Category: NSW News

Murwillumbah, Lennox Head, Sawtell and Byron Bay are four of the ten regional towns across NSW that will share in $2 million of funding to support the growth of their night-time economies.

Under the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot, ten regional business collectives across the state looking to uplift their local 24-hour economy will receive support to help them develop thriving, vibrant local economies day and night.

The pilot, developed in response to feedback from regional businesses, councils and industry groups, will offer tailored capacity-building bootcamps locally for each collective. Funding and ongoing support will help local business collectives to harness opportunities in their area and deliver initiatives that will create more vibrancy from day to night.

These capacity-building grants are designed to support organised teams of local businesses to collaborate and further develop vibrant economies and leverage opportunities in their communities.

The funding will support business collectives in Bathurst, Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, Lennox Head, Milton, Murrumbateman, Murwillumbah, Sawtell, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga to develop strategies, plans and ideas about how they can support their region’s unique 24-hour economy through collective initiatives such as marketing campaigns, activations and events.

More information on the Regional Night Time Economy Program is available here.

Minister for the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said:

“Our 24-hour economy strategy highlights the importance of supporting unique offerings across the state and showcasing the stories of night-time precincts across regional NSW.

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Across the state, groups provided feedback that an integrated capacity-building and funding approach designed to suit the unique local contexts and settings across the state would be ideal.

“The program will support these regions to harness local opportunities that make them unique and work toward developing vibrant local economies from day to night in regional town centres.”

Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“We know that people are seeking out nightlife experiences closer to home, and this program will enable regional business groups to collaborate and highlight what their region has to offer – not just during major or community events but all year round, day or night.

“This round of the program is a pilot, providing an opportunity to test the approach, learn from the outcomes and inform future program expansion.”

Regional Night-Time Economy Program Pilot recipients

• Bathurst
• Byron Bay
• Hunter Valley
• Lennox Head
• Milton
• Murrumbateman
• Murwillumbah
• Sawtell
• Tamworth
• Wagga Wagga

The Minns Labor Government has today delivered a key election commitment, launching a strategic vision for transport in the South East and Tablelands.

The South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan provides a 20-year vision of the key transport priorities for the region, which surrounds the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and borders Victoria and other parts of NSW. 

The plan, comprising 60 key actions and initiatives, was shaped following extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community. Some of these actions and initiatives include:

• Enhance services within and between strategic centres (Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Bega, Moruya) and to Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and Canberra.
• Introduce new or improved bus and on-demand services, including cross-border links with the ACT.
• Enable High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) access on key freight routes (Hume Hwy, Princes Hwy, Kings Hwy, Snowy Mountains Hwy).
• Improve heavy vehicle rest stops and plan for OSOM movements to support freight and renewable energy projects.  
• Upgrade major corridors like Princes Highway, Barton Highway, and alpine routes (Clyde Mountain, Brown Mountain).
• Implement town entry gateway treatments and intersection upgrades to improve safety and resilience. 

Over the public consultation period in late 2024 and early 2025, Transport for NSW received more than 1000 pieces of feedback from residents, businesses and transport users via online survey and map pins.  

More than 50 submissions were received from individuals and key stakeholders including local councils, peak bodies, community organisations and transport interest groups.   

A copy of the final plan and initiatives, consultation summary and engagement report is available on the project webpage at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/south-east-and-tablelands-sritp.   

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long, regional communities were silent in transport planning. This plan reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to put people in regional NSW first.

“We know roads and transport are key to better connected cities and towns. It helps people get to work, school, medical appointments and the things that matter in their daily lives.

“This is a long-term vision that gives certainty to communities across the South East and Tablelands. It sets out the priorities that will guide investment, improve safety and strengthen the vital links that support local economies and regional lifestyles.

“What we have heard from communities is clear. They want more choice, they want safer and more reliable journeys, and they want planning that recognises the unique needs of regional NSW. This final plan is about delivering exactly that, and ensuring the region thrives well into the future.

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing communities across Monaro with a long term transport plan that puts safety, access and reliability at the centre of future investment.

“This plan recognises how important good transport is for tourism, freight, local jobs and everyday life right across Monaro.

“It gives our region the certainty it deserves and lays out a clear path forward for better roads, improved public transport and stronger links with Canberra and the coast.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said:

“This plan is about delivering real, practical improvements for people right across the Bega electorate and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job.

“From safer highway upgrades to better local bus connections and stronger freight access, this plan reflects what our community has been asking for and what the region needs to keep growing.

“Transport is not just about moving from A to B. It is about access to jobs, education, health care and supporting local businesses across our region.”

Labor Spokesperson for Goulburn, Bob Nanva, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is showing what strong leadership looks like with a clear long term plan for transport in the Goulburn region.

“Communities have been calling for better connections, safer roads and more reliable transport options and this plan responds directly to that feedback.

“This is the type of planning regional NSW has been missing for far too long and it is welcome to see the Minns Labor Government getting on with the job.”

Labor Spokesperson for Wollondilly, Mark Buttigieg, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering the certainty that communities across Wollondilly have been asking for when it comes to future transport investment.

“This plan recognises the rapid growth right across our region and the need for smarter planning, safer roads and better public transport options.

“It is a strong step forward that puts local communities and their future movement needs front and centre.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing regional communities like Cootamundra with a long-term vision for safer, more connected transport networks.

“This plan reflects what locals have been saying. They want better access, safer journeys and infrastructure that keeps up with the needs of growing regional communities.

“Strong planning like this is essential to delivering better outcomes for families, farmers, businesses and freight operators right across the region.” 

Another significant milestone has been reached for the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment as the striking new façade is revealed, providing the first look at the hospital’s future main entry.

Due for completion later this year, the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is one of the largest hospital projects to be delivered in Greater Western Sydney.

The Stage 2 redevelopment includes a major expansion and upgrade of health services providing Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with access to modern, purpose-built health facilities for generations to come.

The centrepiece is a new 7 storey building, with construction scaffolding now removed to reveal the hospital’s new main entry and façade.

Designed to provide a welcoming and easy-to-navigate entrance to the Hospital, the new tower will enhance access to health services for patients, visitors, and staff. The building will also seamlessly connect to the existing hospital tower delivered as part of Stage 1 of the project.

The building façade is inspired by the local natural landscape, including the Blue Mountains and the Nepean River, with the colours designed to complement the existing hospital tower to give the campus a distinctive identify.

The Stage 2 building will feature:

• a new Intensive Care Unit
• Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine services
• Interventional Radiology
• in-centre Renal Dialysis
• additional inpatient beds including paediatrics
• staff education and training facilities and a welcoming main hospital entry and reception area. 

Improved wayfinding, pedestrian and vehicle connections, and easier access to parking will also be delivered as part of the project.

Construction for the redevelopment is progressing with the internal fit-out of the building under way, along with landscaping and integration works to link the new building and facilities with the existing hospital.

Construction is due for completion later this year. This will be followed by an operational commissioning period to prepare the new building to welcome staff and patients. 

The Nepean Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment is just one part of the Government’s health infrastructure pipeline across Western Sydney, which includes:

• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital;
• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment plus $80 million from the Federal Government;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment; and
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

For more information about the project, visit: nsw.gov.au/nepean-redevelopment

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney said:

“This major development is crucial for the local community and will ensure residents can access world-class facilities close to home.

“The Minns Labor Government is making significant investments in hospitals right across Western Sydney, delivering the state-of-the-art facilities our growing communities deserve.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are committed to delivering world-class health care closer to home for the people of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains regions.

“The more than $1 billion investment in Nepean Hospital ensures families have access to modern facilities and the highest standards of healthcare for decades to come.

“We’re building more hospitals and delivering more beds, helping to lower wait times and improve patient outcomes.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“This project is not only transforming health services for our community but also creating more local jobs. From construction through to health service delivery, the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is driving opportunities for Penrith residents and supporting our local economy.

“In less than 12 months, our local community will be walking through these doors to access the very best care possible.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver safer, more accessible public transport, with community members invited to have their say on the designs for accessibility upgrades planned for Canberra and Yass Junction train stations.

The upgrades will be delivered by the Minns Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program, which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility challenges.

The planned upgrades, designed with input from People with Disability Australia, the Accessible Transport Advisory Committee and Guide Dogs Australia, include ramps, increased disability parking spaces and bus shelters.

Both SAT projects will upgrade the stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport compliance, improving amenity, access and safety, and acknowledging the important role these locations have in the communities they serve.

The Minns Government has funded $900,000 each for investigations, design development and to obtain planning approvals for the Canberra and Yass Junction station upgrades.

Consultation is now open to community feedback on the designs until 11.59pm, Tuesday 31 March.  

The feedback will be considered and will inform the detailed design development.

For more information call 1800 684 490, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/design-accessible-stations.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering safer, more accessible public transport so people can get where they need to go, regardless of age, ability or mobility needs.”

“Canberra and Yass Junction stations are important transport hubs for their communities, and it is critical that they are inclusive, safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disability, older passengers, parents with prams and people carrying luggage.

“These proposed upgrades, funded through the Minns Labor Government’s Safe Accessible Transport Program, are about removing barriers to travel and improving the overall station experience, both on platforms and in surrounding precincts.

“We are investing in detailed investigations and design work to ensure these upgrades are done properly, and we want to hear directly from the community before moving to the next stage.

“I encourage anyone who uses these stations, or who currently avoids them due to accessibility or safety concerns, to review the designs and provide feedback so we can deliver outcomes that reflect local needs and expectations.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent people from fully participating in their communities with dignity and safety – accessible public transport is a critical part of that.

“I urge locals to have their say, especially people with disability, because we know we get better outcomes when lived experience helps shape our communities.”

ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement today regarding accessibility upgrades to the Kingston train station in Canberra. The additional investment in accessibility infrastructure in Yass is also welcome news for our region.

“The improvements also represent an encouraging first step in the broader work that has been underway with the NSW Government to improve the Canberra–Sydney rail experience.

“The upgrades will help ensure the stations better meets the needs of all passengers, including people with disability and older Canberrans or people with mobility issues. I encourage everyone to have their say on the upgrades.

Mayor of Yass Valley Council, Jasmin Jones said:

“These proposed upgrades are a welcome step forward for the Yass community and will make it easier and safer for more people to use Yass Junction station.”

“Improving accessibility helps ensure our transport network works for everyone, including older residents, people with disability, families with prams and visitors to the region.”

“I encourage local residents to take part in the consultation and share their feedback so the final design reflects the needs of our growing community.” 

Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton has called for ASIO to investigate Liverpool City Council after a council-owned facility was reportedly used to host a memorial for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei the architect of a regime responsible for mass murder at home and sponsoring terrorism abroad through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
 
Mr Shelton said the use of a council venue to mourn the head of the terrorist-designated IRGC raised serious national security and social cohesion concerns.
 
“Liverpool City Council should be investigated by ASIO to determine how a public facility came to be used for an event mourning the head of one of the world’s most violent regimes. The people who attended the vigil at the council facility should be placed on the ASIO watch list,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The Iranian regime under Khamenei hanged gays, treated women with brutality and machine-gunned tens of thousands of protestors in the streets. Allowing council venues to be used to venerate such a figure is an affront to the victims of that regime and to the many Iranian Australians who fled it.”
 
Mr Shelton said the response of Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, who defended the memorial being held in a council-owned building, was deeply troubling.
 
“It is alarming that Liverpool Mayor, a member of the Liberal Party of Australia, has defended the use of council facilities for a memorial to Khamenei,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“The Liberal Party should immediately distance itself from these remarks and consider whether Mr Mannoun should remain a member if he is prepared to defend the eulogising of a tyrant responsible for terrorism and mass murder.”
 
Mr Shelton said Australia must be clear that glorifying such figures has no place in a peaceful democracy.
 
“Too many Muslim leaders in Australia appear willing to openly support or glorify figures linked to terrorist movements and violent regimes,” he said.
 
“Australia is a peaceful nation and we do not want the hatreds of the Middle East imported into our suburbs or fanned in our communities.”
 
Mr Shelton praised NSW Premier Chris Minns for condemning the memorial events despite the political risk of offending segments of the Muslim community.
 
“Chris Minns deserves credit for being willing to call this out even though it risks offending sections of the Muslim community who support these figures,” Mr Shelton said.
 
“That kind of leadership is necessary if Australia is to maintain social cohesion and stand firmly against the threat of Islamic terrorism, which is only too real after the Bondi massacre.”
 
Mr Shelton said Liverpool Council should now show the same courage.
 
“Liverpool Council should follow the Premier’s lead and make it clear that council facilities will never be used to glorify tyrants or terrorist leaders,” he said.
 
“Social cohesion in Australia depends on communities being united against Islamic terrorism. That is in the national interest.”
 
 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering better communities and building the infrastructure that matters with a new flood resistant road set to unlock the full potential of the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy and boost visitation to this gem.

Funded through a $472,535 Crown Lands grant, the road will connect to a Council public road, providing safe, reliable access to the 155-hectare reserve and boosting opportunities for nature-based tourism and community events.

This latest investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s strong record at the site, including $570,000 for a sealed internal access road and $100,000 for weed management and other improvements over the past two years.

Together, these projects have strengthened access, protected sensitive ecosystems, and supported the long-term sustainability of the reserve, bringing the total Minns Labor Government support for the reserve to more than $1.14 million.

Situated on the south bank of the Wyong River next to Tuggerah Nature Reserve, the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy is a hub for birdwatchers, runners, walkers, golfers, and nature lovers, while also holding deep cultural significance for the Darkinjung people.

The new road will open up long-awaited opportunities for community markets, festivals, weddings, educational programs, and eco-tourism – ensuring this iconic Crown reserve can be enjoyed by all, rain or shine.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helps deliver these community benefits, boosting local economies, protecting cultural heritage, and supporting recreation across NSW.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and investments in infrastructure like this can really make all the difference between surviving and thriving for regional communities.

“This new food-resilient road will enable the reserve to host larger-scale and evening events. It will increase community engagement and foster long term financial – and environmental – sustainability for Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy.” 

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:

“This further grant funding to build a second access road to Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Diary will open up this special place to the community and unlock the reserve’s unrealised economic, cultural and sporting

potential, while safeguarding this pristine environment.

“The flood-resistant road is literally a pathway to supporting tourism and local jobs while protecting sensitive habitats for native plants and animals, and areas of cultural and heritage significance to local and Aboriginal communities.”

Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy Crown land chair Jed Field said: 

“This is game-changing. A flood-proof access road is the crucial piece of infrastructure that has been missing since the reserve was established in 2001.

“It will really unlock the potential of the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy, by opening it up for broader community use as well as for the protection of the coastal environment.”

The Minns Labor Government is today unveiling a game-changing new precinct at Bays West – delivering up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes – directly above the new Bays West Metro Station currently under construction.

The landmark transformation will convert underutilised government-owned port land on the Harbour into Sydney’s newest suburb, while retaining important deep-water port facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

Affordable housing will be embedded from the outset, including dedicated homes for essential workers such as nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police so they can live closer to the communities they serve.

The precinct will combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years.

Night-time entertainment and creative industries will be anchored by the revitalisation of the historic White Bay Power Station as a cultural and community destination, connected to the harbour across a new expansive public forecourt.

Planning of the area will prioritise connectivity, including active transport links to neighbouring communities such as Rozelle, Balmain and Glebe, improved pedestrian access to the waterfront, and connections to the CBD, including an active transport link across the Glebe Island Bridge.

The Government will lead a master planning process that will include an international design competition to guide development across the precinct, ensuring homes, essential infrastructure, jobs, public spaces and transport links are delivered together.

It will be led by a new delivery agency to be established over the coming weeks, which will report to Minister Kamper who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo. Once established, the publicly owned land in the precinct will be transferred to the new agency.

This is the first new suburb that has been built in inner Sydney in decades, it will see homes built alongside the Bays West Metro Station ensuring young people, families and downsizers are only minutes away from the CBD. As part of the transformation of the Bays West precinct, bulk port operations – including cement, gypsum and sugar handling – will cease on Glebe Island by no later than 2030.

The Government will work closely with industry to minimise impacts and ensure the continuity of supply. This includes a commitment of $270 million to improve road connections around the port at Port Kembla and to investigate increased rail freight capacity.

Working harbour operations across the precinct will be consolidated, mostly into White Bay, ensuring the precinct will continue to provide critical services for the harbour, including boat maintenance and marine construction and as a base for tug boats and for emergency services.

A new staging area will be established in White Bay, securing the future of the New Year’s Eve fireworks, Vivid and other major events for decades to come.

The cruise terminal will be retained in its current location, meaning tourists arriving in Sydney will be welcomed by the new precinct, with new shore-power facilities currently being installed that will reduce noise and emissions. The Sydney Heritage Fleet will also be offered new premises in White Bay.

Deep-water berths will be retained to preserve Sydney Harbour’s strategic operational capability, and the removal of the existing 1970s industrial silos, currently used as a billboard, as well as to store cement and sugar, will unlock new opportunities for public space and future housing.

By unlocking Bays West, the Minns Labor Government is delivering new homes in the right places — close to opportunity, transport and public space — while preserving Sydney Harbour as both a working and living harbour.

This builds on the additional capacity for more than 620,000 homes that is being created by the Minns Labor Government’s 68 state-led rezonings, Transport Oriented Development areas, Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy and Housing Delivery Authority.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Right above a new metro station and minutes from the CBD, we’re delivering thousands of homes where people actually need them – close to work, close to services and close to transport.

“Importantly, this precinct will include affordable and essential worker housing from day one, so nurses, teachers, paramedics and police can live closer to the communities they serve.

“We understand that not everyone will welcome change, but cities don’t stand still. If Sydney is going to remain a place young people and families can afford to live in, we have to use well-located land better and plan for the future.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Bays West is about putting publicly owned land to work for the people of New South Wales — delivering thousands of new homes while keeping this strategic harbour site in public hands for generations to come.

“By transforming underutilised industrial land into a vibrant housing and jobs precinct, we are boosting housing supply close to the CBD while strengthening the state’s long-term economic capacity.”

Minister for Transport, the Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy John Graham said:

“The new Bays West Metro Station will unlock this precinct for thousands of future residents, and with the White Bay Power Station at its heart it will also become one of the most exciting cultural destinations in Sydney.

“This plan strikes the right balance of building thousands of well-located homes with world-class transport, whilst maintaining a functioning working harbour.

“With the metro, ferries, walking and cycling – this will be one of the best-connected communities anywhere in Australia.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is city-shaping renewal – delivering thousands of new homes alongside open space, jobs, culture and waterfront access.

“The master planning process will coordinate delivery and guide a good mix of homes and jobs, so the transition of the new precinct is smooth for industry and future residents. Importantly alongside the renewal of Glebe Island, we’re also investing $270 million in transport infrastructure to accommodate additional activity and support more jobs at Port Kembla port.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is exactly the kind of development Sydney needs, well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We want Sydney to remain a city where nurses, teachers, hospitality workers and young families can afford to live.

“That’s why affordable and essential worker housing will be built into this precinct from the beginning, not treated as an afterthought.

“This is about opening Sydney Harbour to more people and giving the next generation a fair chance to live close to opportunity.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking the fight to potholes across New South Wales, with more than 106,500 potholes repaired on roads in regional NSW this financial year.

The repair blitz highlights the Government’s focus on getting the basics right – putting road maintenance and safety first, particularly in the wake of persistent and severe weather events.

Since March 2023, the Minns Government has filled more than 500,000 potholes, lifting the share of pothole-free state-managed roads across regional NSW to 82 per cent – a notable increase to conditions after 12 years of neglect under the previous government.

From local main streets to nationally significant corridors, the fight is on to make journeys smoother, safer and more reliable for regional communities.

Across regional NSW, crews are on the ground every day, and they’re fixing defects early before small problems become bigger, costlier failures.

The workforce includes some of the 71 new apprentices and trainees recently deployed by Transport for NSW, now getting to work supporting frontline maintenance and fixing roads across the state.

But we aren’t stopping here.

Work is supported by $155 million in accelerated funding, boosting the regional road maintenance budget to $1.25 billion this year.

Since July 2025, more than 1400 small but important uplift projects have been delivered across regional state-managed roads – including intersection improvements, shoulder sealing, drainage upgrades, localised repaving and targeted safety treatment.

The Minns Government is working hard to ensure people feel the difference: fewer bumps, safer verges, clearer markings, stronger surfaces.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Under our watch, we have filled more than half a million potholes across NSW, and 106,500 across regional NSW in the past seven months.

“This is the biggest crackdown on potholes we’ve seen in decades – and that’s because the Minns Labor Government backs the bush!

“The job is by no means done, but it is a hell of a lot more than the Liberals and Nationals ever delivered. 

“We’ve repaired more than 106,500 potholes across regional NSW in the past seven months – because people want safer, smoother roads they can rely on.

“But we aren’t stopping there. Half a million in three years is a major milestone but our fight against potholes is ongoing – and we will be working hard to repair and resurface as many as we can.

“This work is not glamorous – but it’s the basics that matter. You can’t build a new tunnel every day, but you can use resources wisely to keep roads safe and reliable—and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Strong regions rely on strong connections, and that starts with the basics.

“Repairing more than half a million potholes is practical delivery communities can see and feel.

“This is the work that matters to people every single day.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:

“Here, on the Far South Coast, our roads are our lifelines. They connect families to school and work and each other, they support freight movements and underpin our vital tourism industry.

“After years of severe weather and heavy use, road maintenance has needed sustained attention. The repair of more than 106,500 potholes across regional NSW in just seven months demonstrates a clear focus on getting the fundamentals right.

“In our region, smoother and safer roads mean fewer accidents, less damage to vehicles and greater confidence for locals and visitors.

“This is about practical delivery – investing in maintenance, supporting local jobs, and ensuring our road network remains reliable and resilient. This is the everyday work that keeps our communities moving and it’s work that makes a big difference.”

A vital stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway west of Burren Junction is set for significant rehabilitation, with the Minns Labor Government delivering long-term improvements to one of north-west NSW’s most important road corridors.

From Tuesday 3 March, work will begin on a full rehabilitation of a three-kilometre section between Walgett and Cryon, near the Goangra–Beanbri intersection, where the pavement has continued to deteriorate despite routine and heavy patching.

Rather than temporary fixes, crews will carry out a full pavement rehabilitation to rebuild and restore the road surface, improving ride quality and strengthening the highway for the long term.

The Kamilaroi Highway is a major east–west freight and community link across north-western NSW, connecting regional towns and agricultural industries and supporting local travel.

Work is expected to take around four months to complete, weather permitting. To keep workers and motorists safe, single-lane closures and temporary traffic lights will be in place during construction, with work carried out between be 6am to 6pm on weekdays andevery second weekend.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, follow traffic control directions and allow up to five minutes of extra travel time.

Transport for NSW will continue to provide updates as work progresses.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This rehabilitation work is about delivering long-term solutions for communities who depend on this highway day in, day out.

“The Kamilaroi Highway is a lifeline for freight, farming and families across north-west NSW — and this upgrade will make it stronger, safer and more reliable.

“We know this section has been impacted by flooding and repeated damage. Rather than continuing with temporary fixes, we’re rebuilding it properly so it can better withstand the conditions and serve the community for the long haul.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler:

“Anyone who travels this stretch knows it has needed more than patching for some time.

“This rehabilitation work will make a real difference to safety and comfort for local drivers and heavy vehicles alike.

“It’s important we continue investing in practical upgrades that keep regional roads serviceable and reliable.”

Families in Orange and Bathurst now have access to free, walk-in mental health and wellbeing support for their children at the Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub.

Kids Hubs provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children aged 0-12 and their families, carers and kin. These services support children who may be experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, social or behavioural challenges.

There is no need for a diagnosis or referral to access services or support at a Kids Hub.

Labor is firmly committed to universal, free healthcare where everyone can get the mental health care they need. Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs take pressure off families by saving time and money, while putting mental health support close by.

The Orange site is one of four being rolled out across NSW as part of a $35.8 million joint investment of $17.9 million from each of the Australian and NSW Governments to support children’s mental health.

Mental health clinicians, allied health professionals, care navigators at the service will tailor care to the needs of each child and family who visits.

The Orange Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 60-62 McNamara Street is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Minister Rose Jackson:

“The Orange Kids Hub is giving mums and dads an accessible, safe and trusted space to get care for their child when facing mental health challenges.

“You don’t need a referral, an appointment, or even your credit card – it’s free, specialised mental health support for kids in New South Wales.

“It’s a great example of how the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are working together to improve access to mental health care, with four Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs opening across the state.”

Assistant Minister McBride:

“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the heart of our regional communities like Orange and Bathurst.

“We know that early intervention is best and the new Kids Hub is providing a safe and welcoming place for children and their parents, carers and kin.

“Local access to free mental health information and clinical services together with the support of multidisciplinary teams will make sure kids in our regions thrive.”