Category: NSW News

The Richmond Road upgrade will today reach a major milestone with the first sod turned, marking the start of major work on the project.

The $720 million upgrade will ease congestion, improve safety and support future housing, development and connectivity across this growing region in Western Sydney.

Up to 89,000 vehicles use Richmond Road each day, with traffic volumes forecast to increase significantly in the years ahead as the region continues to grow.

Traffic modelling shows the upgrades are expected to cut average travel times by around 21 per cent during the morning peak and 34 per cent in the afternoon peak once complete.

The Richmond Road Upgrade includes three major projects.

$520 million M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade:

• The M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade will widen Richmond Road between Colebee and Marsden Park to reduce congestion, improve safety and support future housing and development across Sydney’s North West.
• Approximately 2.2 kilometres of Richmond Road will be expanded from four lanes to six lanes, including a new concrete bridge over Bells Creek with travel lanes and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
• A new flyover bridge will be built from the M7 Motorway Rooty Hill Road North off-ramp to Richmond Road northbound, bypassing two sets of traffic lights and reducing congestion and queuing on the motorway.

$150 million Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade:

• The 1.6 kilometre upgrade of Richmond Road between Elara Boulevard and Heritage Road will improve access for the growing Marsden Park community and nearby suburbs, strengthening connections to Blacktown.
• This work will widen Richmond Road from two lanes to a four-lane divided carriageway and deliver a wider central median to allow for future expansion to six lanes if required.

projects are equally funded by the Albanese and Minns governments.

The $50 million Richmond Road Corridor planning project will investigate further investment opportunities along the corridor from the M7 Motorway to The Driftway, securing the future of one of the region’s busiest and most congested arterial roadways.

The Australian Government has committed $37 million toward this planning work.

The upgrades also include a new bus priority signalised intersection, an extended shared path connecting into Marsden Park, and improved flood resilience along this busy corridor.

The contracts awarded in October last year cover the M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade and Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade.

The Richmond Road upgrade is part of the North West Growth Centre Area Road Network Strategy to support development in this fast-growing precinct.

These projects are part of the Australian Government’s $18 billion infrastructure pipeline for Western Sydney and builds on the $7.4 billion the Minns Government has invested in Western Sydney roads since March 2023.

For more information, go to:

• nswroads.work/richmondrd-m7-townsonrd
• transport.nsw.gov.au/richmond-road-upgrade
• transport.nsw.gov.au/richmond-road-elara

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“This is exactly the kind of practical infrastructure we’re focused on delivering to support growing communities in Western Sydney.

“Richmond Road is a critical corridor, with around 89,000 vehicles using it every day.

“These upgrades will cut travel times, reduce pressure on local roads and make daily trips safer and more reliable. They will mean less time stuck in traffic and more time spent with families.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

“State and Federal Labor Governments are working to deliver much-needed relief on one of the most congested roads in Sydney.

“We’re widening chokepoints on Richmond Road to ensure residents in our community can spend less time on the road and more time with their families.

“For far too long rapidly growing areas in North West Sydney were neglected by the Liberals and endured years of traffic congestion because of their poor planning.

“After years of broken promises, we’re getting on with the job of delivering the vital road upgrades our community deserves.”

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

“The Albanese Government is investing in the roads, rail and infrastructure Western Sydney needs to set it up for success.

“Our $18 billion pipeline of Western Sydney Infrastructure projects includes Sydney’s new airport, and key road infrastructure like the Richmond Road upgrade.

“By partnering with the NSW Government on upgrades like this, we are reducing congestion, improving safety and supporting the delivery of new homes and economic growth across the region.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This is a project that sat on the shelves under the former Government. They threw it in the ‘too hard’ basket, and the people of North West Sydney have paid the price.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the road infrastructure Western Sydney needs to keep pace with rapid growth and rising traffic volumes.

“Growing communities, including those in North West Sydney and the lower Blue Mountains who rely on Richmond Road every day, will benefit from safer journeys, reduced congestion and more reliable travel times.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland:

“The Albanese Government is delivering the vital infrastructure our growing community in North West Sydney needs.

“These Richmond Road upgrades will provide real, everyday relief, ensuring local residents can spend less time on the road, and more time with their families.”

Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic:

“The wait is over, the work has started, the relief is real – people out here will be stoked to see that the upgrade to Richmond Road is finally happening.

“And the fact is it was the Albanese and Minns governments that actually stepped up to fund work that had been neglected for years in one of Western Sydney’s fastest growing areas. It’s a great to see this upgrade finally happen.”

State Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering for local families who rely on Richmond Road every single day.

“This upgrade will make journeys safer and smoother, while ensuring the corridor can support future growth in our community.”

State Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali:

“Our community has been calling for improvements to Richmond Road for years, and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job.

“These upgrades will improve access between Marsden Park and Blacktown and support the continued growth of Western Sydney.”

State Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby:

“Richmond Road is a lifeline for the rapidly growing suburbs of Riverstone and Marsden Park.

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in practical improvements that will reduce congestion, improve safety and deliver better connections for our local community.”

Women in eight regions in New South Wales will have access to practical wellbeing and self-care training with the launch of free Women’s Wellbeing Workshops ahead of NSW Women’s Week.

The NSW Government is supporting regional and rural women’s mental health with this partnership with Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), especially in areas where access to such care can be harder.

The workshops will discuss:

• stress and how it can impact rural women,
• how women may manage and respond to stress,
• values and how they impact wellbeing
• self-care, assessing the effectiveness of strategies, and learning how to develop an action plan.

Funding of $10,000 for this program is through the Rural Women’s Network, which works to support and empower regional, rural and remote women.

RAMHP is a program that provides mental health education, with a focus on regional, rural and remote communities. Coordinators are regional, rural and remote people and understand the specific strengths, challenges and characteristics of rural life.

The one-day workshops will run in:

• Wee Waa (1 March)
• Manilla (17 March)
• Finley (31 March)
• Mudgee (14 April)
• Yamba (28 April)
• Narromine (12 May)
• Walcha (19 May)
• Urana (4 June).

Register for the Women’s Wellbeing Workshops here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/womens-wellbeing-workshops#toc-dates-and-locations

These workshops complement the popular two-day Rural Women’s Skills Roadshow, run in partnership with St John’s Ambulance, that continue to make their way around the state. Registrations are still open for these workshops at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/rwn-events/rural-womens-network-skills-roadshow-2026

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Mental health is an important and ongoing conversation across regional NSW where the stress of drought and other natural disasters can really take a toll.

“Mental Health and wellbeing support services are a vital lifeline and these workshops, specifically tailored for women, can really make a difference.

“They offer rural women the chance to pause, share experiences with others and focus on their own health and wellbeing. Something regional women rarely get the chance to do.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Regional and rural women play many different roles in their communities – as business-owners, farmers, carers and volunteers. Like many women, they are often selfless and put others ahead of themselves.

“But sometimes, the stresses can be overwhelming. These one-day workshops are a great way for women to stop and learn how to prioritise self-care so they and their families can thrive.

“This is part of our wider work to support women’s health and wellbeing, empower them, and boost their participation in the community.

“I encourage regional women in these eight towns to register quickly for these workshops, as places will fill up fast.”

Kate Arndell, Service Manager for RAMHP said:

“RAMHP is thrilled to be working with Rural Women’s Network NSW to create welcoming workshops where women feel heard, supported and reminded that their wellbeing truly matters.”

“These workshops are a chance for women to step away from the busy-ness of daily life, spend time with other women who understand rural pressures, and focus on their own wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive space.”

As scammers increasingly target older Australians, the NSW Government is bringing free, practical digital safety support directly into communities throughout March.

As scammers increasingly target older Australians, the NSW Government is bringing free, practical digital safety support directly into communities throughout March.

Seniors across NSW will be able to build their digital confidence and learn how to stay safe from scams with ID Support NSW offering dedicated assistance during the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival.

ID Support NSW will kick off its NSW Seniors Festival roadshow in the Blue Mountains on 2 March before hosting a series of sessions across regional and metropolitan NSW, including at the Seniors Festival Expo at the ICC Sydney on 11-12 March.

In 2025 alone, people aged 55 years and older collectively reported more than $53 million in losses, with almost 85 per cent of people aged 50 and older believing they have come across or been a victim of a scam.

Some of the most common scams targeting this age group include parcel delivery scams, overdue payment scams, phishing scams, impersonation scams and tech support scams; these can often lead to identity theft.

Low digital literacy is a major factor leaving older people vulnerable to scams. Australians aged 75 and over reported to have the lowest digital abilities, scoring 32.1 points below the national average, while those aged 65 to 74 are 15.5 points below, according to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.

To help close key digital gaps, the Minns Labor Government launched the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy last year – the first comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening digital literacy and reducing vulnerabilities across the community.

The strategy is built around five pillars of connectivity, affordability, digital ability, accessibility, and digital trust and safety, and aims to ensure all people can participate online regardless of age, income, background or location.

With action led by ID Support NSW, the strategy supports seniors at risk of digital exclusion by helping them build the skills and confidence needed to navigate an increasingly digital environment.

At an ID Support NSW session, attendees will learn what support is available from the NSW Government, test the strength of their passwords, and have one-on-one support to uplift their online security and improve the privacy controls on their devices.

To find an online or in-person session across the state, head to the ID Support NSW website.

Residents can also test their passwords online and learn if it’s been involved in a data breach via the ID Support NSW Password Strength tester.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“We want NSW seniors to feel confident navigating the digital world. Whether it’s recognising a scam, managing passwords or accessing essential services online, the ID Support NSW team can help you build your digital skills.

“This program will make a difference by delivering support directly to seniors across NSW; we’re committed to helping people stay safe, independent and informed.

“Improving digital literacy is a core pillar of the NSW Government’s Digital Inclusion Strategy which aims to close the digital divide and strengthen cyber resilience across the community.”

Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said:

“The ID Support NSW Seniors Festival roadshow is about empowering older people in metro, regional and rural NSW to brush up on digital skills and boost scammer awareness.

“Holding the roadshow as part of the NSW Seniors Festival from 2-15 March will give more NSW Seniors the opportunity to improve their cyber security knowledge to prevent a potential scam.

“This initiative builds on NSW Government programs to support older people to develop their digital literacy, including Tech Savvy Seniors, which runs regular digital sessions on a range of topics at over 70 libraries and community colleges statewide.”

NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer, Marie Patane said:

“As life becomes increasingly digital, it is important no one gets left behind. ID Support helps seniors gain confidence and tools to stay safe online.

“With more than $53 million lost to scams by people aged 55 and older in NSW last year, our commitment to digital inclusion is not just timely, it’s essential.

“These sessions give seniors practical, real-world skills to recognise threats before they cause harm.”

The latest data reveals that households and businesses in regional NSW are leading the charge in rooftop solar adoption, accounting for nine of the top ten electorates for installations. 

NSW leads the country in rooftop solar with more than 1 million homes and businesses that now have rooftop solar – a third of all NSW homes.

When the sun is shining, rooftop solar is producing more power than all of our coal fired power stations. In the final quarter of last year, rooftop solar and solar farms combined provided 32% of our state’s electricity.

The Barwon electorate in the state’s north-west has emerged as the leader with 24,537 homes and businesses with rooftop solar, followed closely by the Northern Rivers region with 22,743 in Ballina and 22,162 in Lismore. 

While Riverstone in Sydney’s Northwest ranks as the fifth highest electorate in NSW for solar uptake, it takes the number one spot for battery installations in the country with around 1,500 households opting to capture their rooftop solar for use around the clock.  

The top 10 solar electorates in NSW:

Electorate	Solar PV installation
Barwon	24,537
Ballina	22,743
Lismore	22,162
Tweed	22,161
Riverstone	21,037
Dubbo	20,584
Clarence	20,506
Oxley	19,790
Port Macquarie	19,457
Albury	19,161

An average 4-person household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe:  

“From the Far West to the Northern Rivers, regional NSW is leading the charge on rooftop solar.

“In the final quarter of last year, solar farms and rooftop solar provided 32% of our state’s electricity.

“Families and businesses are saving on their bill with solar, and the highest concentration is in the regions and Western Sydney.”

According to media reports, high-level briefings between the Federal Government and NSW Government agencies have been underway for months regarding the repatriation of Australian women and children from Syria.

If these reports are accurate, the people of NSW deserve full transparency from the Minns Labor Government.

Anyone who has left Australia to align themselves with ISIS has betrayed Australia and should not be welcomed back.

Questions now arise about what the NSW Government knew and when.

If planning has been underway for months, why is the public only learning about it now through media reporting?

The public will rightly ask where these individuals will be residing, what safeguards are in place, and if any costs of settlement and security will be borne by NSW taxpayers.

There must also be a comprehensive plan to ensure that any children involved are protected from radicalisation and are given every opportunity to be properly reintegrated into Australian society. That requires structured intervention, ongoing oversight and coordination between federal and state authorities.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals call on the Premier to answer the following questions to satisfy the NSW public that community safety has been put first:

1. When was the NSW Government first formally briefed about plans to repatriate these individuals?
2. Did the Premier personally receive briefings, and on what dates?
3. Why has the public only learned now if planning has been underway for months?
4. What risk assessments have been conducted for individuals returning to NSW?
5. Have security agencies raised any concerns about specific individuals settling in NSW?
6. What monitoring or control measures will be in place upon arrival and who pays?
7. How many individuals are expected to settle in NSW specifically?
8. Have local communities been consulted or informed?
9. What specific protections and support are in place for the children?
10. Has the Premier picked up the phone to the Prime Minister and demanded that every possible action be taken to prevent the re-entry of these individuals?

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of new homes, with the potential to deliver more than 180 homes across 9 newly identified sites as part of the NSW Government’s Building Homes for NSW program to deliver 30,000 homes across the state.

From coastal Woolgoolga to the heart of Penrith, the land audit is turning unutilised government sites into vibrant communities.

A 7.1-hectare parcel of land at Muswellbrook could support up to 68 new homes and 2.8 hectares of vacant land in Inverell is zoned R5 Large Lot Residential with the potential for 11 dwellings.

Sites at Woolgoolga, and a vacant corner lot in Penrith is capable of delivering another 13 new dwellings. Whilst a greenfield site at Edmondson Park in the south west of Sydney could be developed to provide 46 new homes.

In Mount Victoria, at the upper end of the Blue Mountains, 12 homes could be delivered on a 6,235 square metre lot within walking distance of the nearest train station. While three vacant sites in Belrose on the northern beaches could deliver up to 24 new homes.

Market housing is also a vital part of the housing mix, and we have seen multiple first-home buyers and downsizers able to move into homes that have been sitting unutilised on government books.

The sites at Penrith, and Edmondson Park are both well suited to the NSW Government’s housing pattern book, which offers high-quality architect designs supported by a 10-day planning approval pathway to make it faster and more affordable to design and build a home. This makes some of the smaller government-owned sites earmarked for private sector divestment even more attractive to developers.

All sites identified as part of the land audit are first offered to Homes NSW and Landcom, the NSW Government’s developer.

Land audit housing numbers are based on the permissible land use and current zoning of sites.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government land audit continues to unlock new opportunities for housing delivery in areas of high growth and high demand.

“Our Government understands we need to pull every lever to deliver the housing families across this state need.

“The latest tranche of unutilised Government-owned sites will deliver more than 180 homes, with the land audit having identified sites capable of delivering around 11,000 homes across the State.”

The Minns Labor Government is unlocking more homes, jobs, and industry with the finalisation of the Wollongong Health Precinct strategy.

To bring the 25-year strategy to life the Government will lead a rezoning of the 50-hectare precinct to unlock up to 1,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs.

This builds on recent investments in the Wollongong Public Hospital and will enable the creation of a world-class healthcare hub, that can serve the growing needs of the Illawarra region.

The precinct strategy and rezoning together aim to create a dynamic centre for health, research, and education, and will include:

• research facilities and specialist clinics,
• student accommodation,
• key worker housing, and
• improved links between the hospital and city centre, including upgraded footpaths, cycleways, and public transport.

This builds on five other state-led rezonings across the Illawarra Shoalhaven in Shellharbour, Nowra, Kiama and Bellambi which together could unlock more than 9000 homes.

The Minns Labor Government introduced the State Significant Rezoning Policy in September 2024 to speed up delivery of strategically important or complex rezonings, especially those involving housing.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $21.9 million to upgrade Wollongong Public Hospital, and a further $220 million for its future expansion and redevelopment.

The Wollongong Health Precinct rezoning proposal is expected to be exhibited for public feedback later this year.

For more information, visit:

• Wollongong Health Precinct rezoning proposal
• Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy

Minister for Health, Regional Health, Illawarra & the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The Wollongong Health Precinct will play a pivotal role in the future growth of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, helping to ensure the Illawarra Shoalhaven has access to world-class healthcare.

“With thousands of new jobs and homes, the precinct will be a thriving hub of opportunity, right in the heart of Wollongong.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Government is planning for the future of Wollongong from every angle, matching housing growth with investments in infrastructure and initiatives that will drive industry expansion.

“The finalisation of the Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy has laid important groundwork to kick off a rezoning which will unlock 1000 homes and 10,000 jobs.

“This work adds to the state-assessed rezonings already underway in the region to support more homes and jobs alongside key infrastructure investments to support current and future residents.”

Residents of Lismore and surrounding communities now have access to increased mental health support, following the appointment of a specialist mental health clinician and the launch of a new crisis support service.

The Minns Labor Government is improving mental healthcare right across New South Wales, including in rural and regional areas where it can be harder to access support.

A new, mobile Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) has begun operating from the Lismore Community Mental Health Service.

The team is made up of specially-trained clinicians and peer workers who provide on-the-ground support for people experiencing a crisis, suicidal distress, or at risk of self-harm.

Following an initial assessment by Lismore Base Hospital’s Emergency Department or the Mental Health Line, people at risk of suicide will be referred to the SPOT team.

They work out in the community, caring for those who need it at home or wherever they are most comfortable. This service reduces the barriers that prevent people from accessing support and eases demand on hospital emergency departments.

In a further boost for the North Coast, a mental health clinician has begun working alongside Richmond Police Area Command, supporting police and paramedics on mental health callouts through the Police Ambulance and Clinical Early Response (PACER) program.

The PACER program brings together mental health clinicians, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance to safely and compassionately respond to people experiencing acute mental health episodes.

The new clinician will work directly with first responders, supporting them to appropriately recognise, assess and manage mental health emergencies on the scene.

The PACER program leads to safer outcomes for the community, with a proven track record of early de-escalation of emergency situations and a reduction in avoidable ED presentations.

The Minns Labor Government is making big improvements to mental healthcare in New South Wales, including:

• Building a network of Medicare Mental Health Centres, where anyone can access free, walk- mental health support. In 2025, the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Lismore was the most-utilised location in the state.
• Embedding suicide prevention into all government decision making¸ with our world-leading Suicide Prevention Act 2025.
• Investing $106 million in NSW Mental Health Community Programs, to support more than 1,900 people daily with severe mental health conditions to live independently in the community.

Anyone experiencing mental health concerns is urged to call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

The Mental Health Line is NSW Health’s 24/7 statewide phone service which links people with trained mental health professionals, who are able to offer advice, complete a brief assessment and make recommendations for appropriate care. It is a free service.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring we improve access to safe, high-quality mental health care to everyone who needs it including those in our regional and rural communities.

“Both the Suicide Prevention Outreach Team and PACER services can be life changing for those who need it, ensuring the community gets more appropriate care at the time when they need it most.

“Experience elsewhere in NSW has shown the presence of a PACER clinician at a police station increases the knowledge and understanding of mental health issues among officers, providing real time social and clinical information during an emergency.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Police carry an enormous responsibility and are often the first on the scene when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis.

“This rollout makes sure that our officers are backed by specialist health professionals, so people receive the right care. It’s about giving police the support they need and delivering better outcomes for the community.

“Mental health is a critical issue in every community. By partnering police with clinical experts, we’re building a more compassionate and effective response when people really need it.”

Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Mental health support is a top priority for me, and I am incredibly pleased to see these two vital services hit the ground in Lismore to provide the care our community deserves.

“I have long lobbied for the PACER program to be permanently established in our region because I know how much it matters to have a mental health clinician working directly with our local police and paramedics. Having a specialist on the scene during an emergency ensures a compassionate, health-led response that de-escalates crisis situations and keeps people out of the ED when they can be better supported in the community.

“The launch of the Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) is another significant boost. By providing mobile, on-the-ground care where people feel most comfortable, we are breaking down the barriers to accessing help.

“These investments are about making sure that when someone in our community reaches out for help, they get the right support, at the right time, right here at home.”

NNSWLHD Acting Executive Director Mental Health Tamahra Manson said:

“We’re excited to expand our support to people experiencing a mental health emergency by offering care and support when and where it matters most – in real time, as it is happening, in people’s homes or out in the community.

“The Suicide Prevention Outreach Team program has been extremely well received by local consumers since launching in November and we are confident of a similar response to the PACER program which went live in February.

“We expect these two programs to have a significant positive impact for the Lismore community who have been so traumatised by flooding disasters in recent years. We will be able to provide early links to community and welfare services for those in need, complementing services already on offer at Lismore Community Mental Health Service.”

Richmond Police District Superintendent Dave Roptell said:

“Our officers often arrive at incidents to find someone suffering acute mental distress, and having a dedicated mental health clinician working alongside us is an invaluable addition to the way we serve the community.

“The PACER model means we can better identify what someone needs in the moment and ensure people in crisis are connected with the right care as early as possible.”

“This partnership strengthens our ability to keep both the individual and the wider community safe. It’s a practical and compassionate approach to policing, and we are already seeing the positive impact it can have.”

More than 60 people are set to move into brand new homes in Shoalhaven following the completion of a 39-unit complex in the riverside town of Bomaderry.

The new units near Bomaderry train station reflect the Minns Labor Government commitment to building more housing near existing transport and infrastructure, supporting residents to stay connected to work and services.

The NSW Government invested $4.8 million in the project through the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF) on top of a significant financial contribution from Southern Cross Housing to transform a site previously occupied by four derelict buildings.

With land donated from Shoalhaven City Council, Southern Cross Housing will now own and manage the complex of 25 new social homes and 14 affordable housing units.

The modern complex includes:

• 10 studio apartments
• 17 one-bedroom units
• 8 two-bedroom units
• 4 three-bedroom units
• BBQ and play areas

The first residents have already moved in with priority given to women over the age of 55, one of the fastest growing demographics at risk of homelessness and housing insecurity.

This project complements the Minns Labor Government’s historic $6.6 billion investment into social housing, which is delivering 8,400 new homes across New South Wales, the largest housing investment in the state’s history.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park:

“Following more than a decade of neglect by the former Coalition government, we are investing in the social and affordable housing growing communities like Bomaderry need.

“These new units will ensure people and families in Shoalhaven have access to more affordable housing, providing them with the certainty they need and deserve.

“The Illawarra is a growing region, and the Minns Labor Government is delivering the housing and infrastructure that will support that growth.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:  

“Our government is getting on with the job of addressing the housing crisis, investing directly in new housing through programs like the Community Housing Innovation Fund and working in partnership with councils and community housing providers to deliver results.

“I want to thank Southern Cross Housing and Shoalhaven City Council for their contribution to this project, partnerships like this make a real difference for people who need a safe place to call home, right now.

“This development represents a major uplift in housing supply for the Shoalhaven, delivering nearly 40 new social and affordable homes in a region where demand continues to grow.

“Many of the new homes are going to women aged over 55, one of the fastest-growing groups of people at risk of homelessness, and that’s exactly who we need to be supporting.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“The completion of these well-located new homes demonstrates the housing solutions that can be delivered when council, community housing providers, and the NSW Government work together.

“I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering safe and secure housing for women over the age of 55.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“This development is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic investment in social and affordable housing. We’re getting on with delivering thousands of new homes across NSW because housing security is fundamental to people’s wellbeing and opportunity.”

“Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to call home, and these new homes in Bomaderry will make a real difference for more than 60 people in the Shoalhaven. This project is about turning underused land into quality housing that’s close to transport, services, and jobs.”

Southern Cross Housing CEO Alex Pontello:

“We are exceptionally proud of this project and the partnership with Shoalhaven City Council and Homes NSW. This project was conceived about 6 years ago by a small group of passionate people. Now it is completed, it will life changing for so many”

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Patricia White:

“Local government, particularly in rural and regional areas, can play a significant role in helping to address the housing crisis being felt right across the country. Providing land is one of the levers we can pull, and I’m delighted this important step was taken and this project is now complete.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to back Western Sydney motorists, today announcing the completion of a study of congestion hotspots across the Cumberland Local Government Area. 

The traffic study, a 2023 election commitment, has analysed the impacts to local roads as a result of the opening of the M4 Widening Project.

The assessment identifies areas for further investigation for practical, high-value fixes to cut congestion, slash travel times, and improve safety throughout some of Sydney’s busiest corridors.

The study identifies a suite of priority locations, with funding allocated for deeper investigation as part of the M4 Widening Road Network Performance Review Plans (RNPRP), to reduce trips through the Cumberland LGA, including:

• Enhancing traffic efficiency and capacity at major intersections with Parramatta Road including James Ruse Drive and Silverwater Road, to reduce trips through local council roads, and to increase trips on the arterial network
• Improving connectivity to the M4 Motorway to reduce traffic on Parramatta Road, particularly between Woodville Road and Silverwater Road

The need for improvements was also identified in the 12 month and five-year RNPRP, which Transport for NSW is required to undertake for each WestConnex stage.

The M4 Widening reviews analyse how the opening of WestConnex Stage 1A has affected travel behaviour, safety and intersection performance on surrounding roads.

The RNPRP also covers the M4 Motorway Coleman Street to Church Street Project, which will focus on the 2.5-kilometre eastbound stretch of the motorway before the tolled section of the motorway at Parramatta.

This is being investigated in response to an increase in crashes at the Church Street off ramp following the opening of the M4 Widening Project (Stage 1A of WestConnex) and is one of four sites in the Cumberland LGA that is recommended for improvements, the others being:

• M4 entrance / Parramatta Road / Church St / Woodville Road
• Parramatta Road / James Ruse Drive / Berry Street
• Parramatta Road / Silverwater Road / St Hilliers Road

The Church Street off-ramp is the final exit before the start of eastbound tolling and provides access to the toll-free route along Parramatta Road.

Reviews into this section of road have identified an increase in traffic volumes and safety incidents on approach to the Church Street off ramp.

A contract has been awarded for early design work to address the issues at the Church Street turn-off while a revised design has been unveiled for the Homebush Bay Drive intersection upgrade and construction work continues on the Hill Road project.

Further updates on these projects will be announced.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“Improving safety and easing congestion across the Cumberland area is a priority for our Government and this study gives us a strong direction for the next steps.

“We have listened to local communities, and we now have a path forward that supports safer travel, better connections and more reliable journeys for everyone who depends on these roads.

“As we move into the next stage of planning, we will continue working closely with residents, councils and transport experts to make sure the solutions deliver long-lasting benefits.”

Member for Auburn, Lynda Voltz, said:

“The reintroduction of M4 tolls by the former NSW Government did not just worsen an already congested Parramatta Road. It pushed even more traffic into our local streets, creating pressure that residents see every day.

“I am pleased this traffic study, promised by the Minns Labor Government, has been completed and will be addressing the major pinch points on Parramatta Road, particularly at Silverwater Road, and deliver real relief for our local roads.”

Member for Granville, Julia Finn, said:

“Granville residents live at the heart of the network, so these findings are incredibly important for our community.

“This work highlights the need to improve traffic flow, strengthen safety and support the growing demand on our local roads.

“I look forward to seeing these recommendations progressed and to continuing to advocate for improvements that make life easier for commuters across Granville and Cumberland.”