were called to Stockton Beach, Stockton, following reports a group of people were in trouble in the water.
Three men, all aged in their 20s, were pulled from the water with the assistance of members of the public.
One of the men was unresponsive, and CPR was commenced by bystanders before emergency services arrived.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and NSW Ambulance paramedics treated all three men, however, one could not be revived.
The other two men were taken to John Hunter Hospital as a precaution.
Police have commenced an investigation into the incident, and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
A man will face court today charged following an investigation into alleged indecent exposure in the State’s Hunter region.
Just before 7.40pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called to a hall on Cumberland Street, Cessnock, following reports of inappropriate behaviour.
Following the incident police commenced an investigation.
On Thursday 17 September 2026, police received multiple reports of a man allegedly taking items from a supermarket on Keene Street, Cessnock.
During the incidents, it will be alleged the man – aged 37 – exposed himself both in the supermarket, and outside in the nearby area.
Following inquiries, yesterday (Saturday 19 September 2026), police arrested the man on Cumberland Street, Cessnock.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station where he was charged with three counts of larceny value less than or equal to $2000, two counts of behave in offensive manner in or near public place or school, and carry out sexual act with another without consent.
The man was refused bail to appear at Local Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 20 September 2026).
The Albanese Government has secured Wagga Wagga Airport’s long-term future following agreement for a new 50 year lease between Wagga Wagga City Council and the Department of Defence.
The new lease will build on a longstanding partnership between Council and Defence and provides the certainty needed to continue operating, maintaining and investing in the airport, while ensuring Defence retains access to support operations at RAAF Base Wagga.
As a critical gateway for the Riverina and southern NSW, Wagga Wagga Airport connects communities, supports local businesses and industry, and contributes to economic growth across the region.
The airport currently operates as a shared civilian and military facility on Defence-owned land alongside RAAF Base Wagga, making it vital to both regional connectivity and Defence capability.
Under the new agreement, Council will continue to manage the airport, supported by established regional partnerships and a clear long-term vision for growth. Through ongoing investment and improvements, the airport will remain a valuable community asset and an important Defence capability hub for decades to come.
Securing the future of Wagga Wagga Airport supports the Albanese Government’s commitment to strengthening Defence capability, growing regional economies and ensuring communities that host Defence facilities share in the economic benefits they generate.
Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon. Peter Khalil MP:
“This is great news for Wagga and a great example of the Albanese Government working with local communities to deliver long-term outcomes that support both Defence capability and regional growth.
“The new agreement locks in the future of the Airport and gives Council the certainty it needs to continue investing in this critical piece of regional infrastructure.
“RAAF Base Wagga is a critical part of Defence’s base network, but it’s also an important economic asset for the region, helping connect people, businesses, and communities across the Riverina.
“The Albanese Government is committed to investing in the infrastructure and partnerships that help keep Australians safe while creating opportunities for regional communities to prosper.
“Council has successfully managed the airport for many years and is well placed to lead this next chapter of growth and development.”
Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill:
“For local businesses, this means better connectivity and greater certainty to invest, grow and create jobs across the Riverina.
“The airport also plays an important role in connecting Riverina communities with the rest of NSW and Australia, making it easier for people to travel for work, education, health care and family.
“A strong regional airport supports the broader local economy. From tourism and hospitality to freight, aviation and other businesses that rely on reliable connections.”
Greens (WA)’s spokesperson for housing and homelessness Tim Clifford MLC, in response to the Cook Labor Government’s announcement this week that it has increased social housing income eligibility limits by $17 for singles and $26 for dual-income households:
“Do they expect people to be grateful? It’s the lowest income limit in the country and it’s a f*cking nightmare.”
The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor’s plans to completely wipe out public housing at 139 Highett Street in Richmond, describing this news as another carve-up of public land for private property developers.
The plan for 139 Highett Street is the latest of Labor’s secretive privatisation plans to be revealed, as part of Labor’s ongoing demolition of all of Melbourne’s public housing towers.
Labor is knocking down 220 public homes and handing over the site to private property developers to be dominated by hundreds of private apartments, including taxpayer subsidised build-to-rent, while not a single public home will remain at the site.
Under Labor’s proposal, the site is expected to contain 800 private apartments – including around 650 build-to-rent homes and a measly 150 community housing units.
That means not a single public home will remain, and there will be around 70 fewer “social housing” units overall on the site than before.
Public housing is owned and managed by the state with rent capped at 25 per cent of household income and secure ongoing tenancies.
Community housing is managed by community housing providers, with different rent settings, often above 30%, additional utility and service charges, and varying tenancy arrangements.
Social housing is an umbrella term which includes both public and community housing.
Build-to-rent developments are operated by a single corporate landlord and typically attract rents 20-70% higher than market rent. Developers of build-to-rent receive land tax and absentee owner surcharge subsidies as well as avoid developer contributions for local infrastructure.
Labor have tried to defend their demolition and privatisation of Melbourne’s public housing towers by pointing to this measly target of 10 per cent more “social housing”.
The Greens say Labor has even failed to deliver on their pathetically inadequate target and that we should be building more government owned and managed public housing, not knocking it down while over 100,000 Victorians languish on the public housing waitlist.
Victorian Greens MP for Richmond and housing spokesperson, Gabrielle de Vietri:
“Labor is wiping out public housing, handing valuable land over to private developers, literally subsidising corporate landlords to profit off that land, and somehow delivering even less “social housing” than before. Labor is clearly trying to hoodwink Victorians with this plan that’s been nothing more than a mass privatisation sham from day one.
“Only last week, the United Nations raised serious concerns that Labor’s demolition plan could breach international human rights law and make the housing crisis worse, while a parliamentary inquiry found the government had failed to justify demolition over refurbishment.
“As the local MP I cannot stand by while Labor tears our community apart. I will fight this tooth and nail.
“The Greens would double the number of public homes in Victoria and refurbish the homes we already have – not bulldoze them and hand public land to private developers.”
Lake Macquarie City Council, City of Newcastle, Central Coast Council and MidCoast Council are calling on the NSW Government to pause proposed changes to 2027 Financial Assistance Grants, warning the cumulative reduction over the next decade is almost half a billion dollars.
The four councils, who represent the four largest councils by population in the region, warn the proposal would divert more than $33 million away from their communities next year alone. The funding is required to fund increasing infrastructure and service demands.
The Local Government Grants Commission is proposing that the stripped funding be reallocated to other councils whose residents can less afford a rate increase.
Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Central Coast and MidCoast councils say the proposed methodology shifts funding pressure between councils, when what is needed most is an overall increase in Local Government funding.
Lake Macquarie City Council is facing a projected reduction of at least $7.2 million a year under the proposed methodology, equating to an estimated $85 million lost funding over the next decade. Financial Assistance Grants, which are made by the NSW Government using Federal Government money, currently provide almost $21 million annually to Lake Macquarie City Council to support the delivery of essential infrastructure, community facilities, environmental programs and services.
Lake Macquarie CEO David Hughes said the proposed changes would have significant consequences for communities that rely on councils to deliver essential services and infrastructure.
“As one of the fastest-growing regional cities in New South Wales, Lake Macquarie is facing increasing demand for roads, community facilities, sporting infrastructure, environmental management and other essential services,” Mr Hughes said.
“With our population expected to grow by more than 50,000 people to reach 277,000 by 2066, councils like ours need funding models that recognise and support the challenges of growth.
“A recurring reduction of this scale would place significant pressure on Council’s ability to continue delivering the infrastructure and services our community expects and deserves.”
City of Newcastle currently receives around $15.5 million annually in Financial Assistance Grants. Under the proposed changes its grant allocation would be more than halved, creating a shortfall of at least $9.5m each year and more than $108 million over the next decade.
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the changes would threaten the delivery of key community services and the renewal and maintenance of infrastructure used not only by Novocastrians but residents from across the region.
“City of Newcastle delivers cultural and recreational facilities, major transport assets and coastal infrastructure that support communities well beyond our council boundary,” Mr Bath said.
“We fund regional assets such as the Civic Theatre, the Newcastle Art Gallery, the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the Newcastle Museum and even our swimming pools, which are majority used by people who don’t pay rates in Newcastle. The Grants Commission can’t simply say that Newcastle residents will just have to pay more in rates to offset a $9.5 million reduction in our annual grants income.
“This proposal to redistribute funding away from councils predominantly on the coast to regional and rural councils is just robbing Peter to pay Paul. We need the State Government to hit the pause button on this and urgently rethink how it should be helping struggling regional councils.”
The Central Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in New South Wales, and funding models must recognise the significant infrastructure, service and disaster recovery demands that come with supporting a growing community.
In addition to investing in roads, community facilities and essential services, councils must also be prepared to respond to and recover from natural disasters that can have lasting impacts on local communities.
A reduction of up to $20 million per year in Financial Assistance Grants would place substantial pressure on Council’s ability to deliver the infrastructure, resilience and community outcomes our residents rely on.
Central Coast Council interim CEO, Jamie Loader, said any reduction in the Financial Assistance Grants would have a significant negative impact on Council.
“Central Coast Council is the third largest LGA in NSW, an area which also includes more than 2200 km of roads, servicing a rapidly growing population of around 370,000 people. The support of government grants and funding is vital for us to be able to maintain the infrastructure needed for this growth. Quality roads, sporting facilities, water and sewer infrastructure and crucial safety features such as lighting and pathways for a vibrant nighttime economy as well as cycling and walking infrastructure for schools, leisure and the general community are essential,” Mr Loader said.
“While Central Coast Council is an $800 million organisation – the grants we receive enable us to meet those community demands and expectations. To have a year-on-year reduction of up to $20 million would have extraordinary consequences.
“Council undertakes a huge range of services and functions, many on behalf of other levels of government at the expense of ratepayers.
“With $13 billion in assets to maintain the growing community, there will be no option other than reducing services or passing on costs to the ratepayer should the funds be reduced. The timeframes provided do not allow for appropriate community engagement to inform future budget allocations or reductions.”
For MidCoast Council, one of the largest regional councils in the state, serving a community spread across 10,000 square kilometres and a road network spanning 3,600km, the impact is similarly significant. MidCoast currently receives $23.9 million in Federal Assistance Grants, which will be reduced to $18.9 million under the proposed changes.
Facing a projected reduction of $5 million per year, MidCoast’s General Manager Adrian Panuccio said the loss will have a big impact on the region. Over a 10-year period it will equate to a $55 million hole for a community, which is still reeling from a one in 500-year flood event in May last year.
“This is not the type of loss that can be absorbed, we will have to look at reducing services and options for increasing costs. This is the last thing our community need to be facing,” Mr Panuccio said.
“We had almost 4000 properties across our region requiring rebuilding, restoration or repair and numerous public spaces damaged that we still haven’t had any assistance with repairing for our community. We have an estimated $320 million of damage sustained to our road and bridge network that we are working through.”
Mr Panuccio said the reality of the proposed funding reduction would mean Council will have to consider how key services are delivered and will reduce the level of maintenance and repairs on key community infrastructure.
“We are still battling on behalf of our community to attract funding for key projects as a result of the flood, we cannot expect our community to pick up the tab for this as well,” Mr Panuccio said.
The four councils support efforts to ensure fair funding outcomes for rural and regional communities but say this should not come at the expense of other communities facing significant growth pressures. Instead, they are advocating for an increase in the overall funding available to local government consistent with motions passed for many years at the NSW and National Local Government Annual Conferences.
In July this year the Australian Federal Government and the United Services Union secured increased untied federal funding to address local council resource pressures. Until it’s known how much additional funding will be provided to the NSW Government for distribution in assistance grants, no redistribution should take place that strips tens of millions of dollars annually from local coastal councils.
The proposed methodology by the NSW Grants Commission assumes that residents in Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, the Central Coast and MidCoast can afford to pay more in rates than other councils in the Hunter.
The calculations include income the councils have received including emergency grants used to rebuild after natural disasters along with levies councils collect on behalf of the NSW Government. In the case of Newcastle, the new methodology even includes the income of Newcastle Airport despite the Airport being a separate legal entity whose income is entirely invested into airport operations.
The four councils are calling on the NSW Government to pause the proposed changes until the Federal Government’s commitment to increase Financial Assistance Grant funding has been implemented. No council in NSW should be worse off simply to prop up another council who is struggling financially.
The Port Kembla community is set to benefit from improved facilities and community infrastructure, with $1 million in funding available for local businesses and community groups through the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
Applications for the $1 million Fund are now open, offering grants between $25,000 and $250,000 for projects designed to revitalise Port Kembla, attract visitors and build community pride.
The Port Kembla Community Fund is designed to support projects that focus on infrastructure, amenity or events that help activate or enhance the port, boost visitation, create strong community bonds and increase participation in cultural and artistic life.
The fund has delivered a range of projects including:
Major upgrades to the Port Kembla Surf Life Saving Club to better support members and the community.
New irrigation, drainage and returfing at the Port Kembla Pumas Soccer Club’s King George V Oval.
Major upgrades to the Marine Rescue Port Kembla including an all accessible Marine Rescue radio operator’s room and refurbishment of the vessel base.
Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce have delivered a new skate park and created large scale murals to create creative public infrastructure across Port Kembla.
Since the establishment of the fund more than $13.9 million had been distributed to 93 local projects that have delivered real community assets across Port Kembla.
The fund is designed to reinvest part of the economic benefit from the long-term lease of Port Kembla back into the Port Kembla area through community infrastructure, tourism, cultural, environmental, and revitalisation projects.
Applications will close on 2 November 2026 at 2pm. For further information about the program, including guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“The Port Kembla Community Investment Fund has a proven track record of backing projects that make a real difference, from sporting facilities and community infrastructure to public art and cultural initiatives.
“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in Port Kembla because we know local communities are best placed to identify the opportunities that will make a real difference to where they live.
“This new funding round will support projects that strengthen community connections, enhance local places and create more opportunities for people to come together and celebrate everything that makes Port Kembla unique.”
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:
“Port Kembla is a proud and dynamic community with a rich industrial heritage, a thriving arts and culture scene, and enormous potential for future growth.
“With more than $13.9 million invested in local projects over the past years, this program continues to deliver benefits that can be seen and enjoyed across the community.”
“I encourage local organisations and businesses to think boldly about how they can contribute to Port Kembla’s future and take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
“From a new skate park to improving our sports fields, supporting local jobs and enhancing our public spaces this program is helping bring local ideas to life.
“These grants are helping to deliver a brighter future for Port Kembla and create lasting benefits for local residents, businesses and visitors.
“With another grant round now open I encourage community groups and local businesses to make the most of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.”
Case Study: Port Kembla Community Skate Space
The Port Kembla Community Skate Space has transformed King George V Park into a vibrant recreational hub for local young people and families. Completed in 2025, the project delivered a purpose-built skate bowl, skate space and upgraded basketball court, creating a modern and inclusive community facility.
The project highlights the long-term impact of the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund, with the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce successfully securing funding across multiple rounds.
The project demonstrates how the fund can support community-led initiatives over time, helping local organisations build on previous investments and deliver lasting benefits for Port Kembla residents.
Will Mitry, Committee Member with The Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce and Project Manager of the Skatepark Build said:
“The completed Community Skate Space has made our vision come to life, creating a space for active creativity, fun and community connection.
“This funding has helped create a space for kids, families and the community to gather and enjoy outdoor activities together. This skate space is bringing the community together as it supports connection across all ages and that is one of the best medicines for mental health and wellbeing”.
The Minns Labor Government’s legislation to create a more commonsense system for drivers who use lawfully prescribed medicinal cannabis has passed the NSW Parliament.
This reform recognises the growing number of patients using prescribed medicinal cannabis under their doctor’s orders to manage a range of serious conditions such as cancer, nausea, severe pain and PTSD.
The old drug presence offence framework, which included an immediate three-month loss of licence, has been a significant barrier for medicinal cannabis patients needing to drive to work, appointments, and go about their daily lives.
The Minns Labor Government’s reform will mean drivers who register under the new system are no longer automatically penalised solely because THC is detected in their system, provided they meet strict conditions and do not drive while impaired.
Under the Road Transport Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026, eligible drivers will need to register with Transport for NSW, provide evidence of a valid prescription and complete an online education program about cannabis and driving safety.
Roadside drug testing will continue and there will be no changes to the roadside drug testing process carried out by police. Any registered medicinal cannabis patient who returns a positive roadside test will continue to receive an immediate 24-hour driving ban while their sample is sent for laboratory testing – as is the case for any driver who returns a positive roadside drug sample.
If the laboratory result shows THC below the maximum threshold of 50 ng/ml, no further action will be taken. If the laboratory result shows THC at or above the threshold, the driver will receive a warning for a first or second detection within two years.
A third detection within two years will result in penalties, including a $722 fine and a minimum three-month licence suspension.
The new system still maintains strong safeguards to protect road safety:
There will be no changes to the threshold for THC detection at the roadside.
The scheme will be limited to NSW unrestricted licence holders and will not apply to learner or P plate drivers, or commercial drivers.
Registered medicinal cannabis patients cannot have any alcohol or other drugs in their system.
Drivers showing signs of impairment, even if they are a registered medicinal cannabis patient will continue to be charged with serious driving under the influence offences.
Standard drug driving penalties will continue to apply where multiple illicit drugs are detected.
Registered medicinal cannabis patients will remain subject to post-crash blood and urine testing following serious crashes.
These safeguards are critical to ensuring police can continue to respond strongly to dangerous driving behaviour and thoroughly investigate serious crashes to protect all road users.
Transport for NSW is currently developing the education program which will be mandatory for medicinal cannabis patients under this legislation.
Implementation, including the registry and education module, are expected to be launched in late 2026-early 2027.
The new system will be reviewed after one year, in line with recommendations from the Drug Summit.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
“I’m proud to see this important legislation pass the Parliament, creating a more commonsense and respectful system for patients who are prescribed medicinal cannabis in NSW but need to drive.
“Like we’ve said from the beginning, these reforms balance road safety with the need for a new system for patients who rely on this legally prescribed medication, without the fear of being treated like a criminal.
“We cannot be any clearer: nobody should drive while impaired by cannabis, alcohol or any other drug. That is not changing, and drivers will continue to be tested.
“From now on, eligible medicinal cannabis patients, who are not impaired, will have a clearer system, more opportunities for education, and a chance to adjust their behaviour before facing penalties.”
Every firming project supported through Tender Round 2 of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is now complete, with three batteries and a virtual power plant up and running. Together, they can power around 400,000 households at peak demand.
The four projects can supply energy or reduce demand when the electricity system needs it most, bolstering reliability during periods of peak demand, such as on hot summer days.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering new firming capacity to keep the lights on and put downward pressure on prices as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
Delivered by AGL, Akaysha Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Enel X, the projects represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW:
Project
Company
Capacity
Storage capacity
Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – Muswellbrook
AGL Energy
500 megawatts (MW)
1,000 megawatt hours (MWh)
Orana BESS – Montefiores
Akaysha Energy
415 MW
1,660 MWh
Smithfield BESS – Smithfield
Iberdrola Energy
65 MW
130 MWh
Virtual Power Plant – statewide
Enel X
95 MW demand response
Minimum dispatch duration of 2 hours
The projects have also delivered economic benefits for regional and metropolitan communities, supporting more than 1,500 jobs during construction while further strengthening NSW’s position as a destination for clean energy investment.
Tender Round 2 was delivered under the Roadmap, with additional support from the Commonwealth Government, to bring forward private investment in the firming infrastructure NSW needs to maintain reliability as coal-fired power stations retire.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:
“The completion of these batteries and the virtual power plant is an important milestone for NSW.
“Together, these projects can provide enough firming capacity to meet the peak electricity demand of around 400,000 homes, helping keep the lights on during the hot summer to come.
“These projects alone represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW and have supported more than 1,500 jobs.”
Iberdrola Australia CEO Paul Simshauser AM said:
“We were excited to have Minister Sharpe officially open our 65 MW Smithfield BESS, which is now powering the equivalent of 20,000 homes in Western Sydney and importantly releasing energy during evening peaks which reduces costs to consumers.
“We’re proud to have delivered this project ahead of schedule, providing local jobs, using local businesses and equipment during construction.”
Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter said:
“The completion of these projects demonstrates how government policy and private investment can work together to accelerate the energy transition while maintaining reliability.
“As the developer and operator of the Orana BESS, one of the largest batteries in NSW, we’re proud to have delivered this on time and help support NSW’s energy security for years to come and provide critical capacity when the grid needs it most.”
AGL Chief Operations and Construction Officer Matthew Currie said:
“The Liddell Battery is one of Australia’s largest grid-scale batteries. It’s helping to support NSW’s transition to a renewable energy future.
“The 500-megawatt (MW) battery reached full commercial operations this month and is storing and dispatching energy to power homes and businesses.
“The battery is the first major development at the former Liddell Power Station site and is an important step in AGL’s plans to transform Liddell as part of our future Hunter Energy Hub.”
An Enel X spokesperson said:
“The work completed through this program demonstrates the important role of flexible demand in building a cleaner, more reliable electricity system.
“Enel X is proud to have delivered 95 MW of flexible demand capacity, with participating customers already helping the NSW grid during the December 2025 heat event and periods of peak demand.
“We look forward to continuing to strengthen NSW’s electricity system through future Roadmap initiatives, including delivery of an additional 32 MW under the latest Firming tender.”
