NSW Government releases Bus Taskforce Second Report

A bold new blueprint that will deliver the biggest improvements to NSW bus services in a generation has been outlined in the Bus Industry Taskforce’s second report released today.

The Taskforce, established in May 2023 and chaired by John Lee, has handed down further recommendations to deliver better bus services, improving reliability and equity across the state.

The Second Report outlines a plan to fix the deterioration of bus services that carry 40 per cent of all public transport passengers but receive only 2 per cent of capital expenditure in transport.

This includes:

  • Immediately addressing more than a decade of neglect of investment in school and local bus services and additional frequent and local services to areas with no or very poor service levels
  • Providing a long-term vision for rapid bus services to be rolled out on key Sydney corridors.
  • Calling out the continued challenges with bus drivers and operational staff to ensure the growth can be matched with appropriately trained and available workforce.
  • A renewed focus within Transport for NSW on better asset management, risk management and safety outcomes, and,
  • A practical plan for the roll out of electric and zero emission buses
    The report notes expected population growth has not been catered for in funding for new bus services, leaving growing communities disconnected from essential services.

The 204-page report calls for modern, fit for purpose bus contracts in the regions. The outdated contract model has meant bus services in rural and regional NSW have not been given the same degree of attention as services in Sydney.

Local Government also plays a critical role in how bus services are delivered which can be improved by identifying funding options and streamlining delegations to speed up decisions that improve local roads and footpaths for bus users, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The report makes clear more work needs to be done to better plan and manage essential transport infrastructure, including depots, facilities, bus stops and supporting technology.

The Taskforce has consulted extensively with the community and stakeholders in developing the report, with the Parliamentary Secretary hosting bus passenger forums around the state, forums with councils and industry and around 8,000 submissions received to date.

The NSW Government has asked Transport for NSW to put plans in place for how to best move forward with the recommendations, including:

  • Transport for NSW is developing a proposal for a State-wide Medium Term Bus Plan, short-term improvements to local services to catch up to population growth.
  • Exploring changes to the roll out of Zero Emissions Buses including looking at options for more ZEBs and supporting infrastructure in Western Sydney. Improvements to rural and regional contracting to be in place by 2026 with a detailed plan outlined in the Final Report.
  • Working closer with councils and across government to look at strengthening the ability of Councils to enhance public transport infrastructure on local roads.
  • Reviewing aspects of Bus Operator Accreditation Scheme and replace out of date guidelines with a risk-based approach for better safety outcomes.
  • Work is already underway to address some of these issues and recommendations handed down in the First Report, including technology enhancements to help eliminate ‘ghost buses’ appearing on planning apps and more transparent service performance data provided to customers.

Howard Collins has already been appointed as the Coordinator General, reporting directly to the Secretary of Transport for NSW, centralising responsibility for bus operations within one area.

Safety of bus services remains a top priority of the Taskforce, with a multi-year campaign to promote seatbelt use on buses already underway.

Work is also continuing on options for safety improvements for standing passengers on buses, including consideration of whether an 80km/h rule for dedicated school bus services could be rolled out to all services.

Bus driver recruitment initiatives continue, with a recent recruitment campaign lifting Bus Driver Authority applications by nine per cent over two months, and free Opal cards for drivers set to be rolled out.

The Taskforce will provide the NSW Government with its Final Report and recommendations by 1 May 2024.

Read the Bus Taskforce Second Report

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Second Bus Taskforce report will deliver the biggest improvement to bus services that NSW has seen in a generation.”

“For too long bus services have been the forgotten mode of Transport in NSW. They carry more than 40 per cent of passengers but are lucky to get more than 2 per cent of capital investment. This must change. Tens of thousands of passengers rely on the bus network and we need to do better.”

“Too many growing communities were neglected because the former government had no plan for what their future bus services would look like.  We now have plan to make sure those communities get the bus services they need.”

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said:

“We know the community is calling for better bus services and I would like to thank the Bus Industry Taskforce for their work in producing this latest detailed report.”

“We recognise the important role of buses in our integrated transport system. Investing in buses means less traffic congestion on the road, less pollution in the air, greater accessibility for the community, and more jobs in the industry.”

“We are focused on delivering a medium-term bus plan that sets us up for success, and gives clear, equitable improvements to services across NSW communities.”

“Transport will continue to work with operators, drivers, unions and the wider community as key changes are implemented. We believe we can deliver immediate improvements then build on the findings of these reports for many years to come.”

Chair of the Bus Industry Taskforce John Lee said:

“The lack of investment in bus services or the forgotten mode of public transport is shameful.”

“Buses are the largest public transport mode in the State and it needs well thought through plans to be implemented to fix this neglect.”

“We have recommended a strong, detailed and scalable plan for the Government to consider.”

“That means more money for services, bus stops, road priority and smart people delivering the plan.”

NSW public hospitals to begin safe staffing roll out

The NSW Government is delivering on its promise to rollout a major staffing reform set to boost the number of frontline healthcare workers in NSW public hospitals.

The safe staffing levels rollout will see more nurses and midwives in NSW public hospitals between now and July 2027.

The new minimum staffing requirements will be rolled out in stages, starting at hospitals with emergency departments (EDs), who treat the most critically ill patients, and will be progressively implemented across other hospital departments.

The move follows extensive discussions at the Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce, responsible for the implementation of the Government’s commitment.

The Taskforce includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association and New South Wales Health. 

The safe staffing reforms will be first implemented at Liverpool Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital EDs. The Safe Staffing Taskforce will review this initial rollout and use it to inform the roll out to future sites, which it will continue to oversee.

Phase one of the roll out will see a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay units.

The NSW Government’s hospital safe staffing levels reforms forms part of a broader range of measures designed to build an engaged, capable and supported workforce, including:

  • Saving 1,112 temporary nurses by making them permanent;
  • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering record pay increases for nurses, paramedics and other health workers, as well as salary packaging;
  • Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities; and
  • Doubling the health worker study subsidies.

These reforms will improve conditions and staff experience and, in turn, boost retention, capacity and capability.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This Government continues to deliver on its commitment to ensuring our hospitals have the frontline healthcare workers they need to continue to deliver safe, high-quality care to patients. This reform will mean more nurses providing frontline care to the people of NSW.

“We listened to the nurses, midwives, patients and other stakeholders who have told us of the need for these changes and have acted to ensure we have a health system that delivers the best care possible for all of NSW, now and into the future.

“This important reform will deliver improved experiences and outcomes of care for patients while backing essential frontline workers in all corners of the state.

“It will help retain our existing staff while also helping attract our future workforce.

“When we boost and support our health workforce, we will see improved health outcomes. It’s as simple as that.

“I want to thank the Safe Staffing Taskforce for their work to bring this Government’s commitment to fruition.” 

Man charged over child abuse material – Muswellbrook 

A man will face court for a transmission of child abuse material through social media.

In October 2023, officers attached to Child protection Unit in St George Police Area Command commenced an investigation into an alleged circulation of child abuse material through social media after they seized devices containing child abuse material at an address in Rockdale.

Following extensive inquiries, officers attached to St George Police Area Command, with the assistance of Hunter Valley Police District, and Digital Forensic Unit, arrested a 19-year-old man at an address on Osborn Avenue, Muswellbrook, about 9.40am on 20 February 2024.

Police also seized number of mobile phone devices along with three computers at the scene.

The man was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with two counts of use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday (27 February 2024).

REINFORCING FAILURE, LABOR REFUSES TO MAKE THE HARD CALL TO CANCEL THE DISASTROUS $45 BILLION HUNTER FRIGATES

The Albanese Government is reinforcing and rewarding failure with its review of the Australian Navy’s surface fleet, released today.

More than a decade after it was conceived the Hunter Frigate program is being backed in with the same eye-watering price tag of $45 billion but producing six instead of nine ships. If ever built they will be the most expensive, and some of the least useful, warships of their class on the planet.

The Hunter Frigates program was referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission last year by the Greens due to the lack of value-for-money assessment, uncompetitive tender and systemic failures.

Remarkably, the same senior people in Defence that landed us with the Hunter Frigates mess are now being rewarded with an extra $11.1 billion to buy a new class of unidentified Tier 2 ships.

The current price tag for Labor’s “enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet” review is a total spend of $54.2 billion over the next decade. This is on top of the $368 billion on yet-to-be-designed AUKUS submarines.

In short, Defence has kept all their money, kept all their failed projects and been given more money and more projects to play with. Rewarding failure like this makes us less safe.

Greens Defence Spokesperson Senator David Shoebridge said:

“This review is about reinforcing failure, recommitting to the disastrous $45 billion Hunter Frigates and expecting the same team that led us into this mess to fix it.”

“Two years of dithering by Defence Minister Marles has led us to this point. The push for continuous shipbuilding in Adelaide, linked to local politics and the hope to keep a nuclear submarine workforce, is what’s driving this multi-billion dollar mistake.

“No matter how many times Defence leadership fails, both overcharging and underdelivering, they keep their jobs and get rewarded with billions more public dollars.

“The goal in this review is to more than double the size of the combat surface fleet, with unclear timelines and increasing budgets. It is not a review it is a shopping list and it will be impossible to hold Defence to account for the inevitable future failures.

“The framing of this review to increase lethality and Defence expenditure should tell you everything you need to know, it is all about threatening our neighbours not defending Australia.

“One of the most remarkable features of this $54 billion shopping list is how little it connects with the $368 billion AUKUS submarine project.

“If you were looking for a coherent plan to defend Australia you won’t find it in this review,” Senator Shoebridge said.

$80 million Institute of Applied Technology for Construction Opened in Western Sydney

The NSW Government today officially opened the $80 million Institute of Applied Technology for Construction at TAFE NSW Nepean – Kingswood.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan joined industry and university partners of the Institute for a ribbon cutting and official unveiling of the facility.

The Institute of Applied Technology is a partnership between TAFE NSW, construction company CPB Contractors, and Western Sydney University.

The new facility features a civil construction sandpit, and large workshop spaces to accommodate the construction of full-scale buildings for use in carpentry, plumbing, and electrotechnology training.

In addition to traditional trades, the Institute also designs and delivers market-leading training that rapidly responds to industry needs.

The Institute of Applied Technology educational model brings together vocational education, universities, and industry to fast-track training solutions for sectors that are in a constant state of skills transformation.

The new 7500m2 facility at TAFE NSW Kingswood achieved a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It features a solar system that generates more than 50 percent of its daily power usage, and electric vehicle charging stations for learners and staff.

Find out more about courses offered by the Institute of Applied Technology for Construction.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“This new facility will provide specialist training in civil construction, carpentry, electrical and plumbing, helping to fill skills gaps in Western Sydney and across the state.

“The Institute is doing an amazing job by delivering online Micro skill and Micro credential programs in project management, contract administration, building information modelling, and digital skills in construction.

“I’m so pleased to see that learners across Australia have already enrolled in more than 10,000 micro-skills or micro-credentials delivered by The Institute of Applied Technology Construction.

“The Institute will help upskill the next generation of construction workers, who will be able to continue to build the much-needed homes this state needs.”

Institute of Applied Technology Construction course list

Micro credentials

  • 2D CAD Drawings and 3D Models in Construction
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Construction
  • Commercial & Contract Management in Construction
  • Contract Administration Fundamentals
  • Contract Administration in Construction
  • Cost Management in Construction
  • Emerging Leaders in Construction
  • Excel in Construction
  • Frontline Leaders in Construction
  • Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Construction
  • Introduction to Project Scope Management in Construction
  • Microsoft Office 365 Foundations in Construction
  • Power BI Fundamentals in Construction
  • Project Management Foundations in Construction
  • Project Management Fundamentals in Construction
  • Project Management Fundamentals in Construction
  • Project Risk Management in Construction
  • Schedule Management in Construction
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Management in Construction

Micro credentials in development:

  • Experienced Leaders in Construction
  • Project Integration Management in Construction
  • Quality Management in Construction
  • Scheduling – MS Projects in Construction
  • Power BI Data Visualisation in Construction
  • Procurement and Commercial Management in Construction
  • Construction Communication
  • Contract Law/Dispute Resolution
  • Introduction to Claims and Variations in Construction
  • Reality Capture Technologies
  • Integrating GIS and BIM in Construction

Micro skills

  • Experienced Leaders in Construction
  • Project Integration Management in Construction
  • Quality Management in Construction
  • Scheduling – MS Projects in Construction
  • Power BI Data Visualisation in Construction
  • Procurement and Commercial Management in Construction
  • Construction Communication
  • Contract Law/Dispute Resolution
  • Introduction to Claims and Variations in Construction
  • Reality Capture Technologies
  • Integrating GIS and BIM in Construction

Pink buses to feature in Mardi Gras Parade

Two eye-catching pink buses will start driving passengers across Sydney in celebration of the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival 2024.

The wrapped buses will be on the road throughout the Mardi Gras season before taking part in the parade on Saturday 2 March. 

Rainbow Families will proudly take a seat in the decorated Transit Systems buses for the parade, joining the 200-float street parade as parts of Transport for NSW’s float as it rolls through Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade.

Bus Operator Transit Systems is showcasing its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, servicing public transport routes across Sydney.

The pink bus wraps align with the Mardi Gras Festival 2024 theme, “Our Future” as Transit Systems and Transport for NSW focus on attracting the next generation of workers and creating a welcoming environment across all of our transport networks.

During the Mardi Gras season, Sydneysiders will also spot rainbow buses in North Sydney and the Northern Beaches, a “Happy Mardi Gras” wrapped tram on the L2 & L3 and decorations across city train and light rail stations.

Transport Minister, Jo Haylen, said:

“The Sydney Mardi Gras is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, and I am thrilled to see our buses are part of the festivities.”

“With over 12,000 marchers for the Mardi Gras Parade, public transport will be playing a major role, in helping passengers get to where they need to go, but also in the parade itself.”

“Public transport should be a safe place for all and I thank Transit Systems for their work in celebrating diversity.”

Rainbow Families, Bern Foley, said:

“We are thrilled to see public transport represented in the Mardi Gras Parade, and it has already started the sharing of transport stories about our experiences and challenges.”

“Having this amazing bus in our Rainbow Families entry has meant we can ensure accessibility, allowing for more of our community members to take part. Hopefully we can continue to improve the journey as we ensure a more inclusive future together.”

“We are proud to partner with Transit Systems in ensuring each and every passenger feels safe and respected.”

Transit Systems CEO, Michael McGee, said:

“Our support for the Mardi Gras reflects our commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting a positive, accepting culture within our organisation.”

“We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves. At Transit Systems, we envision a future where everyone is celebrated for their unique identities.”

Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray. said:

“These bus wraps will serve as a moving billboard, promoting the values of inclusion and support throughout Sydney.”

“It is great to see our private operators investing in this important celebration and working hard to make all their passengers feel welcome on public transport.”

Continued action on imported red fire ants threat

The NSW Government is continuing to take swift action to the threat of imported red fire ants with amendments to the Biosecurity (Fire Ants) Emergency Order.

These amendments will strengthen the requirements for Queensland turf suppliers and installers, as part of its hardline approach to stop fire ants from entering the state.

The movement of turf from Southeast Queensland remains a high-risk carrier material of fire ants and has been linked to the fire ant nest found in Murwillumbah in late November 2023.

Businesses, individuals and the turf industry are now being asked to get behind the fight against fire ants by ensuring their turf products are treated and fire ant free, to reduce the risk of fire ants spreading into NSW.

Turf sourced from the fire ant infested area of Queensland must now be treated at the point of lay in NSW. Installers must either treat turf immediately following lay, or store in preventative conditions until installation.

A Record of Movement Declaration must be completed by anyone who initiates the movement of turf from either a fire-ant-infested area in Queensland or movement control area in NSW.

Queensland-sourced turf must also include the upload of a plant health certificate, ensuring that the supplier has complied with all treatment, harvest and transport requirements in the order.

Chemicals used in the treatment of the turf must be approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and used in accordance with label directions and permit conditions.

For businesses ‘on-selling’ turf products, it is crucial that treatment requirements and necessary documentation are passed onto consumers.

This is the latest in the NSW Government’s comprehensive response to the threat of red fire ants, which has included:

  • increasing NSW’s funding from $15 million to $95 million to combat the threat
  • 300 heavy vehicles stopped and inspected at the NSW/Qld border to check compliance
  • reached 200,000 users through the government’s social media fire ant information program. 

For more information about red imported fire ants and the Emergency Order, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government takes biosecurity seriously and I am committed to doing what is needed to strengthen our controls in the fight against fire ants.

“Fire ants are commonly spread through human activity, such as the movement of materials used for landscaping, building and agriculture, such as soil and turf.

“Fire ants are not marching into NSW; they are being carried, and it’s this human behaviour we are addressing both through education and compliance measures.

“The Emergency Orders already identify and manage the movement of fire ant carrier materials that present high risks of carrying fire ants.

“Turf is a high-risk carrier, providing the perfect environment for ant settlement and movement.

“By applying this treatment and keeping fire ants out of NSW, the turf industry is contributing to protecting our environment and economy.

“The treatment chemical that is now required to be applied to turf products is low toxic, safe to be around humans and animals, low cost, readily available and approved by the APVMA.

“So far, the northern NSW community has played a crucial and proactive role, and we thank them for their cooperation.”

The Biosecurity (Fire Ants) Emergency Order explained:

  • The Order places restrictions on the movement into NSW from the fire-ant-infested area of Queensland of fire ant carrier materials including organic mulch, compost, growing media, manure, soil and anything with soil on it, hay, straw, chaff, silage, potted plants, turf, agricultural equipment, earth moving equipment, sand, gravel, chitters, coal fines, coal stone, overburden and decomposed granite. It outlines the requirements for the movement of each carrier into NSW from the fire ant infested area in Qld.
  • A person in breach of an emergency order is guilty under the Biosecurity Act 2015 of a category 2 offence, for which the maximum penalties are:
    • in the case of an individual $1,100,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $137,500 for each day the offence continues
    • in the case of a corporation $2,200,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further penalty of $275,000 for each day the offence continues.
       

Nation-leading Business Charter provides a big change for small business

The NSW Government has delivered on another election commitment for small businesses across the state with the launch of the Charter for Small Business.

The Charter gives small business owners a seat at the table and a genuine say in the way government supports businesses across the state. The Charter commits to a stronger partnership with small business and sets out the key principles and actions on the way which the NSW Government will work on with the sector.

The Charter for Small Business is the first of its kind in Australia and reflects the economic and social value that small businesses bring to NSW.

The NSW Government has undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement with peak industry bodies and community organisations to ensure the Charter for Small Business reflects the needs of businesses.

The Charter for Small Business includes 6 key principles and commitments to support its implementation and application in NSW:

  • Clear and strong focal point to support small business to start, grow and thrive.
  • Stronger engagement on new policy and regulation.
  • Listen and respond to red-tape and other pain points.
  • Boost government procurement from small businesses.
  • Introduce and report on metrics and identify opportunities for supporting small business policy, regulatory and economic settings.
  • Deliver key actions and commitments to timeline.

The Charter for Small Business closely follows on from the government’s launch of the Service NSW Business Bureau, which is a key source of advice and personalised support for small business. The Service NSW Business Bureau will oversee the Charter for Small Business, to ensure its commitments and actions benefit the sector.

There are more than 850,000 small businesses in NSW which make up 97% of all businesses in the state. NSW small businesses employ 1.7 million people, which is around 43% of the state’s private sector workforce.

Find out more information about the Charter for Small Business and the Action Plan.

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“Having worked in the private sector for more than 30 years, I understand how important it is to work with business owners to make being in business easier.”

“The Charter for Small Business is a nation-leading agreement which reflects our commitment to work in lockstep with small businesses across NSW to inform our policies and programs.”

“We don’t want businesses getting stuck in the mud with government transactions, red tape and paperwork. Every delay costs time and money, 2 things small businesses can’t afford.”

“People in NSW can confidently count on the NSW Government to support our business environment and help small businesses to navigate compliance obligations.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said:

“Business NSW continues to welcome the Minister’s support for small business and positive engagement with SMEs on initiatives like procurement reform, the Service NSW Business Bureau and now the Charter for Small Business.

“Our members often tell us that managing government permitting and form-filling is one of the most challenging tasks for their business.

“We want government to not just to listen but to respond to and address red-tape pain points. We believe the new Charter for Small Business will work towards addressing this issue.

“The aim should be to reduce businesses’ need to access concierge services to navigate processes because the processes themselves are becoming more straightforward.

“The Business Bureau – which Business NSW supported when it was launched in October last year – can build on the best-in-class products from Service NSW, which did so much for NSW during the tough times of Covid.”

New figures show encouraging progress on teacher shortage

NSW has started the new school year with a 20 per cent drop in the number of teacher vacancies as the NSW Government continues to tackle the teacher shortage crisis that has plagued the education sector for the past decade.

In a positive sign, the NSW education system began Term 1 2024 with 460 fewer teacher vacancies than the same time last year.

There were 1,782 teacher vacancies in the first week of this school year compared to 2,242 at the same time in 2023.

There has been a significant fall in vacancies in regional, rural and remote NSW, where schools have traditionally been harder to staff. Vacancies in these areas have dropped by almost 25 per cent, from 1,241 at the start of school last year in 2023, to 938 in 2024.

This comes as NSW teachers entered the new school year among the highest paid in the country after the NSW Government struck an historic pay deal in September.

The start of the 2024 school year saw 6,261 teachers appointed to their first permanent role with the Department of Education this term, a massive increase of 4,575 on the same time last year.

The NSW Government is also continuing to deliver on its commitment to make more temporary teachers and support staff permanent and reducing the excessive administrative workload on schools.

Measures the NSW Government has taken to address the teacher shortage include:

  • Scrapping the former government’s public sector wage cap and delivering NSW public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation
  • Improving job security by delivering our commitment to transition 16,000 teachers and support staff on temporary contracts into permanent roles
  • Reducing the admin workload by introducing more admin support staff, removing unnecessary tasks, streamlining accreditation requirements, and cutting the volume of policy documents
  • Recruitment measures including re-engaging teachers who recently resigned or retired from the profession to return, and expanding the Grow Your Own program
  • Improving the classroom environment by banning mobile phones restoring authority to teachers and principals to manage student behaviour
  • Developing a teacher housing strategy, priority recruitment support and wellbeing measures as part of our Rural, Regional and Remote Education action plan to attract and retain staff in the bush

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“To see vacancies trending in the right direction – downward – is encouraging after record vacancies under the Liberals and Nationals. We still have a lot of work to do to turn around the shortage, and addressing teacher vacancies remains a key priority for the Minns Government.

“These figures affirm our decision to deliver a once-in-a-generation wage rise to NSW public school teachers, along with our focus on easing teacher workload and improving student behaviour.

“Getting permanent, well paid teachers into our classrooms will pay dividends down the line when it comes to academic outcomes for our students.

“While these are positive numbers, the experience of teachers on the ground is critical. That’s why, unlike the former Liberal National Government, I will continue to listen to our teachers and their real concerns about staff shortages.

“These initiatives are underpinned by a desire to restore respect for the teaching profession and let our school staff know we value the work they do every day in educating our children.”

Major Mitchell Highway upgrade complete between Dubbo and Narromine

A $32 million NSW Government project to build new overtaking lanes on the Mitchell Highway between Dubbo and Narromine has been completed.

The three new overtaking lanes along the 36-kilometre stretch of the Mitchell Highway will provide a safer journey and reduce travel times.

As part of the project, significant intersection upgrades have been made at Wynsley Lane and Lagoon Creek, allowing motorists to turn on and off the highway more safely.

The Government took the opportunity to support the Dubbo, Narromine and Gilgandra communities by:

  • employing Transport for NSW crews and contractors who were predominately based in the region and by
  • repurposing surplus construction materials for the Narromine-Dubbo Rifle Club for a new wheelchair-accessible shooter’s platform, shouting mounds and all-weather road for year-round club access.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Mitchell Highway is an important freight and tourism route. It’s great to see the NSW Labor Government is investing in regions like Dubbo, Narromine and Gilgandra.

“On a recent visit to Narromine I could see why motorists are so excited about these new overtaking lanes that have slashed travel times, increased safety and allowed for a smoother journey. 

“The NSW Labor Government thanks all the workers and crews who spent two years making this project a reality for the more than 5000 motorists who use this road daily.”

Dubbo Duty MLC Stephen Lawrence said:

“Covid and 68 days of bad weather caused delays to this project but despite the challenges from the pandemic and mother nature, this project was completed on time and on budget.

“Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for your commitment to better roads in regional NSW.”