Category: NSW News

Communities in Far West NSW will benefit from a $1.9 million funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade hospitals and health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Projects in Far West Local Health District include:

• $500,000 to upgrade Broken Hill Hospital’s Central Sterilising Service Department’s Electronic Tracking System and Instrument Management System, with the work to be completed in three phases.
• $250,000 to Wilcannia Multi-Purpose Service to support essential safety measures for health staff who travel in and around the facility during all hours.  This will include installation of security lighting, cameras, wet-weather ground coating, installation of duress alarms to outside areas with increased range and durability, a fire panel upgrade, and installation of perimeter fencing.
• $250,000 to purchase a Transperineal Biopsy of the Prostate ultrasound machine and biopsy probe at Broken Hill Hospital which will assist the urology service with diagnosis.
• $220,000 to support the repurposing of a medical records room and an unused bathroom to toilet and shower facilities for emergency department and palliative care patients at Wilcannia MPS.
• $190,000 to upgrade waste sanitisers across the District.
• $170,000 for three projects at White Cliffs Health Service to improve patient experiences and support staff safety. This includes the installation of an accessible patient toilet, upgrading CCTV cameras, and soundproofing the waiting room.
• $160,000 for key clinical equipment for a new Renal Dialysis Unit currently being developed at Wilcannia MPS. These include an ECG machine, a dedicated virtual care unit for clinical support, and a pan sanitiser to meet infection prevention and control guidelines.
• $90,000 to create a community walking track and memorial garden at Menindee Health Service for Aboriginal communities to place a plant of their choice in remembrance. The project will also enable patients to exercise to improve their mental and physical health, as well as reflect in a culturally safe and appropriate environment.
• $75,000 to upgrade the front entry at Tibooburra Health Service to improve safety for staff and patients. Works will also be undertaken to improve comfort and liveability of staff accommodation.

The Far West LHD is planning to complete these projects over the current financial year and the next.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“This Government’s $1.9 million investment as part of the Rural Minor Works Program will allow Far West Local Health District to carry out critical upgrades to equipment and health facilities.

“The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“The NSW Government’s commitment to upgrading equipment and health facilities in the Far West is pleasing to see and will help to make a positive difference in the provision of healthcare to our communities.

“It’s often that clinical health services are at the forefront when we think of healthcare delivery, but providing functional, up-to-date and high-quality amenities for our healthcare workforce is just as important.”

The Minns Government is acting on its commitment to attract veterinarians to regional NSW with an expansion of the highly successful Welcome Experience program that has helped hundreds of essential workers make the move to the bush.

Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has helped some 843 essential workers settle into their new regional home by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.

Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in 55 local government areas across regional NSW.

The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in New South Wales highlighted the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.

Expanding The Welcome Experience will address these shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals to relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.

The Welcome Experience is part of the $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in the regions and includes the Make the Move advertising campaign.

It continues to support the continued delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our regions and is further proof of the NSW Government’s dedication to paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that every corner of the state thrives.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage highlighted key challenges facing regional veterinarians, including the need to travel long distances, difficulty finding suitable housing, and a lack of mentorship for new graduates.

“These challenges mirror those faced by firefighters, who often relocate to regional areas where stable housing and community connections are critical for workforce retention.

“By expanding The Welcome Experience again the NSW Government is addressing unique challenges in attracting and retaining critical workers which has a direct impact on the safety, health, and resilience of these communities.”

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jo Coombe said:

“Veterinary services are critical in managing biosecurity risks and safeguarding animal health, animal welfare and public health.

“Vets help deliver food security, farm productivity and wildlife health.

“Regional and rural communities are struggling more than metro areas to access veterinary services, including support for primary production and support for animals, large or small animals.”

Wauchope Veterinary Clinic owner and Advisory Board member, Australian Vet Association’s Veterinary Business Group, Michael Ferguson said:

“We have had to cut back our services, almost across the board, from opening less hours, to not having vets available on some days (especially Saturdays) and no longer being able to provide vet services to the local farms and producers.

“This year less than 70 vets graduated from Sydney Uni and less than 70 will come out of Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga, so competition to attract and retain vets is fierce.

“The variety and scope of the work they would be exposed to and be able to take on is so much greater in regional areas. Experience-wise, a vet who has spent a year or two in the regions will have been able to undertake so many more different surgeries, medical cases and become so much more adept, flexible and employable than those in the cities.

“I believe the rewards, enjoyment and fulfilment both personally and professionally are fantastic in regional workplaces like ours and I encourage all the vet students we come across to seriously consider the benefits of regional work.”

Greater Parramatta is better connected than ever before with the new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line opening today through the Parramatta CBD in a significant moment in NSW transport history.

From 5am this morning, passengers started boarding modern and comfortable air-conditioned light rail vehicles on the new 12-kilometre network, with frequent and reliable services across 16 accessible stops.

The opening passenger service saw three light rail vehicles commence concurrently from the Westmead and Carlingford light rail stops at 5:00am, and Parramatta Square at 5:02am.

The L4 line will launch to a weekday timetable, with initial services every 9 minutes between 7am to 7pm; every 12 minutes between 5am and 7am and 7pm and 11pm; and every 16 minutes between 11pm to 1am.

The 13 new 45-metre-long light rail vehicles can each move up to 400 people, making it easier for residents and visitors to connect to and move through Sydney’s second CBD.

The new light rail line provides connections to key destinations, including the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Riverside Theatres, over 60 cafes and restaurants on and around Church Street, Parramatta Square, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, and three Western Sydney University campuses.

The L4 Line is part of the Transport Opal network – passengers can tap on and off at Opal readers located at each light rail stop, with ticket machines at Westmead Hospital, Childrens Hospital and Ngara stops.

Passengers can plan their trips by visiting transportnsw.info or the Opal Travel App.

Over the coming weeks, additional staff will be placed at each stop to support passengers as they become familiar with the new service.

Audio help points are also located at each stop which connect directly to staff at Parramatta Light Rail’s Operations Control Centre.

Parramatta Light Rail is the first light rail project in the State to deliver ‘green track’, incorporating it with wire-free technology, in park lands and heritage-sensitive environments along 1.3kms of the alignment. The award-winning ‘green track’ design used 81 per cent less concrete in its construction, reduces noise and urban heat, and delivers environmental and health benefits.

Additionally, a new 5.7km walking and bike riding path between Carlingford and Parramatta opened to the public in May 2023 as part of the project, providing residents and visitors with more active transport options. Cyclists will benefit from 160 new bike hoops located near the majority of the light rail stops across the alignment, with the trams equipped with four bike spots.

Parramatta Light Rail has converted the former single-track T6 Carlingford Line between Camellia and Carlingford, which ran two train services per hour and stopped 70,000 drivers each day at the historic level crossing on Parramatta Road, Granville to dual-track light rail. This will provide residents with more frequent services and better connections to town centres, including Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.

With the Parramatta Light Rail now operational, bus routes 535 which ran along the Carlingford to Parramatta alignment during construction and testing, and the 900 Parramatta shuttle bus will be withdrawn from service.

By 2026, around 22,000 people are expected to use Parramatta Light Rail every day, with an estimated 130,000 people living within walking distance of the 16 light rail stops.

Parramatta Light Rail was delivered by Ford Civil, Ventia, Diona Ward Joint Venture, Parramatta Connect (CPB Contractors and Downer Joint Venture), Great River City Light Rail consortium (Transdev and CAF Rail Australia), and their subcontractors.

In the 2024-25 Budget, the Minns Labor Government committed $2.1 billion to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to extend Stage 1 and further connect growing communities in Western Sydney between Ermington, Melrose Park, Parramatta, and Olympic Park.

Early works commenced this month on the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 Enabling Works project to deliver the first 1.3km light rail alignment. This will include a 320m public and active transport bridge between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. Major bridge construction is expected to commence in 2025.

The Parramatta Light Rail stages 1 and 2 network from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park will support the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) priority growth area, one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas.

With GPOP’s population expected to exceed 277,000 by 2041, light rail will be critical to serve this growing demand and connect residents to key employment hubs, entertainment, and amenities

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in transport in Western Sydney, and now the people of Parramatta have light rail travelling on their streets again for the first time in 80 years.

“We are focusing on delivering the essential services that Western Sydney needs most, and that includes reliable public transport to reduce travel times and congestion for local residents.

“The opening of this significant transport link is a big investment in the future of Parramatta, and will soon become part of the daily routines of thousands of Parramatta residents for generations to come.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has been part of bringing this megaproject to life in Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta. 

“This is the public transport network Western Sydney has been waiting for and will provide economic and social benefits for years to come.

“By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links.

“The L4 will connect some of our fastest growing communities and premier destinations in the area, making it easier for people to live, visit and work here.”

“I want to thank the more than 15,500 workers who have played a part in delivering this important piece of transport history.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP said:

“Welcome Parramatta Light Rail! The new L4 Westmead & Carlingford Line is the first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail. Stage 2 will extend this network to Sydney Olympic Park.

“It is an exciting time for Parramatta, we now have access to a modern and reliable light rail service and new active transport links.

“Delivering a major infrastructure project in the heart of our historic city has been challenging and I want to thank the local community for their patience.

“The big day has finally come Parramatta, enjoy!”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“While people become familiar with sharing the road with light rail, we urge everyone to be careful and mindful when driving, riding a bike, or walking nearby.

“The trams are big and can’t swerve, so it is important that people keep an eye out for them, and always stop, listen, and look around.

“There will be Customer Service Officers, along with street teams in red shirts, on the ground, ready to answer questions about the new service. 

“We’re asking people to plan ahead at transportnsw.info or via the Opal Travel app.”

It’s the last day of the school year for 2024, but students at Edmondson Park Public School in Sydney’s west are marking a new beginning as construction officially commences on a long-awaited, brand new high school.

With turning of the first sod for Edmondson Park’s new high school, next door to Edmondson Park Public School, work continues on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure students in Sydney’s rapidly-growing South West have access to high quality public education. 

It also caps off a big year of investment in NSW public school infrastructure as the Minns Labor Government rebuilds public education after 12 years of Liberal neglect, ensuring growing communities have access to the essential services they deserve, like local public schools. 

Construction has started on more than 20 new schools, major upgrades and rebuild projects across metropolitan and regional areas in NSW, and more than 30 new and upgraded schools have been delivered this year alone, with investment totalling more than $1.1 billion.

The first of 100 new public preschools opened at Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, and a further 85 preschools are currently out to tender with builders expected to be appointed over coming months.

As part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, the 2024-25 Budget is delivering record funding of $3.6 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney. This investment will help ensure families in growing communities have access to world-class education facilities.

The new high school in Edmondson Park, located adjacent to Edmondson Park Public School on Buchan Avenue, will include 37 modern classrooms, 3 support learning classrooms and a range of world class education facilities including science, technology, performing arts, and fitness hubs, a library, canteen, sports field and multi-sports courts and lecture theatre.

It will be ready to open for students on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The project is one of more than 60 new public schools and school upgrades now underway in Western Sydney, along with 49 new public preschools to support local families.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be building this much-needed high school for the Edmondson Park community, who waited too long under the Liberals for action.

“This project reflects Labor’s commitment to ensuring students in rapidly-growing suburbs in Western Sydney have access to a world-class public education in future-ready facilities.

“Our new NSW Labor Government is investing in quality public services, including quality, fee-free public schools for working families.”

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This brand-new high school in Edmondson Park will be transformative for local families and students.

“With the region continuing to grow, this investment is essential for meeting the increasing demand for quality public schooling.

“I am thrilled to see work begin on this vital project and can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our community.”

Principal of Edmondson Park Public School Heather Alé said:

“The new high school will provide a much-needed resource for our students and local community.

“Our students will have opportunities for enhanced and supported transitions from primary to high school, as well as access to state-of-the-art learning spaces and sports facilities right here in their local community.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong has appointed Mr Gary McCahon PSM to the role of Commissioner, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW).

Mr McCahon has four decades of experience in corrections, most recently spending four years as Deputy Commissioner, Custodial Operations for Queensland Corrective Services.

Prior to that, Mr McCahon worked at CSNSW as head of the Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy in Sydney, director of custodial operations for the northwest and southwest regions, and as general manager of the State Operations Group.

He began his career as a prison officer in Townsville Prison in the 1980s, where he rose through the ranks, taking on various roles including State Coordinator of the Dog Squad.

In September 2024, Mr McCahon was awarded the national Public Service Medal for his 40 years of outstanding service to corrections, and for leading strategic reform projects, including transitioning two privately-run prisons to public operations, and implementing the Officer Safety (Use of Force) review recommendations.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I am very pleased to appoint Mr McCahon to the role of Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW.

“I am confident that Commissioner McCahon has the experience and skills to lead Corrective Services’ 10,000 staff as they embark on wide-ranging reforms to rebuild public trust and confidence in this important agency.

“In August, Corrective Services NSW was made a standalone public agency, as part of work to lift standards and improve outcomes following the Special Commission of Inquiry into the offences of former Corrective Services officer Wayne Astill.

“Commissioner McCahon will report directly to me in my role as Minister for Corrections, and he has a mandate to implement significant reforms that will deliver a more accountable and transparent corrections system that keeps the people of NSW safe.

“I have also asked Department of Communities and Justice Secretary Michael Tidball to remain closely involved, and to retain an oversight role in dealing with professional standards and misconduct investigations.

“I would like to sincerely thank Mr Leon Taylor for his work as Acting Commissioner while the recruitment process for the permanent Commissioner was completed, and I look forward to him continuing in that role until Commissioner McCahon commences his role in February 2025.”

The lead design team has been appointed to commence planning for a future investment for the Blue Mountains Hospital, to ensure ongoing high-quality healthcare for the local community.

The NSW Government has allocated $25 million from the Restart NSW Fund to deliver essential upgrades to the existing Blue Mountains Hospital as the planning for an upgraded new hospital development is finalised for the future.

Led by Health Infrastructure the lead design team will work closely with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District to identify future health service requirements.

The work builds on the District’s draft Clinical Services Plan for the Blue Mountains region, which included extensive consultation with health professionals and the community. The early planning process will help to determine the scope and budget for a planned future Blue Mountains Hospital.

The design team includes architect, HDR, project manager Capital Insights and cost manager, Concept 2 Reality Consulting which were appointed following a competitive tender process.

In addition, Health Infrastructure and NBMLHD are prioritising key upgrades for the existing hospital to enable healthcare staff to continue to deliver high quality healthcare and enhance the patient experience.

Further consultation with local health staff and clinicians is being undertaken to identify the required upgrades for the existing hospital.

Works to upgrade the hospital’s roof and Central Sterilising Services Department are currently under way, with further maintenance and upgrades to follow.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The Restart NSW funding provides a new opportunity to review health care services in the Blue Mountains and plan a future hospital which ensure healthcare in the region continues to meet the needs of the community.

“Early planning is a crucial first step toward delivering new health facilities in the Blue Mountains.

“The appointment of the lead project team will maximise opportunities for the Blue Mountains Hospital to provide the local community access to the care they need closer to home for generations to come.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:

“To see planning progress for a future planned Blue Mountains Hospital brings to life a project that the community and I are passionate about. I am thrilled to see progress being made with the appointment of the design team.

“The future Blue Mountains Hospital will be informed by the needs of our community and our passionate hospital staff – delivering the healthcare we deserve and generating more jobs in the Blue Mountains region.

“While this planning work is carried out, I look forward to seeing construction progress on the upgrades to the hospital’s roof and Central Sterilising Services Department in the coming months.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to progress reforms to strengthen local government, announcing changes to the way council meetings are conducted to ensure greater transparency and increase community confidence in council decision making.

All councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practice based on the Model Meeting Code issued by the Office of Local Government.

The government has now released a consultation draft of amendments to the Model Meeting Code for public comment.

The changes aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code and ensure councillors are making decisions in the full view of the communities they are elected to represent.

They also aim to increase the dignity of the council chamber and remove the general manager’s involvement in council politics.

Key changes, some of which have been recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) include:

• preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions
• requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
• requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations
• de-politicising the role of the general manager by removing the requirement for them to prepare reports on councillors’ notices of motion
• expanding the powers of the mayor to expel councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
• requiring councillors to stand when the mayor enters and when addressing the meeting

Changes to the Model Meeting Code were flagged in a discussion paper outlining the government’s proposed reforms to the councillor code of conduct system.

Submissions will be accepted until Friday, 28 February 2025. To learn more and provide feedback, go to: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-model-code-of-meeting-practice/

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Council meetings are where a council’s most important decisions should be made.

“It concerns me that these decisions are increasingly being made behind closed doors in private briefings, locking out the community and protecting councils from public scrutiny.

“As a former mayor, I want to see all councils conducting their business in an open and public forum, where communities can engage with their council on issues that directly affect them.

“The current Model Meeting Code has become unwieldly and is prone to drawing the general manager into political disputes which should be left to elected councillors to resolve.

“These changes are part of the government’s commitment to restoring public trust in local government which has been eroded by years of neglect and a cultural shift towards secrecy over public service.”

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Roads across the Bellingen Shire are receiving nearly $11 million in government funding to help make the state’s road network more resilient to floods and fire.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments’ Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the betterment project will not only improve the roads’ resilience but reduce future costs following disasters in the local area.

That includes a $9.8 million package to improve Darkwood, Timboon, Valery and Martells roads and $1.19 million to upgrade a section of Kalang Road.

These works are designed to assist local residents, industry, producers, businesses, schools, bus operators and emergency services by increasing the safety and reliability of the road network.

Bellingen Shire Council is enhancing road resilience with a series of essential upgrades. These include improved drainage systems, new concrete kerbs, upgraded road pavement layers and sealing of key unsealed sections.

Additionally, road alignment adjustments, safety barrier installations and retaining walls will increase stability, and ensure a safer and more durable roadway for all.

Updates on progress will be made available at Bellingen Shire Council – infrastructure projects. 

Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery:

“The Australian Government is pleased to see work progressing in Bellingen Shire, which has been heavily impacted in recent years by both bushfires and floods.

“These projects will increase the reliability of the road network and reduce the frequency and duration of road closures during disasters.

“This will have direct social benefits by reducing the likelihood of local communities becoming isolated, and by supporting local residents to remain connected.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Work to repair key parts of this road network will make a difference to the local community.

“These road improvements will mean reduced impacts following any future natural disasters.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“Ensuring local roads can remain open longer and reopen more quickly following fires and floods helps ensure travel can resume faster for locals and businesses who rely upon the transport network for their daily lives.

“Kalang Road is the only access route for the Kalang Valley and ensuring its resilience will improve the lives of the 280 people who live there, which is good news for them and a huge benefit for local businesses.

“I recently travelled along Waterfall Way in Bellingen Shire and was pleased to see work to improve that road underway with a restoration project between Bellingen and Dorrigo which is being funded through Essential Public Asset reconstruction works under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“It is good to know that this shire will now also receive $10.9 million towards the betterment of their roads through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package and Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements which will reduce future costs following natural disasters in the area.”

Bellingen Shire Mayor Cr Steve Allan:

“This funding from the Australian and NSW Governments is truly welcome.

“Our country roads are currently undergoing much-needed revitalisation, and it’s encouraging to see the government backing these projects to ensure safer, more reliable roads for our community.

“The impact of the recent disasters has meant the need for significant work to be done on these roads, especially as they serve as crucial links during emergencies. 

“Council is excited to now deliver these projects, which will repair significant stretches of Darkwood, Timboon, Valery, and Martells Roads, while upgrades including embankment stabilisation, drainage improvements and installation of a safety barrier on a section of Kalang Road. This will enhance its resilience, improving reliability and greatly increasing safety for everyone who uses them.

“We appreciate the understanding of the community as we work through the delivery and completion of these important works.”

A further two landslip sites have been repaired on the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain as part of the ongoing natural disaster recovery effort being jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Throughout 2024, repairs have been successfully carried out at four Brown Mountain landslip sites thanks to $6.7 million from the Australian and NSW governments.

Of those, two landslip sites were completed recently at Brown Mountain, with almost 150 soil nails installed – each up to 11 metres long – into the damaged slope and under the road, and more than 700 metres squared of mesh and sprayed concrete, also known as shotcrete, to secure the area and prevent further erosion.

A further two landslip sites now need to be repaired with Transport for NSW beginning a procurement process to secure specialist contractors with the repair work expected to be underway in 2025.

The landslip damage was caused by a series of unprecedented natural disaster events across southern parts of the state that brought record-breaking rainfall – up to six times the average rainfall totals, in some cases.

Repair work at multiple landslip sites in southern NSW has involved crews removing thousands of tonnes of landslip spoil (rocks, soil and vegetation), installing hundreds of soil nails and spraying thousands of cubic metres of concrete to stabilise the landslip areas and prevent further erosion in future severe weather events.

Federal Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain said:

“As someone that drives Brown Mountain every week, I know how frustrating the ongoing closures from landslips and rockfalls are, which is why it’s great to see work on these two landslips now complete – in time for the peak holiday traffic.

“Our investment with the Minns Government to repair Brown Mountain is making it safer for locals to get around, and also ensuring tourists can continue to support our fantastic local businesses in Eden-Monaro.

“We know there’s more work to do, which is why I’ll continue advocating for a long-term solution to improving the safety and reliability of Brown Mountain.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I want to thank work crews who have carried out these repairs. This work has been done under difficult conditions on steep and narrow sections of road, often with machinery operating in spaces narrower than a standard single car garage and with workers either suspended on platforms or abseiling ropes.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“It’s good to see more repairs completed at Brown Mountain. This route is a key connector for freight, health, and tourism, and I am committed to ensuring the long-term planning work is done to improve its resilience to natural disasters.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“We understand natural disasters have had a significant impact on travel through these important mountain roads in our region and we thank the communities impacted for their patience while these essential repairs have been carried out.”

NSW will this month reach a significant milestone, screening more than two million newborns across the state for hearing loss since the Australian first Statewide Infant Screening Hearing Program began in December 2002.

Hearing loss is a common disability, with one in ten people either being born with or later developing hearing loss in their lifetime.

Approximately 180 of the more than 90,000 newborns screened in NSW each year are detected as having significant hearing loss.

Early diagnosis and referral to specialist treatment is vital for children’s overall development, leading to better outcomes in their speech, language and communication.

Under the program, a trained screener will conduct screening on a newborn baby while they are asleep or resting. This can take place in both public and private birthing facilities, in a community clinic or in a family’s home.

The hearing screen takes no more than 20 minutes to complete, and the baby’s results are available immediately. The screener is able to explain the results right away to the baby’s parents and record the results.

Babies who do not pass the initial hearing screen will have a repeat test completed. Newborns who are identified as requiring comprehensive hearing assessment are referred to one of three paediatric audiology centres in NSW, located at The Children’s Hospital Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick and John Hunter Children’s Hospital Newcastle.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring all infants have the best possible start to life, by ensuring any hearing issues are identified early so they can receive specialised treatment right away.

“Hearing loss is an invisible disability and one which impacts a significant proportion of the community, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention.

“Importantly, this essential test is offered to all parents of newborns in the first few days of life and provides reassurance to families as well as further support should they need it.”

Western Sydney Local Health District SWISH Area Coordinator, Judith McCloskey:

“By the time an infant says their first word, they will have been listening to the way we talk for some time, from when they were developing in their mum’s womb to their first few months following birth. So, it’s important to know early on how well they can hear so their family can get the right advice and support.

“Evidence supports prior to the role out of SWISH newborn hearing program, children with a significant hearing loss would not develop language or educational standings on par with their normal hearing peers. Thanks to the SWISH program, these children are now being identified and diagnosed early, enabling them to be on par with their normal hearing peers.”