Category: NSW News

Visitors can now enjoy full access to Wingham Brush Nature Reserve on the Mid North Coast, following the completion of repairs and upgrades after the Manning River floods last year.

In May 2025, the Manning River flood left large amounts of mud, debris and sediment throughout the reserve, causing significant damage to boardwalks, railings, signage and visitor facilities.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff undertook a huge clean-up for months, before reconstruction and upgrade works could commence.

Reconstruction works completed this week have restored safe public access and improved the visitor experience through installation of new signage, walkways, railings and ramps.

Wingham Brush Nature Reserve is one of the Manning Valley’s most valued natural areas, protecting a rainforest and providing opportunities for locals and visitors to connect with nature.

The recovery project has also delivered new technology to support environmental monitoring and community engagement, including a weather station and live-stream camera overlooking the Grey-headed Flying fox colony.

The equipment will support ongoing conservation and research programs while allowing visitors, schools and the wider community to access environmental data and observe wildlife online.

Ongoing bush regeneration activities will be undertaken across the reserve, including monitoring and removal of flood-deposited weed seed propagules to support the rainforest’s long-term recovery.

Visitors can once again walk among the reserve’s unique rainforest, experience its rich wildlife and enjoy improved facilities helping ensure this natural asset can be enjoyed and protected for years to come.

Learn more at Wingham Brush Nature Reserve.

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“The reopening of Wingham Brush is a testament to the incredible resilience and commitment of our NPWS teams and the communities of the North Coast.

“Through hard work and smart investment in weather-resilient upgrades and live monitoring tech, their significant natural assets can be protected for now and future use.

“Seeing this treasured natural area restored and ready to welcome locals and visitors back is testament to the recovery efforts. It brings back enjoyment of this much loved and valued area and additionally it boosts tourism in the Manning Valley.”

The 2026 HSC exams will officially come to an end this afternoon when nearly 9,000 students complete their Physics exam.

Finishing the HSC is the culmination of 13 years of schooling and a major achievement for the 75,000 students who are on track to achieve the HSC this year.

Over the past 18 test days HSC students have sat more than 400,000 exam sessions across 123 written exams, held across 800 exam centres and overseen by 8,000 staff.

2026 was the first year that the new Health and Movement Science syllabus was examined and is the last to examine the outgoing English and Mathematics syllabuses, as new knowledge-rich syllabuses come online.

Thousands of dedicated teachers, principals, and support staff have been working behind the scenes during the HSC, ensuring exams run smoothly and deliver a fair outcome for students.

Marking is well underway, with over 5,500 markers assessing responses for more than 1.2 million papers. Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Wednesday 16 December.

Enrolment data about this year’s HSC cohort can be found on the NESA website.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The hard work is complete, and our HSC students can now celebrate everything they’ve achieved.

“I want all Year 12 students to know that they are not defined by their results and there are many pathways to success, and multiple ways to achieve your dreams.

“Reaching the end of a 13-year schooling journey is a major accomplishment, and today all Year 12 students should feel proud as they prepare to move on to the next phase of their lives.”

NSW Education Standards Authority Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said:

“Delivering the HSC exams is a complex logistical operation – and one that we simply could not carry off without the work of the schools, sectors, exam staff, warehouse and security teams, and markers.

“For students, the end of exams marks the end of more than a decade of schooling.

“Enjoy this time, content in the knowledge you have done the hard work, challenged yourself and demonstrated all that you know in each course and discipline.”

Six new affordable homes are now available to women and children seeking safe housing in Sydney’s east, with a newly acquired unit block delivering much-needed support for victim-survivors of domestic violence in Maroubra.

The Minns Labor Government partnered with Women’s Housing Company, Woollahra Council, and Waverley council to purchase and upgrade the 1970s apartment building in Maroubra.

Refurbishment works included full kitchen upgrades, new windows and general fire safety improvements, with new residents expected to move in shortly.

As affordable housing, rents will be capped at 30 per cent of income, helping women on low to moderate incomes remain in the communities where they work and live.

By purchasing and upgrading existing properties, the Minns Labor Government and its partners can bring affordable housing online sooner and provide immediate support to women in crisis, while continuing to invest in new housing supply across the state.

This project demonstrates how the NSW Government, local councils, and community housing providers can work together to deliver more affordable homes for people who need them.

Councils participating in an Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme can allocate funds to deliver affordable rental housing projects either within their own Local Government Area (LGA) or within an adjoining LGA, as in this case.

These homes add to work already underway by the Minns Labor Government to deliver 8,400 new public homes and thousands of new affordable homes, with half dedicated to women and children fleeing domestic violence.

More than 5,175 new homes have already completed and it’s all possible due to a $6.6 billion investment in housing and homelessness, the largest in the state’s history.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“This is about getting more safe homes to women in crisis sooner rather than later. It’s a fast and practical way that we can increase affordable housing supply, without waiting years for new builds.

“We are using every tool available to boost housing supply, whether that’s building new homes, renewing older properties or bringing existing homes online faster.

“These homes will provide safety, stability and a pathway forward for women who have experienced trauma, close to the communities, services and support networks they rely on.”

Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Jodie Harrison:

“Safe and affordable housing can be life-changing for women escaping domestic and family violence.

“These homes will provide security, stability and a foundation for a fresh start, close to the services and support networks people rely on.”

“This is part of the broader work we are continuing to do to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence access safe homes so they can recover and rebuild their lives.”

Member for Maroubra Michael Daley:

“Safe housing can mean the difference between someone leaving an unsafe situation and them staying. Every affordable home we bring online makes a real difference and I’m thrilled to see these new homes in Maroubra.

“These homes mean women can stay connected to our local community, schools, jobs and support networks while they rebuild their lives.”

Women’s Housing Company CEO, Nada Nasser:

“We are grateful for the funding contributions from Homes NSW, Woollahra Council and Waverly Council.

“For women rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence, having a safe, affordable home can make an enormous difference.

“Safe housing means more choice, and more opportunity for women and children to build a secure future. This is a welcome addition to Sydney’s affordable housing.”

Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Sarah Dixson:

“Today’s announcement reflects our shared commitment to helping women in crisis rebuild their lives. Woollahra Council is proud to have provided $1.974 million towards this project.

“For seven years, Woollahra Council has partnered with the Women’s Housing Company to help women and children escaping domestic and family violence access safe and affordable housing, reducing their risk of homelessness.

“The program provides 12 local homes and has supported 53 women and children remain connected to their community.”

Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Steven Lewis:

“Affordable housing is a significant challenge in the Eastern Suburbs, where the cost of living and property prices can make it incredibly difficult for people on limited incomes to find a secure place to live.

“For women facing housing insecurity, having an affordable home can be life-changing, providing stability and independence.

“Addressing the housing crisis requires action at every level. Initiatives like this are an important step towards ensuring our community remains a place where people can live with dignity, feel supported and maintain their connection to the area they call home.”

The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, with construction beginning on a new refuge in Hornsby.

The government is investing $5 million in the new crisis accommodation that is being developed by Link Wentworth.

The refuge will comprise four self-contained units and a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education and employment support.

Specialist domestic and family violence support services will be provided onsite by Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter, a member of the Women’s Community Shelters Network.

Each unit will have its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, as well as private outdoor space and an area for pets, helping residents maintain independence and a sense of home while they access support.

At least one unit will be wheelchair accessible, and the shared areas will be designed to accommodate residents with restricted mobility.

The ‘core’ will include an office area and two consulting rooms that can be combined into a larger conference room, along with a shared lounge, dining and kitchen facilities.

There will also be communal indoor and outdoor play spaces for children, giving families dedicated areas to spend time together.

This investment is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

Once all 49 new refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional victim-survivors of domestic and family violence each year.

The program is part of the wider work by the NSW Government to provide safe housing for those escaping domestic and family violence, including an historic $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors, and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.

The Minns Labor Government continues to strengthen support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. In our June Budget, we provided a landmark $184.1 million to increase funding for six core domestic and family violence specialist programs by 50 per cent, so that victim-survivors can receive timely, life-saving support.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Too many women and children fleeing domestic and family violence are also facing housing insecurity at one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“A safe home can provide the stability people need to recover, rebuild and plan for the future, which is why we’re investing in more crisis accommodation right across New South Wales.

“This new refuge in Hornsby will provide safe, self-contained accommodation alongside specialist support, helping more women and children take the first steps towards a brighter future.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Women and children escaping domestic and family violence need to know there is somewhere safe to go to when they leave.

“This new refuge in Hornsby will provide victim-survivors with not only a place to stay, but also access to critical support services so that they can recover and rebuild their lives.

“It takes a lot of courage to leave violence and we know that this crisis accommodation will make a real difference to women and children.”

CEO of Link Wentworth Andrew McAnulty said:

“Every woman and child deserves the chance to live free from violence and fear.

“This refuge is part of Link Wentworth’s long-standing commitment to investing in safe, secure housing and support for women experiencing family and domestic violence.

“Link Wentworth, through our partnership with the NSW Government and Women’s Community Shelters, are creating more than accommodation – we are creating opportunities for women and children to heal, regain stability and rebuild their lives.”

Interim CEO of Women’s Community Shelters Sue Cripps said:

“Too often, women escaping violence with their children face an impossible choice between staying in an unsafe home or having nowhere safe to go.

“Today’s sod turn marks the beginning of an important new chapter for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter and means more families in Sydney’s north won’t have to make that choice.

“For the first time, the service will welcome women with children, giving more families access to safe accommodation and support as they rebuild their lives free from abuse.

“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to stand alongside Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter as it expands access to safe accommodation and support for local women and children who need it most.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

A NSW Liberal Government will deliver three-minute Metro services, providing greater capacity and shorter wait times.

The commitment forms the first part of the Liberal’s broader plan to improve and expand Sydney’s Metro and public transport network, connect growing communities and support economic growth.

Sydney Metro has transformed the way people travel across Sydney and commuters have voted with their feet with services already at capacity and people squeezing into carriages during peak times.

With average weekday patronage exceeding 260,000 journeys and demand continuing to grow, the Liberals are planning for the additional capacity Sydney will need into the future.

A Sloane Liberal Government would in the first 100 days instruct Sydney Metro to begin negotiations and procurement of approximately 12 to 15 additional trains through the existing operator to deliver three-minute services, as well as commission a customer review. 

Our plan would increase peak-hour services from every four minutes to every three minutes, delivering:

• 33 per cent more peak-hour services, increasing from 15 to 20 trains per hour in each direction.
• Capacity for an additional 5,760 passengers per hour in each direction, based on existing six-car Metro trains.
• Shorter waiting times and more frequent services for commuters travelling across the M1 network.
• Additional capacity for growing communities, supporting better connections between homes, jobs, schools and services.
• Supporting the growth of communities including housing. 

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said the Liberals were focused on building the transport infrastructure Sydney needs to grow.

“Sydney Metro has changed the way people move around our city, and its popularity shows just how important it is to keep investing in better public transport,” Ms Sloane said.

“We want to build on that success by delivering more trains, more frequent services and better connections for the communities that rely on Metro every day.”

“Our plan for three-minute Metros would deliver 33 per cent more peak-hour services, giving commuters more capacity and less time waiting on already crowded platforms.”

Three-minute Metro services are already established in major global cities, including Singapore, Copenhagen and Paris, where frequent, high-capacity services help keep growing cities moving.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Natalie Ward said improving the network would deliver benefits to commuters, communities and the economy.

“Investing in three-minute Metro services is a no-brainer for Sydney. It is cost effective and focuses on what commuters need,” Ms Ward said. 

“We want to keep building and improving Sydney’s Metro network after four years of a Government that has done nothing but cut ribbons.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolau said Sydney Metro has been a game changer for our city, connecting workers to jobs, customers to businesses and bringing more people into the heart of Sydney.

“The extraordinary success of Metro shows that when we invest in world-class public transport, people embrace it. Moving to three-minute services is an opportunity to build on that success, make commuting easier and support the continued growth of our CBD,” Mr Nicolau said.

“More frequent Metro services mean greater capacity to bring workers, customers and visitors into the city, supporting the thousands of businesses that depend on a vibrant and accessible CBD.”

The Liberals have a proud record of delivering Sydney Metro, and we want to build on that legacy with more services and a network that keeps pace with our growing city.

This is part of our Plan to build a stronger NSW for you, with better infrastructure, stronger communities and more opportunities for families and businesses.

The Hawkesbury community is set for a major boost to frontline emergency care, with construction now underway on the new South Windsor ambulance station.

The investment at South Windsor will strengthen frontline emergency ambulance services and provide paramedics with a modern base and additional capacity to support the growing Hawkesbury community.

The purpose-built ambulance station on Acacia Close is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.

The new ambulance station will include:

• 10 ambulance vehicle parking bays, including a dedicated wash bay
• administration and office areas
• staff amenities, including a gym
• on-site parking
• logistics and storage facilities.

NSW Ambulance selected Acacia Close for the station’s location through a comprehensive service planning process that analysed Triple Zero (000) demand and ambulance response requirements across the region.

Site establishment works are right now underway, with construction activity to increase in the coming months. The new station is expected to be completed in late 2027.

Mettle Projects has been appointed as the building contractor following a competitive tender process and planning approval.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

The new ambulance station at South Windsor will complement other ambulance infrastructure investments across Western Sydney, including Prestons, Prairiewood, Carlingford and Glendenning.

The Minns Labor Government is also rebuilding frontline health services by strengthening the workforce, including by delivering a historic pay increase for our paramedics and recruiting an additional 500 paramedics in rural and regional areas.

For more information visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/south-windsor-ambulance-station

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

”The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering the essential services that communities across North West Sydney need and deserve, and the new South Windsor ambulance station is another example of delivering for this area.

“Construction kicking off in South Windsor means we’re one step closer to delivering better frontline emergency care for local residents.

“This investment is about backing our incredible paramedics and ensuring Windsor, Hawksbury and beyond are well supported now and into the future.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are delivering more paramedics, more ambulance stations, and stronger emergency services for the Hawkesbury community and across NSW.

“The new South Windsor ambulance station will deliver a significant boost to frontline healthcare for the Hawkesbury region, ensuring locals can get the help they need, when they need it.

“We’re investing in the critical infrastructure needed to support the Hawkesbury community and ensure patients can continue to access timely emergency care when they need it most.”

Labor Candidate for Hawkesbury Adam Hall:

“It’s fantastic to see construction begin on the new South Windsor ambulance station, which marks a major milestone for our local community.

“The new station will provide a modern, purpose-built base for local paramedics, and increase capacity to support our growing community, now and into the future.”

Today I announce that I will not re-contest my seat of Wyong at the upcoming New South Wales State Election on 13 March 2027.

I can confirm that I will continue in my current role as the local member for Wyong and carry out my full ministerial duties within the Minns Labor Government until the election.

The announcement marks the conclusion of a parliamentary career spanning 16 years, preceded by more than two decades in public education.

Reflecting on my service I have come to realise public service has been more than a job — it has been my life’s defining commitment.

Before entering the NSW Parliament, I spent 23 years in public education as a teacher, executive, and principal, working to shape the futures of local children. I hope the next Labor candidate shares my passion for education as I have found that is the lifeblood of our community.

Representing the people of Wyong as their parliamentary representative, parliamentary secretary, shadow minister, and government minister has been the greatest privilege of my working life.

Together, our community has achieved significant milestones. One of our proudest moments was stopping the privatisation of Wyong Hospital, ensuring it remained in public hands to deliver vital healthcare services to our growing region.

We have also delivered new schools, ambulance stations, police stations, and upgraded rail infrastructure, alongside crucial grassroots funding for Central Coast community organisations.

I am particularly pleased that funding is now secured for the $488 million Pacific Highway Wyong upgrade. With a contractor imminent, this major project—featuring two new bridges, a transport interchange, and four lanes—will soon be fully underway to ease congestion across our region.

Until the election in March 2027, my focus remains firmly on delivering outcomes for Wyong and advancing my responsibilities across the Cabinet.

I want to express my gratitude to Premier Chris Minns, ministerial and electorate office staff, parliamentary colleagues, and the local community.

I particularly want to acknowledge and thank the Premier for hi unwavering support and trust as we navigated and implemented challenging yet essential reforms as well as tackling some controversial issues.

I want to extend my deep gratitude to the people of Wyong for placing their trust in me over many years. Whether meeting at the ballot box or resolving local issues together, your community spirit and resilience have inspired me every single day.

While I will not contest the next election, my commitment to the Central Coast remains unwavering. I look forward to spending more time with my wife Sherelle and our daughters, while watching this wonderful region continue to prosper.

Families, locals and visitors can now enjoy easier and safer access through one of Brunswick Heads’ most popular foreshore destinations, with the NSW Government completing a package of improvements at Torakina Reserve.

Set between the Brunswick River and Torakina Beach, the reserve is a much-loved community space where people gather to picnic, swim, walk, fish and spend time outdoors. The improvements will help people enjoy the foreshore while protecting and enhancing one of the area’s most valued public spaces for future generations.

The NSW Government provided $220,950 through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to deliver new pathways, landscaping, signage, bollards and car park improvements to make moving around the reserve easier and safer.

The works improve movement through the reserve, create clearer separation between pedestrian and vehicle areas, and help safeguard landscaped sections from unauthorised vehicle access.

Delivered by Byron Shire Council, the project contributes to the ongoing care and enhancement of the Brunswick Heads foreshore precinct, ensuring the reserve remains a welcoming place for the community to enjoy.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helps communities across NSW improve and maintain public reserves that support recreation, tourism, cultural and sporting activities, and recreational life of communities across NSW.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Torakina Reserve is a much-loved community space in one of the North Coast’s great seaside villages.

“This investment has delivered practical improvements that will help the reserve continue to serve the Brunswick Heads community and welcome visitors for years to come.”

“Crown reserves like Torakina are important public spaces for communities across NSW, and we’re proud to invest in keeping them accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“Torakina is where Brunswick Heads comes together. Where families spend their weekends, kids learn to swim, and locals catch up by the water.

“These practical improvements make this beloved space safer and more accessible for everyone who calls the North Coast home, while making sure it’s protected for future generations.”

Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith said:

“Torakina is one of those special places that captures so much of what we love about Brunswick Heads – families swimming, picnicking and spending time together in a beautiful natural environment.

“I’m delighted to see this investment making the reserve safer and more accessible while protecting the natural beauty that makes it so special. Our public spaces should be welcoming and accessible to everyone, and these improvements will help ensure Torakina can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.”

Byron Shire Council Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said:
“Torakina Reserve holds a special place in the heart of Brunswick Heads, where locals and visitors come to swim, fish, walk and enjoy time by the river.

“These improvements make it easier and safer to move through the reserve and better protect the garden areas for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you to the community for your patience during the works and for the input that helped shape this project.”

Communities across rural and regional NSW have been given their first look at the design for new regional helicopter bases, as part of a planned expansion to NSW’s aeromedical network and enhancing access to emergency care.

Moruya and Wagga Wagga will be the first of the new regional ambulance helicopter bases to be delivered and are planned to be located at local airports.

Planning for a helicopter base at Port Macquarie is progressing.

The new bases in Moruya, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie form part of the Minns Labor Government’s $63.95 million investment in new regional helicopter ambulance infrastructure, supporting the expansion of the statewide aeromedical network from six to nine bases.

Across the state, NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams complete more than 4,400 helicopter missions each year. The expanded network will strengthen NSW’s emergency response to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters, while improving equitable access to emergency healthcare for rural, regional and remote communities.

The regional helicopter bases will include:

• a dedicated helicopter hangar and maintenance facilities
• mission-planning and operational workspaces
• training and staff amenities
• fuel, logistics and supporting infrastructure
• a dedicated road retrieval ambulance

Construction at Moruya and Wagga Wagga is expected to start in early 2027, following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

The new bases will join the existing NSW Ambulance aeromedical network of 13 helicopters and six bases located in Bankstown (Sydney), Wollongong, Orange, Belmont (Newcastle), Lismore and Tamworth.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The new helicopter bases being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will strengthen aeromedical infrastructure for communities across regional and rural NSW.

“The expanded network will help NSW Ambulance helicopters and world class paramedics and doctors provide faster access to lifesaving emergency and specialist care for regional communities.

“We are delivering the essential health infrastructure needed to deliver better, faster care for people across NSW. This includes more hospitals, more beds, more ambulance stations and helicopter bases, and the staff to run them.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“This is an important step forward for the Far South Coast, with a purpose-built helicopter base at Moruya set to strengthen access to lifesaving emergency care for our regional communities.

“The base will support the work of South East Regional Hospital and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, expected to open early next year, by strengthening connections between local hospitals, ambulance services and specialist care across our coastal network of health services.

“Living in a regional area should never mean being disadvantaged when it comes to emergency healthcare. A stronger aeromedical network will help NSW Ambulance teams respond to critical incidents, retrieve patients and connect them with the care they need, when they need it.

“Releasing these designs is an important milestone in delivering the infrastructure our region needs, supporting our dedicated paramedics and aeromedical teams and improving access to emergency and specialist care for communities across the Far South Coast.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr:

“I welcome the establishment of this regional aeromedical helicopter base in Wagga which will be an important improvement to emergency care for our region.

“I look forward to working with NSW Ambulance to implement this significant development.”

Dr Sarah Coombes, Executive Director Aeromedical and Special Operations, NSW Ambulance:

“Our aeromedical teams provide emergency retrieval and critical care across some of the most challenging environments in NSW.

“These bases will enhance the facilities and infrastructure our teams need to continue delivering high-quality critical care across rural and regional communities.”

Today at 4:31am, the first train left Bankstown Station marking the commencement of passenger services on the new Southwest Metro.

Prior to the first service, hundreds of passengers lined the platform at the new Bankstown Station ready to board Train Set 29, which departed for the 66-kilometre, 80-minute journey to Tallawong via the CBD.

This ends one of the most complex rail transformation projects in the world, with the conversion of the 130-year-old Bankstown line and heritage stations to accommodate modern high-speed, automated, driverless trains.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities from Bankstown to Lakemba to Campsie through to Marrickville for their patience and welcome them to their world class public transport infrastructure.

With services every four minutes during the peak, 50% more capacity, and significant time savings, this world class public transport infrastructure will transform the communities it travels through, connecting residents with jobs, education and housing.

Examples of journey times include:

• Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 16 minutes.
• Belmore to Gadigal: 22 minutes – saving 14 minutes
• Punchbowl to Barangaroo: 32 minutes – saving 24 minutes.
• Bankstown to Macquarie University: 54 minutes – saving 25 minutes.

The pink buses will continue to run for three days, and additional staff are available throughout the network during this opening period to assist customers as they become familiar with metro services.

There will be an increase in staff on the Metro, and at stations during the coming days should commuters have any questions. Passengers can plan their journeys at transportnsw.info.

This transformative transport infrastructure was fully funded by the Minns Labor Government, without privatising hospitals, motorways or any other vital public infrastructure.

As the Minns Labor Government has delivered the Southwest Metro, it is also delivering Metro West from the CBD to Parramatta and the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project. Two-thirds of Sydney’s 46 Metro stations have now been completed, with 15 more under construction.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing in the heavy rail network which was neglected by the former government, despite it transporting a million passengers each day. This investment includes $12 billion to build the next fleet of passenger trains in the Hunter, $6.8b billion in South Coast rail infrastructure and a $2.1 billion investment in rail maintenance and reliability.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This is a huge day for southwest Sydney, finally the wait for the Metro is over.

“I want to thank the commuters, local businesses and families who have been exceptionally patient as this massive project to convert the heavy rail line was undertaken.

“This Metro will knit different areas of Sydney together like never before. Commuters in Bankstown, Wiley Park, Belmore, Canterbury now have access to the same fast, reliable public transport connections that other parts of our city enjoy.

“We have fully funded and delivered Southwest Metro without privatisation. And we’re doing it while building two more Metro lines, investing $12 billion in new trains built in the Hunter, $6.8 billion in South Coast rail and $2.1 billion to fix the heavy rail network the Liberals neglected for 12 years.”

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This was the moment patience turned to jubilation.

“These communities will now be better connected to jobs, education, health and entertainment across Sydney.

“This morning shows how popular this service will be. Imagine it when the Bulldogs are playing a home game at Belmore or communities are gathering for Lakemba Nights.

“It took a Labor government to fund this project, and we didn’t have to sell off a hospital or a motorway to do it.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“The people of the Bankstown electorate are so excited that this day is here! Our local businesses are ready to welcome Metro riders to Bankstown – so come and visit us for a manoush, a bahn mi or just say g’day!

“I want to thank the thousands of people that have contributed to this achievement and to the community for their patience. This is a massive day for our community and all of Sydney.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“This is a huge day for the Inner West. With the magic of Metro more people in our community will choose public transport more often and that’s a win for everyone.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience through the disruption and the thousands of workers whose efforts have got us to this moment.

“From today, our community gets the benefit: faster, more frequent and more accessible public transport, and better connections to work, education, entertainment and to each other right across Sydney.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“People across the inner south-west now have fast, direct access to central and northern Sydney opening up job opportunities and connecting people to education, sport, health and tourism like never before.

“I’ve been talking to local businesses and they’re looking forward to finally having the roads clear of the pink buses and full of people experiencing everything Canterbury has to offer.

“I’ve been speaking to students who say they’re relieved the metro has finally opened and excited about getting to high school and Uni so much quicker. Lakemba to Macquarie University in 44 mins instead of over an hour will make their lives so much easier.”

“It’s taken a lot of work and patience to get to opening day and I want to thank everyone involved.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“What an exciting day for my community, as the Southwest Metro officially begins passenger services marking a major milestone for public transport across Sydney.

“This project will connect many in my community to work, education and services, making it easier for people to get where they need to go.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li said:

“Today, residents across Sydney’s southwest are better connected than ever – families, workers and students can now get where they need to go far more quickly and safely. This metro is about making everyday life easier and opening upnew possibilities for our community.”