Month: April 2026

10 ways to save on fuel and household costs

With fuel prices on the rise, many Newcastle households are feeling the pinch.  

If you’re looking for ways to use less fuel, save money and take control of your energy costs, there are practical steps you can take right now. Small changes can add up. 

Petrol price sign
  1. Ride or walk for small trips

For shorter journeys, consider walking or cycling. It’s free, healthy and often quicker for local trips. Check out some Newcastle cycleways that can make riding to work or the shops easier.  

Been a while since you rode? We regularly offer free bike checks and cycling and maintenance courses.  

  1. Get help to cycle safely to school

Our free school holiday workshops support high school students to build cycling skills and confidence.  

Led by experienced instructors, these sessions can help your kids ride safely, giving you the option to leave the car at home for school trips.  

  1. Catch public transport

Buses, trains and light rail can be a cheaper alternative to driving, especially for daily trips. More people are choosing public transport, making it a practical option to reduce fuel and commuting costs.  

Plan your trip using Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner. 

  1. Try carpooling

Carpooling with colleagues, friends or neighbours can reduce fuel costs and traffic. Sharing trips is a simple way to make regular travel more affordable. Ask around and you’ll be surprised who is also traveling in the same direction as you! There are also carpooling apps like Moovl or RideMates. 

  1. Cut your energy costs in minutes

Many households are paying too much for energy. Our Better Green Bills program helps you find the cheapest renewable electricity plan in minutes using your real usage data. 

Get a free 12-month subscription and join the other Newcastle households saving an average of $368 a year through Better Green Bills. 

  1. Future-proof your home

Switching your home to electric appliances and powering them with renewable energy can reduce your reliance on rising fuel and gas costs. This could include heating, cooking, hot water and even your car. Get free, independent and personalised advice on electrification, solar, batteries and rebates through Go Electric Newcastle. 

Go Electric Newcastle is useful for everyone – whether you rent or own, live in a free standing or strata household.  

  1. Renting? Try a portable induction cooktop

If you use gas for cooking, a portable induction cooktop is a simple, low-cost alternative. It’s efficient, fast and can help reduce your gas bill, especially when paired with solar. You can borrow one for free from Newcastle Libraries to try before you buy. 

  1. Use fuel price comparison tools

Fuel prices can vary across Newcastle. Visit NSW FuelCheck to find the cheapest fuel near you and check availability before you fill up. 

  1. Check rebates and support

NSW Government offers rebates and incentives to help reduce energy costs, including public transport concessions, toll relief and energy bill rebates. Checking what you are eligible for could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year. 

     10.   Consider a staycation 

A staycation in Newcastle can save money on fuel or flights while still offering plenty to see and do. Explore Newcastle’s beaches, galleries, nature walks and events. Be inspired at Visit Newcastle

Major milestone for the Tripoli Way extension: Final designs released

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to extend the Tripoli Way, with the release of the final designs for the transformational project.  

This milestone comes after the Minns Government invested a further $20 million towards the project in August last year, bringing the total NSW Government investment in the project to over $40 million.

With the designs now completed, Shellharbour City Council is progressing through the tender process with preferred contractors for the main construction works.

The release of the design follows years of detailed planning, technical investigations and consultation on one of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects, which has been on the books since 1961.

Set to ease congestion through the main streets of Albion Park and Calderwood, the extension of this road will future proof the area, as more houses are built in the growing region.

Key design features include:

  • A two‑kilometre road corridor
  • A 30‑metre bridge over Hazelton Creek
  • Three signalised intersections
  • Four traffic lanes between Terry Street and Moles Street
  • Two traffic lanes between Moles Street and Broughton Avenue
  • Connections to the Illawarra Highway delivered in collaboration with Transport for NSW

Construction is set to begin later this year, with the project expected to be completed in late 2028.

More information about the Tripoli Way extension is available at: https://letschatshellharbour.com/tripoli-way-extension-project

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“This is a significant milestone, and one that brings us one step closer to delivering infrastructure that will service communities like ALbion Park and Calderwood now and into the future.

“As more and more people choose to call the Illawarra home, The Minns Government is investing in the infrastructure we need to support this growth.

“This project will ease congestion and take pressure off our roads while ensuring our region remains well connected.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a great day for the communities of Albion Park and Calderwood.

“For twelve years, the former Government neglected communities like Albion Park and Calderwood. These communities have been waiting too long for the essential infrastructure they need to thrive.

“This is a story that growing communities across regional NSW know all too well. The Minns Government has been working to fix the Liberals’ mess, building better roads for regional communities across the state.

“Since coming into Government, we’ve invested over $40 million in this project, working with Shellharbour City Council to ensure this critical piece of infrastructure is built.

“I want to thank one of this project’s strongest advocates, Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, for her ongoing advocacy to drive this project forward.

“It was her advocacy during the 2023 election and 2025 by-election that has helped secure $40 million in NSW Government investment for this project”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“This is a major step forward for our community, and our people in Albion Park, Calderwood and Tullimbar have been waiting a long time to see.

“I understand the impact of congestion and pressure on our roads, and this project is about fixing that and making everyday trips safer and easier.

“As our community continues to grow, it’s critical we deliver the infrastructure to match. The Tripoli Way extension will help ease congestion, support local jobs and keep our region moving.

“I’ll keep advocating to make sure this project is delivered and that our community gets the infrastructure it deserves.”

Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, Chris Homer said:

“The new Tripoli Way Road is one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects and it will improve safety, reduce congestion in Albion Park and Calderwood.”

“The extension will ease congestion at key choke points, reduce pressure on local streets and make it safer and easier for people to move across the city, while supporting a more accessible and connected Albion Park town centre while also supporting the housing crisis through the delivery of infrastructure for homes.”

Shoring up Shellharbour Breakwall: Funding secured for critical repairs

The Shellharbour Breakwall will soon see its first major repair works in over a decade, following a $4 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.  

The works will ensure the Shellharbour Breakwater can be safely enjoyed by the community again, while preserving an important local heritage landmark for future generations.

The repair work will take place following a heritage design to ensure the integrity and character of the structure is retained while also incorporating safety upgrades, including:

  • Repairing the deteriorated concrete crest
  • Installing breakwater edge protection where drops exceed 1 metre
  • Improving pedestrian access by widening pathways
  • Assessing and mitigating risks associated with the rock shelf below sections of the breakwater

Detailed design and planning works will now commence, with construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2027.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Shellharbour Breakwall is a much-loved local landmark, and we’re making sure it can be safely reopened for the community to enjoy.

“The reality is that this much-loved community asset should never have gotten to this state of disrepair. The current state of the Shellharbour Breakwall is a clear result of the former Government’s decade of neglect on regional communities.

“The Minns Labor Government has taken a different approach. Across the state, just like here in Shellharbour, we’ve been cleaning up the Liberals’ mess.

“This investment means we can preserve its heritage while making practical improvements to safety and access.

“I thank the hardworking Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, Shellharbour Council and the local community for their strong advocacy for these repairs.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

“This is a practical investment in a valued community asset that locals have been calling for.

“It means families and visitors will be able to safely enjoy the breakwall again, while protecting an important piece of our local history.”

Acting Executive Director, NSW Maritime, Nicole Watts said:

“This work will involve careful design to balance improved public access with the safety of the community.

“We’ll now move into detailed design and planning to ensure the right solution is delivered for this important coastal asset.”

Vision for Sydney Olympic Park: Homes, Jobs and a Greener Future

A bold new future has been set for Sydney Olympic Park, as both a world class sport and entertainment precinct and vibrant community with homes and jobs.

The precinct’s future will be guided by the Minns Labor Government’s finalised Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050. The finalised plan increases the homes planned for the precinct by 2000 so more families can live close to jobs, schools, transport and other amenities.

The Master Plan continues to support the 640-hectare precinct as a vibrant sports and entertainment hub while also delivering a diverse mix of housing, retail and commercial spaces.

Key features of the Master Plan include:

  • Building up to 13,000 additional homes to provide a total of 15,000 homes, including up to 20 percent affordable housing on Government owned land and 5 per cent on private land.
  • Increasing the capacity for up to 26,000 jobs by unlocking investment in innovation, culture, and commercial precincts.
  • Delivering more for families with 10 new playgrounds, 9 new outdoor public spaces and 4 new sports fields.
  • Protecting and enhancing 430 hectares of public open space, increasing tree canopy and boosting biodiversity including wetlands and parklands.
  • Protecting and celebrating our first nations heritage in the area.
  • Providing cultural and recreational opportunities with a cultural centre, library and community hub, and sports and leisure centre planned for the precinct.
  • Dedicating land for schools, to support a thriving, inclusive suburb.
  • Continuing to support a vibrant night-time economy for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Alongside the Master Plan we’re also working to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct in Sydney Olympic Park to reinforce the precincts evolution into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

This vision will come to life over the next 25 years, the proposed growth aligning with major infrastructure upgrades like Sydney Metro West, the Parramatta Light Rail extension, and infrastructure upgrades such as the state and federally funded upgrade to the Homebush Bay Drive roundabout.

The finalisation of the Master Plan follows extensive public and stakeholder consultation, with changes incorporated based on stakeholder and community input. For more information and to view the final Master Plan, visit https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

To complement the Master Plan we’ve also released new Environmental Guidelines which continue Sydney Olympic Park’s legacy from the ‘Green Games’ as a leader in sustainability. For more information on the guidelines https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better and more vibrant communities right across NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“More than 25 years on from the Sydney Olympics, Sydney Olympic Park remains a world class hub for sport and entertainment and now a growing community while maintaining the legacy of the ‘Green Games’.

“The 2050 Master Plan builds on this, maintaining what we love most about the precinct while guiding growth so the precinct can support up to 26,000 jobs and 15,000 homes by 2050.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government supporting vibrant communities and aligning housing growth with transport and infrastructure capacity so people can live, work and play close to home in a community they choose.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I am thrilled to see the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan finalised and the benefits it will bring for our local community.

“Sydney Olympic Park will be seamlessly connected to major transport infrastructure, including Sydney Metro West.

“The precincts public transport links will be matched with strong pedestrian and cycling connections, so residents and visitors can enjoy easy, sustainable access to jobs, schools, and everything our community has to offer.”

Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO Neisha D’Souza said:

“This is a momentous day for Sydney Olympic Park.

“The Master Plan 2050 is the catalyst for investment and growth – bringing certainty and unlocking opportunity. We’re proudly creating a place that celebrates its history while embracing a future of innovation, culture, and community-first design.”

Free family fun hopping into Easter

The Minns Labor Government is hopping into Easter with a bountiful basket of free family fun so everyone can make the most of their time off without breaking the bank.

With cost-of-living and fuel cost pressures front of mind for many households, there’s no need to spend a fortune when the best activities Sydney has to offer are free.

Across Sydney, free events include:

  • A Disco on Saturday 4 April, from 3pm to 7pm, at Tumbalong park.
  • Friday night Latin Dance classes, from 6pm to 10pm at Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
  • Poppy making workshops to honour the Anzacs from 11am to 1pm, from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April, at the always free, Rocks Discovery Museum.
  • Sunday morning Yoga at 8:30am and 9:30am at Dawes Point Park under the Harbour bridge.
  • Biennale of Sydney at the historic White Bay Power Station which is open for free from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday to Sunday, excluding public holidays until 14 June.
  • Family day with Gul Collective people of all ages can join a creative fibre and textile workshop from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 4 April at White Bay Power Station.
  • Penrith Beach community day from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday 4 April which will bring the beach to life with a DJ, food trucks and the lure of free ice-creams and hot drinks for the first 300 visitors.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is also running a promotion so one child under the age of 12 gets free entry with any adult ticket purchased ($12 entry for adults, kids under 5 are always free).

Families can also use the break to explore these attractions which are always free:

  • Swimming at Marrinawi Cove or Penrith Beach.
  • Cycling, strolling, relaxing or picnicking at Sydney Olympic Park’s lookouts, boardwalks or cycle tracks.
  • Discovering the fun of Disc Golf at Newington Armory.
  • Exploring the world class Botanic Gardens, in the centre of Sydney or in Mount Annan and Mount Tomah.
  • Enjoying nature play at Ian Potters Children’s WILD play garden at Centennial Park open daily from 10am to 5pm
  • Getting back to nature by walking, cycling and playing at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands.
  • Exploring the public art at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on bringing more free and fun events to NSW with activities for the whole family.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is bursting with fun and free family activities this Easter long weekend.

“From craft workshops to discos, art exhibitions and great public open spaces there is something for everyone and their families and friends to enjoy for free.”

Oil Price “Flashpoint”: Data Reveals Direct Correlation Between Fuel Spikes and Insolvencies

Key facts:
· Research shows strong correlation between global oil prices and Australian corporate insolvencies over the past 25 years
· Record 14,722 insolvencies in 2024-25 primarily attributed to COVID hangover rather than oil prices
· Oil price projections of $90-100 USD per barrel expected to create a Multiplier Effect on existing business pressures
· Oil impacts business failures through four channels: transport costs, raw material prices, reduced consumer spending, and interest rate pressure
· Government’s temporary fuel excise cut deemed insufficient for long-term crisis management, with calls for more sustained support measures
 
New analysis released today by Halo Advisory has identified a stark correlation between global oil prices and the rate of corporate insolvency appointments in Australia. The findings, drawn from ASIC insolvency records, RBA cash rate data, and ABS statistics, suggest that the current volatility in the Middle East could be the “Tipping Point” for thousands of SMEs already struggling with inflationary pressures.
The report highlights a consistent trend spanning over two decades: as the price of a barrel of oil climbs, business failures follow in a predictable wave. This analysis identifies that each of the three major oil price surges of the past 25 years—the 2000 spike to $28.50/bbl, the 2006–2008 run to nearly $97/bbl, and the sustained $108–$111/bbl period from 2011 to 2013—was accompanied by a meaningful rise in Australian insolvency appointments in the same or immediately following year.
The 2026 “Multiplier Effect”
While the record 14,722 insolvencies in 2024–25 represent the highest figure in the 25-year dataset, the surge was primarily a “COVID hangover” rather than oil-driven. During 2020–22, insolvency volumes were artificially suppressed to historic lows by JobKeeper, ATO debt forbearance, and safe harbour provisions. The current surge represents a “catch-up” of deferred failures now meeting the reality of higher interest rates and intensified ATO enforcement.
However, with oil prices projected to remain at $90–$100 USD per barrel over the coming months, Brent crude is set to become the primary “Multiplier Effect” on top of these existing pressures.
“The data doesn’t lie. Every major peak in oil prices has preceded a surge in business collapses,” says Greg Bartels, Director of Halo Advisory. “We are currently seeing Brent Crude jump from a 2025 average of $71.91 to a forecasted $85.00+ in 2026. This isn’t just about the cost of filling up the delivery van; it’s about the massive inflationary shock that ripples through the entire supply chain”.
Why Oil is the “Lead Indicator” for Failure
According to Bartels, oil is a “non-discretionary” cost driver that transmits almost immediately into business cash flows, unlike interest rates which operate with a lag of 12 to 24 months. The mechanism works through four simultaneous channels:
· Transport and Logistics: Freight and delivery companies pass on fuel surcharges almost immediately, raising input costs for every business in the supply chain.
· Raw Material and Input Prices: Oil is a base component for plastics, packaging, chemicals, and fertilizers. A sustained price spike flows through to virtually every manufactured good within weeks.
· Consumer Spending Contraction: As households absorb higher fuel costs at the pump, discretionary spending on retail, hospitality, and services contracts—directly cutting revenue for the SMEs most represented in insolvency data.
· Interest Rate Pressure: Rising oil prices serve as a primary driver of headline inflation, which can force central banks to maintain or increase high interest rates to curb rising costs, further squeezing business margins.
“Small businesses are the ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine’ of the economy, and they’re beginning to show signs of real stress,” adds Bartels. Specifically, the construction and food services sectors, which accounted for over 40% of all external administrations in 2023–24, face structurally higher fuel exposure relative to their margins.
The “Triple Threat” and Government Action
Australian SMEs are currently facing a “Triple Threat”: the unwinding of pandemic-era support, persistently high interest rates, and now a geopolitical fuel spike. Halo Advisory acknowledges the Federal Government’s recent announcement to halve the fuel excise and reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months as a positive step in the right direction. However, while this provides immediate relief, the underlying data suggests that fuel prices are likely to remain elevated well beyond this short-term window.
To mitigate the long-term crisis, Halo Advisory urges the government to look beyond this temporary measure and consider further targeted responses:
· Extended or Trigger-based Relief: Moving towards relief measures that activate automatically during sustained price spikes to provide ongoing certainty for transport-dependent SMEs.
· ATO Forbearance and Interest Reform: Finding a middle road between enforcement and collecting the $34 billion in outstanding SME tax debt. This includes potentially reintroducing tax deductibility for interest charges on ATO tax debts.
· Addressing Director Liability: In 2024–25, 85,000 Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) were issued—a 136% increase on the previous year—making directors personally liable for business debts.
“While the excise cut provides a temporary breather, the ‘cushion’ of cash flow will disappear again the moment it expires if global prices remain high,” Bartels concludes. “We expect the remainder of 2026 to be one of the most challenging periods for SME survival on record”.