The NSW government will commit $1.2 billion over the next decade to energy infrastructure in a bid to provide cheaper and cleaner power.
The budget will come on June 21 as the state rebounds from COVID-19 and devastating floods, ahead of an election in March next year amid rising cost of living pressures.
In a slew of announcements on Friday, the government revealed funding for religious and multicultural communities, women's health and workforce participation, and biosecurity.
Announcing the new power funding, Treasurer Matt Kean said it would form part of the government's Transmission Acceleration Facility which would create Renewable Energy Zones to replace closing power stations.
"Renewable Energy Zones are modern-day power stations, providing cheap and clean power for the homes and business of NSW," Mr Kean said.
The funding boost would help create 2700 construction jobs and drive at least $14 billion in private infrastructure investment, he said.
The first investment will be the Waratah Super Battery, said to be the largest standby network battery in the southern hemisphere.
There are more than 50 large-scale renewable energy projects in the NSW planning system, but many of them need additional capacity across the state's transmission network to be viable.
"The facility is a critical step in unlocking the new generation needed to improve competition, lower power prices and secure a brighter future for households and business," Mr Kean said.
Clean Energy Council external affairs director Arron Wood said the facility would help bring more renewable energy online.
"At a time when energy prices are at near-record highs, they will also help alleviate the factors that have caused the current energy crisis and avoid them recurring in the future," he said.
The government's Energy Corporation of NSW will deliver the facility.
Mr Kean has also announced $119 million over a decade for research and development to turn local RNA research into new products, services and jobs, .
RNA is genetic material similar to DNA, used for vaccines and gene therapy.
Elsewhere, Premier Dominic Perrottet announced $28 million over two years to fund a religious advisory council, translation of government messaging and cultural events.
"The tripling of our investment for multicultural and multi-faith communities goes a long way towards harmony, but also allows everyone across our state to enjoy the rich culture that our multicultural society provides," he said.
Multiculturalism Minister Mark Cuore said $16 million of the funding will go towards translation of community and government messaging.
About $10 million will go towards supporting community cultural events and festivals.
The religious advisory council will be led by former NSW Police deputy commissioner Nick Kaldas.
In a joint statement on Friday, leaders of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Christian Special Religious Education, Australian National Imams Council, Hindu Council of Australia and Buddhist Council of NSW said the advisory council will give faith groups a voice to the government.
"The council's first order of business will be addressing concerns regarding the safety and security of faith institutions, which is a priority for our communities," the religious leaders said.
"The safety and security of faith communities is critical, given the rise in racial hatred across our state."
The government also announced a $32 million investment to continue a program providing grants of up to $5000 to pay for workwear, technology and training for women returning to work.
A further $40.3 million will be spent on health support for women struggling with menopause and associated conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
Almost $164 million has been earmarked for protecting agriculture from biosecurity threats.
