The Minns Labor Government is committing a record $37.3 million to strengthen and expand its response to legacy lead contamination in Broken Hill to protect children and families from the long-term impacts of lead exposure.
The four-year funding in the 2026-27 NSW Budget will double the number of homes remediated each year and support ongoing blood lead level testing for children, particularly Aboriginal children.
Education programs will be expanded, and lead considerations will be embedded into paediatric development and broader health programs, with a strong focus on early intervention for any at-risk children and families.
Broken Hill continues to face one of the most significant legacy lead contamination challenges in Australia. Data from 2025 shows 35 per cent of children aged one to five, and 56 per cent of Aboriginal children of the same age, have blood lead levels above national health investigative guidelines.
The funding includes:
- $12.7 million for the development and implementation of a zonal remediation program, targeting homes in known high-risk zones and homes of high-risk families, to reduce lead contamination before exposure can occur.
- $11.5 million for ongoing targeted remediation of homes of children who have recorded high blood lead levels.
- $8.1 million for enhanced monitoring of emissions from existing mines and other local dust sources, and for the purchase of new soil and air monitoring equipment, to help reduce lead and dust emissions at their source.
- $2.5 million for ongoing community outreach, education and awareness campaigns, including expansion of the LeadSmart program and hands-on education sessions at local schools and events.
The commitment delivers on the recommendations of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s report on Reducing the health and environmental impacts of lead contamination in Broken Hill.
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
“No child should be put at risk from the environment they grow up in. This funding boost allows us to more than double the number of homes remediated to protect more families.
“We are pivoting to a proactive, targeted and preventative program, designed to reduce lead exposure in children before harm occurs and break the cycle of lead-related disadvantage in Broken Hill.”
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:
“A long history of lead mining in Broken Hill has left a legacy of contamination that we need to manage better.
“Community blood lead levels, particularly in young Aboriginal children, have not improved as quickly as we need them to.
“That’s why we are reshaping how we address this problem, adding more rigour, more funding, more coordination and more on-the-ground resourcing.”
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“To see blood lead levels declining in young children screened in Broken Hill is very pleasing but we know more needs to be done.
“This investment will help reduce the risk of harm, particularly for young children and infants.”
