Category: NSW News

A critical upgrade in Sydney’s North West will kick off next week, with early works set to begin from 28 April at the Bandon Road and Riverstone Parade intersection near Vineyard train station.

This investment will deliver safety improvements for a rapidly growing community, addressing the infrastructure backlog left by the former State Liberal government, which failed to keep pace with growth in the region.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly funding $150 million in planning and early works for the Bandon Road Upgrade, which is part of the North West Growth Centre Road Network Strategy.

The early works package includes a new car park with more than 70 spaces, upgraded bus stops, improved pedestrian access, lighting, and key safety improvements at the intersection to support future duplication.  

These upgrades will make it safer and easier for locals to access Vineyard Station and move through the area.  

The works will support the delivery of a future upgrade of Bandon Road, to ease congestion and support the growth of new homes for families in the North West.  

The Bandon Road Upgrade, currently in planning with the $150 million in joint funding, envisages a new four-lane road, a new underpass below the railway line, shared pedestrian and cycle paths, improved flood evacuated routes and better connections for local communities.  

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King:

“In partnership with the Minns Government we are investing in the future infrastructure needs of communities, like here in Sydney’s growing North West.  

“We want to ensure that people can get around efficiently and get home safely whether they’re walking, driving or taking public transport.”  

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, yet for too long the former Liberal government failed to keep pace with that growth.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the infrastructure Western Sydney needs and deserves – so families can spend less time in traffic and more time at home, getting where they need to go, safely and on time.  

“These early works are an important first step towards the future duplication of Bandon Road, which will become a critical arterial road connection in the North West.”

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland:  

“These works are a clear sign that we are delivering on our commitment to upgrading local transport links, reducing congestion and building a better future for North West Sydney.  

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working together to ensure local residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.”

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:

“For Hawkesbury commuters who use Vineyard Station or travel this route, the start of early works at Bandon Road is a significant milestone.

“This marks a major step forward in delivering the infrastructure our growing region needs.”

Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic:

“Starting these early works on April 28 is fantastic news, as this upgrade is critical for improving safety and access to Vineyard station.

“These works form part of our more than $1bn investment in roads from Marsden Park to Colebee through to Riverstone, making sure local infrastructure can match local growth and support jobs out our way.”

State Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby:  

“These upgrades are about making everyday life easier for people in our community.

“As Riverstone and Vineyard continue to grow, Bandon Road is becoming a key local link, and these early works will make a real difference to how people access the station and move around the area.

“This is the first tangible step towards duplicating Bandon Road and removing the Vineyard level crossing, making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth and delivers for the people who call this community home.”  

The Minns Labor Government has supported 178 essential workers to relocate to the Northern Rivers through The Welcome Experience program due to this success we are now expanding the services to additional areas to rebuild essential services across the Northern Rivers.

Established in an original 11 pilot locations in 2023 to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW, The Welcome Experience has grown to support more than 3,000 frontline workers to make the move.

The service has only been available in the Northern Rivers since late 2024 in the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Richmond. Following today’s announcement, it will be expanded to operate in Kyogle, Tenterfield and Clarence Valley, so more essential workers and families can make the move.

It is a free service supporting essential workers and their families who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in either government or non-government eligible sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing and emergency services.

The workers considering a move are linked to a Local Connector who can help with the realities of relocating with the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, finding a relevant sporting or interest group, plus exploring job opportunities for partners.

The following essential workers and families have been supported to make the move to the following local government areas in the Northern Rivers:

Lismore – 42 health and 14 education workers are among the 56 essential workers who relocated and brought 43 family members who are now connecting with the community.
Ballina – 14 health and 3 paramedics are among the 24 essential workers who have relocated and brought 24 family members to become new members of the community.
Byron – 8 health and 1 veterinarian are among the 13 essential workers who have relocated and brought 15 family members who are now connecting with the community.
Richmond Valley – 11 health, and 3 aged care workers are among the 15 essential workers who have relocated and brought 20 family members to join the community.
Tweed – 49 health, and 5 NSW Police officers are among the 65 essential workers who relocated and brought 71 family members into the community.
The Northern Rivers region isn’t the only area with an expanding service delivery, with The Welcome Experience being set to increase operatonal delivery from 55 local government areas to 88 LGAs across regional NSW as part of a major scale up.

Through this program and appropriate increased pay levels for nurses, teachers and police, the Minns Government is addressing the issues of regional essential workforce shortages, inherited from the former Nationals Liberal Government.

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

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Lismore and the broader Northern Rivers region are fantastic places to work and raise a family and with the support of the Welcome Experience more highly trained essential service workers are choosing to make the move.

“The Welcome Experience is helping to ease pressure on vital services across the region, particularly within health systems that support communities throughout Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding Northern Rivers towns.

“What makes these numbers so meaningful is that behind each registration is not just one person, but often an entire family, partners and children who are also putting down roots and becoming part of the Northern Rivers community.

“These essential workers are the heartbeat of our communities. They keep hospitals running and communities safe, care for our elderly, and educate the next generation, providing the skills and services the Northern Rivers needs to thrive.”

Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Lismore and the Northern Rivers are great places to live and work, and the Welcome Experience is helping attract more skilled essential workers to the region.

“The program is easing pressure on key services, especially health, supporting communities across Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding towns.

“Each registration often represents a whole family choosing to settle here and become part of our community.”

Local Connector with Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers, Lisa Richards said:

“The Welcome Experience is making a real and measurable difference in Lismore. In my role as a Local Connector, I have supported more than 55 essential workers and their families to relocate and successfully settle in the community to date.

“The program provides tailored, practical support across housing, partner employment, education and local connections, ensuring that essential workers and their families can establish themselves with confidence from day one.”

Katrina Melville, Medical Administration Manager at Tweed Valley Hospital and client of The Welcome Experience, said:

“The Welcome Experience played a really important role in helping me settle into the Tweed, and it has also been a great support for some of the young doctors I manage. When I was first offered the role, I reached out to our Local Connector Lisa to see what assistance was available, and she provided excellent guidance on where to look for housing, which was incredibly helpful during that transition period.”

“The week I moved was also the week of a Welcome Experience social event in Tweed. Having moved up on my own and not knowing anyone, I attended and really enjoyed meeting new people. It introduced me to other colleagues from the hospital who had also recently relocated, which helped me feel connected very quickly.

“I am really looking forward to the next event as it’s a great opportunity to socialise and network. My team and I now routinely provide information about The Welcome Experience to all new doctors relocating and commencing within the region.

“Regional living gives you back what city life takes away: time, space, and genuine connection. Short commutes, stunning beaches and countryside, and welcoming communities make it easier to balance work and life. Say yes to local events, get involved, and before you know it, you’re not just working there – you belong there.”

Total relocations to Lismore by sector:

Health: 42	NSW Police Force: 0
Education: 5	Department of Communities and Justice: 0
Aged care and disability support: 6	NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service: 0
NSW Ambulance: 3	Veterinary services: 0

Welcome Experience essential workers relocations

Region Name:

Central West: 156	Northern New England: 73
Coffs Coast: 193	Northern Rivers: 178
Far South Coast: 221	Orana: 299
Far West: 651	Riverina: 276
Greater Albury: 186	Southern NSW: 284
Illawarra Shoalhaven: 128	Southern New England: 201
Mid North Coast: 150	Upper Hunter: 104
Moree Plains: 98

Total relocations by sector:

Health: 1,878	NSW Police Force: 169
Education: 457	Department of Communities and Justice: 76
Aged care and disability support: 326	NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service: 33
NSW Ambulance: 226	Veterinary services: 33

The Minns Government is appealing for motorists to drive safely this ANZAC Day long weekend, with New South Wales Police strictly enforcing double demerits on roads across the state.

With ANZAC Day falling on Saturday, motorists are being reminded there is an additional public holiday on Monday this year and double demerits will apply for the entire long weekend.

Double demerits will be in place from midnight tonight until 11:59pm Monday 27 April, targeting high-risk behaviours including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, improper seatbelt use and motorcycle helmet offences.

Police will also be conducting random breath testing and mobile drug testing across the state, with an increased enforcement presence expected on major highways and key regional routes as traffic volumes are expected to rise over the Anzac Day long weekend.

Last year almost 40% of deaths on NSW roads involved speeding, while drug driving, drink driving and fatigue each contribute to about 16-24% of fatalities every year.

The calls to slow down and drive responsibly come as the number of lives lost on NSW roads this year exceeds 107, which is 6 more than the same time last year.

Double demerits are a proven measure designed to deter unsafe and illegal behaviour before it leads to tragedy.  

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Let there be no doubt: NSW Police officers will be out in force this long weekend and they will be targeting the behaviours we know put lives at risk on our roads.

“This is a high-visibility operation, and drivers can expect to see police on highways, in regional areas and across our metropolitan road network.

“There is no excuse for speeding, using your mobile phone, or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt. These are not just offences, they are choices – and they could cost you your life.  

“If you make the wrong decision behind the wheel, you will be caught and you will face the consequences. Double demerits are there to deter risky behaviour and encourage safer driving when our roads are at their busiest.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Tragically, 107 lives have already been lost on our roads this year, which is 6 more than this time last year.

“These aren’t just statistics. They are people, and every single death represents a family, a community and a life cut short.

“We know the biggest risks are speeding, fatigue, distraction and driving under the influence, and these behaviours continue to have devastating consequences.

“This long weekend, there will be more people on the road, more families travelling and more pressure on the network, which is why it’s so important that every driver takes responsibility.

“Slow down, put your phone away, wear your seatbelt properly and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”  

While police numbers fall under the Minns Labor Government, the state’s top cop has warned organised crime groups are deliberately recruiting young people online to carry out crimes on their behalf. 
 
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has told 2GB’s Ben Fordham they’re seeing what they call “crime as a service” which is where young people are contracted online to conduct murders, kidnappings and drive by shootings. 
 
Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Anthony Roberts said today’s warning from the Police Commissioner should be a wake-up call for a Government that is refusing to prioritise community safety. 
 
“The Commissioner is telling us that criminal networks are now deliberately targeting vulnerable young people through social media and online platforms to do their dirty work,” Mr Roberts said. 
 
“This is a sophisticated, organised threat and it demands a properly resourced response. What it cannot afford is a police force that is stretched to breaking point.” 
 
NSW now has just 176 police officers per 100,000 people, down from 205 in 2019, even as the state’s population has grown and the nature of crime has become more complex and more dangerous. 
 
“At exactly the moment our Police Commissioner is warning us that crime is evolving and young people are being targeted online, the Minns Government has allowed police numbers to fall to their lowest ratio in years,” Mr Roberts said. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government must outline a plan to restore police numbers and resource law enforcement agencies with the tools they need.” 

Commuters in Sydney’s south-west are being left stranded, forced onto crowded replacement buses for at least an additional year as delays to the Metro South-West conversion continue to drag on. 
 
What was meant to be a 12-month shutdown in September 2024 has become a prolonged disruption to daily life, impacting workers, students and families across the region. 
 
The Minns Labor Government has still failed to provide a firm opening date for the metro line, instead offering only a vague commitment that services will begin in the “second half of the year”. 
 
Behind the inconvenience, taxpayers are also footing a growing bill with the Minns Labor Government spending around $8 million a month to keep the replacement bus network running as the delays continue. 
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said commuters deserve better than the uncertainty they are currently experiencing.  
 
“With up to 60,000 passengers relying on the corridor each day, the ongoing uncertainty is taking a toll on one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“Commuters who expected to be using a world-class Metro remain stuck navigating a patchwork system of buses, often facing queues, congestion and inconsistent travel times.” 
 
“Commuters are being pushed to the limit by these ongoing delays.” 
 
“While commuters deal with the disruption, taxpayers are also footing a massive bill — nearly $8 million a month — and still no one can say when the Metro Services will be running.”  
 
“Commuters deserve to see light at the end of the tunnel and the very least the Government could do is provide an expected opening day or month to the suffering commuters of the South-West.” 

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are celebrating a major milestone for the King Georges Road upgrade, with work starting today on Stage 2A of the project.

Stage 2A will upgrade King Georges Road and Connells Point Road intersection to improve road safety and reduce travel times and congestion. 

This next stage builds upon the improvements already delivered under Stage 1, which widened King Georges Road from Stoney Creek Road to Forest Road from four to six lanes.

Easing congestion along this key corridor, the upgrades will increase efficiency and improve safety for the 60,000 cars, trucks and buses that use this road daily. 

The Australian and NSW Governments have each committed $95 million towards the $190 million project. 

This major milestone comes following the completion of detailed design, with the construction contract awarded to BMD Constructions.

Works under Stage 2A include widening King Georges Road from two to three lanes in each direction between Connells Point Road and William Street, and extending right turn bays on King Georges Road and Connells Point Road, among other improvements.

For more information, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/improvements-to-king-georges-road.

NSW Premier and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns:

“I’ve heard from our community just how frustrating congestion along King Georges Road can be, which is why we’re working with the Albanese Government to get this upgrade underway.

“King Georges Road is one of the busiest corridors in southern Sydney, and this upgrade is long overdue.

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure growing communities need, easing congestion and making daily travel safer and more predictable for local families and businesses.

“This is a practical project that will make a real difference for the tens of thousands of people who use this road each day.”

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

“This upgrade is about keeping people, business and freight moving across southern Sydney, with the Albanese Government investing in infrastructure that delivers real benefits for local communities.

“By increasing capacity on King Georges Road, we’re cutting congestion, improving travel times and supporting a safer, more reliable network for the thousands of drivers who rely on this corridor every day.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“We’re delivering better roads for southern Sydney, and this next stage of the King Georges Road upgrade is a big step forward.

“Improving the Connells Point Road intersection will help traffic flow more smoothly, particularly during peak periods when this corridor is under the most pressure.

“With around 60,000 vehicles using this road each day, these upgrades will make journeys safer, quicker and more reliable for everyone who depends on this key corridor.”

Federal Member for Banks Zhi Soon:

“Locals know how challenging this intersection can be. Congestion during peak times and on weekends are causing regular traffic jams when people just want to get to the shops at South Hurstville, pick their kids up from school, or just go about their day.

“The works to widen King Georges Road, extend right turn lanes southbound, and upgrade footpaths and pedestrian refuges will make this intersection safer and easier to navigate for both drivers and pedestrians.

“I am proud to be part of a Federal Labor Government that is delivering $95 million in funding for this project, alongside our State Labor Government counterparts, working together to deliver the infrastructure upgrades our community needs”

Australia’s first new city in 100 years is officially open for business as the Minns Labor Government launches the Bradfield City ‘Built for what’s next’ campaign.

The campaign will showcase Bradfield as a city on the doorstep of an international airport which boasts access to world‑class research and manufacturing infrastructure, as well as a skilled local workforce. Showing investors and businesses why it is an ideal location for innovative business models in Australia and across the globe.

To launch a wave of new commercial investment opportunities new expressions of interest have opened today for businesses interested in locating in the 3.8-hectare Enterprise Precinct adjacent to the city’s first building the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).

The Minns Labor Government is particularly interested in attracting investment from sectors such as aerospace, cleantech, modern construction, defence, education and research, freight and logistics, advanced manufacturing, agtech, semiconductors and critical technologies.

This campaign brings Bradfield another step closer to becoming a thriving, globally connected city, with 10,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs.

The Minns Labor Government has also made a regulation change so all development within Bradfield’s master plan footprint will be assessed through a dedicated streamlined state‑led planning pathway. This will make sure we can establish the foundations Bradfield needs to be a thriving community.

Following the first land release in December last year further progress is being made, with the developer Plenary set to open Expressions of Interests in the coming weeks to find a university partner and commercial tenants.

Today’s launch follows significant progress over the past two years, including:

• Finalising a development agreement with Plenary to transform the first Superlot.
• Partnering with Superloop to deliver the cities digital infrastructure.
• Opening of the First Building the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility.
• Completing the first stage of civil and enabling works making more than a third of the city development ready.
• Approving for the Second Building and iconic two-hectare Central Park, which are both due to start construction this year.
• Committing to make Bradfield the site of Australia’s first commercial semiconductor advanced packaging facility.
• Accelerating private investment in the broader Aerotropolis with $21.6 billion worth of projects in the pipeline at various stages.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a stronger future for Western Sydney, including making Bradfield a national hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing and sovereign capability.

Further opportunities will come to market later this year including, tenancies in the Second Building.

Learn more about the opportunities now open and build your business in Bradfield City: www.bradfield.city.

Prue Car, Deputy Premier of NSW and Minister for Western Sydney said:

“New South Wales is open for business, and the Minns Labor Government is backing industry, reducing red tape, and creating new jobs for Western Sydney.

“Bradfield City is right at the heart of this work. As the Aerotropolis grows, we have a chance to create new pathways for jobs, education, and infrastructure in our growing communities.

“The Minns Labor Government wants businesses and investors to take the next step, bring your ambition, your ideas, and help us shape the future for Western Sydney.”

Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, said:

“Bradfield City is officially open for business and situated on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport it offers unique benefits for innovative and advanced industries looking for a homebase.

“This is an exciting milestone for Bradfield and an exciting opportunity for new industry to get a foothold in a new globally connected city which is well on its way to becoming a hub for future focused industries.

“The Minns Labor Government is making sure Australia’s first new city in 100 years has the right foundations to thrive as a commercial and industrial centre as well as a well connect and serviced community for thousands.”  

The Albanese and Minns Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support Mid North Coast communities as they continue to rebuild following the severe weather of May 2025 and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. 

The nearly $56.3 million package, delivered through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), targets the long-term work of cleaning up waterways, repairing environmental damage, and providing direct financial relief to local businesses.

The new funding will go towards:

• Clean up and waste removal ($26.2 million) – managed by the NSW EPA, this fund will target removing hazardous debris from riverbanks and land that requires specialised equipment.
• Environmental restoration ($8.8 million) – dedicated to repairing riverbanks (riparian zones) and coastal areas, including critical work on the Manning Point spur wall.
• Small Business and Non-Profit Grants ($5.61 million) – an increased grant of up to an additional $25,000 will be available in the coming weeks through Service NSW. These are specifically for businesses and not for profit organisations that suffered direct damage as a result of the severe weather event in May last year. It will contribute towards extraordinary clean-up, repair and restoration of damaged business premises and assets including damaged equipment, flooring and walls.
• Community recovery and resilience ($7.2 million) – support community recovery and resilience activities including Engagement and Resilience Coordinators to support councils’ work with communities.
• Disaster Legal Services ($1.9 million) – will provide disaster legal services to help mitigate the economic and social impacts of flooding.
• Mental Health support ($4.2 million) mental health disaster recovery support through targeted programs.

The new funding programs will be launched in the coming weeks with more information available at nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain MP said:
“People across the Mid North Coast were hit hard by these back-to-back severe weather events, which caused widespread disruption and damage to homes, businesses, and the environment.

“As I said at the start of this event in May last year, recovery is a long haul; it is not days and weeks, it is months and years.

“The Albanese and Minns Governments continue to work very closely together for the people of the Mid North Coast, and this support package is just another example of that.

“It delivers a range of practical, long-term assistance measures, and we will continue to stand by these communities through this recovery.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“Communities across the Mid North Coast know all too well the devastating impact of floods and severe weather events like what we saw in May last year. 

“We know recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and requires governments of all levels to work together to ensure communities are getting the right support they need to move forward. 

“This additional funding package will provide that practical on the ground support so the communities of the Mid North Coast can continue to rebuild their lives.”    

NSW Minister for Recovery and Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:
“I’ve been on the ground in these communities, and I know that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. We have listened to the community dealing with the aftermath of the 2025 floods, and we are staying the distance.

“While this $56.28 million won’t fix every single issue overnight, it is a significant investment in the heavy-duty clean-up and the mental health support that people actually need right now.

“Small business owners have been clear about what they need to move forward, and as both Minister for Recovery and Small Business, I am focused on delivering that practical support. This funding is specifically designed to help replace damaged equipment and repairing shopfronts to ensure local traders can complete their rebuilds and focus on the future.”

The Minns Labor Government’s push to rebuild local bus manufacturing in NSW is taking a significant step forward, with construction commencing on a new bus facility which will create over 100 new jobs on the South Coast.

Today the first sod will be turned on the new 6000sqm Foton Mobility Distribution bus manufacturing facility in Nowra. This will allow Foton to scale up to 127 workers, from 19 at their current temporary facility.

The next round of recruitment for 27 positions is expected to be advertised in June, including leading hands, assembly workers, electricians, production line engineer, quality control engineers, payroll and office admin. 

Those workers are due to start when the first phase of the new facility is completed in the third quarter of this year.

The benefits will flow beyond the employees with Foton already using six local suppliers: John K Engineering, Lee Sandstrom for auto electrical, Mark Burton for quality assurance, Nowra Signs, Total Tools, and Multiparas Unanderra for components.

Foton Mobility Distribution is an Australian-owned electric bus and truck manufacturing business currently delivering an order for 128 buses as part of the Transport for NSW Zero Emissions Bus program.

Twenty-five Foton buses are already in service at the Bradbury depot Western Sydney and more will soon go into service from the Brookvale depot on the Northern Beaches.

Construction of the new Foton facility will roll out in three phases, with the first phase commencing today and delivering a new manufacturing shed in the third quarter of this year, and a second and third phase expected to deliver a pre-delivery shed and office space in 2027. 

Under the 12 years of the former Coalition government local bus and train manufacturing was abandoned with procurement predominantly from overseas suppliers. During this period thousands of local manufacturing jobs were sent overseas, which led to cracked vehicles, ferries with asbestos, and trains which didn’t fit the tracks.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This facility will provide much needed economic opportunities for locals in Nowra.

“After watching so many transport manufacturing jobs go offshore under the former government, it’s great to see Nowra benefiting from the increase in local manufacturing.

“The Liberals have been criticising this facility at every opportunity. That is an attack on local jobs, and reminds voters that Liberals love sending manufacturing jobs overseas.”

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

“This is a win for the region and a win for workers in Nowra who will benefit from this new facility and the jobs it will help deliver.

“This Government is taking action to restore domestic manufacturing in the South Coast and right across NSW, while ensuring we develop the skills, capacity, and resilience we need for the future.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“This new facility is a strong example of private investment responding to global shifts toward electrification and choosing to back NSW with new capability and skilled jobs.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to see businesses invest, expand and innovate here in NSW, and projects like this show confidence in the future of local manufacturing and the workforce to support it.”

Member for the South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Today marks a great day for local manufacturing jobs on the South Coast. It’s great news for our community to see a new facility getting set to employ over 100 more local workers.

“This facility will soon be recruiting for a wide range of roles from the factory floor through to engineering, administration, and management. That means real opportunities for local people to build long-term careers close to home.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is rebuilding local manufacturing, because it means more jobs in our communities.

“This new bus manufacturing facility will mean more jobs, more skills and more work for local contractors.”

New Zealand bus drivers are assisting one of the biggest headaches for Sydney commuters: the prolonged driver shortage on the Northern Beaches.

Three in ten bus service cancellations in Sydney occur on Northern Beaches routes because the area struggles to attract and retain enough drivers.

Sydney’s bus driver deficit blew out past 500 after the Liberals privatised bus services and the Minns Labor Government has brought the deficit down to 179 last month through recruitment campaigns, free training and cash sign-on bonuses of up to $3000.

Due to its comparitively high housing costs which price many workers out of the area, the bus driver shortage at Northern Beaches depots has remained persistent over years and its services most susceptible to last-minute cancellation.

To address this, Transport for NSW has gone further afield than ever before in its recruitment search and has so far assisted 17 qualified bus drivers from New Zealand to get behind the wheel for private operator Keolis Downer in Region 8 which encompasses the lower north shore, Manly and Palm Beach.

Another 10-20 bus drivers are currently being recruited.

Kiwi drivers willing to answer NSW’s call have their air fare paid and six weeks accommodation in the area provided rent-free.

No visa is required for New Zealand drivers under mutual recognition arrangements between our two countries.

They do not qualify for the $2000-$3000 cash sign-on bonuses offered to new and experienced Australian drivers.

Overall, bus driver job vacancies across Sydney have fallen from around 500 in April 2023 to 162 this month, and cancellations are down to 1.54 per cent of all scheduled services.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Australians have a tradition of adopting New Zealanders as our own – think Russell Crowe, Neil Finn and Sam Neill. But if you’re waiting for a bus on Pittwater Road, the Kiwi driving the next service may just become your favourite import yet.

“We have worked overtime to reduce the bus driver shortage we inherited, but the deficit on the Northern Beaches has remained intractable. This is a special situation that has required a special fix.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to send a big kia ora to the 17 drivers from New Zealand who have so far helped us out with their experience and professionalism.”

Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“This is a practical, targeted initiative that will help address driver shortages in one of the most challenging parts of the network to recruit for.

“Our door is always open to men and women who are interested in becoming bus drivers in NSW, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to consider this rewarding and essential career.

“By bringing in qualified drivers who can transition quickly into service, we’re strengthening reliability for passengers while continuing to build a sustainable local workforce.”