$37.3 million to address lead exposure in Broken Hill

3rd July 2026

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, says an extra $37.3 million investment by the NSW government to address lead contamination in Broken Hil children will make a real difference to local families, although it’s important that local knowledge and leadership is prioritised.
Mr Butler is pleased to see significant funding directed to remediating lead exposure after years of raising the issue in partnership with Broken Hill City Council.
“This new funding means the number of houses that are remediated each year will double,” said Mr Butler. “Remediation efforts will be targeted at high-risk areas, high-risk families and the homes of children who’ve already recorded high blood lead levels.”
“The funding also allows the continuation of community outreach and education sessions,” said Mr Butler.
The new funding comes after the NSW government last year agreed to extend the existing Broken Hill Environmental Lead Program following representations by Mr Butler and Broken Hill City Council, while Mr Butler also requested additional funding as part of the 2026/27 NSW Budget process.
“The extra $37.3 million over four years allows existing programs to be ramped up, and we know that they are already making a difference,” said Mr Butler.
“A suppressed 2019 report to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) showed that nearly half of Broken Hill children had blood lead levels over 5 micrograms per decilitre, compared to around 1 mg/dc for most Australian children.
“The number of Broken Hill children with high blood lead levels has since dropped to 35%,” said Mr Butler. “While this is still too high, it shows that a combination of remediation and education works.”
“Broken Hill City Council has requested funding for additional street sweeping trucks to enhance remediation efforts, which was not included in this expanded funding package.
“The most effective programs rely on local leadership backed by funding commitments from state and federal governments,” said Mr Butler.