Category: NSW News

The Singleton Bypass is on track to open to traffic later this year, with construction teams back from the break and hard at work, delivering an extraordinary project for the Hunter.

The project is being delivered with a $560 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government and a $140 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.

This region-changing project will take 15,000 vehicles a day off Singleton’s main street, improving travel times, freight efficiency and safety for local and interstate motorists, allowing them to avoid five sets of traffic lights.

The eight kilometre bypass starts near Newington Lane in the south and rejoins the highway just past Magpie Street in the North. The project features a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the New England Highway at the Southern and Northern ends and at Gowrie.

A host of major milestones were achieved in 2025, with crews opening two bridges which allowed trucks to shift material within the project corridor, without going through the CBD, helping to reduce the impact of construction traffic.

Construction of all six bridges is now nearing completion, including the largest on the Hunter Floodplain, which is 1.6km long. 

The bridge construction has involved the installation of 435 girders and 207 bridge piles and pouring of 161 concrete columns and 78 concrete bridge decks. Only the finishing works remain, including the installation of safety rails, deck joints, placement of asphalt, noise walls and safety screens.

Road pavement construction has recently commenced across the corridor.

To date, a total of 500,000m³ of earthwork material has been placed across the project alignment, equivalent to 200 Olympic sized swimming pools of material.

Construction activities continuing in early 2026 include:

• drainage and earth works
• continued pavement construction including asphalting and line marking
• the relocation and connection of water, electrical and sewer services
• the construction of interchanges, and
• the start of landscaping.

The bypass is expected to be open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

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

“The 1,300 workers on this project are making some incredible progress, and I know Hunter motorists, and anyone regularly passing through Singleton, can’t wait to enjoy smoother, safer and more reliable journeys when the bypass opens later this year.

It’s one of the many projects across NSW being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments together that will be a real game-changer for the community.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“I am delighted to be able to say for the first time that Singleton Bypass will be open to traffic this year!

“The bypass is going to make a massive difference for road users across the Hunter.

“We are ensuring mums and dads spend less time in traffic and more time with their family.

“We are cutting five sets of traffic lights, and ensuring Singleton locals can reclaim their CBD – with 15,000 fewer vehicles passing through it each day.

“This is a win-win outcome for Singleton residents, visitors and freight operators.”

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“The bypass will ease congestion and improve safety for the more than 25,000 vehicles that use this section of the New England Highway every day.

“The town is already enjoying a taste of the benefits the Singleton Bypass will bring, with project haulage trucks using two new bridges enabling them to avoid CBD streets.

“The completion of this project will absolutely transform the town centre, improving amenity and safety for Singleton while delivering enhanced journey reliability and travel time for vehicles using the New England Highway.”

The Minns and Albanese Labor governments, in partnership with Singleton Council, have today cut the ribbon on a major upgrade to Brunners Bridge at Mitchells Flat – strengthening freight access, and improving safety in the Upper Hunter.

The $7.2 million upgrade replaces an ageing bridge with a modern, heavy-duty crossing designed to carry larger freight vehicles and better connect local communities. 

The project was jointly funded, with $6.5 million from the NSW Government and $700,000 from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

For communities in the Upper Hunter, Brunners Bridge is a vital everyday connection – linking Singleton, Elderslie and Gresford and providing access to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange. The Bridge also supports families, connecting them to work, schools and local services.

With a heavier load limit of 68.5 tonnes, the upgraded bridge improves reliability, supports local industry and keeps the region connected when it matters most.

The upgrade involved full demolition of the old structure and construction of a new bridge, culvert and approaches. Wider lanes and an improved road surface allow heavier vehicles to cross safely, reducing pressure on surrounding local roads and improving safety for all road users.

This upgrade follows the recent completion of Kilfoyles Bridge in Singleton, a critical project delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the 2022 NSW floods. The project has improved road safety, strengthened connectivity and boosted flood resilience for residents, visitors and freight operators across the Upper Hunter.

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

“Projects like these are critical to ensuring regional infrastructure can safely accommodate modern freight and vehicles.

“Replacing the previous bridge, which dates back around 80 years, will help keep communities safely and reliably connected.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison MP:

“The completion of this project is great news for locals, visitors and businesses in the Upper Hunter.

“Brunners Bridge isn’t just concrete and steel, it’s a daily link for families, farmers and freight in the Upper Hunter.

“In Regional NSW, roads are not a convenience. They are the lifeblood that connects people to work, school and services, and keeps freight and agriculture moving. That’s why upgrading local bridges like this matters so much.

“The Minns Labor Government is backing regions like the Upper Hunter with tangible investments – building stronger connections and supporting regional economies.”

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:

“This is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver a great outcome for the Upper Hunter.

“This important local project will boost road safety and connectivity for residents, visitors and freight vehicles.

“The local communities, freight and agribusiness industry, transport and the wider economy will all benefit from this significant investment.”

Singleton Mayor, Cr Sue Moore:

“Brunners Bridge has been a longstanding priority in Council’s Infrastructure Advocacy Agenda, and its reopening marks a proud milestone for Singleton. It’s a vital route designed to meet the needs of modern freight and agricultural vehicles.

“Gresford Road, where Brunners Bridge crosses Glendon Brook, is an essential freight corridor for the region’s agricultural producers, linking them to the Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange and beyond.

“The replacement of this bridge means larger trucks carrying heavier freight loads can now cross safely and efficiently. Increasing the bridge’s load capacity not only improves safety and reliability but also supports the growth of local agribusiness and helps reduce heavy vehicle traffic in surrounding areas.

“This project has been years in the making, and I want to sincerely thank the local community for their patience throughout the construction period, especially during the extended road closure.

“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration across all levels of government, and an excellent example of infrastructure investment that delivers long-term benefits for the Singleton community.”

The Minns Labor Government has today released the Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper, setting a realistic, evidence-based direction for transport and roads planning through the Blue Mountains and the Central West.

The White Paper provides a practical assessment of transport opportunities for the region after more than a decade of hollow promises by the former Liberal-National Government.

This includes years of promising communities in the Blue Mountains a tunnel was coming – even though it was never properly funded, never achievable and never going to be delivered – before the Liberal-National Government finally shelved the project in 2022. 

With the release of this White Paper, the Minns Government is setting a clear plan for the future that puts the needs of communities in the Blue Mountains and Central West region first. 

It prioritises safety, resilience and reliability – including road upgrades, safer speed settings, resilience uplift, improvements to rail services, freight efficiency and investment in active transport.

The White Paper establishes a practical framework for improving nationally significant routes as well as local streets, village centres and rail lines. It reinforces that the Blue Mountains and the Central West are not a single, uniform corridor, and that local communities should be planned for, not treated as thoroughfares.

The White Paper will serve as the foundation for future infrastructure proposals, supporting business cases for funding across all levels of government, and providing a platform for collaboration between Transport for NSW, local councils, and State and Federal agencies.

The initiatives outlined represent a clear pipeline of potential actions to address known challenges and opportunities. Any future investment will be subject to prioritisation and approval processes.

The release of the White Paper builds on work already underway on important corridors, including the $100 million investment in the Bells Line of Road, delivering safety upgrades such as wider curves, improved intersections, new safety barriers and additional rest areas.

The Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper can be found here.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:  

“This White Paper sets a clear direction for how we plan and deliver transport across the Blue Mountains and the Central West – honestly, transparently and based on evidence, not politics.

“For years, the Liberals and Nationals told communities in the Blue Mountains that a tunnel was just around the corner. It wasn’t. They knew it wasn’t. And they mothballed it themselves when the truth caught up with them.

“They announced a megaproject they never properly funded, never finished planning and never intended to deliver. Then they walked away, leaving the Blue Mountains and Central West to deal with the consequences.

“You cannot claim to fix the Great Western Highway if your ‘solution’ ends before the worst section, and that’s exactly what the former Government tried to sell – it was a fantasy.

“We are not repeating that failure.

“This White Paper is about honesty and vision – telling people what can be done. That means safer roads, better resilience during fires and floods, and practical improvements that stand up to scrutiny.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on doing things properly. This is responsible government in action. Sequencing matters if we want results, not cancellations.” 

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

“This White Paper puts evidence ahead of politics and puts people first.

“For communities in the Central West and Blue Mountains, reliable connections are not a nice-to-have – they are essential to daily life, safety, and economic opportunity, and the Minns Government has a blueprint to deliver.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said: 

“Blue Mountains communities have endured years of political theatre instead of real information.

“The White Paper acknowledges our real pressures – congestion through villages like Medlow Bath and Blackheath, local road constraints including Hawkesbury Road, the frequency of our train services, crash risks, closures and natural hazards – and it outlines future options that respect both our World Heritage environment and our communities.

“These are just some of the issues I will continue to work with the Minister and Transport for NSW on – ensuring local priorities, traffic concerns and transport challenges are heard and considered as decisions are made.

“As people in the Blue Mountains villages know all too well, it was the then-Liberal Premier that shelved the fantasy tunnel. He knew in 2022 that it wasn’t achievable and so did Infrastructure NSW.  

“This is a vision built on evidence, not slogans, and that’s what people in the Mountains deserve.” 

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have established a dedicated Men’s Health portfolio, reinforcing the Opposition’s commitment to improving health outcomes for men and boys across NSW. 

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane today announced the appointment of Member for Davidson Matt Cross as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Health, tasking him with developing a men’s health strategy for NSW. 

Ms Sloane said improving the health of men and boys is a clear priority for the NSW Liberals and Nationals and one that demands renewed focus and leadership. 

“We owe it to the four million boys and men in NSW to do better,” Ms Sloane said. 

“We should not accept the status quo where men continue to die around four years younger than women from largely preventable causes, or where suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15 to 44.” 

“I want NSW to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia, and that means a clear strategy, modern policies and practical support for men at every stage of life.” 

Ms Sloane said a future Liberal and Nationals Government would develop a men’s health strategy, building on existing frameworks but ensuring they are fit for purpose in 2026 and beyond. 

“This will include a stronger focus on prevention and early detection, better engagement with primary care, improved health information tailored to men, and practical support for fathers and families,” Ms Sloane said. 

“The framework developed in 2018 was an important first step, but eight years on it is clear more needs to be done.” 

Mr Cross said his appointment was deeply personal and reinforced by his own experience as a cancer survivor and new father. 

“Too often men delay seeking help, whether it is for their physical health or their mental health,” Mr Cross said. 

“I know first hand how critical prevention and early detection can be. My experience surviving bowel cancer reinforced the importance of men feeling comfortable talking openly about their health.” 

“The birth of my son has given me a new perspective on why this work matters. We need to make it easier for men to look after themselves, not harder.” 

Mr Cross said the Liberals and Nationals approach would be practical, evidence based and focused on measurable improvements in outcomes. 

“This is about saving lives, supporting families and ensuring men and boys across New South Wales have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives,” Mr Cross said. 

School zones across most of NSW will be back in force from tomorrow, Tuesday 27 January 2026, as teachers and students begin returning for the new school year.  

School zones across most of NSW will be back in force (PDF, 180.68 KB) from tomorrow, Tuesday 27 January 2026, as teachers and students begin returning for the new school year.  

While the first few days of the term are traditionally school development days for teachers, children may also be returning and that will continue to increase throughout the week. 

Some schools return earlier than others, particularly non-government schools, so to avoid any confusion for motorists and to keep the returning children safe, 40km/h school zone speed limits will be in place from Tuesday. 

There are many locations where multiple schools are close to each other and some of those schools will have different return dates. To keep everyone safe slow down around every school, obey the 40km/h speed limit, and keep your eye out for vulnerable kids embarking on an exciting new year of education.  

School zones generally apply from 8 to 9.30am and from 2.30 to 4pm on weekdays and motorists who don’t obey the rules face heavy fines and demerits.  

For more information on school zones, please visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/community/schools/school-zones

A man has been charged following a protest in Sydney’s inner east today.

About 2.50pm (Monday 26 January 2026), police stopped a 31-year-old man on Bourke Street, Surry Hills, following allegedly inciteful comments he made during a speech at a protest in Moore Park.

The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station.

He was charged with publicly incite hatred on ground of race causing fear.

The 31-year-old man was refused bail to face Bail Division Court 7 tomorrow (Tuesday 27 January 2026).

The Minns Labor Government has today revealed the vision for a new world-class sports and entertainment precinct in Wollongong, committing $17 million to unlock the next stage of planning to bring the project to life.

The plans include a new WIN Arena with a capacity of 9,500, nearly double its’ existing capacity of 5,300, located just footsteps from Wollongong’s famous beaches and thriving CBD.

Once complete, the redevelopment will include a revamped WIN Stadium, featuring a new northern grandstand and an extended and reconfigured southern grandstand with improved player changerooms to support the growth of men’s and women’s sport in the region and across NSW.

The Wollongong sporting and entertainment precinct will become the place to be, attracting up to 150 events per year, whilst delivering roughly $550 million in additional economic activity to the local community.

The precinct will include a new beach-side complex including a café, kiosk and toilets and multi-purpose spaces for functions and special events to be enjoyed on game day and all-year round

The game day experience for the St George Illawarra Dragons and other major events will be enhanced with modern upgrades to scoreboards, ribbon boards, sports lighting and the stadium sound system.

Both WIN Arena and WIN Stadium will offer improved food, beverage and merchandise outlets, modern corporate areas and function rooms, more toilets, and sitewide accessibility improvements, including new entry gates and wheelchair access to the hill redevelopment.

During construction, more than 600 full-time jobs will be supported and up to 1100 roles during the life of the project.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the Illawarra region to ensure its housing, services and infrastructure support a growing population, strengthen the local economy and build a more vibrant future.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Wollongong is one of Australia’s great regional cities, and this investment recognises its importance to NSW.

“By nearly doubling the capacity of WIN Arena and upgrading WIN Stadium, we’re creating a venue capable of hosting up to 150 events a year. That means more concerts, more sporting events and more reasons for people to visit, stay longer and spend locally.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“This is a game-changing announcement for the Illawarra region.

“The new world-class precinct will transform Wollongong into global sporting and entertainment destination, attracting more tourism and investment to the already thriving region.

“The Minns Labor Government is putting the Illawarra on the world stage, with a new WIN Arena and redeveloped WIN Stadium right on the foreshore of some of Australia’s most iconic beaches”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This is a city-shaping and city growing plan from the Minns Labor Government that will help elevate Wollongong’s events and visitor economy.

“Expanding the capacity of WIN stadium, redeveloping the Entertainment Centre into WIN Arena and adding a new beachside complex turns this important part of Wollongong from a part time venue into a full-time destination for sports, entertainment, functions and fun.

“It’s the redevelopment that I have been determined to get for Wollongong since I was first elected and I am excited for the difference it will make to our city, to jobs and to encourage associated investments.”

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper

“This is a landmark moment for the Illawarra. A new world-class WIN Arena and redeveloped WIN Stadium will turn the precinct into an all-year destination.

“A thriving sports and entertainment precinct in Wollongong will see more live events for the region, providing a boon for the local economy, tourism and jobs.

“This will be an iconic live entertainment site, set right on the foot of the beach. It’s time we realised its full potential.”

Flood-affected residents and local builders in the Central West are being urged to take action as the $40 million Resilient Homes Program enters its final application phase.

With a deadline of 31 March 2026, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a series of local Expos to connect homeowners and construction professionals with funding and work opportunities.

Eligible homeowners in Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes, and Euabalong can access grants of up to $100,000 for home raising or relocation, and up to $50,000 for retrofitting with flood-resilient materials. To support the local economy and ensure project delivery, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is also hosting dedicated Construction Information Sessions for builders, engineers, and tradespeople to learn about upcoming work opportunities funded by these grants.

The Resilient Homes Expos provide a “one-stop shop” for residents to meet one-on-one with NSW Reconstruction Authority staff, local council representatives, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, industry experts, and local builders and businesses.

• Parkes: 28 Jan, 4pm–7pm | Parkes Services Club
• Forbes: 25 Feb, 4pm–7pm | Club Forbes
• Eugowra: 25 March, 4pm–7pm | Eugowra Multipurpose Centre
• Register at: nsw.gov.au/rhpevents

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is seeking local trades—including builders, certifiers, and designers—to deliver grant-funded works. Informal sessions (no registration required) will be held at:

• Parkes: 27 Jan, 4pm–5.30pm | Railway Hotel & Hart Bar
• Forbes: 28 Jan, 7am–8.30am | Sylo Cafe
• Orange: 29 Jan, 5pm–6.30pm | The Greenhouse of Orange

Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

“These Expos are about giving people practical tools to rebuild safer as well as local builders an opportunity to bring these projects to life.”

“We want every eligible household to access this $40 million pool of funding before the March deadline to ensure their homes are protected for the future.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“In the wake of the 2022 Central West floods, the Resilient Homes Program has played a key role in helping communities rebuild stronger and better prepared for the future.”

“As the program moves into its final phase, many households are now beginning to see the benefits, with resilience upgrades being delivered to affected properties.”

“Homeowners who were impacted by the floods and have not yet applied for assistance are strongly encouraged to take action. Applications for the Resilient Homes Program remain open until 31 March 2026, and this is the final opportunity to access available support from this program.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Director Central West Orana and Far West, Ken Harrison said:

“These Expos allow us to meet people face to face, answer questions and provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

“With the application close approaching, now is the time for homeowners who haven’t yet engaged with the program to get in touch and take the next step.”

Fast Facts:

• Deadline: Final applications must be in by 31 March 2026.
• Progress: Over 340 applications received and 200+ assessments completed to date.
• Funding: Grants cover retrofitting, raising, or relocating, plus up to $20,000 for upfront design costs.
• Contact: Call 1800 844 085 or visit nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram.

The Government is aware that a flyer containing hate speech inciting violence around Australia Day is currently circulating. This conduct targeting specific ethnic, religious and political groups is abhorrent.

Hatred and intimidation have no place in NSW. The NSW Police Force is investigating this matter and I hope they find the person responsible quickly and bring them to justice.

As the Premier said at the National Day of Mourning event last night, we must unabashedly take pride in the parts of Australian life that are intrinsically part of our character and our country – democracy, freedom, respect and equality. Should someone refuse these values, then Australia is not the country for you.

As we mark the Australia Day long weekend, I urge everyone to celebrate what unites us and to treat one another with respect and kindness, regardless of faith, ethnicity or background.

We will not allow hatred or violence to divide us. Across all cultures and faiths, we stand united.

We are stronger together.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more than $200 million in school upgrades and maintenance works over the summer holidays, with students at hundreds of schools set to return to new and improved classrooms and facilities for the start of Term 1, 2026.

Almost 850 public schools across NSW will benefit from works delivered during the break, ranging from routine maintenance and minor upgrades to larger refurbishment projects led by the Department of Education’s local asset management teams.

Hundreds of tradies will be working on more than 1,300 projects across the state, including painting classrooms and school buildings at more than 300 schools, while more than 200 flooring replacement projects and close to 50 bathroom upgrades are also underway.

Dozens of schools will also receive critical accessibility improvements, including new ramps and lift upgrades.

Schools will also benefit from refreshed outdoor areas, repaired walkways and other essential works ensuring clean, safe and welcoming environments for staff and students.

Across NSW, the summer school maintenance program includes:

• $36 million for painting works
• $28 million for upgraded bathrooms and amenities
• $21 million for flooring projects
• $14 million for accessibility improvements
• $12 million for roof repairs or replacements
• $2.4 million for specialist classrooms upgrades

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“While students are enjoying their summer break, work is underway at hundreds of schools across NSW to ensure students return to a great learning environment for the start of 2026.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on getting the fundamentals right. That means maintaining our schools, improving facilities, and supporting principals, teachers and school communities with the infrastructure they deserve.

“Whether it’s with new paint and flooring, upgraded bathrooms, vital repairs or accessibility improvements, we are ensuring our schools have quality facilities so every student can access a world-class public education.

“These essential works will help ensure classrooms and playgrounds are refreshed and ready for day one of Term 1.”