A new generation of homeowners is seizing the opportunity to secure a future in the Northern Rivers, with young families dominating the bidding at Lismore’s third flood buyback auction of the year.
Overnight, 35 registered bidders gathered at the Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah to compete for 10 homes from South, North, Central, and East Lismore, as well as Girards Hill. The event saw a 100% clearance rate, with homes selling for between $14,000 and $132,000, with a combined value of $400,000.
Since December 2024, 160 properties have been offered for sale through this innovative program, which has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing pathways.
Auction highlights included:
213 Casino Street, South Lismore: $14,000
7 Frank Street, South Lismore: $38,000
14 Tweed Street, North Lismore: $40,000
11 Coleman Street, Central Lismore: $132,000
163 Ballina Road, East Lismore: $35,000
1 Cathcart Street, Central Lismore: $41,000
144 Dawson Street, Girards Hill: $21,000
153 Dawson Street, Girards Hill: $26,000
219 Molesworth Street, East Lismore: $17,000
99 Crown Street, South Lismore: $36,000
All homes sold were originally purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority under the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, a joint initiative of the NSW and Australian Governments. Successful bidders are required to relocate the dwellings to flood-safe land within 11 months.
All proceed from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.
“It is heartening to see so many young families securing these homes, providing them with a tangible pathway to homeownership while ensuring we keep our people and their energy right here in the Northern Rivers.
“This program is a uniquely Northern Rivers solution to housing that is setting a benchmark for the rest of Australia, proving that we can move residents out of harm’s way without losing the heart of our community.
“By choosing relocation over demolition, we are delivering a sustainable and innovative outcome that preserves our local housing stock and gives these buildings a second life in a safer location.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Executive Director Adaptation and Resilience Division Jane Holden said:
“The Lismore auctions are part of our commitment to relocate and reuse buyback dwellings wherever possible, as we progress the removal of households from areas of high flood risk.
“These homes are part of the community’s shared history, and this program is about giving them a second life.
“It was encouraging to see bidders come well-prepared, engaging with relocation contractors and local councils in advance, with strong interest from young families and first-home buyers seeking a pathway to a safer future.”
The Minns Labor Government is urging motorists to continue using FuelCheck while travelling this long weekend as NSW Fair Trading pushes its statewide fuel transparency compliance inspections into the most remote areas of the state.
Service stations in Cobar and Lake Cargelligo have been the most regional sites targeted in the latest compliance inspections, with around 70 retailers left in neighbouring regions on NSW Fair Trading’s radar for inspection.
NSW Fair Trading inspectors have now visited more than 2,300 petrol stations and issued over 210 fines from Manly to Moree, covering 94 per cent of the state.
More than 750 petrol stations have also been re-inspected after displaying ‘red flag’ behaviours, such as receiving fines or multiple consumer complaints.
Around 70% of all fines have been issued in regional NSW, with the Southern Tablelands & South Coast, Central West and Riverina seeing the highest number of price mismatches.
In the Snowy Mountains, a service station flagged through the Bowser Busters program was found displaying diesel at $3.00 per litre on its fuel price signage, while advertising $1.96 per litre in the FuelCheck app, a discrepancy of $1.04 per litre.
In Walgett Shire, an inspection at a 24-hour unmanned service station identified the site was not displaying required fuel price signage, limiting consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions.
Further inspections in the Upper Murray region identified two service stations selling diesel without any fuel price signage. One of these sites was also found to have a price discrepancy of 25 cents per litre for diesel between the price of $3.24 advertised on FuelCheck and required pricing of $2.99.
Those who fail to meet their obligations face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, with court penalties of up to $110,000. Stations that have already been fined have been warned to be extra vigilant as NSW Fair Trading has the ability to pursue a higher penalty before the Courts for repeated breaches.
As thousands hit regional highways for the long weekend, drivers are encouraged to take advantage of FuelCheck’s Bowser Busters feature to directly report fuel price mismatching and help target compliance activity in communities where it is needed most.
Bowser Busters is working – with everyday motorists now acting as NSW Fair Trading’s eyes and ears on the ground, almost 100 desktop compliance fines have been issued for price mismatches reported by the public.
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“These inspection and compliance numbers show that as cost-of-living pressures ramp up, the Minns Labor Government will not back down.
“As our robust re-inspection regime continues, we’re calling on every motorist in the state to report regional and metropolitan service stations that are taking them for a ride.
“This is all part of the Government’s commitment to improve fuel transparency in NSW by injecting $2.2 million to upgrade and maintain FuelCheck, conducting record numbers of compliance inspections and encouraging consumers to report unfair fuel prices.
“My message to service stations remains clear: do the wrong thing and you will be caught.”
NSW Fair Trading Executive Director of Consumer Affairs Andrew Floro said:
“Our NSW Fair Trading inspectors have worked tirelessly to cover off NSW petrol stations and ensure they are doing the right thing at the bowser.
“We are continuing to call motorists to report on price discrepancies as it leads to real enforcement outcomes. Especially in rural areas that are harder to access.
“Ahead of the long weekend, NSW Fair Trading will continue targeted inspections and compliance action, ensuring motorists travelling to regional and rural NSW can rely on FuelCheck when planning their journeys.”
The Minns Labor Government is empowering young women and girls in Newcastle and the Hunter to seek opportunities in emergency services through the Girls on Fire program, funded as part of our continued investment in women’s advancement.
The Minns Labor Government is empowering young women and girls in Newcastle and the Hunter to seek opportunities in emergency services through the Girls on Fire program, funded as part of our continued investment in women’s advancement.
Girls on Fire received over $180,000 in funding under the government’s Investing in Women grants, to provide teenage girls in regional and remote areas with a hands-on, practical program of what it’s like working in emergency services.
The 9-week program includes training in real-world fire and emergency skills, disaster preparedness across urban fire, bushfire, flood and climatic impact, and support with applications to volunteer or work with emergency agencies.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison dropped in on the workshop this week and observed the impact the program has had building local girls’ leadership skills and confidence.
The Girls on Fire program has run successfully in South Western Sydney, Casino, Moree, Walgett, Wilcannia, Tamworth and Albury, and has now made its way to Newcastle and the Hunter. Some 500 girls have so far participated in the program, which is set to be delivered in Western Sydney next year.
The NSW Government’s Investing in Women Funding program provided $2.6 million in funding to seven organisations across New South Wales for projects that advance the role, status and contribution of women and girls in our communities.
It forms a key component of the NSW Women’s Strategy which prioritises women’s employment participation, health and wellbeing and empowerment.
The Minns Government is working to boost women’s economic opportunities, employment and advancement, including:
Investing in Supporting Women in Business programs to increase women’s skills and confidence to support them in achieving their business goals.
Supporting the development of the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network, a hub for women-led businesses of all sizes to increase their visibility.
Re-establishing the NSW Working Women’s Centre to protect women’s rights at work.
“Welcoming this program to the region is a proud moment for the Hunter and a big step toward getting more women into our emergency services which are so vital to our communities.
“We know the calibre of women in the Hunter – strong, capable and committed to their communities – and those qualities are what these roles require.
“When more women are there in the hardest moments of people’s lives, we’re building a frontline that better reflects the community it serves and delivers the kind of support that really matters. This program is about backing local women in and giving them the opportunity to step forward.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The Minns Government is working to increase gender diversity in non-traditional roles, such as emergency services, and provide women and girls with opportunities to pursue whatever career they aspire to.
“Girls on Fire is an exciting program that we’ve funded to provide regional girls with hands-on experience in emergency and disaster response. It not only teaches practical skills, it also provides leadership development and wellbeing support, building girls’ resilience and confidence.
“This program will enable these young girls to take tangible steps towards achieving their personal aspirations and pave a pathway for a future in the sector.”
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr MP said:
“This program is an exciting opportunity for young women in regional areas to seek hands-on, practical training in emergency services and disaster response.
“This 9-week program will enable young women to take steps towards achieving their dreams to work in emergency services and disaster preparedness.”
Girls on Fire CEO Bronnie Mackintosh said:
“Girls on Fire is proud to welcome Minister Jodie Harrison to our Vocational Pathways Program and to showcase the incredible potential of young women exploring futures in fire, emergency services and leadership.
“The 9-week Vocational Pathways Program gives young women the time, space and support to build real confidence, develop practical skills and see themselves as capable leaders. It’s not just a one-day experience – it’s a journey that creates lasting impact, stronger connections, and genuine pathways into future opportunities.
“The program highlights the importance of creating pathways, building confidence and investing in regional young people so they can see what is possible for their future.”
The Minns Labor Government is accelerating housing delivery in regional communities providing $12.3 million in financial support to councils which will help unlock more than 9,800 new homes through the latest round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI).
The funding will help bring forward six enabling infrastructure projects across five regional councils which will enable housing growth.
From road upgrades to water and sewer systems and community facilities the funding will help build better communities right across NSW.
Recipients include:
Wollongong City Council – $3.2 million towards the $28 million upgrade of West Dapto Road, from Yard Street to Darkes Road, accelerating delivery of 1500 new homes in Council’s West Dapto Urban Release Area.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council – $7 million towards the $152 million Cowarra Water Treatment Plant, supporting more than 5300 new homes.
Cowra Shire – $932,800 towards a $10 million upgrade of Cowra Aquatic Centre, including a new 50-metre outdoor pool, two new filtration and water treatment systems, and upgraded electrical systems and amenity to support new housing demand.
Greater Hume Shire – $354,300 towards a $2.8 million Jindera Sewer Treatment Plant augmentation, supporting 260 new dwellings.
Orange City – $398,600 towards a $2.4 million upgrade of the Molong Road intersection, enabling 1,200 new residential lots.
Orange City – $433,000 towards a $2.6 million upgrade of the Northern Distributor Road and Clergate Road Intersection, enabling 1,300 new residential lots.
The competitive grants program was open to all 95 regional councils to help deliver critical infrastructure that will accelerate new housing supply. Under the LCLI, the NSW Government covers 50 per cent of interest costs on eligible loans.
This brings the NSW Government investment to $31.3 million for the Low Cost Loans Initiative, supporting the delivery of $792 million worth of essential infrastructure across NSW. For more information, visit: NSW Planning.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“We’re helping councils deliver the infrastructure that supports more new homes by cutting borrowing costs and accelerating the delivery of roads, water and sewer infrastructure that communities rely on.
“By supporting infrastructure that growing communities need, we’re creating more opportunities for people to live and work in regional NSW.
“We’re working with councils to support sustainable growth and to give regional communities the confidence to plan for the future.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“This funding is about making it easier for councils to deliver the essential services and infrastructure that regional communities need to grow.
“With many regional families struggling to find affordable homes to rent and buy, the Low Cost Loans Initiative is supporting more housing choice in areas where it’s needed.
“By supporting councils to bring forward these projects, we’re helping ensure regional NSW remains a great place to live and work.”
The Minns Labor Government is delivering another long overdue school upgrade for regional NSW, with Gillieston Public School’s major redevelopment reaching a major construction milestone.
The Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison MP, inspected Gillieston Public School today following the topping out of the new three-storey school building.
Surging demand for public education in Maitland left Gillieston Public School bursting at the seams under the Liberals and Nationals, with most of the school’s students learning in demountable classrooms.
Once the work is complete all the school’s 24 demountables will be replaced with 32 modern permanent classrooms and three support classrooms.
The upgrade will increase the permanent capacity of Gillieston Public School, which currently has only two permanent classrooms, by more than 650 students, future-proofing the school for further growth.
Additional redevelopment work includes a new outside of school hours care facilities, a covered outdoor learning area, upgraded sports facilities, as well as a new library, school hall, and canteen.
The school will also benefit from a co-located fee-free public preschool, as will nearby Tenambit Public School.
Work is underway on the delivery of both these new co-located public preschools, which will accommodate up to 200 children per week between them.
The upgraded school and the two public preschools will open from Day 1, Term 1, 2027 as the Minns Labor Government continues its work to rebuild public education across NSW.
The new public preschools are part of the government’s commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.
This is part of a record $9 billion investment in new schools and upgrades, including $2.1 billion for regional NSW, giving our children access to a world class public education, right where they live.
The Minns Labor Government has also delivered the biggest pay rise in a generation to attract the best teachers and keep them in the classroom, resulting in teacher vacancies falling to the lowest level in 12 years, halving the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW schools.
This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver better schools and more teachers to give our kids the world class education they deserve.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“This is a major investment in the future of public education for Maitland families, providing local students with the world class facilities they deserve.”
“For far too long, the Gillieston Public School community was neglected by the Liberals and Nationals.
“The Minns Labor Government, with the tireless advocacy of local MP Jenny Aitchison, have listened to the community, and students can look forward to learning in their new classrooms from the beginning of next year.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:
“This is great news for families in Gillieston Heights and right across Maitland.
“The Hunter is growing quickly, and communities rightly expect the essential infrastructure to keep up – including great local public schools.
“For too long, families at Gillieston Public School had to make do with temporary classrooms and overcrowding. This upgrade is about giving them the permanent, high-quality facilities they deserve.”
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:
“It’s no secret that Gillieston Heights is a rapidly growing suburb, and the public school has been bursting at the seams for over a decade.
“This redevelopment would not be happening without the strong advocacy of the school community. We’ve been calling for upgrades to this school for years.
“This is a much-needed upgrade, that will ensure this fantastic school can continue to serve this community well into the future.”
Gillieston Public School Principal Lauren Fernando said:
“It’s exciting to see our upgrade underway. Our students are looking forward to modern, permanent classrooms and facilities.
“This upgrade is going to make a big difference to our students, our staff and our whole school community.”
The latest ABS Taxation Revenue data confirms what families and businesses across New South Wales already know: under Labor, taxes are going up and households are paying the price.
Under the Minns Labor Government, a disturbing trend of runaway tax increases has emerged. Between the 2022-23 and 2024-25 financial years, NSW has endured the highest per capita state and local government taxation growth of any jurisdiction in the country of 15.7 per cent, compared to 6.7 per cent growth across all levels of government.
22-23
23-24
24-25
22-23 to 24-25
$
$
$
% change
State and local government
New South Wales
5,519
6,005
6,383
15.7%
Victoria
5,810
6,367
6,605
13.7%
Queensland
4,746
5,060
5,481
15.5%
South Australia
4,307
4,689
4,956
15.1%
Western Australia
5,303
5,598
5,933
11.9%
Tasmania
3,651
3,985
4,153
13.7%
Northern Territory
3,424
3,604
3,839
12.1%
Australian Capital Territory
5,555
5,494
5,725
3.1%
Average
5,266
5,692
6,023
14.4%
Commonwealth government
23,475
24,083
24,652
5.0%
All levels of government
28,705
29,735
30,633
6.7%
The 2025-26 NSW Budget Half-Yearly Review confirms that under the Minns Labor Government, every tax is going up with land tax revenue increasing by more than 47 per cent, transfer duty revenue up nearly 45 per cent, and payroll tax surging by over 20 per cent since the 2022-23 budget year.
NSW Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the figures expose a clear pattern: higher taxes, rising cost of living, and a government that keeps taking more.
“Since the Minns Labor Government was elected, NSW has taken the mantle of the State with the fastest growing taxes. That’s not something to be proud of, it is a burden families are feeling every single day.”
“There is barely a tax that has been spared. Whether you’re buying a home, running a business, or just trying to get ahead, Labor is taking more.”
“Labor has no plan to help the families of NSW, but has a plan to continue growing taxes with the Half-Yearly Budget Review predicting taxation will hit nearly $60 billion by the 2028-29 financial year – a more than 50 per cent increase on the yearly tax burden the people of NSW faced under the last year of the Coalition Government.”
“At a time when people are cutting back, the Minns Labor Government is cashing in.”
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.”
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.”
