Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is taking another important step to protect workers against dust diseases, by strengthening the safety code of practice for tunnel construction.

Tunnelling can be a vital part of building public transport infrastructure yet poses risks to workers including silica dust exposure from the rock and sandstone being tunnelled through. It is vital that workers are protected.

The existing Tunnels Under Construction Code of Practice hasn’t been reviewed since 2006.The NSW Government is opening consultation on a new code of practice via the Have Your Say website, with industry and union stakeholders invited to make submissions until 28 November 2025.

Since January 2024 to present, SafeWork NSW has conducted over 100 site inspections in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

Tragically, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in NSW since 2017.

The draft updated code of practice has been developed in consultation with an industry and social partners working group and covers many aspects of tunnel construction. Proposed updates to the code include:  

• Managing silica risks using appropriate controls with a strong focus on the use engineering controls including adequate ventilation.
• The inclusion of ventilation officers and certified occupational hygienists in tunnelling as best practice measures. This inclusion is consistent with recommendations from the 2024 Review of the Dust Diseases scheme.
• Managing psychosocial hazards such as remote working which is often a feature of tunnelling.
• Tunnel boring machine content to account for changing industry practice and the move away from using explosives to tunnel.  

The Minns Labor Government will analyse Have Your Say contributions and continue to consult with industry and unions before finalising the new code.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government. Other initiatives include:

• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Silica Worker Register to monitor and track the health of workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance on the prevention of silica and other dust-related diseases, associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• The establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Committed $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
• Committed $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art Lung Bus which is currently travelling NSW to protect workers from dust diseases. The icare Lung mobile lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

To make a submission, and for more information on the “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice”, visit:

haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tunnels-in-construction

Any worker who wishes to raise concerns about workplace safety is encouraged to contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing health and safety risks in the workplace, especially relating to silica dust. This consultation opportunity is a chance to ensure everybody has a say in making sure we get it right.

“The Have Your Say consultation gives everybody a seat at the table. This is a way to come together and discuss the safety of tunnel construction workers, because when it comes to worker safety, it impacts more than just the people on the job but also families, friends and communities.

“The reviewed “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice” builds on the NSW Government’s strong record of tackling high-crystalline silica processing risks, which includes banning engineered stone, establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and launching the silica worker register.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“SafeWork NSW is always open to consulting with anyone who can provide insight into work health and safety and is committed to maintaining leading practices which protect the workers of this State against the dangers of silica dust and other hazards in tunnel construction.

“Addressing the dangers of silica and protecting workers building the infrastructure of our future is a priority for SafeWork NSW and ensuring our codes of practices are updated and reflect best practice is crucial in making that happen.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris has launched a powerful new art exhibition at the Anzac Memorial featuring works by 2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple that explore stories of post-service life through watercolour.

The exhibition, Beyond Service: Veterans’ New Journeys, presents eight evocative watercolour paintings that illuminate the personal and transformative journeys of Australian military veterans as they navigate life after service.

Each artwork captures a veteran’s chosen path, whether through art, music, storytelling, or cultural practice, revealing the renewed sense of purpose and identity these pursuits inspire.

Hugh Semple, a veteran of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, first turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet following his medical discharge from the Army. What began as a means of healing has since evolved into a full-time artistic career. His deeply personal works reflect not only his own journey but also those of fellow veterans who have found strength and meaning in creative expression.

In June Hugh was named as one of two 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artists in Residence and awarded a $10,000 grant to develop this significant body of work. Over recent months, the Anzac Memorial has served as both an inspiring backdrop and creative workspace for his artistic practice.

This year, the residency program was supported with funding from Veterans Benevolent Fund, supported by RSL & Clubs Services.

Launched in 2019, the Veteran Artist in Residence program supports current veterans in their development as artists and the use of the creative process in their healing journeys. The program also recognises the strong historic connection between art and military experience.

Beyond Service is on display at the Anzac Memorial which is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm – entry is free. Visitors will also have a chance to meet Hugh and discover the stories behind the artworks during exclusive artist drop-in sessions.

More information is available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/beyond-service-veterans-new-journeys

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Hugh has created an extraordinary and deeply moving collection that not only shares the personal journeys of our veterans beyond service, but also celebrates the passions that now define their lives. His work is a tribute to resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of those who have served.

“We’re deeply grateful to Hugh for his generosity, and to the veterans whose stories he brings to life through each painting. Their willingness to share these personal journeys offers the broader community a rare and meaningful insight into life beyond service.

“The Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program is a valuable opportunity to support veteran artists in their creative and healing journeys as they navigate life post service and honours their stories in a way that resonates deeply with the broader community.”

2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple said:

“Life after service does not end the journey. It reshapes it. These artworks honour the courage it takes to rediscover purpose and build a new identity beyond the uniform.

“The residency has given me a unique space to process my past, explore my present, and imagine my future. Exhibiting at the Anzac Memorial has made my art, and my story, feel truly valued.

“Art has been a lifeline in my journey after leaving the Army. It has given me a way to process the experiences, challenges, and emotions that often feel impossible to express.

“Through creating, I have found a path to understanding myself, rebuilding my sense of purpose, and transforming the struggles of my past into something meaningful. Art has not only been a tool for healing, it has become a way to connect with others, to share my story, and embrace life beyond the uniform.”

The Minns Labor Government is powering ahead with Sydney’s first new road harbour crossing in almost 30 years, delivering a world-class, publicly-owned piece of infrastructure that will reshape the way Sydney moves.

Western Harbour Tunnel crews have completed construction of massive twin underground caverns at Birchgrove that will serve as the launch chambers for the largest twin tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the southern hemisphere, Barangaroo and Patyegarang.

Together these technological behemoths will dig the 1.5 kilometre underwater section of the Tunnel up to 50 metres below sea level to Waverton.

The Tunnel is a true game changer that will deliver travel time savings to motorists and reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, in the Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and on the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.

The two 28-metre high caverns are among the largest ever excavated in Australia, each big enough to fit 22 Olympic swimming pools or six Emerald-class Sydney Ferries. They are located just 230 metres from the edge of Sydney Harbour ready for the TBMs’ epic dive.

The milestone comes as the second TBM arrived in Sydney on 21 October, joining its twin, which landed in August.

Each machine is an engineering marvel: 137 metres long and weighing more than 4,300 tonnes which is the equivalent of 88 double decker buses. The pair will carve a 1.5-kilometre route under Sydney Harbour to the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney.

Over the coming months, workers will assemble the TBMs piece by piece inside the Birchgrove caverns using a 500-tonne gantry crane. Once launched, they’ll tunnel around the clock, supported by 40 skilled workers per shift, as they begin their epic journey beneath the harbour.

The TBMs will begin excavating under the harbour in the first half of 2026 once the TBMs, comprising 263 major parts each, have been assembled in painstaking correct order. TBM assembly will take several months. They are expected to take around a year to complete their work.

When complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide a seamless 6.5 km connection between the Warringah Freeway and the Rozelle Interchange, reducing congestion, improving travel times, and strengthening connections across the city’s north, west and south.

The Western Harbour Tunnel is on track to open to traffic in 2028 and will remain in public ownership, ensuring the long-term benefits of this investment stay with the people of NSW. The project is supporting 7,000 jobs over the course of construction.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Today, the Minns Labor Government is one step closer to delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel.

“This is a once-in-a-generation project, with the Minns Government on track to deliver Sydney’s third road harbour crossing.

“After 12 years of Liberal-National privatisation, we are building this project as a public asset for the people of NSW.

“These giant caverns are vast enough to fit six Emerald class Sydney ferries each, but once the TBMs are assembled inside them, there will only be around 1-2 metres between each TBM and the launch chamber walls.

“The scale of this project is absolutely breathtaking. More than 4,800,000 tonnes of material already have been excavated across the Western Harbour Tunnel project to date.

“The Western Harbour Tunnel TBMs are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest in the world to be assembled underground. The mega-machines were shipped to Australia in 263 pieces, with 125 shipping containers of other components, and our team is now preparing them for launch.

“In a few days, the TBM parts will be loaded onto specialised heavy vehicles and transported into the launch chambers via the City West Link portal.

“The Western Harbour Tunnel is on track to open in 2028 and importantly, will remain in public ownership.”

Jenny Aitchison’s media release this morning and her anticipated performance at her press conference today show just how far the Minns Labor Government will stretch the truth to take credit for projects they did not plan, did not fund and did not start.
 
The Western Harbour Tunnel, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel before it, have been projects delivered by NSW Liberals and Nationals governments.
 
All Labor has done is cut ribbons and issue media releases for projects built on the back of NSW Liberals and Nationals planning.
 
Jenny Aitchison calls it Labor’s “first new harbour crossing in 30 years” but the facts tell a different story. The Sydney Harbour Bridge passed through the NSW Parliament under the conservative government in 1922. The Sydney Harbour Tunnel was delivered by the Greiner and Fahey Coalition Governments and opened in 1992. The Western Harbour Tunnel was approved and funded by the previous NSW Liberals and Nationals Government well before Labor took office.
 
For a government that constantly shouts about “public ownership”, Labor’s record on privatisation tells the real story.
 
Privatisations under Labor:

• Axiom Funds Management – sold in 1996 for $215 million under Carr Labor.
• Sydney Markets Authority (Flemington) – sold in 1997 under Carr Labor.
• TAB Ltd – privatised in 1998 for $1.017 billion under Carr Labor.
• Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited – transferred in 1999 under Carr Labor.
• Coleambally Irrigation Ltd – transferred in 2000 under Carr Labor.
• FreightCorp – sold in 2002 for $669 million under Carr Labor.
• Integral Energy Gas Pty Ltd – sold in 2002 under Carr Labor.
• Powercoal Pty Ltd – sold in 2002 for $323 million under Carr Labor.
• Pacific Power (International) Pty Ltd – sold in 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Pacific Solar – sold in 2004 under Carr Labor.
• QStores and cmSolutions – sold in 2005 for $38 million under Carr Labor.
• Emmlink (Country Energy) – sold in 2006 for $85 million under Iemma Labor.
• EnergyAustralia Pty Ltd (subsidiary) – sold in 2007 for $207 million under Iemma Labor.
• NSW Lotteries – sold in 2010 for about $1 billion under Keneally Labor.
• Country Energy Gas Pty Ltd – sold in 2010 for $107 million under Keneally Labor.
• WSN Environmental Solutions – sold in 2010 for $234 million under Keneally Labor.
• Electricity retail businesses – Country Energy, Integral Energy and EnergyAustralia retail arms sold in 2010–11 for over $5 billion under Keneally Labor.
• Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) under Labor – many with international backers –
• Eastern Distributor – tolled and contract awarded 1997 under Carr Labor.
• Cross City Tunnel – tolled and contract awarded 2002 under Carr Labor.
• Lane Cove Tunnel – tolled and contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Westlink M7 – tolled and contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Chatswood Transport Interchange – contract awarded 2005 under Iemma Labor.
• Parramatta Transport Interchange – contract awarded 2004 under Carr Labor.
• School Project 1 – 9 new public schools in Sydney, Wollongong, Shell Harbour and on the Central Coast – contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor Government
• School Project 2 – design, construction and financing of 7 primary schools, 3 high schools and one special development school, located predominately in new urban growth areas of NSW – contract awarded 2006 under Iemma Labor Government.
• Newcastle Community Health Centre – contract awarded 2005 under Iemma Labor.
• Newcastle Mater Hospital Redevelopment – contract awarded 2005 under Iemma Labor Government.
• Long Bay Prison Hospital and Forensic Hospital – contract awarded 2006 under Iemma Labor.
• Orange Hospital and associated facilities – contract awarded 2007 under Iemma Labor.
• Royal North Shore Hospital and Community Health Facility – contract awarded 2008 under Rees Labor.
• Waratah Trains (Reliance Rail) – contract awarded 2006 under Iemma Labor.
• Sydney SuperDome (Qudos Bank Arena) – contract awarded 1997 under Carr Labo Government.
• Bonnyrigg Living Communities Project – contract awarded 2007 under Iemma Labor.
• Global Renewables Eastern Creek – contract awarded 2003 under Carr Labor.
• Rosehill–Camellia Recycled Water Project – contract awarded 2009 under Rees Labor Government.

For all their talk about “keeping things public”, Labor has privatised billions worth of public assets and delivered infrastructure deals through PPPs.
 
Jenny Aitchison and Chris Minns might talk about “Labor’s vision” but the truth is every piece of rail, metro and road she now cuts ribbons for was planned, funded and contracted by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. From the Sydney Metro to WestConnex, NorthConnex, M8, M12, and the very Western Harbour Tunnel she boasts about today, the groundwork was planned, funded and laid by the NSW Liberals and Nationals.
 
And let’s not forget, her boss Premier Chris Minns knows better than anyone how the system works. As senior staffer to former Labor Roads Minister Carl Scully, Chris Minns helped design Sydney’s toll road network.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Jenny Aitchison’s media release shows Labor’s selective memory at its worst.
 
“Labor has a long history of selling what it cannot manage, then trying to take credit for what it did not build,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said every road, bridge and metro she has tried to claim was from Labor was delivered by the NSW Liberals and Nationals.”
 
“Instead of rewriting history, Labor should try delivering something of its own. NSW deserves builders, not broadcasters,” Ms Ward said.
 
If Jenny Aitchison spent half as much time delivering her own projects as she does polishing NSW Liberals and Nationals achievements, she might finally build something her government could truly call its own.

The Minns Labor Government is calling on communities of the Central West and Orana to help shape the region’s transport future.

The Government has today released the draft Central West and Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for public consultation.

The Central West and Orana is a growth powerhouse for regional NSW, supporting jobs, industry and innovation across the state. The draft plan outlines a long-term vision for safer, more reliable and better-connected transport to support that growth.

Developed in close consultation with communities, all levels of government, industry stakeholders and community representatives, the draft plan identifies more than 60 practical initiatives to inform future planning, including:

• Changes and upgrades to public and active transport for smaller and ageing communities
• More frequent and reliable transport services
• Safer, more resilient roads and freight corridors
• Targeted upgrades to services, roads and the broader network to ensure people are better connected to jobs, education, health and services
• Better use of existing infrastructure to improve safety and travel times.

The plan also recognises the region’s shifting demographics. By 2041 the population is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent to 323,000, and the number of residents aged over 65 is projected to grow as well.

The draft plan, supporting materials and details of local drop-in sessions where you can speak with the team are available at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/central-west-and-orana.

Submissions close midnight on Sunday 14 December, and can be made via the Have Your Say webpage,  by emailing engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au or by writing to us at Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans, C/O Strategic Transport Planning Branch, Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059

Copies of the plan will soon be available at local libraries too.

Community feedback will help refine the final plan, due for release in 2026.

The Central West and Orana SRITP is one of nine regional transport plans being developed as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to plan for the future by strengthening safety, reliability and connectivity for communities across regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Central West and Orana is powering NSW. From agriculture and mining to health, education and renewable energy. 

“The region is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent by 2041 and we’re delivering on our commitment to plan for that growth.

“We want to ensure everything that keeps us connected and moving keeps pace with the needs of local communities, businesses, industries and visitors.

“I am pleased to now be calling on the people within the Central West and Orana region, businesses and industry to have their say.

“This plan is about listening to the people who live, work and travel in the Central West and Orana and needs to consider how government can deliver better services for them.

“We want to hear directly from the people who use the roads, buses, rail lines and active transport options every day. Your feedback will help develop a long-term blueprint to help shape a transport network that supports a stronger, safer and better-connected future for this region.”

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

“The Central West and Orana sits at the heart of our state. It’s where regional industry, innovation and opportunity meet.

“This plan will inform future plans, ensuring our transport network keeps up with growth and continues to connect people to the jobs, services and opportunities that make this part of NSW such a great place to live.

“From our freight corridors to our local roads, the SRITP takes a long-term, practical view of how we can make travel safer and easier for everyone.

“We know this region has unique challenges – vast distances, ageing populations and a growing economy – and that’s why local feedback is so important. I encourage everyone to have their say.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“Having the necessary transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of our growing region is essential.

“I welcome the Minns Government’s initiative to invite locals to have their say in the planning for transport infrastructure upgrades and transport services for our region, and I encourage everyone to visit the online link and have their say.

“Last year Minister Aitchison facilitated a similar ‘have your say’ public platform regarding Orange Passenger Rail. Based on the Minister’s initiative – and the input of locals – there’s already been progress in planning for improved rail services to meet the needs our community.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered 243 new public and affordable homes over the past three months in New South Wales, with another major redevelopment now underway in Western Sydney as work continues to address the states housing and affordability crisis.

It follows the largest net increase in government-built public and community homes in over a decade, with 1,711 new social, community, and affordable homes delivered in FY2024-25, the first year of the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program.

This brings the total to 1,954 new homes built in just 15 months, putting NSW on track for another record-breaking year of public housing completions and means almost 3000 more people now have a safe place to call home.

This is in sharp contrast to the previous Liberal National Government, who oversaw a net reduction in public housing when in government taking the states supply from 110,805 in 2014 to 95,765 in 2023.

Between 2017 and 2021 while 2,257 social homes were delivered, that paled in comparison to the 3,269 they sold off.

Major Villawood Redevelopment Underway

Continuing this work construction is now underway on a 1.5 hectare site in Villawood, transforming a long-vacant block on Kamira Avenue into a vibrant mixed housing community featuring around 360 homes, plus green space, retail and commercial areas.

Under the former Liberal National Government, this site would have been downsized to just 55 social homes, reducing overall supply.

The Minns Government’s plan restores and expands the area with all 145 units built in Stage 1 dedicated to social housing. 

Construction has also started on two smaller nearby neighbourhood-scale projects that will deliver an additional 16 new homes in Villawood.

While this progress is historic, the Government recognises there is more work ahead to rebuild the public housing system and restore supply after a decade of cuts and neglect.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government announced the largest investment in housing in the state’s history, through the $6.6 billion Building Homes for New South Wales package. This included:

$5.1 billion to deliver over 8,400 new social homes, at least 50% of which will be prioritised for victim survivors of domestic and family violence.

A world leading presale guarantee to fast track construction and increase housing supply.

The largest planning reforms in a generation, establishing the Housing Delivery Authority and prioritising well-located homes near public transport.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Every one of these homes means a family off the waitlist and into a place they can finally call their own. For too long, people have been stuck waiting while properties sat vacant or plans went backwards. We’re changing that by getting on with building homes that people need.

“Almost 250 homes in a quarter and almost 2,000 in 15 months. We’re not just talking about numbers on a spreadsheet; we’re talking about real homes that are life-changing for those in need.

“We’re building homes at a scale NSW hasn’t seen before. It’s real progress but it’s not job done, we’re only just getting started. 

“This redevelopment in Villawood is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community. By delivering a mix of diverse housing, we’re creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to live, grow, and thrive together.

“We’ve said time and time again that for people to grow and thrive, we need to deliver high-quality homes alongside transport, close to shops, schools and local services. This project ticks all those boxes.”

Member for FairfieldDr David Saliba said:

“It’s fantastic to see work finally underway on this site after it sat vacant for so many years. This redevelopment is a welcome and long-overdue transformation that will bring new life, new homes, and new opportunities to the Villawood community.”

“This redevelopment will help families have access to safe, secure, and modern housing.”

The Minns Labor Government is streamlining and accelerating the roll out of essential equipment – including temporary shelters, generators and clean water systems – to support communities in their recovery when disaster strikes.

A Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will be created to list trusted suppliers who can rapidly deliver essential goods and services to local communities in the aftermath of floods, bushfires, storms and other weather events.

The Panel will help speed up and coordinate the procurement of resources, assisting communities in their recovery by ensuring critical equipment is ready wherever needed.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from capable suppliers to join the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel. Local small businesses are encouraged to put forward applications.

The first phase is focused on equipment hire, including temporary shelters, fencing, generators, lighting, portable bathrooms and water purification equipment.

Businesses successful in joining the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will have the opportunity to be part of a network that is ready to help when communities need support most.

To apply, businesses must have a valid ABN and be registered as a supplier on the buy.nsw platform.

Applications for the EOI opened on 29 October and close on 21 November and can be submitted directly via the Opportunities Hub on buy.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Disasters can strike without warning – but the Disaster Recovery Standing Panel will help make sure we’re a step ahead.

“We have learned from past disasters that getting critical resources on the ground quickly is essential for communities to begin their recovery.

“This initiative offers businesses, including local small businesses, a meaningful opportunity to play a key role in disaster recovery and contribute to creating more resilient communities across NSW.”

NSW Reconstruction Acting Head of Preparedness and Recovery Ashlee Abbott said:

“Every minute counts when disaster strikes. This proactive approach means we’ll no longer be chasing suppliers after the fact – the equipment and capability will already be ready to go.

“This approach connects trusted suppliers directly with the communities that need them most.

“It ensures we can tap into local capability quickly, while giving businesses the chance to be part of the recovery effort.”

Today while many are watching the race that stops the nation, the Minns Labor Government’s toll review is still stuck in the starting gates and taxpayers are the ones left footing the bill.
 
News reports today have revealed that Allan Fels and David Cousins are each being paid $165,000 for ongoing work tied to Labor’s toll review, even though their report was handed down more than a year ago. That’s about $900 a day of taxpayers’ money for a review that has delivered no change to tolls and no relief for drivers.
 
The Minns Labor Government’s toll reform has turned into a multi-million-dollar circus:

• $5.4 million wasted on a review with no outcome
• $1.7 million paid in consulting fees
• $145,000 on five-star hotels and business-class flights
• $2.75 million for new lawyers
• New tolls being explored on the M5 West, M5 East, Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Distributor
• Toll hikes already applied to the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel and two-way tolling to come
• Drivers warned some tolls could increase up to nine times higher

Before the election, Labor promised no new tolls and fairness for drivers. After almost 1,000 days, they have delivered nothing The toll cap expires in 57 days, and there is still no replacement, no plan and no delivery.
 
Every minister and department has had a turn in the saddle including, Jo Haylen, John Graham, Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper, teams in Treasury, Transport for NSW and the Premier’s Department, and after three Labor budgets, drivers are left clueless as to what is happening.
 
Premier Chris Minns should know better than anyone how the system works. As the senior staffer to former Labor Roads Minister Carl Scully, he helped design Sydney’s toll network in the first place. He built the track, and now he cannot find the finish line.
 
Getting across the line clearly is not Labor’s thing. We saw that with their Rosehill thought bubble, and now again with a toll review that has gone nowhere while consultants keep collecting prize money for a race that never ran.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Labor’s toll review has become the slowest race in Australia.
 
“After almost 1,000 days, the only thing across the finish line is the bill. The consultants are galloping away with millions while drivers are left eating dust,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said Labor’s toll review is still stuck at the barriers.
 
“Labor promised fairness for motorists, but has delivered higher tolls, more lawyers and more consultants. The only sure bet this Melbourne Cup Day is that under Labor, taxpayers always lose,” Ms Ward said.

The Minns Labor Government has unlocked the opportunity for more than 5,300 new homes in the Illawarra after finalising planning controls for the North Wollongong Station Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct.

The NSW Government worked closely with Wollongong City Council to create a tailored approach that will deliver more homes within walking distance of the train station, and close to shops and jobs in the Wollongong CBD.

The new planning controls have carefully considered flood risks in parts of the precinct and the boundary now excludes the most flood-constrained land while capturing land within 900 metres south-east of the train station.

The North Wollongong TOD is bounded by the Princes Highway/Flinders Street in the west, Gipps Road in the south, Kembla Street in the east and Blackett Street and Pleasant Avenue in the north.

Amendments have been made to the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 to implement planning controls that are similar to TOD controls, to boost housing supply, choice and affordability.

This includes:

• An increase in maximum building heights of between 22 metres and 32 metres, depending on development design
• An increase in the maximum floor space ratio from 1.5:1 to 2.5:1
• Mandated affordable housing contributions, equivalent to 2 per cent of total gross floor area, for developments of 2000 square metres or more.

The TOD program was designed to deliver well-located homes, within walking distance of transport hubs and is expected to deliver 170,000 homes across 37 stations over the next fifteen years.

To date, more than 7,100 homes are under assessment or have been approved in TOD areas from the Hunter to the Illawarra.

During the period of the Housing Accord, Wollongong local government area ranks the highest for housing approvals of the local government areas outside of Sydney.

The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with a number of councils to tailor these planning reforms to their needs. 

For more information, visit: NSW Planning.

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

“North Wollongong is well connected to jobs, transport, education, shops and services making it the ideal place for new homes.

“Importantly through this process we have also mandated affordable housing to boost housing diversity and give people a choice in where they live.

“This is a great example of state and local government working together to deliver better outcomes for the community.”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong City Council Councillor Tania Brown said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s support for a tailored approach to planning in North Wollongong.

“This is a significant step forward in delivering more housing in well-connected parts of our city. It’s a strategic approach that thoughtfully manages growth while balancing the CBD lifestyle, access to transport links, and flood risk.

“The collaboration between Council and the NSW Government has helped shape a precinct that supports housing choice, affordability and emergency management priorities.”

The Minns Labor Government is today celebrating the restoration of one of NSW’s great engineering landmarks, with the $39 million restoration of the Peats Ferry Bridge at Mooney Mooney now complete.

Built during World War II and opened in 1945, the bridge has stood as a symbol of connection and ingenuity for 80 years.

Now, after two years of hard work, the 80-year-old steel truss bridge, which links the Central Coast and Sydney across the Hawkesbury River, is once again shining bright and ready to serve local communities and motorists for decades to come.

Boasting one of the largest spans between piers of any steel truss road bridge in the state, it once held the record for the world’s longest welded truss span.

More than 60 local workers were part of the project, which included a complete repaint, steel and concrete repairs, new traffic and pedestrian barriers and a full structural refresh to protect the bridge from damage.

The project was a joint effort between Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains, whose engineering expertise delivered the works on time and on budget.

The completion of works also means maritime restrictions on the Hawkesbury River have been reduced with channel markers removed from under most spans of the bridge, reopening the main navigational channel for boaters.

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

“This project is about preserving a piece of NSW history while making sure it’s fit for the future.

“For 80 years, Peats Ferry Bridge has stood as a vital link between the Central Coast and Sydney, and a connection for families, freight and regional communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in high-value, practical projects that strengthen local infrastructure, boost resilience and make a real difference for people who live and work in regional NSW.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“This is a great example of government agencies working together to deliver real outcomes for the Coast.

“While this is a road bridge, the expertise of Sydney Trains’ Major Works team was invaluable. Their innovative approach kept the project on schedule and set a new benchmark for collaboration across Transport for NSW.

“It’s wonderful to see this landmark restored and looking better than ever.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“This bridge is part of the story of the Central Coast. Built in wartime, connecting communities and still doing its job 80 years later.

“The restoration not only preserves an iconic structure but also provides significant safety and access benefits for locals and visitors.

“I know the community will be thrilled to see the Peats Ferry Bridge restored and ready for another generation of use.”