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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

Public Sector Union opens new Newcastle office, building on more than 100 years of history

The Public Service Association and Community and Public Sector Union (NSW Branch) will tonight officially open its new Newcastle office, strengthening its presence in the Hunter while building on a proud history in the region dating back to October 1899.

Located at 24 Maitland Road, Islington, the new office represents a significant investment in supporting public sector workers across Newcastle and surrounding communities.

The opening event, running from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, will bring together a diverse group of attendees including PSA & CPSU NSW members and staff from Newcastle and Sydney, local councillors, delegates, and Members of Parliament.

Between 60 and 80 people are expected to attend.

Among those attending are Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison, and representatives of Federal Member for Paterson Pat Conroy.

PSA President Nicole Jess said the new office reflects the union’s ongoing commitment to regional members.

“Newcastle has a deep and proud connection to the PSA stretching back more than 125 years,” Ms Jess said.

“This new office strengthens our ability to support members locally, ensuring they have access to representation, advice and advocacy close to where they live and work.”

PSA General Secretary Stewart Little said the investment would help grow union strength across the Hunter.

“This office is about being present, accessible and responsive to our members in the region,” Mr Little said.

“Our members deliver vital public services every day. Opening this office ensures the PSA is right alongside them, backing them at work and in their communities.”

The evening will feature official remarks from PSA leadership, followed by an address from Tim Crakanthorp MP and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the opening.

The new Newcastle office reinforces the PSA’s commitment to strengthening its footprint across regional New South Wales and supporting the workers who keep public services running.

Extraordinary Fuel Crisis Demands Immediate Free Public Transport Response: Greens

The ACT Greens are calling for two months of free public transport in Canberra during this extraordinary fuel crisis following similar moves by the Tasmanian and Victorian governments.

“Canberrans are at a loss with the rapid increase in the costs of fuel and questions over whether fuel will even be available at the pump,” said Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Transport.

“Free public transport will reduce fuel demand and save thousands of dollars for those who are struggling to put food on the table,” said Mr Braddock.

“In the middle of a fuel crisis, it’s the least the government can do.”

Last week, ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals teamed up to vote against free public transport funded by a 25% tax on gas exports.

“This was a sensible, climate conscious solution which would’ve brought immediate relief to all Canberrans. Instead, the major parties ganged up to vote this down, putting the needs of Canberrans firmly behind their own.

“It’s time for the ACT Government to rise to this moment and join the growing number of states around Australia making public transport free during the fuel crisis.”

“In uncertain times like these, ACT Labor shouldn’t be looking out for their mates in the fossil fuel industry. They should be empathising with Canberrans and working to ease their cost-of-living pressures.

“If we can afford fare-free Fridays, we can afford two months of free travel during this fuel crisis.

“Public transport in the ACT has been under-done for decades. It needs a significant amount of investment, and a commitment from the Government to get the network moving.

“We can start that here and now with free public transport for the period of the crisis, and permanently for students, seniors and other concession-holders who need ongoing cost of living relief.

“The Commonwealth should also be chipping in. If they can drag the chain on renewable energy, while signing us up to an illegal war in Iran, they can help pay for the consequences faced by Australians.”

Greens secure Select Committee on gas tax

The Australian Greens push to tax gas exports at least 25% is gaining momentum, with a newly won Select Committee to look at taxing Australia’s oil and gas, setting the ground for changes in the May budget.

The Select Committee will be chaired by Greens spokesperson for resources, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, who will seek to dismantle the gas industry’s excuses for not paying billions in taxes despite soaring windfall profits. .

At a time of instability and rising pressure on Australia’s energy security, the inquiry will examine how fairer taxation of gas exports could deliver billions in public revenue to ease the cost of living and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Recent polling shows strong and growing support across the political spectrum for making gas corporations pay more for selling Australia’s resources.

Greens Leader Senator Larissa Waters:

“Gas corporations are ripping us all off and paying virtually no tax. While people are struggling to pay bills and seeing the cost of living go through the roof, gas corporations shouldn’t get a free ride.

“For years rich gas corporations have got most of their gas for free, shipped it overseas for maximum profit, and now they’re making eyewatering profits off the back of the war.

“The free ride is over. People are fed up with gas industry greed and Labor’s refusal to tax gas corporations to fund cost of living support. This is money that should be helping people pay the bills and have what they need to live a good life.

“This Inquiry will put the rich tax-dodging gas corporations under the microscope, dismantle their excuses for paying no tax, and build momentum for fairer tax in the upcoming budget.”

Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“This inquiry into a gas tax comes at a crunch moment. The gas cartel is poised to cash in on global conflict while Australians are being smashed with rising bills at home.

“A 25 per cent tax on gas exports could raise $17 billion a year. Money that could slash power bills, fund free public transport, and fast-track electrification so we can end our dependence on gas for good.

“This Inquiry will interrogate the outdated talking points of gas corporations, expose how they avoid paying their fair share of tax, and recommend how we get to a tax system that benefits Australians, not greedy gas corporations.”

“It is a moment of reckoning for Labor. Will they stand up to vested interests and make gas corporations pay or will they let them continue to write the rules?

Mulgoa is a goer: stage 1 open, work begins on stage 2 of critical road upgrades

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering for Western Sydney, with Stage 1 of the jointly funded $226 million Mulgoa Road upgrade now complete and Stage 2 underway.

The newly completed Stage 1 works between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road have widened Mulgoa Road to three lanes in each direction, improving access to and from the M4 Motorway and delivering safer, more efficient connections to surrounding retail and residential precincts.

Stage 2 of the works will upgrade the section between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway, targeting a key pinch point to further improve traffic flow and reliability for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor each day. Work is expected to be completed by late 2028.

Around 52,000 vehicles use this section of Mulgoa Road each day, making it a vital link between Penrith, Jamisontown, Glenmore Park and the wider Western Sydney region.

Despite the challenges of working on a live traffic corridor, construction was carefully staged to minimise disruption, with the project delivered ahead of time and on budget.

Crews put over 743,500 hours of work into Stage 1 of the project, with works completed including:

Widening the road from four lanes to six lanes to increase capacity
Constructing or relocating 8 kilometres of underground utilities including water, sewer, gas, electricity and telecommunications
Installing 2,460 tonnes of steel reinforcement
Pouring more than 6,750 cubic metres of concrete
Laying over 12,000 tonnes of asphalt
Upgrading five signalised intersections to ease congestion

The upgrade will also improve bus travel, with new dedicated bus priority lanes on Wolseley Street and Glenbrook Street. A new 3.5-metre-wide shared path along the eastern side and a pedestrian footpath along the western side will also be delivered.

Environmental outcomes were also a key focus, with more than 130,000 tonnes of material recycled during construction. While some trees were removed, the number was reduced by 20 per cent from initial estimates, with more than 450 new trees planted and measures put in place to support local wildlife, including the installation of habitat structures.

A 560-metre-long noise wall has also been delivered to reduce road noise in nearby neighbourhoods.

Further south at Mulgoa, additional safety improvements are also being delivered, including shoulder widening, minor road realignment, and the installation of safety barriers at the intersection of Mulgoa Road and Roscrea Drive.

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

“Mulgoa Road is busy, and the upgrades we’ve completed so far will make a big difference to how cars can flow on and off the M4.

“Thousands of people use this key north-south road through this growing part of Sydney, so these upgrades being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments will make a real difference.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“For far too long, Penrith residents have seen housing development in the local area surge ahead without the critical infrastructure to support it.

“The former Liberal government simply failed to plan for our community’s growth, so having Stage 1 of this long overdue upgrade delivered ahead of time and on budget is an important step forward.

“There’s more work to do, and the Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver the vital road upgrades communities like ours deserve – so residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We know how busy Mulgoa Road is, with around 52,000 vehicles using this corridor every day.

“That’s why this upgrade matters. We’ve widened the road, improved key intersections and delivered safer access, so people can spend less time in traffic and more time where they need to be.

“With Stage 2 already underway, we’re continuing to invest in the connections western Sydney needs as it grows.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“Finally, the Stage 1 improvements to Mulgoa Road which have been greatly anticipated by our community for many years are completed.

“Opening these upgraded lanes, intersections and M4 interchange will make everyday travel safer and easier for people travelling to and across our city.”