Category: NSW News

A third of the surface of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be repainted and areas of rust treated as part of a focused, eight-year maintenance program to bring the iconic arch up to scratch in time for the 100^th anniversary of its opening.

About 150,000 square metres of steel will be repainted by the centenary in 2032, with 12 new full-time painters to be recruited in coming weeks to help the push.

The new recruits will boost the dedicated Sydney Harbour Bridge team to more than 130 painters, riggers, electricians, fitters and engineers.

The Bridge, which weighs 52,800 tonnes and is the widest and tallest arch bridge in the world, takes thirty years to paint and involves four coats of paint, each a slightly different shade. The final coat is the heritage-listed Sydney Harbour Bridge Grey.

The bolstered workforce will allow painting targets to be raised by 30 per cent over the next eight years. Some of the hardest sections to access, including lateral pieces of steel high in the arch, have not been painted in three decades.

Rust patches have become increasingly visible to the public, with the target for rust treatment going unmet in recent years.

Transport for NSW is assessing a longer-term maintenance plan which includes the delayed use of an arch maintenance unit that was procured under the former Liberal National government.

The NSW Government has asked Transport to present a plan for its implementation.

The uplift in work will be scheduled to minimise impacts on BridgeClimb visitors.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Sydneysiders could not be prouder of the Harbour Bridge and it is critical that it is looking its best for the centenary of its opening in 2032, but also in the best condition to serve the city for the next 100 years.

“I was not satisfied that the current maintenance plan would deliver that in time for 2032 and beyond and today we outline a much more intensive program for the treatment of rust and painting.

“This is tough, intricate and time-consuming work. The 12 new permanent full-time workers join one of the best, most-experienced maintenance teams in the country.

“The Bridge remains the city’s most critical road and rail corridor, but it is also a priceless tourism asset which makes this work that much more critical.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“It’s no easy feat to balance the need for maintenance on the arches above with the needs of the traffic and train corridor below, so much of the work on the visible sections will be carried out at night.

“The Bridge is a one-of-a-kind asset – there’s no instruction manual for keeping it in world-class condition for another 100 years. Our dedicated teams need to design all approaches from scratch.

“Designing and implementing bespoke technology for our one-of-a-kind icon has proved to be a complicated process. We don’t want to leave anything to chance, so we’re putting in place a program for rejuvenation now.

“Safety is our number one priority at Transport for NSW and we are always on the hunt for new technologies to make our work safer and more efficient.

“It is critical we get in and get this work done, and that we do not rush the testing and roll out of new technology before we know it is reliable and safe for our people and the community.”

Sydney Harbour Bridge by the numbers:

• Officially opened 19 March 1932
• Excavation work began in January 1925
• The arch was joined just before midnight 19 August 1930
• The Bridge weighs 52,800 tonnes and spans 1,149 metres
• More than six million hand-driven rivets
• Road deck is 49 metres above the water
• Highest point 134 metres above sea level
• Arch can rise or fall 18 centimetres due to heating or cooling
• Total painted surface of the steel structure is 485000m²
• 272,000 litres of paint is needed for the initial 3 coats.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to make fishing available and welcoming for people living with disabilities, theGovernment will be hosting community events across the state to celebrate International Day of People With Disability.

International Day of People With Disability, held annually on December 3, is dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals living with disabilities.

The Government’s The Fish For Life program, using funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust, provides, among other things, fishing workshops specifically for people with disabilities.

This year International Day of People With Disability fishing events were held at Greenwell Point, Ballina, Gosford, Balmain, Chaffey Dam Boat ramp and Lions Park, Forbes.

The Minister for Primary Industries, Tara Moriarty, attended the Fish For Life workshop at Greenwell Point on the South Coast where she met with local disability fishers, NDIS support workers, carers and family members and inspected an accessible fishing platform.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fishcare education officers and Volunteers work with fishing groups and disability providers to promote the benefits of fishing.

Other activities to promote fishing among people with disabilities include: 

• Recreational Fishing Trust funding for Accessible Fishing Platforms, as well as a new interactive map on the DPIRD website detailing locations and facilities available at more than 350 accessible fishing platforms and locations, in NSW
• The $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program which is available for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for small projects to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for communities 

For more information on Fish For Life.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Fishing is a wonderful, inclusive activity that brings people, their families, and carers together.

It encourages physical activity, fosters social connections, and provides a peaceful way to connect with nature. 

“The Minns Labor Government promotes recreational fishing as an inclusive activity for everyone to enjoy. It is a fun, healthy, outdoor activity that people of all abilities can participate in. 

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“As a government, we want to break down barriers for people with disability to live full lives.

“That’s why we’re improving access to recreational activities like fishing, so everyone can participate in this time-honoured Australian tradition.”

State Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making recreational fishing a more inclusive and welcoming activity for everyone, especially people with disabilities.

Initiatives like the ‘Fish For Life’ program highlight the Governments dedication to creating opportunities for all communities to enjoy the joys of fishing.”

NSW’s new Building Commissioner James Sherrard has officially started in his role leading the state’s first dedicated building and construction regulator.

In his first week in the job, as the Building Commission NSW marks its one-year anniversary, Mr Sherrard has set out his priorities to underpin industry oversight and compliance, backed by a growing team of more than 450 people.

His focus builds on the success of the regulator in restoring quality and public confidence, while looking towards further industry reform:

• Developing and introducing building reforms to support strong regulation, industry productivity, and consumer protection.
• Increasing construction compliance and building quality to support the 2029 National Accord housing target.
• Support further education on how quality construction can save practitioners time and money.
• Setting clear expectations of ‘what good looks like’ through industry education, and examples of rated developers and good standard projects.

Building Commission NSW was established by the Minns Labor Government on 1 December 2023 and is marking its first anniversary by reflecting on 12 months of compliance, innovation, and reform including:

• Inspecting around 1,400 buildings across metropolitan and regional NSW, focusing on home building and residential apartments.
• Publishing a library of the most common defects to help practitioners identify and fix issues early, better protecting consumer investments and saving builders time and money.
• Building a more dedicated regional presence, starting with inspectors based locally in the Illawarra.
• Using data and intelligence to focus attention on riskier licence renewals and applications.

A prime example of the Building Commission NSWs work was a recent concrete quality safety blitz which unearthed defects in 12 buildings across four major metropolitan regions.

Inspectors targeted specific sites in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong, which was guided by intelligence suggesting 20 Class 2 (apartment) buildings under construction may be at higher risk of poor-quality construction.

Building Commission NSW inspectors used Schmidt Hammer tests, which measure the elastic properties or strength of concrete, to identify risks in quality of formed concrete and variations in strength across column and slab structures at these sites.

While all the defects identified can be rectified with none posing a public safety risk, Building Commission NSW has responded quickly by issuing orders to ensure defects are resolved before the buildings are finished and residents move in.

Building Commission NSW will continue to monitor these projects through to completion, while the concrete audit program hits the road and targets more regions across NSW. 

These ‘Anywhere, Anytime’ inspections are part of a wider campaign of regular audits that will focus on the quality of work related to the five key building elements of structure, fire safety, waterproofing, building envelope, and key services like electrical, plumbing, and lifts.

These activities are designed to reinstate consumer confidence in the building industry by getting on top of defects early and ensuring early intervention and education to builders and site managers.

Since 2021/22 alone, NSW has seen a 20 per cent reduction in waterproofing defects and a seven per cent reduction in structural defects.

Find more information on the work of the Building Commission NSW.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Building Commission NSW is in safe hands as Mr Sherrard takes over the helm of the state’s first dedicated building regulator.

“Commissioner Sherrard will lead an exciting new chapter for compliance and change in the building and construction industry.

“Building Commission NSW was established in December 2023 with the core goal of turning the state’s construction industry around.

“Public confidence in the building and construction was low, standards were not up to scratch, and there were too many horror stories of building defects.

“Building Commission NSW has made significant progress in turning negative perceptions of the building industry around.

“Commissioner Sherrard has all the tools and experience to make a lasting effect on NSW’s construction landscape, and I have no doubt he will continue to raise the bar for the industry and restore public confidence.”

Building Commissioner, Building Commission NSW James Sherrard said:

“I look forward to leading the dedicated and passionate Building Commission NSW team as we all push the construction industry to be better, build quality homes, and take compliance seriously.

“There is a housing shortage in NSW and we need to play our part meeting important housing targets without compromising on quality.

“Building Commission NSW was set the challenge to lift industry standards, and momentum is already shifting.

“Most developers, builders, designers, and engineers are onboard with the changes.

“Notwithstanding this approach, we will still enforce the legislation, where necessary, without fear nor favour.

“We will continue to get on with the job to restore industry integrity and give NSW residents peace of mind that their home is safe and secure.”

James Sherrard Bio:

Mr Sherrard has more than 30 years of experience, spanning global construction projects with specialist expertise in strategy, commercial, and infrastructure areas.

His previous role was Head of Commercial, Performance and Strategy at Transport NSW, where he led a team responsible for contract frameworks, the acquisition of property for major infrastructure projects, procurement for several multi-billion dollar projects, and an analytics team.

Mr Sherrard has been a project manager on civic, residential, and sporting infrastructure projects across metropolitan and regional NSW, and globally, including the Sydney and London Olympics.

He has worked at senior levels in professional services consulting, focused on infrastructure and urban renewal, and has formal qualifications in building, business, and law. 

Mr Sherrard’s experience in international construction projects between 2004 and 2015 spanned time working in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Noise cameras have been installed in Bayside Council areas today as part of Australia’s first ever noise camera trial to tackle vehicle noise pollution.

The NSW Government committed to trialing noise cameras to crack down on hoon behaviour.

Trials will occur in Bayside following community concerns about excessively noisy vehicles and locations that are popular with drivers who engage in anti-social car behaviour.

Locations for the cameras in these areas were chosen based on feedback from the community, councils and technical experts.

UK company Intelligent Instruments has provided the emerging technology, the SoundVue Noise Camera System, which has been used in global cities including London and New York.

The weatherproof system includes a microphone array and dual cameras to monitor and record roadside noise, capturing high quality audio and video. 

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is working with Bayside Council, Transport for NSW and NSW Police on the trial, which will determine how effective the cameras are at identifying noisy vehicles.

As well as the Bayside field trial, the EPA is also working with the University of Technology’s Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration to test the technical capabilities of an additional camera in their controlled environment. 

Fines will not be issued during the trial period, but a review will help determine if the cameras can be used for regulatory purposes in the future.

The trial will conclude by December 2025.

Member for Rockdale Steve Kamper said:

“We are delivering on our election commitment, the Minns Labor Government is cracking down on hoons by conducting Australia’s first ever trial of vehicle noise cameras.

“The impact of ‘hooning’ behaviour on residents in the Bayside community should not be underestimated. Local residents and businesses have had enough.

“The locations of the cameras were chosen after consultation with the local community, councils and experts. Feedback on the locations saw some of the highest ever engagement on the EPA ‘have your say’ website.

“We are committed to finding solutions that make our community safer, and this trial will help us better understand the potential of noise cameras to identify and respond to anti-social behaviour and reckless driving.”

The NSW Nationals have today publicly announced their opposition to the Minns Labor Government’s Great Koala National Park, an election commitment to help save koalas from extinction.

Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals and Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, held a press conference with National Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp today, where they were asked whether they supported the Great Koala National Park,

JOURNALIST: For the three of you, obviously just a really simple yes or no question, do you support the Great Koala National Park?

GURMESH SINGH: No.

MICHAEL KEMP: No.

RICHIE WILLIAMSON: No.

Today’s comments are just latest in the National’s damning record when it comes to Koalas, which saw the beloved native animal, or as former National Party Leader John Barilaro called them ‘tree rats’, on track to be extinct in the wild by 2050.

In the wake of these comments from the leadership of the NSW National Party, NSW Labor Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe is calling on the Liberal Party to publicly state if they agree with their Coalition partners and will be taking a commitment to end this project to the next election.

In 2019 and 2020, National Party members threatened to leave the Party room and end the Coalition Agreement over efforts to rehabilitate the koala population.

NSW Liberal Party Leader, Mark Speakman must today come clean with the public and answer:

Do the NSW Liberal Party support the Great Koala National Park?

Does he condemn the National Party Deputy Leader’s position?

Have the Koala wars been reignited?

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to deliver on their election commitment to establish the Great Koala National Park, with approximately 12,000 koalas living in the area under assessment for inclusion in this essential project.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, said:

“While I’m not surprised, I am immensely disappointed. If we do not take this urgent action, there is a very real possibility that our grandchildren will never get the chance to see koalas in the wild.

“Mark Speakman urgently needs to come clean with the communities of New South Wales if the future of Koala’s will be on the line at the next election – or have the koala wars been reignited?”

The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct projects are progressing across Jindabyne including important works underway to enhance Barry Way road to deliver a new purpose fit approach for the new Jindabyne high and primary schools plus sport precinct.

The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and State Member of Parliament for Monaro Steven Whan were on-hand to inspect the progress of projects this week.

The Barry Way upgrades, which commenced in November this year include landscaping, levelling the road for safer driving, replacing utilities pipes and conduits, and a safer and easier drop off section for parents, children and staff when the new schools open in early 2025.

This complex road construction project is a priority and the Minns Labor Government stepped in to find the $47 million in funding when discovering the former Nationals/Liberal government had not funded the necessary road works for the new schools.

The $47 million commitment to enhancing Barry Way is in addition to the previously announced $196 million for the special activation precinct announced by Ministers Moriarity and Whan earlier in 2024. This increases the special activation precinct funding to a $242 million program of works for the Snowy Mountains.  

In addition to the Barry Way upgrade the projects announced in April 2024 by the Minns Labor Government have progressed as follows:

Foreshore design

• The key elements of the foreshore design include a 3.5km shared user path upgraded between Banjo Patterson Park and Widows Creek, a new playground in the park, a pump track, improved lawn areas and improved drainage
• Community consultation related to the foreshore design wrapped up in November and feedback will be considered, and the final design completed by mid-2025.

Bike precinct

• This project will see 500 hectares of land within the Snowy Mountains precinct become home to a Mountain Bike Adventure Park
• Planning work is underway and will inform what features, facilities and amenities the adventure park will include. Further details are expected to be announced by mid-2025.

Sewer and water

• The Jindabyne wastewater treatment plan is being upgraded to increase capacity, to meet the long-term needs of the growing population, ensuring the future amenity needs of the community are met. The detailed design for the wastewater treatment plant is underway.
• A new water treatment plant will be constructed to ensure compliance with drinking water standards. The project is currently in the concept design phase, with a construction tender expected to be issued in 2025.

Electrical upgrades

• The scope of the electrical upgrades is being finalised, these upgrades will future proof the precinct and provide reliable electrical supply to the growing Jindabyne community.

Land development

• Planning work is underway that will inform how the staged release of land will be rolled out to support a diverse mix of housing.

NSW Public Works has been engaged to lead the delivery of the water and sewer projects across the precinct. NSW Public Works are well equipped to plan and deliver water supply and wastewater infrastructure that meets the Council’s and community needs and protects public health and the environment.

The Snowy Mountains precinct is also facilitating the supply of a diverse mix of housing to benefit the community, support workers and the transition to a year-round economy.  

For more information: www.nsw.gov.au/snowySAP.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Snowy Mountains special activation precinct is playing an important role in creating long-term economic prosperity in the region and I am pleased to expand the precinct commitment by $47 million to include important upgrades to Barry Way around the new school precinct.”

“These projects are progressing but there is more to be done and I am ensuring this happens appropriately and in a timely manner.

“The water and sewerage works, the foreshore design plus bike precinct and opening further housing development are important for a future Snowy economy and our Government is keen to see it underway.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan

“When I was elected, I told the electorate that my focus would be on the essentials. Essentials which were neglected by the previous government when considering how Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains area is growing.

“Now that public consultation is closed, design works are progressing on the foreshore design, roadworks are underway to finish the Jindabyne School Precinct, and a new sewerage and water treatment plant will help ensure the town’s growth is sustainable.

“There is more work to be done, and I will keep the region updated and time goes on.”

The NSW Government will donate $25,000 in funding support for the Ballina Hot Meal Centre from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund.

The Ballina Hot Meal Centre has been serving hot meals to people who are sleeping rough and other vulnerable people in Ballina Shire for over 27 years.

The Ballina Hot Meal Centre has only seen an increase in demand for its sit-down, take-away, and meals-on-wheels service for the most vulnerable in the community with 600 meals prepared by a purely volunteer staffed service across the 2 days per week it is open.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We know people are doing it tough and now more than ever, organisations like the Ballina Hot Meal Centre are a lifeline in our regional communities.

“I’m pleased to provide the hard-working volunteers with this funding so they can continue serving hundreds of meals each week, making life a little easier for those who may be struggling or need some extra support.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Providing this service for nearly 30 years relying solely on donations is a testament to the spirit of the volunteers at the Ballina Hot Meal Centre and the generosity of the Ballina community.

“I was grateful to meet with Dawn and the volunteers who provide not only a meal but a friendly face, offering comfort and support to those who need it most.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:

“Incredible and selfless volunteers have been running Ballina’s only soup kitchen for nearly 3 decades without government assistance. As well as the amazing local businesses that donate food and money, our community stepped up where previous governments did not deliver.

“I am very grateful to the Premier Chris Minns for his humane response to the funding needs of the service, and for recognising the incredible work that this community run organisation is doing to improve vulnerable people’s lives. This funding not only keeps the centre open for another year but it lifts the morale of the volunteers who keep it going.

“I would like to thank the volunteers and every person and organisation that have donated over many years and who have not given up on this service – the only organisation that remained open and provided meals to people in our community throughout COVID 19. The volunteers, most of whom were vulnerable and at risk of infection themselves, did not step down but instead modified their service delivery to provide takeaway meals.

“Today’s announcement recognises the unbelievable effort of volunteers in our community who have fundraised every year, volunteered to collect and cook and serve meals every year, and kept going. You are absolute heroes in my eyes and in the eyes of our community.”

General Manager of Ballina Hot Meal Centre, Dawn Sword said:

“The Ballina Hot Meal Centre is operated and run entirely by volunteers, some who have been here since its inception, and all of whom help provide a warm and welcoming environment where they feed those in need not just with food but with kindness and hope.

“We are so grateful for the continual support and advocacy from our local Member Tamara Smith MP who has helped us to secure this much needed funding from the Premier, and thank his representative Minister Hoenig for joining us today.

“Without this funding it would have been a struggle to keep our doors and kitchen open to continue servicing the community at a time when it is most needed.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the future of regional New South Wales, with a three-day international trade mission commencing in the South Coast showcasing all the region has to offer.

International delegates from 13 countries are attending the South Coast trade mission, which will focus on the region’s emerging industries which present investment, trade and industry development opportunities.

As the state’s economy grows and changes into the future, building enduring partnerships with international investors and exploring new opportunities for local industries in global markets is vital.

This mission will give the delegates a firsthand experience of the innovation, trade, investment and collaboration opportunities regional New South Wales has to offer.

Representatives from Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are visiting Eden, Merimbula, Bega, Moruya, Broulee and Batemans Bay.

The trip include meeting with local industry leaders such as the Alkath Group, Bega Cheese, Broulee Brewery, Australia’s Oyster Coast, and Sea Urchin Harvest.

Delegates will learn more about how South Coast businesses such as Recycling Technologies Group in Eden are reducing landfill from metal and timber manufacturing by turning the waste into a new, viable energy source.

They will also have the chance to soak up the scenery and learn more about the rich Aboriginal heritage of Killalea Regional Park, Jigamy Farm and Snug Cove.

The trade mission is part of the NSW Government’s Regional Investment Activation Program, which aims to drive growth, create jobs, and promote investment in regional NSW.

To date, the initiative has supported five trade missions in NSW in regional locations such as the Hunter, Riverina and Central West.

Minister for the Illawarra & South Coast Ryan Park said:

“The South Coast is a hub of industry and natural abundance and I’m so proud we have an opportunity to showcase this to international markets.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“We are saying very clearly to the global community – Regional New South Wales is open for business!

“As well as the South Coast of NSW being a stunningly beautiful place to visit, the region is a hub of opportunity and has so much to offer in terms of established and emerging industries.

“There is no substitute for first-hand experience, and I am delighted that the Consuls-General will have a chance to get outside of the metropolitan areas and get an authentic understanding of this region’s economic strengths in person.

“This trade mission is putting regional NSW front and centre for global investors to help us open the door to new opportunities, create jobs, and drive growth in our regions.”

Minister for Industry and Trade, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Diversifying our state’s trade offerings is central to the Minns Labor Government’s plan for our trade economy.

“Showcasing local South Coast businesses to representatives from major international markets including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, is not only an opportunity for the local economy but increases the profile of NSW across the globe.

“This is another great example of the Minns Labor Government creating real international trade opportunities for local businesses.”

State Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“The South Coast is a region of unparalleled natural beauty and innovation, making it an incredible destination for global business and investment and I welcome the delegates to the region.  

“It is exciting that the delegates will visit Huskisson to launch the NSW Government’s Seaweed Prospectus at PhycoHealth, a local business that specialises in sustainable seaweed products.  The seaweed industry not only drives innovation but also reinforces our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

“This trade mission is a testament to the unique opportunities our industries on the South Coast have to offer; from world-class aquaculture to groundbreaking clean tech advancements.”

State Member for Bega, Michael Holland said:

“I am pleased to welcome the international trade mission to the beautiful Bega electorate.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share the best of the Far South Coast’s primary production from our dairy products to the world’s best oyster industry.

Our visitors will experience the Eurobodalla and the Bega Valley’s hospitality as well as witnessing innovative manufacturing and tourism industries.”

In a story five years in the making, Newcastle and Central Coast passengers will be the first to enjoy Sydney Trains’ new Mariyung fleet when it rolls out of Newcastle Interchange for its first passenger service on Tuesday, December 3.

The first Mariyung Train will begin its journey from Newcastle Interchange to Sydney Terminal at 8:21am, stopping at 20 stations, including Newcastle Interchange, Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Cardiff, Fassifern, Morisset, Wyee, Warnervale, Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Point Clare, Tascott, Koolewong, Woy Woy, Berowra, Hornsby, Epping, Strathfield, and Sydney Terminal.

After years of delays under the former Liberal Government, which awarded the contract for the fleet in 2016, the Minns Labor Government came to an agreement on the final operating model with the rail workforce in August 2023 which meant the Government could finally press ahead with getting these trains on the tracks.

The operating model for the fleet has also been signed off and approved by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

So far, fifteen Mariyung train sets have been completely modified by local workers at Kangy Angy. Two of those sets will begin service on December 3, while the rest go through the rigorous safety testing regime before being progressively rolled out along the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.

Mariyung Trains will then be progressively rolled out on the Blue Mountains Line and the South Coast Line.

Modifications include relocation of CCTV viewing screens and passenger door controls, changes to the digital radio system, adjustments to fire detection management and fire-resistant materials, and emergency door release functions.

Modifications have also been made within the rail corridor to support the changes made to the Mariyung fleet operating model, including station platform extensions, relocation of train stopping markers, signaling equipment and overhead wiring structures.

The New Intercity Fleet will set a new standard of travel for commuters who make approximately 26 million journeys a year on the electrified intercity network.

The improvements include wider, more spacious two-by-two seating with arm rests, tray tables, and high seat backs, charging ports for mobile devices, dedicated spaces for luggage, prams and bicycles, and modern heating and air conditioning.

They will also open up greater options for travel for people with disabilities and mobility issues with dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and accessible toilets.

Last year, more than 12.7 million trips were taken along the Central Coast and Newcastle Line, and it’s hoped the much-anticipated new fleet will boost patronage.

Named after the Darug word for Emu, the Mariyung can operate in 4-car, 6-car, 8-car or 10-car configurations, and seat more than 820 passengers in a 10-carriage train.

The Mariyung trains will progressively replace older fleets including the V-sets, that were first introduced to NSW in the 1970s and the Oscar trains that debuted in 2006.

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:

“It should have never taken this long but the wait is finally over. The Mariyung trains will finally be on the tracks from December 3 this year. They’ll provide a massively improved level of comfort for all our passengers travelling between Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.

“These trains were supposed to be on the tracks 5 years ago. It’s been a priority of mine to ensure that we got them out of sheds and on the tracks by the end of this year. I’m incredibly proud that our Government has been able to deliver that.

“I also want to thank our rail staff for working with us to get these trains ready. This is an example of what can happen when the government and the rail workforce work together.” 

Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland said:

“Today is an exciting chapter for our staff and our customers and especially those passengers travelling to and from Sydney on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.

“The Mariyung trains are quieter and roomier and will provide our passengers with a much improved and more comfortable travelling experience for decades to come.”

“This project has been incredibly complex, but we are pleased we have been able to work in consultation with our workforce to locally modify these trains and get them into service.”

Glow-in-the-dark line markings will be trialled on Bulli Pass, south of Sydney, before being assessed for a wider rollout in NSW.

The photoluminescent painted markings absorb and store sunlight during the day and glow at night, helping drivers better see line markings and the shape of the road ahead.

Glow Roads are designed to improve night-time visibility, helping markings stand out in adverse weather, and provide a safe alternative at sites where street lighting is not practical.

The hairpin turn on Bulli Pass will be the first place in the state to get the glow treatment.

The location was chosen after a spike in near-miss incidents between 9pm and 4am, with 125 near-misses recorded in the year to June 30.

Bulli Pass is heavily used by large trucks and motorcycles and the new line markings will be installed part way down the steep descent to increase awareness of the sharp bend. A glow sign will also be installed.

The trial will run for six months, after which data and customer insights will be reviewed to determine whether to extend the trial or implement the Glow Road technology on other parts of the state’s road network.

Rigorous testing of glow roads has been undertaken at Transport’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal to ensure the innovation is suitable for Australian conditions.

Different modes of transport were put through their paces, with a car, truck, motorbike and bicycle tackling the controlled ‘glow’ course. Skid testing was also undertaken to check Glow Roads’ had the same level of slip resistance as current line markings. 

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Line markings might not be the first thing we think about in terms of innovation, but this is a bright idea and we are excited to trial its benefits.

“Being able to see the shape of the road ahead is critical to safe driving and that’s what Glow Roads do.

“Data shows around a third of fatal crashes in NSW happen at night. If this trial is deemed a success, we will look at its application on other locations with a history of crashes or near-misses where better visibility is needed. 

“Bulli Pass has had a rising number of near-misses – particularly at night- so using Glow Roads to improve driving conditions will help the thousands of motorists who rely on this busy route.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Glow Roads is an exciting new alternative for areas where street lighting may not be practical – many of our regional and rural roads face this challenge.

“Locals know this road – and others like it across the state – can have visibility plumet in seconds when fog or a storm rolls in, and I’m excited to see how this innovation performs in those conditions, too.

“This initiative offers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution on regional roads with limited or non-existent street lighting.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“The Glow Roads is the brainchild of one of our transformation teams here at Transport who – trying to find a solution to boost safety at remote or isolated sites – pitched the idea at an in-house innovation challenge. 

“Improving road safety is a massive priority for everyone across at Transport – so we jumped on the opportunity to put this ‘bright idea’ to the test.

“Before rolling ‘Glow Roads’ out on public roads, we tested the new line markings and glow paint under a range of conditions at our Future Mobility testing site to make sure it was ready for the next phase of the trial.”