Category: NSW News

Music enthusiasts can leave their car behind and catch public transport to the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival, which kicks off next Friday.

NSW TrainLink has a seven-day-a-week train service between Sydney and Tamworth, as well as train connections to the north to Armidale and Moree, which have daily coach connections to Tenterfield and Inverell.

There are also NSW TrainLink coach connections several times a week to major regional hubs including Port Macquarie and Dubbo.

As well there are local regular route bus connections around Tamworth, there is a special Festival Express bus service, and rural bus connections out to Quirindi, Manilla and Bendemeer.

NSW TrainLink Acting Chief Executive Jasmin Streimer said alongside the other travel options such as driving and flying, Transport for NSW is proud to play a key role in connecting thousands of music lovers to Tamworth each year, helping boost tourism and the local economy.

“Public transport offers people the chance to get to the festival and experience its incredible energy with convenience, comfort and affordability,” Ms Streimer said.

“Whether it’s for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, another regional event event or at any time of the year, travelling with NSW TrainLink is a chance for people to sit back and enjoy the journey and take in the beautiful scenery.

“For many people it is a convenient option that takes the hassle out of long-distance driving and the need to find parking.

“They arrive right in the heart of the action at Tamworth railway station and as an added bonus, as part of the festival activities, some rising Australian country musicians will perform at the station.”

“It’s a truly unique and memorable welcome to Tamworth and gives visitors a taste of the festival the moment they step off the train or coach,” Ms Streimer said.

More information about Transport for NSW public transport train, coach and bus connections to Tamworth can be found at transportnsw.info/tamworth-station

Bookings on NSW TrainLink train and coach services can be made online at transportnsw.info/regional-bookings or by calling 13 22 32.

Festival goers can  search specially designed regular route bus services operating around town to key concert locations during the festival period in Tamworth via Trip Planner by going to transportnsw.info/routes/bus and searching ‘Tamworth’.

The Festival Express service c is delivered by Buslines Tamworth. Route maps can be viewed and downloaded from the Buslines Tamworth website.

The 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival runs from 17-26 January.

The next round of the Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy (TOD SEPP) sites are coming into effect in the New Year.

Housing affordability is the single largest cost of living concern for people of NSW with the impacts being felt across the state, whether it be students, workers, young families or people looking to downsize later in life.

These reforms are just one part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to confront the housing crisis by speeding up the planning system, investing in social and affordable housing, and reforming NSW rental laws.

Belmore and Lakemba

Belmore and Lakemba TOD SEPP sites will be finalised in mid-January delivering more homes than the TOD SEPP planning provisions.

Detailed planning to guide future development around Belmore and Lakemba train stations has been submitted to the Minns Labor Government to enable new residential flat-buildings and shop top housing within walking distance of public transport.

The City of Canterbury-Bankstown has confirmed their masterplans for Belmore and Lakemba to create capacity for more than 18,000 new homes across the two TOD SEPP sites. The final dwelling capacity will be analysed through the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) review and validation of the masterplan.

The City of Canterbury-Bankstown has planned for this growth by taking up the Minister of Planning and Public Spaces’ challenge of completing its own masterplanning to go above and beyond the TOD SEPP provisions. These are the second and third sites that Council has completed within the required timeframes, the first being Canterbury station in October.

Belmore and Lakemba will now be transformed with capacity for new homes, along with additional open space, strategic site linkages and increased affordable housing to be kept in perpetuity.

A new place-based approach will be applied to each precinct to preserve important aspects of each suburb’s unique character while embracing change. Tailored height and density limits will apply to key strategic areas chosen by Council so that there is an adequate transition for the CBD’s building height and scale.

This planning approach led by Council will allow each precinct to leverage new employment, community infrastructure and transport opportunities.

The Department is now assessing Council’s plans with new SEPP planning controls to come into effect once amendments are made to the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Environmental Plan (LEP).

View the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s proposed plans for Belmore and Lakemba.

The Department will now review and validate Council’s plans to ensure they meet the Government’s expectations. It is expected that the planning controls for Belmore and Lakemba will be completed in early 2025.

Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville

Inner West Council are in the process of undertaking a comprehensive LEP review. Once those plans are submitted to the Minns Government, if they go above and beyond the TOD SEPP controls, Council’s plans will supersede the TOD SEPP.

The Minns Government is awaiting Council’s submission of masterplanning for the Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Marrickville TOD SEPP sites.

If council does not complete the strategic planning within the agreed timeframe, the TOD provisions will be applied in mid-January allowing Development Applications to be lodged under the Minns Labor Government’s policy.

The TOD SEPP controls will remain in place until Council submit their own plans.

For more information visit Transport Oriented Development | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has always acknowledged that local councils should do strategic planning for their area if they are willing to.

“Belmore and Lakemba stations have both been selected as TOD SEPP sites due to their location on the soon to be upgraded Sydney Metro Southwest line and they have infrastructure that would support additional housing growth.

“These precincts were identified as great locations to deliver new housing alongside significant transport upgrades.

“Future residents in these precincts will be well connected with rapid new transport connections to the city and existing heavy rail links to Lidcombe and western Sydney.

“NSW needs more homes and a broader range of housing types to make sure every individual from young people to retirees can find a home to suit their evolving needs.”

With the Boxing Day sales launching today, NSW Fair Trading is encouraging shoppers to be savvy about their rights before they hit the stores or start clicking ‘add to cart’.

Every consumer has the right to purchase products which are safe, fault-free, and fit for purpose under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and if a product doesn’t meet these standards, customers are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund—even during the festive sales shopping season.

Whether you’re splurging on a luxury gift, or hunting for a Boxing Day bargain, consumer rights don’t take a holiday during the shopping season, and these rights apply equally to full-priced and sale items.

NSW Fair Trading has already handled more than 6,300 complaints this year about defective or unsatisfactory products, ranging from broken gadgets to poor-quality purchases.

To avoid adding to this tally, shoppers should stay informed and prepared.

Common refund and return pitfalls to remember:

• No receipt, no refund? – Not necessarily. Proof of purchase doesn’t have to be a paper receipt. Bank statements, digital invoices, or an email invoice can support your claim.
• Change of mind? – While many retailers do offer refunds or exchanges just because you changed your mind, retailers aren’t legally required to, so check their policy first.
• Sales stock rights? – Discounted items aren’t ‘lesser goods’. Sale items are still covered by the same refund rights as full-priced ones, unless the fault was disclosed upfront.

Tips for savvy festive shoppers:

• Check the return policy – Policies differ between retailers, particularly for change-of-mind returns. Some stores offer flexibility, while others stick to stricter rules.
• Inspect before you buy – Whether in-store or online, examine the product details carefully to avoid surprises. For online purchases, ensure the seller has a clear returns process.
• Keep proof of purchase – Snap a photo of your receipt or save your digital confirmation. This could save you a lot of hassle.

For more information about consumer rights or to lodge a complaint, visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Nobody wants to play refund roulette over the holidays, and knowing your rights before you shop can help you avoid disappointment during the festive shopping season.

“Consumer rights don’t take a holiday when it comes to repairs, replacements, or refunds, and these rights apply equally to full-priced and sale items.

“If you unwrap a faulty gift or discover your sale bargain doesn’t meet expectations, don’t let the discount stop you from asking for a repair, replacement, or refund – the Australian Consumer Law protects you no matter what the price.

“A little extra effort upfront, like reading return policies and keeping your receipt, can save you from a big headache later on.”

More free summer fun is on the way, with activities and events for the whole community to enjoy.

The NSW Government’s free summer activities include live music, outdoor cinema, markets, fitness classes, and cultural celebrations held across Sydney’s iconic public spaces.

Family-friendly fun is on the menu during the school holidays, with opportunities to play, explore, and discover together. Learn more about the history of Sydney at The Rocks Discovery Museum, get to know our native plant species at the Botanic Gardens, or become a Junior Lifesaver at Penrith Beach.

Feeling active? Join a yoga session, run club, or pickleball competition, take a dip in the harbour at Marrinawi Cove, or visit one of the many stunning parks and nature trails across the Greater Sydney Parklands.

Top it all off by coming together to celebrate notable cultural festivals, with events marking New Year’s Eve, Lunar New Years, and Holi all in the calendar.

Free activities to explore this summer:

Barangaroo

• Barangaroo Run Club – Run club for runners of all levels with tips and support from experienced trainers on Friday mornings, 7.15am – 8.15am
• Yoga on Country – First Nations inspired yoga sessions on Wednesday lunchtimes at 12.30pm
• Pickleball – Pickleball competition with trainers and equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes 12.00pm – 2.00pm
• Swimming at Marrinawi Cove – Head to the sparkling waters of Barangaroo’s idyllic harbour coves to take a free access dip in the crystal-clear waters

Darling Harbour

• Darling Harbour Run Club – Run club for runners of all levels with tips and support from experienced trainers on Monday mornings, 7.15am – 8.15 am
• Rhythm n Bubs – Interactive musical performance for bubs and carers on Wednesday mornings, 10.30am – 11.15am
• Kids Yoga at Darling Quarter – Let out your inner mini-yogi with this weekly 30 minute session to help kids connect with their body, breath and mind. Fridays 10.30am and 11.30am

The Rocks

• The Rocks Laneway Cinema – Movies on Wednesday evenings 7.00pm with a free registered ticket
• The Rocks Yoga Under the Bridge – Free yoga lessons on Sunday mornings, 8.30am and 9.30am
• The Rocks Discovery Museum – A free family friendly museum that tells the story of The Rocks from pre-European days to the present, 10am – 5pm daily

Botanic Gardens Sydney and Domain

• Daily guided walk – Explore the Garden and its remarkable history, botany, and wildlife on an unforgettable 1.5-hour guided walk. 10.30am – 12.00pm daily (by donation)
• Alchemy of a Rainforest Exhibition – Explore a vibrant tapestry of life! Step inside this immersive, sensory exhibition featuring spectacular rare and unusual tropical and subtropical rainforest plants. 10.00am – 4.00pm daily (by donation)

Parramatta Park

• New Years Eve – Parramatta’s much loved NYE fireworks display and concert is back for another year of family friendly fun. This year the event is bigger than ever, with more ways to celebrate including a dedicated family zone featuring DJ Dorothy the Dinosaur, amusement rides, roving characters and more. Tuesday, 31 December, 5.00pm – 9.30pm
• Sydney Symphony Under the Stars, Sydney Festival 2025 – Gather your friends, family, set up a picnic and enjoy an evening of orchestral highlights that concludes with a dazzling fireworks finale. Saturday, 18 January 2025

Penrith Beach

• Bootcamp on the beach – Kickstart your summer fitness with exciting sessions and guest trainers most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in January
• Wildlife Wednesdays – Learn more about turtles, snakes, birds, ochre and how to be a Wildlife Warrior with educational programs by visiting Sydney Zoo staff. 8, 15, 22 and 29 January 2025.
• Learn to Swim – Promoting water safety awareness and teaching essential lifesaving skills, these half day events will focus on beach and inland waterway safety, lifejacket usage, dryland rescues and CPR. 30 January, 27 February, and 22 March 2025
• Junior Lifesavers – One for the kids! Master essential water safety skills and practice lifesaving and rescue techniques with exciting games and scenarios – all in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. Suitable for ages 5 -12 years. Saturdays from 1 February until 5 April 2025
• Cultural Celebrations – Mark the Lunar New Year with a Kite Festival on Saturday, 9 February 2025, get active with a Valentines Day Fun Run for the Heart Foundation on Saturday, 15 February, and join in the celebrations for the Holi Festival with a colour run on Saturday 23 March 2025

Fernhill Estate

• Fernhill Estate Walking Trail – 2.6km self-guided weekend walking trail giving the community a look at one of western Sydney’s most beautiful estates. Open Sundays from 10am – 12pm and 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

• Australian PlantBank tours – Find out how New South Wales flora are stored for preservation and for future plant security of threatened species and genetic diversity. 11.00 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 1.00 Saturdays and Sundays (by donation)

Metro North West

• Public Art Sydney Metro North West trail – Walk the trail and view the varied artworks in pockets along the Sydney Metro North West line. Open anytime

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitments to great public spaces, we are offering free entertainment for the whole community.

“This summer there is great fun in some of Sydney’s most iconic locations for families to enjoy without breaking the budget in a time when we know many people are doing it tough.

“We’re building better, more connected communities, with everything from large events like New Year’s Eve to weekly fitness classes to keep people moving.”

Western and South-Western Sydney are fast cementing their reputations as go-to night-time destinations, with St Marys and Bringelly, Merrylands-Guilford and Parramatta experiencing strong growth in food, beverage, leisure and entertainment spending.

New data shows regional and suburban areas are outperforming Sydney’s inner-city in both business growth and night-time in-person spending.

This trend is driven by population growth and infrastructure investment in Greater Western Sydney, including the new international airport due to open in 2026. Additionally, deliberate policies supporting the night-time economy, such as the Uptown District Acceleration Program, the Live Performance Venue Program and the Vibrancy Reforms, have likely further bolstered growth in these regions.

The geographic areas experiencing strong growth in core night-time economy businesses, including food, beverage, leisure and entertainment are:

• St Marys and Bringelly: 21% growth
• Merrylands-Guildford: 14.2% growth
• Parramatta: 14% growth

Pleasingly, several of the state’s regional areas are also recording strong night-time economy growth, with Kiama, Queanbeyan and Griffith experiencing more than 5% growth.

The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Data After Dark September 2024 quarterly report also reveals:

• That night-time economy growth in Western Sydney and regional areas is also supported by more consumer spending shifting into the night. Spend data is tracked via online and in-person transactions across day and night.
• In the past two years, people movement data suggests that more males travelled at night in all western Sydney and regional areas, except for Kiama-Shellharbour.
• Female participation in the night–time economy is slightly higher in regional areas.
• Regional areas saw a lower proportion of young people heading out at night.
• In regional areas, Queanbeyan seemed to benefit from its proximity to Canberra, while Kiama benefited from its local centre and the neighbouring Port Kembla.

The NSW Government is supporting this decentralisation of nightlife through a raft of night-time economy boosting programs, including the Uptown District Acceleration, Open Streets and Community Improvement District programs.

The Government’s Vibrancy Reforms aim to make it easier for venues to do business and support the diversity of night-time offerings in communities across the state.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said: 

“Covid has changed the night-time equation. People want to go out more often, and more nearby.

“That is driving a growing Parramatta foodie scene and a healthy live music scene popping up again on our state’s south coast. The epicentre of this night-time boom is Sydney’s west.

“For the first time, with the Data After Dark platform we can measure what is going on in our state’s night-time economy.

“The data shows clearly that people across NSW are seeking opportunities to go out closer to home. That is great for local businesses, but also for people who may choose to visit these areas.

“This data will serve as a basis for us to track how night-time economies outside of the Sydney CBD are performing as we continue our work to uplift and enhance the state’s night-time economy.” 

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said: 

“Data After Dark is a new digital tool that will measure the health of the night-time economy in NSW.

“We want people to get people off the couch and go out at night. This data shows that people don’t have to travel too far to find a great night out, regardless of where they live in NSW.

“From live performance to experiences like digital and arcade games, bowling and art shows, there are so many great offerings across NSW. We hope to see continued growth in the sector to support the unique night-time economies across the state.

Background

• Data After Dark is a first of its kind tool that establishes a set of universal measures for night-time economies.
• Operating as a collaborative data platform for council and government decision-makers, Data After Dark will help foster a shared understanding of the performance of the night-time economy and provide the first comprehensive, comparable and consistent insights on night-time economies across NSW.
• The Data After Dark platform collects and integrates a range of key economic data relevant to the night-time economy and visualises them to present comprehensive findings and trends.
• The data powering this platform is seamlessly integrated into the system, enabling access to the latest insights covering consumer spend, people movement, safety, businesses and more at any given time.
• This new data is captured through the Government’s revolutionary Data After Dark platform, which collates people movement data from mobile services, de-identified point of purchase taps and business data to provide comprehensive, comparable and consistent insights on night-time economies across NSW.
• The September Data After Dark quarterly report has revealed several western and south-western Sydney suburbs are outperforming Sydney’s inner-city area in both business growth and night-time in-person spending over recent years.

The complete Data After Dark September quarterly report will be published online later this month.

The Minns Labor government has welcomed the ban on the importation of engineered stone products from 1 January 2025, to protect the future health and safety of workers.

The national import ban covers engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels with silica content of more than one percent.

This follows the world-first domestic ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone products in Australia that started on 1 July this year.

This prohibits the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing at least 1% silica.

The Minns Labor Government led the campaign for the national ban, vowing it was prepared to act unilaterally, ahead of an agreement being reached across the Commonwealth.

The NSW government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with the strengthened laws.

Since September, our Silica Compliance Team has conducted 140 inspections, handing out three fines totalling almost $10,000 for non-compliance. More than 125 improvement notices have been issued and seven prohibition notices in workplaces.

The moves aim to safeguard workers from silicosis, a lung disease caused by respirable crystalline silica, which tragically has led to several deaths.

Silicosis is caused by items with a high silica content such as engineered stone. The stone has been linked to the incurable illness since 2015. Engineered stone is a common item used in kitchen benchtops.

Uncontrolled cutting, drilling, polishing and grinding of Crystaline Silica Substance (CSS) materials such as granite, tiles, bricks and sandstone can also lead to serious illnesses such as silicosis, lung disease, lung cancer, and kidney disease.

The Minns Labor government has pledged $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust.

The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

In addition, the icare Lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

In 2025, the Lung Bus will travel right around the state, including stops in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Gosford, Dubbo, Bathurst, Broken Hill, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth and Newcastle.

Find more information on the full list of Lung Bus destinations.

Find more information on crystalline silica and the new safety requirements.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The NSW Government is committed to reducing the unacceptably high rates of silicosis being developed by workers and we welcome the ban on the importation of engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels from 1 January 2025, to protect the future health and safety of workers.

“It is illegal to use, supply and manufacture these products within Australia, so this importation ban is an all-important next step.

“We don’t need these dangerous products entering the country, and I congratulate the Commonwealth for implementing the ban.

“The engineered stone importation ban will go a long way in bringing silicosis numbers down and create safer workplaces.”

SafeWork NSW Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin said:

“No one deserves to have their health compromised due to their working environment. 

“In NSW, as the SafeWork NSW campaign goes, It’s the Safe Way or No Way.”

The NSW Government is issuing a call to the 6.9 million drivers across the state to make the safest decisions on the road in 2025 and help reduce the annual road toll.

NSW recorded a total of 340 road deaths in 2024 – the same number of people lost in 2023.

Data suggests there was a slight moderation in the second half of the year as the Minns Labor Government introduced a string of measures to tighten road safety, including the July 1 introduction of seatbelt cameras.

However, the number of people lost on our roads remains too high and the Government is focused on building on those measures to increase safety and reduce the trauma impacting our community.

Overall, fatalities remain below the pre-COVID era.

Speed remains the biggest killer on NSW roads. In 2024, 136 people died in crashes where speed was a factor.

The NSW Government is doubling the number of locations where mobile speed cameras can be positioned on state roads and has also announced the upcoming trial of average speed cameras for private vehicles in two regional areas.

Similar to recent years, far too many deaths are happening in regional NSW. In 2024, 234 people died on regional roads which was down 2% on the previous year.

Fatigue remains a stubborn problem, with 77 fatalities attributed to driver tiredness last year.

Alcohol and drugs are also preventable issues that factor in too many deaths. However, in the first nine months of last year, the preliminary figures show a decrease from 2023 of 12% for alcohol and 20% for drugs.

As the NSW Government continues to invest in life saving initiatives for all road users and the number of licence holders on the road continues to grow, there have been a number of areas of improvement in road trauma this year.

Deaths of bicycle riders have hit the equal lowest level in the state’s history since detailed records began in 1960, with five cyclists dying in 2024, and pedestrian deaths are lower than in previous years.

Sadly, there has been a concerning rise in deaths of motorcyclists with 67 deaths, an increase of 34% when compared to 2023 figures.

In response, the NSW Government is changing the Graduated Licensing Scheme for motorcyclists to improve novice rider training, testing standards, and licence requirements. 

Also, legislation will be introduced in 2025 to enable mandatory drug and alcohol testing for drivers involved in a crash which results in grievous bodily harm.

The NSW Government will also continue to roll out around $1 billion in lifesaving infrastructure upgrades on regional and metropolitan roads through its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program and the joint federal/ state funded Road Safety Program.

The NSW Government introduced a number of measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025. They include:

• The trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles in 2025
• Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with an additional 2,700 new sites where a camera can be deployed. Total enforcement hours will remain the same
• Seatbelt enforcement via the state’s existing mobile phone cameras
• The demerit point return trial that encourages safe driving
• Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of its star rating system
• Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
• Implementing recommendations from the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce to stamp out rorting of the system by mainly visiting foreign nationals
• Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth

Find further details on road death data.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Too many lives were lost on NSW roads in 2024.

“We should never become desensitised to the annual figure or accept that it should be as high as 340 as it has been for the last two years running. Every one of these 340 represents a family and network of loved ones and friends who will never be the same for having lost someone.

“If there is a bright spot in the data in 2024 it is that the sharply higher trend of fatalities recorded in 2023 has not continued and we did not see another increase in the total.

“The NSW Government is committed to building on measures already introduced like switching mobile phone detection cameras on to seatbelt detection, conducting a trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles and a range of measures to ensure drivers on foreign licences or visiting visas are playing by the same rules as everyone else.

“I want to urge all drivers who qualify, to remain offence-free from January 16 to receive a demerit point removed from their licence. The more people who succeed, the more overall road safety is enhanced.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Today we remember the 340 people who we have lost in road crashes in 2024.

“More than two thirds of those people died on regional roads, despite only a third of our population living in the regional areas of NSW.

“As we remember the people who died this year as well as those who suffered serious injuries and trauma on our regional roads during 2024, the NSW Government is investing the majority of nearly $1 billion in road infrastructure through the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program and the jointly funded Australian-NSW Road Safety Program on regional roads. These initiatives are improving road safety, particularly in high-risk areas, and help reduce fatal crashes across the state.

“Speeding remains the number one issue in NSW when it comes to road trauma and the NSW Government is doing everything it can to educate and enforce the rules around speeding. We are rolling out more sites for camera enforcement, trialling the use of average speed cameras for light vehicles, reviewing speed zones, delivering public education campaigns and working with NSW Police.

“Again, I urge everyone to obey the speed limits – they are there for a reason and could save your life.

“Fatigue related crashes have increased significantly this year with 77 fatalities (up by 24 compared with 2023).  There is also a significant increase in fatalities where drivers are travelling on their own in fatigue related crashes (up from 18 to 29).

“This highlights the need for people driving on their own to ensure they don’t drive when they are tired.

“It’s heartening to see preliminary information showing a reduction in the involvement of drugs and alcohol in fatal crashes and I continue to remind all road users it is vital they take personal responsibility when behind the wheel—whether it’s obeying speed limits and driving to the conditions, taking regular breaks, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not being distracted by mobile phones and always, always wearing a seat belt.”

Tom Daher, Founding Member of the Road Trauma Support Group NSW said:

“Road trauma leaves a lasting scar on families and communities. Losing my father, Tannous, to a preventable crash caused by a driver on drugs was a heartbreak that will stay with me forever.

“Every day, families in NSW face the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one on our roads—almost one life lost daily. These are parents, children, siblings, and friends whose absence is felt every moment. Over 1.5 million adults in NSW have been affected by road trauma, leaving emotional and psychological wounds that never fully heal.

“No one should have to bury a loved one because of an avoidable fatal crash. We hope 2025 will bring a significant reduction in the in the number of people killed and injured on our roads, but it requires all of us to commit to safer choices, stronger accountability, and greater awareness of the lifelong impacts of road trauma.”

The Minns Labor Government’s mission to bring Sydney back to life will allow Walsh Bay to show its true potential as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading performing arts hotspots during the next three weeks of the Sydney Festival.

This year’s Sydney Festival will be the first event since the opening of the Barangaroo Sydney Metro station, and the second tranche of the vibrancy reforms that have cut red tape that restricted operating hours and trading conditions for venues and events.

Last year the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct became the home of the Sydney Festival, but the event was restricted due to planning conditions that meant patrons were forced inside after 10pm, just as many shows were finishing and patrons were arriving for a post-show drink.

Under new planning conditions the main festival bar will get an extension until 2am for both indoor and outdoor areas.

The new planning conditions will allow ‘Sunrise Yoga’ at 6:30am, more outdoor furniture, food trucks to operate during the day and evening for preshow and post-show dining, and a floating boat installation to be lit until 2am. This will significantly improve the vibrancy and experience of patrons of the world class Sydney Festival and demonstrate what could be achieved in Walsh Bay all year round.

The Walsh Bay Arts Precinct has enormous potential given its scenic harbour views, central location, proximity to the Sydney Metro and the high concentration of Australia’s premier performing arts companies.

In addition to the extended trading hours for Sydney Festival, tranche two of the government vibrancy reforms (legislated in October 2024) has also introduced the following measures which will create more powers to activate Walsh Bay and other precincts all year round:

• Enabling the creation of Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) on state owned land so places like White Bay Power Station and Walsh Bay can benefit from extended trading hours and relaxed rules.
• Amendments to the Major Events Act 2009 which make it faster and easier for the government to manage transport, street closures and other key planning measures for large scale events.
• Remove even more barriers for hospitality venues, like the antiquated ‘5km Rule’ for clubs.
• Create greater opportunities for live music through turning off development consent conditions that limit a venue’s ability to host live music.
• Removed restrictions on outdoor areas in licensed venues that restricted patrons to sitting only.

John Graham Minister for the Arts said:

“Walsh Bay could be like the West End in London, but with harbour views. For one month of the year during Sydney Festival, our city will now start to see the full potential of Walsh Bay.”

“At this year’s Sydney Festival Walsh Bay will trade two hours later. That will make it a lot more vibrant on those hot summer nights.

“Walsh Bay could be one of the most exciting performance hubs in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s home to Australia’s best theatre, music and dance companies, and now has a metro station around the corner.

“The Minns government’s vibrancy reforms have cut the red tape that has held our city back.

Sydney Festival Director Chris Tooher said:

“Sydney Festival is thrilled to return to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct in January 2025, bringing “The Thirsty Mile” to life with a vibrant mix of ticketed and free performances and installations.

“Thanks to new planning provisions championed by the NSW Government, visitors can enjoy the precinct’s indoor and outdoor spaces late into the summer evenings.

“Streamlined licensing regulations will also enhance the experience with exceptional food and drink offerings, including the Moonshine Bar pop-up on Pier 2/3.

“With the new Barangaroo metro station providing seamless access, Walsh Bay is set to be the must-visit destination this January.”

Background on Walsh Bay

• Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is a modern arts and cultural hub that is home to nine of Australia’s leading performing arts companies: Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare, Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Theatre Company, and The Song Company
• In 2024, Sydney Festival activated the entire precinct for the first time with a whole of site festival takeover, with the festival returning in January 2025, delivering over 40 events, music and installations to Walsh Bay Arts Precinct between January 4 and 26
• Responding to the cost-of-living crisis, 50 out of 150 shows and events at Sydney Festival are free entry and early bird ticket buyers were able to access all ticketed events for only $49 

People from around the world can now access digital records of more than one million plants with the launch of the first searchable image archive from the National Herbarium of New South Wales. 

The Herbarium is located at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and holds specimens from across the Pacific region for critical biodiversity, ecological, and evolutionary research studies.

Over the past five years, scientists from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney have archived and digitised the entire collection, including more than 800 specimens collected by botanists Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander on Captain Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific in 1770.

The new platform is the most comprehensive searchable image archive in Australia, and the first and largest mass digitisation of a natural history collection undertaken in the southern hemisphere. Around 4,000 images were taken daily to transform the plant specimens into a high-resolution image. 

The digitisation process has already revealed new discoveries of Australia’s botanical science history, including specimens collected by celebrated Indigenous painter Albert Namatjira and illustrations by renowned botanical illustrator Margaret Flockton. 

The collection of high-resolution images has been uploaded to Amazon Web Services (AWS), who are providing free storage as part of the AWS Open Data Sponsorship Program. The program covers the cost of storage for publicly available datasets, supporting community access to the records for the first time. 

People can visit the Botanic Gardens of Sydney Herbarium search portal and search for plants using scientific name, collection date, collector and other criteria. The search result will reveal the images of the plants and collection data associated with the specimen.

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The National Herbarium of New South Wales located in Western Sydney is one of the most significant botanical resources in the southern hemisphere.

“For the first time, scientists and plant enthusiasts can now access hundreds of years of botanical history to learn about Australia’s unique biodiversity.”

Chief Executive, Botanic Gardens of Sydney Simon Duffy said:

“To see the transformation from an 18^th century specimen library to a cutting-edge digital collection for public use is quite extraordinary.

“Technological advancements such as this also help foster better collaboration with educators and students, decision-makers, private land holders and managers, and community groups to help save plants from extinction in this rapidly changing world.”

Chief Technologist Public Sector, Amazon Web Services, Simon Elisha, said:

“AWS is proud enable the digitisation of over one million priceless plant specimens by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.”

“Leveraging our scalable cloud and AWS Open Data Sponsorship Program, the Botanic Gardens of Sydney has created a globally accessible digital treasure trove that can revolutionise botanical research and conservation.”

Two years ago, Anthony Albanese grabbed Chris Minns by the hand, parading him as his mate and welcoming him as the new NSW Premier. Fast forward to today, and Chris Minns and his ministers now avoid being seen with the Prime Minister, knowing full well their policies mirror Canberra’s failures.
 
New South Wales is hurtling towards an economic dead end, shackled by the same small target policies and failed priorities that are crippling households under the Albanese Labor Government in Canberra. The similarities between the two governments have proven disastrous for families and businesses alike.
 
Under Labor, New South Wales is enduring its slowest economic growth in more than three decades. The state’s economy is projected to expand by a pitiful 0.75 per cent this financial year, a dramatic downgrade from the already bleak 2 per cent forecast just six months ago. These numbers are not just statistics—they are the grim reality faced by families struggling to keep their heads above water amidst skyrocketing living costs, stagnating private sector wages, and soaring housing prices.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said Labor’s mismanagement has left New South Wales households exposed to economic pain, echoing the same failures unfolding under the Albanese Government.
 
“The Treasurer waited until days before Christmas to try and hide the dire truth about the state of our economy, hoping no one would notice. But let’s be clear—there is no hiding from the facts. Labor has no plan to turn this state around, and the only spark they can find is in spin and excuses,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
We have two Labor governments, federally and in New South Wales, united in failure. Both promised hope and delivered despair. Families are hurting, businesses are folding, and economic growth has stalled. Meanwhile, Labor’s only response is to keep pretending there is nothing to see here.
 
Economists are painting a bleak picture of what lies ahead. Westpac warns that NSW’s economic engine is “running low on fuel”. Despite this, the Minns Labor Government continues to ignore the warning signs, just like their mates in Canberra, who have buried projections showing Australians face almost a decade of lost living standard.
 
In just 78 days, the Premier will stand up alongside his Treasurer and try to convince New South Wales that in two years, Labor has achieved something substantial. The reality? Small targets and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for infrastructure projects inherited from the Liberals and Nationals.
 
The Premier’s Department is already scrambling to create Excel spreadsheets, spin documents, and talking points to dress up their failures as successes so they can issue a media release saying look at what we have achieved and separately create window dressing answers for the government for budget estimates next month. But the truth is clear—they have delivered little, while wages are blowing out, and there’s no real infrastructure pipeline on the horizon.
 
We know that a fiscal cliff is coming as wage blowouts spiral out of control, yet this government has failed to deliver any new infrastructure projects of its own.
 
The Treasurer and his Labor colleagues want us to believe they have things under control, but the reality couldn’t be more different. The Minns Labor is following the Albanese Labor Government down the same destructive path—and it’s the people of New South Wales who are paying the price.
 
Housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures, and sluggish economic growth are set to plague New South Wales for years to come, mirroring the crisis facing Australians nationwide under the Albanese Government.
 
NSW is worse off under the Minns Labor Government.