Category: NSW News

A Sloane Liberal and Nationals Government will crack down on criminals and make communities safer by introducing new Adult Crime, Adult Time laws within the first 100 days of Government.
 
Labor has lost control of crime across NSW with young people increasingly at the centre -being recruited to carry out gangland hits, committing violent crimes and breaking into people’s homes.
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have repeatedly put forward stronger laws, which include Anytime, Anywhere Knife Wanding laws and tougher penalties for those who recruit children to commit crimes, only to be met by opposition from the Minns Labor Government.
 
Under our reforms, the list of serious children’s indictable offences (SCIOs) would be expanded, meaning maximum adult sentences would apply to additional serious crimes.
 
The offences would be backed by guideline sentencing and new sentencing principles to ensure detention is not treated as a last resort, especially where that applies to multiple sentences. Greater weight will be given to victim impact rather than the age of the offender.
 
We will also double funding for the Community Safety Investment Fund to $10 million and fund expanded diversion, school suspension and post-detention rehabilitation programs to put young people back on the right track.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said that under our plan victims would be put first and serious youth offenders will face real consequences for their crimes.
 
“I believe in tough love which means doing everything we can to support young people and put them on the right track. But if you commit a serious adult crime, there should be serious adult consequences,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“For too long youth offenders who have committed serious crimes in our state have faced consequences that don’t match community expectations. That will end under the NSW Liberals and Nationals Adult Crime, Adult Time laws.”
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said regional NSW was dealing with a youth crime crisis and was sick of waiting for Labor to get tough on this issue.
 
“Regional NSW has had enough. From Moree to Dubbo, families, business owners and older Australians have had enough of living with violent crime and kids running riot,” Mr Singh said.
 
“We will put community safety first in regional NSW and ensure serious youth offenders get the book thrown at them for their crimes.”
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said police officers were sick of arresting the same serious youth criminals just to see them back on the streets.
 
“Our police do a great job keeping our communities safe, we need to back them with laws to ensure that serious youth offenders face proper consequences for violent crimes,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Acting Shadow Attorney General Susan Carter said these laws would also be accompanied by further investment in youth diversion programs.
 
“Young people who commit serious crimes should face serious consequences, but we also want to be doing all we can to ensure young people don’t commit those crimes to begin with,” Mrs Carter said.
 
“Adult Crime, Adult Time laws will form one part of a broader Liberals and Nationals youth justice package that will be based on a clear principle that we will hold serious offenders properly accountable while also doing everything reasonably possible to stop young people becoming serious offenders in the first place.”
 
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Regional Crime Brendan Moylan said the NSW Liberals and Nationals would tackle serious youth crime through both prevention and consequences.
 
“We must tackle crime from all sides, intervening early, deterring offending and throwing the weight of the law at those who commit crimes to keep NSW communities safe,” Mr Moylan said.
 
Former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner and Liberal Candidate for Camden Mick Willing said the police must have the powers to get control of the issue.
 
“The face of crime has changed, we now have a situation where innocent members of the public are no longer off limits, and sentences need to represent that and community expectation around that,” Mr Willing said.

New figures have revealed seatbelt fines surged by 2,357 per cent in just one year, with the NSW Liberals and Nationals calling for an immediate public education campaign.

A staggering 132,755 seatbelt fines were issued in 2024–25 following the introduction of AI-powered detection cameras. Concerningly, more than one in ten fines were issued for failing to wear a seatbelt at all.

Despite the huge increase in fines, the latest Transport for NSW figures show:

• 12,157 people were seriously injured during 2025, an increase of 598, or 5.2 per cent, from 11,559 in 2024.
• 244 lives have been lost on NSW roads in 2026, compared with 240 at the same time last year.

Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said enforcement must be supported by clear and practical education.

“These figures show that current deterrence measures are not enough to improve road safety,” Mr Coure said.

“Cameras can detect an offence and issue a fine, but the evidence is showing it is not addressing the cause and changing behaviour.”

“The Minns Labor Government must back current deterrent measures with a comprehensive education campaign, which the NRMA is also calling for – with targeted information for passengers, parents, pregnant women and culturally diverse communities.”

“Two-thirds of the offences reportedly involved passengers, demonstrating that the Government’s message is simply not reaching the broader community.”

“With the NSW road toll remaining unacceptably high, fines alone are not a road safety strategy. Education and enforcement must work together.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build more homes for Bega, with approval granted for the next stage of a development to transform the former TAFE site.

The approved plans will create a 72-lot subdivision on the underutilised government owned land for around 95 new homes, with 30 per cent dedicated to social and affordable housing.

This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to help ease the ongoing housing crisis by unlocking surplus government land that can be repurposed to create more housing supply for more people, including seniors, families, key workers and those on the social housing waitlist.

Designed with community in mind, the subdivision will include:

• infrastructure to support a mix of private, social and affordable housing lots
• space for single dwellings, duplexes and seniors’ housing
• safe, connected walking paths and improved streets
• landscaping and street lighting to enhance amenity
• a bio detention basin to manage stormwater and protect the environment.

Located on the traditional lands of the Yuin Nation people, the project demonstrates how government and local council can work together to deliver more homes and stronger regional communities.

This development is part of the NSW Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver 8,400 social housing homes, 21,000 affordable and market homes, and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties.

Subdivision works are expected to begin on site in early 2027 and be completed by early 2028, with construction of homes anticipated to start later that year.

Housing is the number one issue for the people of New South Wales and the Minns Labor Government will continue to deliver the largest housing and planning reform agenda in the state’s history.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:   

“This approval is a significant step towards delivering almost 100 new homes. After years of sitting empty and underutilised, this land is now the canvass for a whole new community which will provide safe and secure housing for so many people.

“We know the need for housing in regional areas like Bega has never been greater, which is why this is exactly the kind of smart, flexible thinking we need.

“We are committed to getting more homes built, unlocking more supply and ensuring regional communities like Bega have access to safe, secure and affordable housing for the future.” 

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“This is a significant step forward for Bega and for local people who are looking for a place to call home.

“For too long, this government-owned land has been underutilised while families, seniors and key workers have faced increasing difficulty finding secure and affordable housing locally.

“The delivery of around 95 new homes, with 30 per cent dedicated to social and affordable housing, will make a real difference. Importantly, this development provides a mix of housing options, recognising that our community needs homes for families, seniors, workers and people who need the security of social housing.

“This is about putting government land to work for the community and delivering housing where it is needed. I look forward to seeing work begin in 2027 and, ultimately, seeing new families and residents call this part of Bega home.”

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick:

“It’s great to see multiple agencies working together to tackle our local housing shortage head on. The housing crisis is wide-reaching and we need broad, practical solutions that deliver homes for the people who live and work here.

“This is a smart step forward because it caters for a broad cross-section of our community, including older residents, growing families, essential workers and people who need a secure and affordable home.”

My office has completed an audit of all Ministerial and staff travel expenses since I became a Minister in March 2025. The audit was done with advice and support from the Department of Parliamentary Services, The Cabinet Office and the Premier’s Department.

I ordered this audit to ensure that all travel expenses were appropriate and claimed in accordance with the Ministers’ Office Handbook and the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal’s determination. All of my travel expenses have been declared and published since my appointment as Minister.

The audit has confirmed that expenses associated with official travel to Sydney were inadvertently paid for from my Ministerial office budget.

Expenses relating to parliamentary business should have been funded from the Sydney Allowance provided to MPs in non-metropolitan electorates.

As a result of the audit, I will reimburse my Ministerial office budget for these travel expenses. Costs associated with travel to Sydney will instead be claimed from the parliamentary Sydney Allowance as appropriate, in accordance with the usual process for MPs claiming parliamentary entitlements.

The audit has separately reviewed Ministerial staff travel expenses and has not identified any further issues requiring action.

I regret that this administrative error was not picked up and rectified sooner but I hope my experience will result in greater awareness of Ministerial and MPs’ entitlements for everyone.

I strongly believe regional MPs should be able to serve as Ministers. Regional communities deserve a strong voice around the Cabinet table, and the practical reality of living outside Sydney should never be a barrier to that.

In my 22 years of public service as an elected official, I have always acted with integrity and will continue to do so. It is my great honour and privilege to serve the people of my Lismore Electorate and the people of NSW as Minister for Small Business, Recovery and the North Coast.

The decision of S&P Global to upgrade its outlook for New South Wales to Stable and reaffirm its AA+ credit rating is a strong endorsement of the Minns Labor Government’s responsible economic stewardship.

S&P Global credited the Government’s “excellent financial management” for the upgrade and noted the state’s “highly diversified economy” in support of its decision.

For four Budgets, we have made consistent and careful decisions to improve the state’s fiscal position.

• We have delivered the biggest budget turnaround in the state’s history
• Debt is nearly $10 billion lower than the former Liberal National Government had projected
• We have sought out and cut wasteful spending
• The year before Labor was elected, NSW ran a record deficit of $15.3 billion
• The deficit is down to $2.3 billion in 2026-27 and a surplus of $1.1b is forecast next financial year
• In the first 3 years of the Minns Government expenses growth has been kept to just 3.7%, the lowest of any state.

Today’s decision shows why that record matters.

NSW stands alone

We know there is more to do but NSW is the first Australian state in three years to have its credit outlook improved by S&P – a distinction earned through fiscal discipline during a period of global economic uncertainty.

We have restrained spending while protecting essential services.

We have reduced our reliance on debt to fund infrastructure.

We have repaired the Budget, while continuing to invest in housing, schools, hospitals and transport.

And we have done it through successive global economic shocks.

This week global ratings agency Fitch affirmed its Triple-A credit rating for NSW.

The state also holds a Triple-A rating with Moody’s.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This decision confirms NSW is on the right track, and is a credit to the people, businesses and workers who keep this state growing.

“But we know there’s more work to be done.

“Working families are doing it tough and they want to know their Government is taking as much care of the state’s finances as they are with their household budget.

“Our strong balance sheet is not only a platform for growth but also a foundation to support families through this cost-of-living crisis.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“Investors and businesses are taking note of this Government’s responsible economic management.

“The careful and at times difficult decisions we have made are improving the state’s long-term outlook.

“In an uncertain world, NSW, under Labor, offers something increasingly valuable: stability, discipline and confidence.”

The Minns Labor Government has begun work on revitalising the Gosford waterfront precinct, delivering on an election commitment to unlock the potential for a long-overlooked precinct.

These works, funded by an $8.5 million investment from the Minns Labor Government, will revitalise 3 key sites, improving public space and connectivity to deliver the first stage of the Gosford Waterfront Public Domain Plan, shaped by the community and released today.

The initial works include upgrades to a shared pathway linking from Polytec Stadium to the waterfront past Brian McGowan Bridge and onto Gosford Sailing Club, creating a safer, more accessible promenade for walkers and cyclists that will feature newly installed seating and lighting.

The next stage of works will be the construction of a new café and public plaza at the space near the waterfront carpark, creating a versatile space for locals and visitors to relax and gather.

The area around Brian McGowan Bridge will also undergo much-needed car park improvements and feature a decorative lighting installation.

These works follow more than a year of study and engagement, from movement and usage assessments to a community consultation survey and workshops, all of which informed the new Public Domain Plan.

NSW family-owned engineering and construction business Daracon is delivering the first stage of pathway improvements at the Gosford Sailing Club expected to be completed before the end of 2026, using local expertise to continue its strong history of quality projects on the Central Coast.

Tenders for the café and plaza have just closed, with these works continuing into 2027.

The shared pathway will connect seamlessly with the planned Gosford to Point Clare boardwalk for pedestrians and cyclists announced in June as part of the Minns Government’s $41 million investment in the 2026/27 NSW Budget to supercharge work on the revitalisation of the Gosford waterfront.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“We have worked hand-in-hand with the Gosford community to design this revitalisation.

“Today’s announcement is about turning the community’s vision into reality with shovels now in the ground.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“This stage of work is just the beginning. After years of talk, the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to the Central Coast community by getting on with the job of revitalising Gosford’s waterfront.

“From better shared pathways to a new plaza and soon, new café, these first steps will make a difference to the locals who walk, ride, gather and relax on this beautiful part of the Central Coast capital.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“Gosford Waterfront is one of our greatest natural assets, and this Government is committed to making sure the public spaces around it are just as special.

“This builds on our landmark $41-million investment in the waterfront as part of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, which also cemented plans for a stunning shared path across Brisbane Water.”

Chief Executive of Project lead the Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation, Valentina Misevska said:

“HCCDC was tasked with delivering real change on Gosford Waterfront and the Public Domain Plan, shaped by almost 3,500 community responses, sets out exactly how that can be done now and in the future.

“We are providing a comprehensive roadmap for one of the Central Coast’s favourite public spaces, and today’s construction start shows that plan already becoming a reality.”

A landmark investment in Eurobodalla’s water future has been delivered, with the completion of the Southern Storage Facility dam strengthening drought resilience and improving water security for the region for decades to come.

Jointly funded by the Albanese Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, the New South Wales Government and Eurobodalla Shire Council, the $150 million project includes the new Tuross River pump station and a new 3,000 megalitre (ML) storage dam located near Bodalla.

During periods of high river flows, water is pumped from the Tuross River and stored in the new dam for use when supplies are under pressure.

The water will support the region’s existing supply system for consumption and productive use and will deliver an additional 581 ML of water downstream for irrigation and stock watering each year.

The dam is now being filled and is expected to reach capacity by mid-2027, subject to river conditions.

Measuring 38 metres deep and 370 metres long, the facility incorporates flood management infrastructure and advanced water quality monitoring technology.

Once full, the storage facility will provide a vital backup water source during drought and periods of high demand, helping keep water flowing to homes, businesses and farms across the Eurobodalla Shire.

Key benefits include:

• enhanced water security across the Eurobodalla Shire, reducing the likelihood of water restrictions
• greater resilience during droughts and periods of high demand
• sustainably managed water supplies through selective pumping during high river flows, in accordance with the Tuross River Water Sharing Plan .

Find out more at www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au/projects/eurobodalla-southern-storage

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

“This investment by all levels of government delivers reliability and resilience, helping to protect the Eurobodalla region against future drought and climate challenges.

“Once the dam is filled, this project will give Eurobodalla a secure and sustainable source of water that can be relied on – no matter the season.”

NSW Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said:

“This is a huge moment for Eurobodalla and a major milestone for one of the largest regional water security projects in NSW. I’m so pleased to see us delivering this infrastructure.

“At the end of the day, this project is about making sure families, businesses and farmers have access to reliable water when they need it most.

“It is a significant investment in the region’s future and a clear example of how we’re setting up communities for success in the face of a changing climate.”

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is helping secure the future of the Eurobodalla region through this investment in water security for the region.

“I campaigned for the project as Member for Eden-Monaro and prior to that as Deputy Chair of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation.

“The new dam will provide better water security for our region for many decades to come, particularly in times of drought and bushfires.”

NSW Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“This is a significant milestone for the Eurobodalla and a major investment in the future of our region.

“For farmers, businesses and industries, water security means greater certainty and greater control in the face of an element we can’t control — the weather.

“By storing water when it is available, this project will provide greater resilience through drought and periods of high demand, helping give our local economy the confidence to plan, invest and grow.

“This is an important investment in the Eurobodalla’s future, and one that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips:

“Growing up on the land, I know how crucial it is to have a reliable water supply, especially in regional areas like the Eurobodalla, where farmers and landholders rely heavily on access to water for irrigation and stock in times of drought and also during bushfires and other natural disasters.”

“This new dam will bolster local water supplies when needed most. The project is a fantastic example of three levels of government working together to provide important infrastructure for our community.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor, Mathew Hatcher, said:

“Completing the dam wall is a huge achievement for Eurobodalla. This project will give our community the water security we need to thrive, even during tough droughts.

“It’s an investment in our future and a big win for residents and businesses across the shire.”

The Minns Government is responding to five new H5 bird flu events following positive tests from birds located at Dee Why, Goulburn, Hawks Nest and the south coast areas of Congo and Moruya.

These new events bring NSW to a total of 30 H5 bird flu events and 509 events for Australia.

The five new events are:

• Greater Crested Tern at Dee Why
• Greater Crested Tern in Goulburn
• Greater Crested Tern in Hawks Nest
• White fronted tern in Congo
• Silver gull in Moruya

The event at Dee Why is the second event in the Sydney metropolitan area following the detection at Warriewood on the Northern Beaches earlier this month.

The NSW Government is working closely with the poultry industry based in Goulburn and across NSW to reduce the risk of the virus.

Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, or captive birds, and the risk to human health remains low.

The NSW Chief Veterinary Officer continues to advise that, where possible poultry are housed.

Any additional actions regarding housing of poultry will be determined by the Chief Veterinary Officer following a risk assessment.

There are no signs of any mass mortality in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.

A national surveillance plan is in operation to monitor for any further detections and facilitate rapid, coordinated response.

If you see sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu – Avoid contact, Record what you see, Report it via the online reporting form or Emergency Animal Disease Hotline –1800 675 888.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“H5 bird flu is a serious and ongoing threat to wildlife, and there is no way to eradicate the disease once it is established in wild bird populations.

“The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza.

“We are focused on strong surveillance, preparedness and practical measures that reduce the spread of H5 bird flu and help protect our most vulnerable native wildlife.

“If you see a sick or dead bird, please ensure you and your pets avoid contact. Record what you see on your phone and report it via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”

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

“These further detections demonstrate how important it is for us all to work together, to remain vigilant with our ongoing surveillance and reporting, so we can monitor and respond.

“There have been no detections in commercial poultry or captive birds anywhere in Australia, and the risk to human health remains low.

“We’re working closely with the poultry industry to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

“NSW has recommended poultry owners voluntarily house birds and the NSW poultry industry continue to operate normally.

“Now is the time for everyone who has backyard chickens or pet birds in aviaries to take precautionary steps to ensure there are no interactions between their chooks and pets with wild birds.”

Sports and music fans are getting their first look at the new Sydney Olympic Park metro station which will boost passenger movements and vibrancy in Australia’s premier entertainment precinct, with the awarding of the construction contract for the station and surrounding precinct.

The Sydney Olympic Park Integrated Station Development Precinct package has been awarded to FCC Construction Australia and Ecove Group, who will deliver the metro station, surrounding public domain and the adjacent developments.

To move large crowds for major sports events and concerts, the plans reveal the only metro station on the network that will have four platforms, with its side-island-side configuration allowing it to activate the outer platforms and switch into “event mode.”

The extra platforms combined with wider walkways, open spaces and extra escalators will facilitate movement of around 25,000 passengers per hour, building on the 40,000 per hour capacity through the existing Olympic Park heavy rail station immediately to the North.

The station will be the centre of a vibrant new precinct, featuring shops, offices, homes and a generous public plaza. The interior will reflect the site’s history and culture, with materials and lighting inspired by the Olympic cauldron and nearby mangrove landscapes.

The precinct will deliver approximately 500 new apartments in two residential towers, 42 and 32 storeys, immediately adjacent to the station.

The final proposal will be subject to a Detailed State Significant Development Application, when the community will have opportunity to provide feedback.

Station construction is expected to commence around mid-2027.

The contract award follows significant progress across Sydney Metro West, including the completion of major tunnelling. The Sydney Olympic Park site is already playing a key role in project delivery, with rail being delivered and welded together for the track installation.

The Metro West project is targeting an opening date in 2032.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Sydney Olympic Park is already the most exciting sports and entertainment precinct in the country, this metro station will take it to a whole new level.

“On those magic Sydney nights where the stadium and the arenas are sold out, fans will have peace of mind that Metro West will get them home with ease.

“The metro precinct will mean fans will want to stick around after the match, rather than rushing for the gates before full time.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This isn’t just a train station, it’s the heart of a new precinct with homes, shops, offices, events and public spaces.

“Around 500 new apartments will sit right next to the station, and the design draws on the site’s Olympic history and natural surrounds, with the cauldron and mangroves both reflected in the station’s materials and lighting.

“Sydney Olympic Park is central to the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver tens of thousands of new homes Sydney Metro West will unlock.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The Sydney Olympic Park MetroWest contract is exciting as it brings us one step closer to delivering this transformative transport connection for local residents and everyone visiting the most famous major events precinct in Australia.

“Confirmation of this contract gives our community and future investors the certainty they need that the Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering an even more vibrant, liveable and connected Sydney Olympic Park.”

Ballina Shire is set to benefit from stronger, more reliable, and flood-resilient local roads, with work underway on a major reconstruction program to permanently rebuild 11 critical sites damaged during the 2022 floods.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the Essential Public Asset Reconstruction (EPAR) Program goes beyond simple repairs, delivering engineered resilience upgrades to help local roads withstand future extreme weather.

Work has officially started on Forest Road at Uralba, where contractors are lifting and reshaping the road surface and improving drainage to restore structural integrity and strengthen resilience.

As construction progresses through to late 2028, the program will roll out heavy-duty engineering solutions across key arterial roads, rural routes, and bridge approaches that residents, farmers, and businesses rely on every day.

Key projects featured under the $17.4 million program include:

• Tamarind Drive: Rebuilding and strengthening the riverbank beside the road to help protect this important gateway into Ballina and improve its resilience to future severe weather.
• The Coast Road: Major reconstruction works to strengthen this critical link between Lennox Head and Ballina, including rebuilding damaged embankments, replacing culverts and improving drainage. The works will also help protect the popular shared path used by pedestrians and cyclists.
• Marom Creek Road (Devil’s Elbow): Stabilising the hillside and rebuilding damaged sections of this rural road to provide safer, more reliable access for the local community.
• Teven Road & Uralba Cutting Road: Stabilising slopes, improving drainage and rebuilding damaged sections of these rural roads to strengthen important local connections.
• Eltham Bridge: Strengthening the bridge approaches and surrounding riverbanks to help safeguard this important rural access route.
• Duck Creek Mountain Road, Sneaths Road & Towalbyn Place: Rebuilding damaged embankments and road sections, with improved drainage and other stabilisation works to provide more resilient access for rural communities.
• Hinterland Way: Stabilising slopes and clearing vegetation where required to help protect the road and maintain safe, reliable access.

Much of the 2022 flood damage occurred deep below the road surface. Consequently, extensive geotechnical investigations and engineering designs were required to ensure the permanent fixes are built to last.

Project information, construction updates and traffic impacts will be published by Ballina Shire Council as individual projects progress. The full program of works is available at ballina.nsw.gov.au/EPAR 

Real time traffic notifications are available via LiveTraffic.com

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The start of these reconstruction works are an important milestone for the communities who were affected by the 2022 floods.

“These works will deliver lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, supporting safer travel and more reliable access across the local road network.

“Recovery takes time, and the Australian Government is committed to helping strengthen the Ballina Shire region to ensure it’s more resilient to future severe weather events.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“Local roads across the Northern Rivers are our essential lifelines, keeping families connected, getting kids to school and ensuring businesses, farmers, and emergency services can keep moving in extreme weather. 

“This $17.4 million investment is about building back better for the long term. It’s about working together, to deliver the upgrades needed to ensure our local roads stand strong.

“By combining State and Federal support, we are giving Ballina Shire Council the backing it needs to strengthen these vital connections, giving our families and local businesses greater confidence and peace of mind every single day.”

Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot:

“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered $17.4 million in joint funding from the Federal and NSW Labor Governments for road upgrades across the Ballina Shire

“Following the 2022 floods the Albanese Labor Government committed to helping the North Coast build back better.

“These road upgrades are yet another example of us delivering on our commitment to more resilient roads on the North Coast.”

NSW Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith:

“Our community knows only too well the devastating impact of natural disasters and has pushed so hard for infrastructure to be built back better. It is great to see this significant investment to make our local road network stronger and more resilient.

“These roads are essential connections for communities across the Ballina electorate, particularly in our rural areas, and rebuilding them to better withstand future climate challenges is incredibly important

“I’m particularly pleased to see this funding going beyond simply repairing the damage, with investment in infrastructure that is better able to withstand future severe weather.

“It has been a long and hard-fought road to recovery since the 2022 floods, and I want to acknowledge the patience of residents who have been living with damaged roads, disruptions and lengthy reconstruction processes.

Ballina Shire Mayor, Cr Sharon Cadwallader:

“It’s been a long road since the devastating floods, and reaching this point reflects years of planning, investigations and engineering work to ensure these permanent reconstruction projects deliver the best long-term outcomes for our community.

“This program represents an important step forward in our flood recovery, and I’d like to thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their support, as well as our community for their patience as we continue rebuilding for the future.”

Troy Anderson, Director Civil Services, Ballina Shire Council

“Reaching the construction stage is a significant milestone and the culmination of years of work by Council staff to investigate the damage, undertake engineering assessments and develop the permanent reconstruction solutions we’re now ready to deliver.

“Where possible, we’re incorporating resilience improvements, so roads are better able to withstand future extreme weather events. The result will be a stronger transport network that helps keep our communities connected when it matters most.”