Category: NSW News

The NSW Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program is now underway, with the release of a consultation paper giving industry a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide valuable feedback on the rapidly evolving freight sector and supply chain.

The reform will identify short, medium and long-term actions for government to support a resilient freight sector that will enable us to develop our local manufacturing capabilities and improve road safety.

Freight has seen major changes since a sector plan was last developed more than 2 decades ago, including the leasing of NSW’s 3 key ports, privatisation of rail services, changes to vehicle technology and new emission reduction targets.

The consultation paper outlines the guiding principles, scope and purpose of the reform. It identifies the key issues across the freight and logistics sector that would benefit from government and industry attention.

The Freight Reform Program will be overseen by an independent advisory panel, led by Dr Kerry Schott AO, and including Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo and Dr Hermione Parsons.

The consultation paper and dates of information sessions can be accessed by visiting the Transport for NSW Freight Policy Reform website, with online submissions open until 31 May 2024.

The reform will also include further consultation on the draft NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy (HVAP) and recommendations made in the Review of the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS).

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The release of the Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper is a critical step in formulating the blueprint for improving freight efficiency.

“We encourage industry to get involved and provide feedback on how we can support a resilient freight sector, which will mean cheaper goods, delivered more quickly and efficiently, for the people of NSW.”

The attack at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church has been declared a terrorist act.

My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of this attack, and with the police and paramedics who responded and exercised their duties under extremely difficult conditions.  

The response by some members of the community was unacceptable. The scenes we saw last night have no place in NSW.

I join with the Premier and faith leaders in calling for calm.

NSW is one of the greatest testaments to multiculturalism. Our rich and diverse communities enhance and strengthen our state.

In these difficult times, we must come together to support one another.

It is important that people receive their information from official sources and don’t contribute to speculation and misinformation through social media. 

The NSW Government is extending the waste levy waiver to another 10 areas to further support communities grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Residents in an additional 10 Local Government Areas can now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee.

Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption has been granted to these additional Local Government Areas:

• Blacktown
• Byron
• Central Coast
• Clarence Valley
• Dungog
• Hornsby
• Lake Macquarie
• Maitland
• Mid-Coast
• The Hills

This extension takes the total number of eligible areas to 22.

The Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith, Sutherland, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama have already received waivers.

Residents will not be charged the waste levy fee to get rid of flood-generated waste until 30 June 2024, though local landfill gate fees may apply.

The exemption coves waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris and any other flood-related products.

As clean-up efforts continue, the Environment Protection Authority could expand this assistance to help other communities rebuild and recover.

Maitland residents are set to benefit from commitments to fund a new Melville Ford Bridge and improvements to Maitland Vale and Melville Ford roads.

Communities and commuters who rely on the bridge will soon experience improved traffic flow and safety as well as better resilience against flooding.

When the new bridge is complete, it will be higher, wider and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions, keeping communities connected for longer.

The new bridge will be funded by all levels of government, including joint funding of over $2.5 million from the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements’ Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, as well as $2.5 million from a NSW Government election commitment, and funding through the Fixing Country Bridges Program.

Transport for NSW has also been working with Maitland City Council and other key stakeholders in the region to ensure its roads are better equipped to deal with flood events.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million towards improvements, which Council will use to rebuild two sections of Maitland Vale Road and a section of Melville Ford Road, helping ensure residents and road users can rely on these vital routes.

Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon:

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the NSW Government to co-fund this important transport link in the Hunter region.

“The new Melville Ford Bridge will help to ensure the Maitland region remains flood resilient for generations to come.

“The new bridge will help community connections remain intact during extreme weather events, improve access to essential services and response times during emergencies.”

Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to supporting rural and regional communities.

“The Melville Ford Bridge will provide crucial support and interconnectedness to the Maitland community, particularly during adverse weather events.”

NSW Regional Transport & Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Today’s announcement delivers on the commitment we made during the election to deliver safer and more reliable road networks in the regions.

“NSW Labor committed $6 million towards improvement works for Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road, and $2.5 million for the Melville Ford Bridge, to ensure they remain reliable routes during all kinds of weather.

“I’m pleased to announce Maitland City Council now has access to this funding and will use it to help deliver that security for the people who use the local road network every day.

“We know during construction of the Singleton bypass there will be extra pressure on Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road.

“Coupled with new growth in Maitland, there is a clear need for upgrade work to help relieve pressure on the road network.”

Meryl Swanson MP, Federal Member for Paterson:

“The replacement of Melville Ford Bridge is long overdue and a vital piece of local infrastructure.

“It’s a great example of 3 levels of government working together for our region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“As a NSW Government we said we’d do this for the Hunter and now it’s being delivered.

“This $6 million investment will enhance people’s quality of life in a booming part of the Hunter.

“These upgrades to Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will keep people moving through the Hunter with the Singleton bypass still to come.”

Duty MLC Emily Suvaal:

“This funding is a huge win for the Upper Hunter electorate as these projects will ensure improved safety and connectivity for residents in the event of severe weather.

“The new Melville Ford Bridge will replace the existing low-level, one-lane crossing over the Hunter River from Aberglasslyn to Melville.

“The NSW Government is prioritising regional NSW by providing funding to improving the local roads that people use every day to travel to work, see their families and get to medical appointments.

Maitland Council Mayor Philip Penfold:

“Council is proud to deliver these important upgrades for the people of Maitland.

“We’re going to build a new bridge that’s twice as wide, twice as high so that when minor flooding events do occur the impacts on the community, particularly for people living in suburbs like Bolwarra, Lorn and Largs will be reduced.

“Work will involve the construction of a new dual lane, concrete bridge over the Hunter River to replace the existing timber bridge and raising the bridge which will reduce the time that the road is closed or avoid road closures completely.

“We want to make sure Maitland residents are cut off less frequently and for less time during floods and upgrading Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will help mitigate that.

“Council is working closely with the NSW Government to determine the exact scope of work and timelines.”

Safer journeys for all motorists moving through Maitland are on their way with work starting on a $1.9 million upgrade to Tocal Road at Bolwarra Heights.

Jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads Program and Maitland City Council, work will occur between Maitland Vale Road and Lang Drive and include new drainage and pavement reconstruction to make the road safer for all road users, including heavy vehicles.

The project will involve resurfacing and widening 2 sections of Tocal Road to have wider 3.5 metre travel lanes in each direction, with a section of the road to be realigned to improve sight distance and safety.

The project will be delivered by Maitland City Council, with the council contributing $997,800 to the project and the NSW Government contributing $915,000.

This is part of the NSW Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure regional communities have essential road infrastructure to allow them to pursue economic development, opportunities and jobs.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s fantastic to see this project starting construction. Upgrading Tocal Road will improve the connectivity and safety for journeys between regional centres of Maitland and Dungog especially for heavy vehicles.  

“The Maitland area services a variety of industries from agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing, transport and construction, which will benefit from this upgrade. I congratulate council for getting this important work underway.

“Tocal Road is an essential freight route and this project will improve access for larger trucks. As these vehicles can carry more freight more safely, in fewer trips, the project will lead to more efficient journeys and less heavy vehicles on our roads.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Hunter locals and visitors need to get from Maitland to Dungog and everywhere in between.

“Widening Tocal Road means a quicker, more reliable journey for freight and more drivers getting around the Hunter in safety.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“The upgrade of Tocal Road will improve the connectivity and safety of transport across the regional centres of Maitland and Dungog and improve access for trucks transporting the produce, goods and materials that we rely on every day.

“I’m so pleased to see work starting on this project, it’s a great example of how the NSW Government is partnering with regional councils to prioritise upgrades to regional roads and improve journeys for our communities.”

Maitland City Council Mayor Philip Penfold said:

“This investment will significantly improve Tocal Road for the people of Bolwarra Heights and surrounding communities.

“Maitland is the fastest growing regional city in NSW and we’re investing in our road network so we can deliver for our community, now and into the future.”

Road works started in early April 2024 and are expected to take six months to complete, weather permitting.

The NSW Government is reminding the community about the supports it has activated for people impacted directly and indirectly by the Bondi Junction incident.

Immediately after the attack, the NSW Government opened its support programs and has widened those through Sunday and today.

Currently:

• Victims and families can access support through the NSW Government’s Victims Support Scheme with a dedicated phone line stood up for this incident. This service can be reached on 1800 019 123.
• NSW Police have assigned a Family Liaison Officer to support each impacted family of the deceased.
• NSW Health have specialist disaster-trained clinicians available at Bondi Junction today and tomorrow between 8am and 6pm, primarily around the Oxford Street Mall.
• The NSW Mental Health Line has been boosted with extra staff and is available 24/7, with specialist staff available to speak to anyone affected by the attack. Call 1800 011 511.
• Mental health services have also been activated for first responders.

The Victims Support Scheme provides counselling, financial assistance and a recognition payment to victims of an act of violence in NSW. 

A dedicated phone line for victims of the Bondi Junction incident has been established to access this scheme. The number is 1800 019 123 and is staffed from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Support is available through the scheme for the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have been affected by the violent acts at Bondi Junction.

The scheme support includes:

• Counselling to help victims recover from the psychological and emotional impacts of a crime.
• Financial assistance for immediate needs, for example health expenses resulting from the violent crime.
• Financial assistance for economic loss to cover other expenses resulting from a violent crime, depending on their situation.
• Assistance to pay for funeral expenses on behalf of family members of a homicide victim.
• A recognition payment to acknowledge the violent crime.

In addition to the NSW Government support, Westfield is providing mental health and counselling support for their staff, retailers and customers by phone, online and in person.

General supports for the community are also available:

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
• Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
• Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
• 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.
• 13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.
• MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

A temporary memorial is in place at Oxford St Mall in Bondi Junction, supported by NSW Government and Waverley council staff.

Sign the online condolence book in honour of those affected.

The NSW Government will allocate up to $18 million in additional funding to the Coroners Court allowing an extensive and timely inquest into the Bondi Junction incident.

The tragic events will be the subject of a mandatory inquest by the NSW State Coroner, Her Honour Magistrate Teresa O’Sullivan.

This funding will allow the inquiry to proceed with trauma-informed care for victims and families, including appropriate family liaison supports.

This allocation will give the court certainty and ensure other inquests and inquiries are not delayed.

It is expected the funding will allow an additional Deputy State Coroner to be appointed to oversee other inquests and inquiries during the course of the Bondi Junction inquest.

This is consistent with the approach taken following the Lindt Café siege.

The thoughts of our state and nation are with those impacted by this tragedy, and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring victims and their families are supported over the days and months ahead.

Tonight we are shocked and saddened by today’s tragedy at Bondi Junction. The NSW Police have advised that the situation is now under control. 

Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and loved ones. 

The NSW Opposition expresses our gratitude to our police, health workers, other first responders and members of the public, and particularly to those who displayed extraordinary bravery in the face of tragedy. 

We pray for the speedy recovery of those in hospital tonight. 

Now, and in the coming days and weeks, it’s important that those affected by this tragedy receive the care and support they need. 

As a community we’ll need to come together to support those who have suffered injury, loss and trauma today. 

NSWPF Commissioner Karen Webb will address the media after six people were fatally stabbed and a man was shot by police in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs earlier today.

About 3.30pm (Saturday 13 April 2024), emergency services were called to Westfield in Bondi Junction, following reports multiple people had been stabbed.

An officer attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended and was allegedly confronted by a man with a knife.

The man allegedly lunged at the officer, before he was fatally shot.

The officer conducted CPR until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics, who worked on the man; however, he could not be revived.

It has been confirmed the man fatally stabbed six people in the centre before he was shot.

The centre remains closed, and a crime scene has been established.

A critical incident team comprised of State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and the Central Metropolitan Region will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will also be subject to an independent review.

7 people have been confirmed dead.

New and current bus drivers right across Sydney will be receiving their staff Opal cards from today.

Delivering Opal cards to drivers across Sydney was a measure recommended by the Bus Industry Taskforce to encourage driver retention to help with the bus driver shortage.

Staff Opal cards were also part of the NSW Labor Government’s election commitments in order to help drivers with cost-of-living pressures and to give them the respect they deserve.

The Government and Transport for NSW have been working with the Bus Industry Taskforce, operators, and unions on other measures to alleviate the driver shortage and to deliver improvements to reliability and equity for bus across the state.

The Government continues to make it quicker, easier, and cheaper for drivers to get their bus driver authority, by waiving the $70 application fee for a further 12 months, in a bid to better support the industry and encourage more people into the drivers seat.

Transport for NSW is also working to improve the quality of facilities for bus drivers across Greater Sydney.

All 62 layover and interchange locations identified by drivers, unions and operators have been audited with some quick repairs already underway.

As part of our package to support bus drivers, $3.4 million is being invested into assessing and upgrading vital driver facilities such as meal rooms and bathrooms for drivers.

Bus drivers will also soon have access to new navigation technology, which will further improve service efficiency and make it easier for drivers to learn new routes.

Development for this new tool is currently underway, following recommendations in the first Bus Industry Taskforce report, handed down last year.

From Friday April 19, contracted bus operators will be able to download an application, to both iOS and Android tablets, which will allow drivers to navigate new or changed routes, with visual and voice guided instructions.

This means new drivers will be better supported as they learn their routes, it will also improve the reliability of the timetables and ensure passengers have fewer disruptions to services.

The driver assistance system will also:

• Allow drivers to choose a specific route.
• Select a trip start time.
• Offer visual and voice direction to a bus stop.
• Provide visual and time progress updates as the bus moves through the route.

This is all a part of the NSW Government’s promise to deliver better bus services across the state and to ensure that those services meet community expectations.

The Taskforce, established in May 2023 and chaired by John Lee, has focused on key areas in need of improvement, including the quality of bus services in relation to on-time running and reliability, as well as improving driver facilities, driver recruitment and retention.

The Taskforce will provide the NSW Government with its Final Report and recommendations in May.

Find out more about a career as a bus driver

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“This is about showing appreciation and respect for our bus drivers. Drivers work long hours in difficult conditions, and they’ve had to deal with the fallout from privatization.

“We’re keeping our promise to bus drivers and letting them know that we deeply value the work that they do.

“When we jump in a car, most of us will put an address into our GPS, it’s second nature. Bus drivers should have the similar technology.

“Our bus drivers are navigating some of the busiest roads across the country and we want to arm them with any and all technology and knowledge we can.

“This new tool will help drivers get to know their route or step in and learn a new one easily, whilst also making trips more reliable and efficient for passengers, catching buses everyday.”