MC-55A Peregrine: a first-of-type capability strengthening Australia’s Defence

The first of four MC-55A Peregrine – Australia’s inaugural airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft – has arrived, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence capability.

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the first MC-55A arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, late last week. Modelled on the Gulfstream G550 airframe and extensively enhanced by L3Harris Technologies, the MC-55A is a long-range, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft designed to deliver multiple sources of intelligence in support of Defence operations.

This advanced capability reinforces Australia’s national defence posture and contributes to deterrence. Integrated within a focused and agile force, the MC-55A ensures the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats – underpinning the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) commitment to readiness and resilience.

The MC-55A will be a key component of Australia’s broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, and forming a critical link in the nation’s sovereign network of surveillance and electronic warfare assets.

Operated by Number 10 Squadron, the MC-55A Peregrine will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP:

“The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s ability to monitor and protect its strategic interests, including key maritime approaches.

“This capability will integrate seamlessly with allied and partner systems, enabling the Air Force and ADF to share intelligence with security partners like the United Kingdom and United States – reinforcing our collective security and enhancing regional stability.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP:

“This investment strengthens Australia’s sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare capability and ensures our Defence Force is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM: 

“The introduction of the MC-55A to Air Force’s fleet will ensure we have a critical enabler for advanced ADF capabilities and, as identified in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, provide important intelligence information to support ADF missions.  

“The MC-55A Peregrine is more than an aircraft—it is a strategic capability that reinforces our ability to protect national interests in an increasingly complex security environment.”

Strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island Leaders

Today, we welcome Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Palaun President Whipps and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Baron Waqa to Australia for a meeting of the PIF Troika in Brisbane.

The Albanese Labor Government will strengthen our commitment to backing Pacific-led climate solutions by investing a further $550 million for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

At the invitation of the PIF Secretariat, Minister Bowen will join the PIF Troika, consisting of the current PIF Chair (Solomon Islands), incoming Chair (Palau) and outgoing Chair (Tonga), to discuss progress on arrangements for a special pre-COP hosted in the Pacific.

Minister Bowen will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a Renewable Energy and Climate Partnership with Tonga, and meet with President Whipps to discuss climate solutions and progress of the Palau-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership.

Minister Wong will welcome Lord Prime Minister Fakafanua for his first visit to Australia since his election as Prime Minister in December 2025, and since Australia and Tonga committed to elevate our partnership through the Kaume’a Ofi agreement.

Minister Wong will also meet with Prime Minister Manele to discuss Australia’s commitment to our economic, development and security partnership with Solomon Islands.

In discussions with President Whipps, Minister Wong will confirm Australia’s support for Palau to deliver a successful and impactful PIF Leaders meeting later this year.

The AIFFP, Australia’s major critical infrastructure provider, is already delivering 58 projects across 11 countries, including ports, airports, renewable energy infrastructure and undersea cables. For more information visit: The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia is backing Pacific-led climate solutions – investing in the Pacific Resilience Facility and in new energy partnerships.

“At a time of major global uncertainty, Australia’s additional $550 million investment will deliver further critical infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on digital infrastructure development.

“As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is a reliable partner for the Pacific, working to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen

“We are bringing the world to the Pacific to see climate impacts and solutions through the COP process.

“Climate action remains the greatest lever to protect the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of the Pacific.

“Today Australia and Tonga strengthened our collaboration on renewable energy and climate action, delivering on Pacific priorities to cut emissions while cutting the cost of energy.”

GREENS SAY THINGS WILL ONLY GET WORSE WITH NEW COAL AND GAS AS AUSTRALIA SET TO BE THE HOTTEST PLACE ON EARTH TODAY AND RECORD TEMPERATURES TO HIT VICTORIA

The Greens are calling for an end to new coal and gas projects as record temperatures are set to hit Victoria today and Australia is forecast to be the hottest place on earth.

The Victorian town of Ouyen is expected to hit 49 degrees, which would set a new record for Victoria while Melbourne is forecast for 45 degrees. 

With a total fire ban, regional communities are anxiously watching for new fires as an out of control fire burns in the Otways. 

Meanwhile over the last 9 months, Victorian Labor approved 5 new coal and gas projects. Labor cleared fossil fuel giant ConocoPhillips to start drilling the Otway Basin early last year, and hit gas in November.

Labor continues to fast-track new fossil fuel projects in Victoria. In December alone, the Allan Labor government opened parts of Gippsland and the Otways for gas drilling, a day before the Albanese government opened five new areas for offshore exploration.

The Greens say with Labor opening up new coal and gas projects, we should expect to see more extreme heat days and unpredictable weather. 

Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Sarah Mansfield. 

“Every week since the start of this year, Victorians have experienced a catastrophic climate event. In my electorate, along the Great Ocean Road the same communities have faced devastating fires, floods, and now fires again. Yet just offshore from them last month, Labor has approved multiple new gas projects in the Otway Basin. Labor’s disconnect is astounding.


“It’s unconscionable that Labor is continuing to approve new coal and gas. What we’re experiencing is what climate scientists have warned us about for decades – it’s terrifying that those warnings have become our reality, and with Labor’s new coal and gas projects in the pipeline, things will only get worse. 

“Meanwhile, the fossil fuel corporations who are causing this are being allowed to rake in billions while CFA volunteers risk their lives to protect communities and we’re left to clean up the mess. It’s completely unjust.

Ministers must answer why Social Services keep breaking the law

Today’s Commonwealth Ombudsman Report finding that Services Australia and the Department of Social Services has been non-compliant with social security law regarding child support for the past six years shows a Department which has learned nothing from Robodebt and is seemingly incapable of administering the law.

As the Ombudsman notes in their report today, “Knowingly and deliberately not complying with the law was at the heart of Robodebt.”, yet the Government has persistent issues with following social services law, often to the harm of welfare recipients.

Last year, two separate Commonwealth Ombudsman inquiries and an external review from Deloitte could not assure the lawfulness of the Targeted Compliance Framework, under which over a hundred thousand welfare payments are withheld from recipients every month under the system known as ‘mutual obligations’. 

Despite Labor Ministers being unable to assure the lawfulness of the mutual obligations system, the government continues to suspend vast numbers of payments each month (learn more).

The Government was also forced to introduce legislation last year to retrospectively legalise the collection of over $1 billion of welfare debts after it was found that the method used to calculate debts for years was unlawful.

Regarding the child support law issue raised in the Ombudsman’s report, the Greens have sought a briefing from the government on legislation planned to be introduced to the Parliament in February.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“This will be the second time in just six months that the government has sought to rush through retrospective laws to cover the fact they can’t administer the welfare system legally.”

“Labor can’t even say if a core part of their welfare system is lawful, yet they continue to use that system of ‘mutual obligations’ to unlawfully suspend over a hundred thousand welfare payments from people who need them every month.”

“How can anyone trust that our welfare system is being administered correctly and fairly when the government keeps on breaking its own laws, and can hide it for six years?”

“When families on income support break the rules, they get the book thrown at them, but when the government does it it’s like it never happened.”

“Robodebt showed us what happens when the government breaks its own laws without consequence, and it’s clear the Department has not learned its lesson.”

“It’s time Labor took responsibility for their own Departments and brought them in line with the law, including abolishing the unlawful mutual obligations system now.”

Two selfless seniors share City of Newcastle Senior Citizen of the Year award

For the first time in history, City of Newcastle has honoured two seniors as joint winners of a top award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.
 
 John Cross is honoured for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, and Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been recognised for her long standing, vital role at Zara’s House where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.

From L-R Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins the 2026 Citizen of the Year award recipients Peter Sleap, Wanda McInnes-Fogg, Alyssa Wharton, Jenny’s Place representative Dawn Walker and John Cross. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city’s social fabric.

“John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed to supporting people doing it tough,” Cr Kerridge said.

“John’s consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda’s work supporting refugee women and children with settling and education both contribute to a stronger community cohesion across Newcastle. We are incredibly proud to honour two people who give so much of themselves to others.”

One of John’s most cherished achievements was helping reclaim the identity of Vietnam veteran Alwyn “Shorty” Craig, from decades of anonymity on the streets to long‑term housing, medical care and reunion with his family.

Over the last five years, Wanda has served as the Secretary and Public Officer for Zara’s House, forging key partnerships with the Red Cross, University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, to build disaster resilience and create skills and employment pathways for refugee women.

She has also assisted numerous refugees to eliminate debt and serves as the coordinator of a bilingual early education program, providing teachers with age‑appropriate activities tailored to each child.

City of Newcastle also announced its Citizen of the Year, honouring a community champion whose personal adversity has driven him to create meaningful change for local families.

Peter ‘Sleapy’ Sleap is a well-known character in Newcastle who has been recognised for transforming his own stage‑four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good.

Since 2019, Peter’s charity Sleapy’s Foundation has delivered immediate financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with 99 percent of all funds going directly back into the community. 

In the past year, Sleapy’s Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy’s Day event, supported more than 160 local families, provided Cancer Care Bags for patients at Calvary Mater Hospital and led a $500,000 project to establish a courtyard at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.

Rounding out this year’s honours, City of Newcastle has also named its Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, acknowledging the contributions of emerging leaders and vital community organisations.

Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton, who was acknowledged for her leadership in cricket, where she mentors young players, organises cricket carnivals and serves as the Cricket Blast Coordinator, growing the program from eight to 50 participants in just three years.

As the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association, she pushed for junior girls’ games to encourage visibility and representation and was named Cricket NSW’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year.

Community Group of the Year went to Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge for its long-standing commitment to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

In the past year, Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge supported more than 1200 women and children through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and early‑intervention programs.

The organisation continues to enhance its support model, establishing the Community Transport Program in 2025 to help clients without access to a vehicle or who have difficulty affording public transport.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of exemplary Novocastrians over the past year.

$2.5m Lung Bus tour of NSW begins in Newcastle to protect workers against dust diseases

The Minns Labor Government maintains its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

This year, the lung bus begins its journey in Newcastle to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

In collaboration with SafeWork, icare also supports the NSW Silica Worker Register (SWR), which helps identify and monitor workers who have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica across their working lives.

By linking registry data with services such as the mobile clinic, icare is helping ensure workers most at risk are prioritised for screening, follow-up care and specialist referral where needed.

Data from SafeWork NSW shows there have been 12,214 workers registered on the SWR from 597 businesses as at 31 December 2025, most of which are in the construction and manufacturing industries. Close to 3,850 workers are listed as working in tunnelling-related roles.

Launched on 1 October 2025, the SWR is used to help monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

In Newcastle, 44 workers are currently on the Register, and are being prioritised for screening due to potential occupational silica exposure.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at The Station, Corner of Watt st and Scott st, Newcastle on Tuesday 27 January.

The Lung Bus will return to the Hunter when it visits Singleton on 20 April and then Newcastle on 29 June and 26 October.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

  • Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
  • Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
  • Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
  • Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
  • Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney Kent st clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The $2.5 million icare Lung Bus plays an important role providing thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“I welcome the launch of the 2026 icare Lung Bus tour of NSW in Newcastle. This is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Work Health and Safety Mark Buttigieg said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to protecting workers from deadly dust diseases, and the $2.5 million state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic is a powerful example of that commitment in action.

“By bringing free, lifesaving lung health checks directly to communities across New South Wales, starting in Newcastle, we are making early detection and treatment more accessible than ever.

“These screenings save lives, particularly for regional workers who may otherwise miss out, and ensure thousands of people each year get the care they need before it’s too late.”

NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show serving up laughs in Sydney

A line-up of six comedians will deliver a barrel of laughs as the New South Wales Seniors Festival Comedy Show returns to Sydney in 2026.

The free show, which is an annual feature of the NSW Seniors Festival, will commence at 11am on Tuesday 3 March, at Sydney Town Hall, in partnership with City of Sydney.

Master of Ceremonies Cam Knight will join Jake Howie, Anisa Nandaula, Fiona Cox, Mick Meredith, Chris Wainhouse, and Peter Berner to headline entertainment for hundreds of New South Wales seniors.

For the first time, Shoalhaven City Council will also be hosting a Seniors Festival Comedy Show at Ulladulla Civic Centre at 11am and 1.30pm on Thursday 5 March. The line-up for the Ulladulla comedy show will feature Mat Wakefield alongside Jake Howie, Anisa Nandaula, Fiona Cox, Chris Wainhouse and Peter Berner.

Tickets will be available from 10am, Tuesday 3 February 2026 via the NSW Seniors Festival website: NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show | NSW Government

Seniors are encouraged to get in early to secure a ticket before they run out.

Seniors Festival Comedy Show

  • Sydney Town Hall, in partnership with City of Sydney at 11am, Tuesday 3 March
  • Ulladulla Civic Centre, in partnership with Shoalhaven City Council at 11am and 1.30pm, on Thursday 5 March.

The NSW Seniors Festival runs from 2-15 March and showcases a variety of events, from entertainment to educational activities.

Highlights of the festival include the popular Premier’s Gala Concerts and NSW Seniors Festival Expo, held at Darling Harbour on Wednesday 11 March and Thursday 12 March.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show has a proud history of bringing together some of the nation’s best comedians to spread laughter and joy.

“The NSW Government is building more inclusive communities for older people through recreational, cultural and social participation, a key priority of the government’s Ageing Well in NSW Strategy.

“That’s why we are proud to support this popular event each year and urge our seniors to get together with friends and families to ‘live life in colour’.”

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said:

“The NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show is an annual highlight for so many in our community as it’s a great way for people to come together, share a laugh and meet some friendly new faces.

“Not only is this a wonderful event for seniors, but it is another opportunity for them to stay socially connected. Sharing a laugh is a great way for everyone to boost their wellbeing and to bring people together.

“Laughter really is the best medicine, and a great way to brighten someone’s day. Not only are events like this fun, they help to keep people feeling connected to their community.”

Comedy show Master of Ceremonies Cam Knight said:

“I’m absolutely excited to be hosting this event for the NSW Seniors Festival.

“There’s something special about making people happy, and I can’t wait to share some laughs with our seniors.

“It’s going to be a fantastic time and I’m sure everyone will leave with a big smile on their faces.”

Comedian Jake Howie said:

“I am thrilled to part of this year’s Comedy Show, sharing the stage with some of the country’s funniest people.

“We’ve got some hilarious material lined up which is sure to have the audience in stitches.”

Singleton Bypass on track to open in 2026

The Singleton Bypass is on track to open to traffic later this year, with construction teams back from the break and hard at work, delivering an extraordinary project for the Hunter.

The project is being delivered with a $560 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government and a $140 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.

This region-changing project will take 15,000 vehicles a day off Singleton’s main street, improving travel times, freight efficiency and safety for local and interstate motorists, allowing them to avoid five sets of traffic lights.

The eight kilometre bypass starts near Newington Lane in the south and rejoins the highway just past Magpie Street in the North. The project features a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the New England Highway at the Southern and Northern ends and at Gowrie.

A host of major milestones were achieved in 2025, with crews opening two bridges which allowed trucks to shift material within the project corridor, without going through the CBD, helping to reduce the impact of construction traffic.

Construction of all six bridges is now nearing completion, including the largest on the Hunter Floodplain, which is 1.6km long. 

The bridge construction has involved the installation of 435 girders and 207 bridge piles and pouring of 161 concrete columns and 78 concrete bridge decks. Only the finishing works remain, including the installation of safety rails, deck joints, placement of asphalt, noise walls and safety screens.

Road pavement construction has recently commenced across the corridor.

To date, a total of 500,000m³ of earthwork material has been placed across the project alignment, equivalent to 200 Olympic sized swimming pools of material.

Construction activities continuing in early 2026 include:

  • drainage and earth works
  • continued pavement construction including asphalting and line marking
  • the relocation and connection of water, electrical and sewer services
  • the construction of interchanges, and
  • the start of landscaping.

The bypass is expected to be open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The 1,300 workers on this project are making some incredible progress, and I know Hunter motorists, and anyone regularly passing through Singleton, can’t wait to enjoy smoother, safer and more reliable journeys when the bypass opens later this year.

It’s one of the many projects across NSW being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments together that will be a real game-changer for the community.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“I am delighted to be able to say for the first time that Singleton Bypass will be open to traffic this year!

“The bypass is going to make a massive difference for road users across the Hunter.

“We are ensuring mums and dads spend less time in traffic and more time with their family.

“We are cutting five sets of traffic lights, and ensuring Singleton locals can reclaim their CBD – with 15,000 fewer vehicles passing through it each day.

“This is a win-win outcome for Singleton residents, visitors and freight operators.”

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“The bypass will ease congestion and improve safety for the more than 25,000 vehicles that use this section of the New England Highway every day.

“The town is already enjoying a taste of the benefits the Singleton Bypass will bring, with project haulage trucks using two new bridges enabling them to avoid CBD streets.

“The completion of this project will absolutely transform the town centre, improving amenity and safety for Singleton while delivering enhanced journey reliability and travel time for vehicles using the New England Highway.”

Brunners Bridge opens in the Upper Hunter

The Minns and Albanese Labor governments, in partnership with Singleton Council, have today cut the ribbon on a major upgrade to Brunners Bridge at Mitchells Flat – strengthening freight access, and improving safety in the Upper Hunter.

The $7.2 million upgrade replaces an ageing bridge with a modern, heavy-duty crossing designed to carry larger freight vehicles and better connect local communities. 

The project was jointly funded, with $6.5 million from the NSW Government and $700,000 from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

For communities in the Upper Hunter, Brunners Bridge is a vital everyday connection – linking Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and providing access to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange. The Bridge also supports families, connecting them to work, schools and local services.

With a heavier load limit of 68.5 tonnes, the upgraded bridge improves reliability, supports local industry and keeps the region connected when it matters most.

The upgrade involved full demolition of the old structure and construction of a new bridge, culvert and approaches. Wider lanes and an improved road surface allow heavier vehicles to cross safely, reducing pressure on surrounding local roads and improving safety for all road users.

This upgrade follows the recent completion of Kilfoyles Bridge in Singleton, a critical project delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the 2022 NSW floods. The project has improved road safety, strengthened connectivity and boosted flood resilience for residents, visitors and freight operators across the Upper Hunter.

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

“Projects like these are critical to ensuring regional infrastructure can safely accommodate modern freight and vehicles.

“Replacing the previous bridge, which dates back around 80 years, will help keep communities safely and reliably connected.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“The completion of this project is great news for locals, visitors and businesses in the Upper Hunter.

“Brunners Bridge isn’t just concrete and steel, it’s a daily link for families, farmers and freight in the Upper Hunter.

“In Regional NSW, roads are not a convenience. They are the lifeblood that connects people to work, school and services, and keeps freight and agriculture moving. That’s why upgrading local bridges like this matters so much.

“The Minns Labor Government is backing regions like the Upper Hunter with tangible investments – building stronger connections and supporting regional economies.”

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:

“This is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver a great outcome for the Upper Hunter.

“This important local project will boost road safety and connectivity for residents, visitors and freight vehicles.

“The local communities, freight and agribusiness industry, transport and the wider economy will all benefit from this significant investment.”

Singleton Mayor, Cr Sue Moore:

“Brunners Bridge has been a longstanding priority in Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda, and its reopening marks a proud milestone for Singleton. It’s a vital route designed to meet the needs of modern freight and agricultural vehicles.

“Gresford Road, where Brunners Bridge crosses Glendon Brook, is an essential freight corridor for the region’s agricultural producers, linking them to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange and beyond.

“The replacement of this bridge means larger trucks carrying heavier freight loads can now cross safely and efficiently. Increasing the bridge’s load capacity not only improves safety and reliability but also supports the growth of local agribusiness and helps reduce heavy vehicle traffic in surrounding areas.

“This project has been years in the making, and I want to sincerely thank the local community for their patience throughout the construction period, especially during the extended road closure.

“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration across all levels of government, and an excellent example of infrastructure investment that delivers long-term benefits for the Singleton community.”

New White Paper sets clear vision for Blue Mountains-Central West Corridor

The Minns Labor Government has today released the Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper, setting a realistic, evidence-based direction for transport and roads planning through the Blue Mountains and the Central West.

The White Paper provides a practical assessment of transport opportunities for the region after more than a decade of hollow promises by the former Liberal-National Government.

This includes years of promising communities in the Blue Mountains a tunnel was coming – even though it was never properly funded, never achievable and never going to be delivered – before the Liberal-National Government finally shelved the project in 2022. 

With the release of this White Paper, the Minns Government is setting a clear plan for the future that puts the needs of communities in the Blue Mountains and Central West region first. 

It prioritises safety, resilience and reliability – including road upgrades, safer speed settings, resilience uplift, improvements to rail services, freight efficiency and investment in active transport.

The White Paper establishes a practical framework for improving nationally significant routes as well as local streets, village centres and rail lines. It reinforces that the Blue Mountains and the Central West are not a single, uniform corridor, and that local communities should be planned for, not treated as thoroughfares.

The White Paper will serve as the foundation for future infrastructure proposals, supporting business cases for funding across all levels of government, and providing a platform for collaboration between Transport for NSW, local councils, and State and Federal agencies.

The initiatives outlined represent a clear pipeline of potential actions to address known challenges and opportunities. Any future investment will be subject to prioritisation and approval processes.

The release of the White Paper builds on work already underway on important corridors, including the $100 million investment in the Bells Line of Road, delivering safety upgrades such as wider curves, improved intersections, new safety barriers and additional rest areas.

The Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper can be found here.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:  

“This White Paper sets a clear direction for how we plan and deliver transport across the Blue Mountains and the Central West – honestly, transparently and based on evidence, not politics.

“For years, the Liberals and Nationals told communities in the Blue Mountains that a tunnel was just around the corner. It wasn’t. They knew it wasn’t. And they mothballed it themselves when the truth caught up with them.

“They announced a megaproject they never properly funded, never finished planning and never intended to deliver. Then they walked away, leaving the Blue Mountains and Central West to deal with the consequences.

“You cannot claim to fix the Great Western Highway if your ‘solution’ ends before the worst section, and that’s exactly what the former Government tried to sell – it was a fantasy.

“We are not repeating that failure.

“This White Paper is about honesty and vision – telling people what can be done. That means safer roads, better resilience during fires and floods, and practical improvements that stand up to scrutiny.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on doing things properly. This is responsible government in action. Sequencing matters if we want results, not cancellations.” 

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This White Paper puts evidence ahead of politics and puts people first.

“For communities in the Central West and Blue Mountains, reliable connections are not a nice-to-have – they are essential to daily life, safety, and economic opportunity, and the Minns Government has a blueprint to deliver.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said: 

“Blue Mountains communities have endured years of political theatre instead of real information.

“The White Paper acknowledges our real pressures – congestion through villages like Medlow Bath and Blackheath, local road constraints including Hawkesbury Road, the frequency of our train services, crash risks, closures and natural hazards – and it outlines future options that respect both our World Heritage environment and our communities.

“These are just some of the issues I will continue to work with the Minister and Transport for NSW on – ensuring local priorities, traffic concerns and transport challenges are heard and considered as decisions are made.

“As people in the Blue Mountains villages know all too well, it was the then-Liberal Premier that shelved the fantasy tunnel. He knew in 2022 that it wasn’t achievable and so did Infrastructure NSW.  

“This is a vision built on evidence, not slogans, and that’s what people in the Mountains deserve.”