Category: NSW News

The use of council-controlled facilities for activities deemed antisemitic will be prohibited under an amendment to the Local Government Act to be moved by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. 
 
The amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 would prohibit the use of council-controlled land or facilities by any person or organisation reasonably suspected of being likely to engage in antisemitic activities with consideration given to the use of the phrases “globalise the Intifada” and “from the river to the sea”. 
 
The amendments would draw on elements of the Prevention of Antisemitism Bill 2026 introduced by NSW Liberals and Nationals in February which adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. 
 
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said social cohesion is at the core of the change.  
 
“This is not some harmless phrase; it is an incitement to hatred and violence against the Jewish community, and allowing its use in a council-controlled venue puts at risk everything we have done to promote social cohesion,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“By prohibiting antisemitic events in council venues, the Liberals and Nationals are drawing a line unlike the Premier who can’t even pick up the phone to Clover Moore.” 
 
“This amendment will ensure local government has to take action against divisive events like Tuesday’s forum.” 
 
Shadow Attorney General Damien Tudehope said considering events such as tonight’s public forum hosted by Stop The War in Palestine, action cannot wait.  
 
“The amendment is directed at antisemitic activities because antisemitism is a real current threat to the wellbeing of the Jewish community in New South Wales,” Mr Tudehope said.  
 
“Antisemitism has no place in our community. No local government facility should be made available to those wishing to promote the destruction of the Jewish people.”  

Under the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government rat-bags on e-bikes will be held accountable.
 
The Opposition will move to amend the Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026 to enable the NSW Police Force to seize any e-bike, regardless of its legality, from the community if the rider’s behaviour falls short of community standards.
 
Adults would have their bike seized for 14 days, while minors would be forced to have a parent or guardian collect the device.
 
The rat-bag laws follow the Opposition’s strong action on e-bikes including its policy to introduce a licence plate scheme for particular rider cohorts if elected.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Labor Government is all talk and no action on out-of-control e-bike behaviour, ignoring the lived experience of the community.
 
“People are sick of dodging rat-bags on e-bikes while the Government sits on its hands and tells them to cop it. This is about consequences,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Chris Minns and John Graham want headlines about crushing bikes, but they still won’t give police the powers they need to stop rat-bag behaviour.”
 
“If you ride responsibly, you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re tearing through shopping centres, abusing police or treating suburban streets like a racetrack, your e-bike will be taken.”
 
The Opposition amendments would allow NSW Police to seize legal e-bikes based on an agreed level of behaviour between the transport minister and NSW Police Commissioner.
 
As the Opposition does not have access to the NSW Police Force, it proposes that the regulations establish the clear guidelines that will be the criteria for seizure, and expects it to include dangerous or anti-social behaviour, reckless riding, intimidating the public, abusing police, or riding through private property and shopping centres.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Anthony Roberts said the Government’s approach is weak, reactive and completely disconnected from what communities are demanding.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are on the side of families, local communities and police officers who are sick of seeing the rules ignored with no meaningful deterrent,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Mrs Ward said Labor now faced a clear choice.
 
“They can back common-sense powers for police, or they can keep protecting e-bike rat-bags while communities suffer.”

Two communities in southwest Sydney will receive long-awaited accessibility upgrades at their local train stations, with Carramar and Yennora stations set for new lifts and other essential works.

Left behind by the former Liberal-National government, these two suburban stations have never been fully accessible despite hosting diverse communities with a high proportion of young families with prams, people with disability and elderly people.

After local campaigns, supported by their local Labor MPs, Carramar, which opened in 1924, and Yennora, which opened in 1927, will both receive major works.

Carramar will:

• Now have lift access from underpass to platform
• Upgraded ramps and pathways
• New tactile indicators to assist blind and vision-impaired passengers

Yennora will:

• Now have lift access connecting an upgraded footbridge with street and platforms
• New station forecourts featuring landscaping, seating and lighting
• A new station building

Both stations will have power supply upgrades, better lighting, CCTV, clearer signage, family accessible and unisex ambulant toilets, accessible parking, and kiss and ride parking.

The work is being funded by the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program which currently has 15 projects funded for delivery and 16 for design and investigation.

Major milestones were reached at Macquarie Fields and Chester Hill stations over the weekend, with work on lift installation, platform resurfacing, and safety screens.

Work will be completed on the Bardwell Park station upgrade in coming months.

Recently delivered upgrades include stations at Griffith, Moss Vale, Queanbeyan, and Tuggerah.

While delivering the massive metro and road infrastructure Sydney needs, the Minns Labor Government is focused on improving the daily journeys of the 1.1 million people each weekday who use Sydney Trains.

An investment of $458 million is currently bringing rail reliability up to scratch, with work on tracks, signals and overhead wires recommended by the 2025 Independent Rail Review led by Kerry Schott.

At the same time, a new and upgraded train fleet is rolling on to the tracks. In April, the new intercity Mariyung train went into service on the South Coast Line, following its introduction on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line in October last year.

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program is updating 55 trains. Newer trains mean fewer breakdowns and delays.

The NSW Government is also overhauling the Opal ticketing system, with a new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card as part of an $820 million investment in convenience, affordability and reliability.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“South West Sydney has been forgotten by successive governments and we’re not doing that.

“The communities around Yennora and Carramar have been crying out for decades for the lifts and accessibility features that are enjoyed at so many other railway stations and right across the Sydney Metro system.

“A single lift to a platform or a better ramp can be the difference between someone being able to use the Sydney Trains network and get around like everyone else to work, study and social outings.

“We are focused on improving the everyday experience of those 1.1 million people who use the Sydney Trains network as we invest in reliability, convenience, technology and accessibility.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to particularly thank local Labor MP David Saliba for his tireless advocacy for these upgrades, which included doorknocking thousands of homes in the area before knocking at my door as minister to ask for action.

“Carramar and Yennora stations have changed very little since they were built in the 1920s and both are past due for these updates.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“This will be a gamechanger for locals with disability, elderly people, and families with prams. We are investing in accessible upgrades across the State because we know that removing barriers to getting around is a win for everyone.

“Station by station, the Minns Labor Government is making NSW more accessible and inclusive.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba said:

“After 12 years of neglect from the former government, the Carramar and Yennora community is getting what it so desperately needs.

“Our petition for these upgrades received thousands of signatures, with many residents in the community telling me these are essential for getting to work and visiting family and friends — and now that’s becoming a reality.

“This project shows the power of the people at work, and I am proud to be part of a government delivering this for Carramar and Yennora.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo said:

“Upgrading our local train stations is a major win for our local community, making public transport safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone.

“These long-awaited upgrades will transform how people in our community access public transport, ensuring no one is left behind.

“It’s fantastic that everyone in our community will now be able to access public transport with these upgrades.”

Member for Granville Julia Finn said:

“I am thrilled that these stations will be upgraded, as the residents and businesses have been advocating for these improvements for such a long time.

“This investment is delivering modern, accessible facilities that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.”

The NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer has downgraded the recently declared ‘significant cyber incident’ allegedly involving a Treasury staff member.

Her declaration comes after the Taskforce the Government established in response to the data breach confirmed:

• The incident has been contained and is now in the recovery phase; and
• Agencies have implemented appropriate remediation measures.

While legal reviews are continuing, efforts to date to determine any potential impacts on active or past government procurements show that no project has been adversely affected.

I thank again Cyber Security NSW, the Taskforce, NSW Treasury and the NSW Police for their rapid actions since the breach was discovered, including launching Strike Force Civic.

The matter remains before the courts and is subject to an internal investigation.

Expectant parents in Canterbury will soon have access to enhanced and expanded antenatal facilities, with the early works now approved for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment.

The Minns Labor Government’s $350 million investment in the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment will deliver the largest upgrade to the hospital in more than 26 years, helping to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the growing community.

The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major health facilities around NSW, leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure. The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.

The early works phase of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment will prepare the site for main works construction, and includes the expansion and refurbishment of the existing antenatal department. This will more than double the size of the current antenatal unit and provide families in Canterbury with access to enhanced facilities and care sooner, well ahead of the major works to deliver the broader hospital redevelopment.

The expanded antenatal department will feature new patient areas, including additional ultrasound and consultation rooms. The antenatal department expansion is scheduled for completion in 2027, with the service opening to the community the same year.

Following a competitive tender process, TCQ Construction has been engaged to deliver the early works package.

The scope for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment is expected to include:

• a new expanded and enhanced Intensive Care Unit
• new purpose-built adult inpatient accommodation
• expanded and enhanced Emergency Department
• additional surgical theatres
• expanded and enhanced antenatal facilities
• additional ambulatory and outpatient care capacity
• new and enhanced facilities to support clinical education, workforce training, and research
• new Diagnostic Services Unit to support diagnosis and medical condition management
• enhancements to hospital support services, including pathology and pharmacy
• improved accessibility to the campus, including internal access, outdoor spaces, landscaping and wayfinding.

Construction timeframes for the main works will be confirmed as planning progresses and the community will continue to be updated.

The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and save the health services the Coalition jeopardised.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget included $12.4 billion to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including:

• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital – which the Liberals promised and failed to deliver at three elections – and which will include an emergency department as well as birthing services;
• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital – which the Liberals promised in 2019 and failed to deliver;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment;
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital; and
• $330 million to open the New Eurobodalla Hospital at level 4.

For more information on the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment and to speak with the team, visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/canterbury-hospital-redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job to deliver the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment, and we’re pleased that families will be able to access upgraded antenatal facilities ahead of the wider redevelopment being completed.

“The expansion and refurbishment of the hospital’s antenatal department will provide more purpose-built spaces for expectant parents to receive crucial check-ups and support in preparation for birth.

“The Coalition’s failure to deliver on major hospital projects left parts of the state without whole hospitals, health systems under pressure, and jeopardised health services for local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and more staff, to deliver better outcomes for patients.” 

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:

“I’m delighted to see the progress of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment and the positive impact the upgraded antenatal facilities will have for our local families and our hardworking health staff.

“We’re grateful to the community and staff who’ve taken time to share valuable feedback during the planning and design of this project to help shape our fabulous new hospital redevelopment.

“More than 1,000 people recently took part in consultation to inform early works planning, highlighting the strong interest in this significant redevelopment that will serve our community now and into the future.” 

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen:

“I’m so proud to see the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment taking shape, these upgraded antenatal facilities are going to make a real difference for local families and for the incredible staff who care for them every day.

This project has been shaped by the people who know this hospital best. We’ve listened to our community and our frontline health workers right through the planning and design to make this hospital work for our community. 

These upgrades will make sure that our community has access to world-class healthcare close to home for generations to come”

Member for Jason Yat-Sen Li:

‘Families in Canterbury deserve the very best start in life, and that begins with access to world-class healthcare close to home.

‘The expansion of Canterbury Hospital’s antenatal facilities is a major step forward for our community, ensuring expectant parents have the support, space and care they need during such a crucial time. These new facilities will mean a very much more comfortable experience for families.

‘This investment is about putting people first and making sure that every parent and every newborn gets the care they deserve. I’m proud to see our government delivering on its promise to strengthen local health services and invest in the future of our community.’

Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox:

“Expanding and upgrading Canterbury Hospital’s antenatal services in advance of the main works will make a meaningful difference for expectant mothers and their families.

“This will allow our maternity teams to provide antenatal care that is more comfortable, timely and tailored to each woman’s specific needs. We’re proud to deliver improvements that support a better experience for families as the broader Hospital redevelopment progresses.”

The Minns Labor Government is kicking off vital work today to secure the future of the heritage listed Cooreei Bridge over the Williams River east of Dungog.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.3 million to rehabilitate this historic landmark on Stroud Hill Road – preserving a critical road link and preserving an iconic piece of the region’s history for generations to come.

Cooreei Bridge, which is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, is the first Henry Harvey Dare-type timber bridge built in NSW and one of only 15 historic bridges built in the Hunter before 1905.

The project involves replacing the bridge’s dilapidated timber abutments with concrete, giving the bridge the strength it needs into the future.

Preparation work started in late 2025, with the project expected to take around 16 months to complete, weather permitting.

While most of the work will be carried out underneath the span, the bridge will need to be temporarily closed at times to allow replacement of the abutments and reconnection of the bridge to Stroud Hill Road.

Transport for NSW will try to limit closures to minimise disruption to the community and will be notified in advance.

During the closures, all motorists will be detoured via Alison Road, Clarence Town Road, Mary Street and Dowling Street, which adds around 30 minutes to journeys.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Cooreei Bridge is part of the Hunter’s story, and we’re making sure it has a future.

“This $7.3 million investment protects a critical local link while preserving one of the region’s most important heritage bridges.

“The Minns Labor Government will strengthen the bridge, keep the community connected and ensure this landmark can serve Dungog for generations to come.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This project is a major investment in both local infrastructure and the preservation of a unique piece of the region’s heritage.

“We know how important connectivity is for the Dungog community. As the last stop on the Hunter train line and a key crossing over the Williams River, I’m proud to announce the start of this important rehabilitation work which will ensure this iconic timber truss bridge is fit for purpose for many years to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“It’s great to see this important project underway.

“Projects like this show you don’t have to choose between preserving our history and delivering safe, “reliable infrastructure – you can and should do both.

“By strengthening Cooreei Bridge while protecting its heritage, we’re making sure this local connection remains open and dependable for the community now and into the future.”

New Aboriginal-led Digital Inclusion Hubs will soon be rolled out across NSW, helping to close the digital divide and connect communities to essential services. 

The pilot will support community-led spaces designed to meet the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) have been invited to apply for funding to establish and deliver these hubs, which will help people get online, build digital skills and stay connected to essential services.

Eligible ACCOs can apply for grants of up to $250,000 over 18 months to deliver services like digital skills training, targeted learning programs, access to devices, and connectivity support. 

This NSW Government investment comes as the Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people score 10.5 points lower than non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to getting online, affording internet and devices and using digital services confidently. 

This gap widens further in regional and remote areas to 16.5 points lower, dropping to 22.8 points for very remote areas. 

More than 40 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered to be digitally excluded or highly excluded – almost double the rate of the entire nation. 

Funding will be delivered through the Closing the Gap initiative in partnership with BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring programs are shaped by community priorities.

By addressing digital exclusion at a local level, this initiative advances the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy’s key aim to make digital services accessible, inclusive, safe and connected for everyone in NSW. It also directly supports Closing the Gap Socio-Economic Outcome 17. 

Applications are open to eligible ACCOs in NSW until 15 May via SmartyGrants. More information is available at: https://digitalinclusionhubs.smartygrants.com.au/digitalinclusion

Customer Service and Digital Government Minister, Jihad Dib said:

“Digital inclusion is a necessity for daily life, whether it’s accessing essential services, pursuing education, or staying connected with family, culture and community.

“Access to the digital world shouldn’t depend on where you live or your background. These hubs will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities the tools, skills and support to connect and participate online.

“This is about backing community-led solutions. Aboriginal organisations know what works for their communities, and these hubs will be designed and delivered by them, for them.

“The hubs embody the vision of the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, giving everyone the confidence and access to use digital services.” 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“Supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is how we make real, practical progress in improving peoples’ day-to-day lives.

“The Digital Inclusion Hubs are about more than technology, they’re about self-determination, opportunity and ensuring communities can fully participate in today’s digital society.

“By backing Aboriginal-led, community-driven solutions, we ensure Closing the Gap outcomes truly reflect local priorities and needs.”

Managing Director of Telco Authority, Kylie De Courteney said:

“The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is about ensuring people can participate fully in a digital society, and that starts with confidence, access and trust. By working in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations, we’re supporting solutions that are community-owned, sustainable and responsive to real digital needs.

“Digital Inclusion Hubs help remove barriers that place communities at risk of digital exclusion, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect with essential services, education and opportunities in ways that are practical, relevant and sustainable.

“These hubs can help communities build confidence using digital tools, access online services and create pathways to education and employment, all in ways that work locally.” 

Drivers in Sydney’s South face further delays after the Minns Labor Government confirmed the M6 contractor has missed the 1 May default notice deadline and can’t say when construction will resume. 
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Government’s update from Minister Jenny Aitchison offered confirmation of failure but no path forward. 
 
“The $3.1 billion project has stalled again and as a result families, tradies and other commuters face more delays,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“Today’s statement confirms what many feared, the deadline has come and gone, and the Government still doesn’t have control of this project,” he said. 
 
“Drivers have no answers as to what happens next and that’s just not good enough.” 
 
Mr Coure said the Minister’s silence in the weeks leading up to the deadline, followed by a statement with no concrete next steps, exposed the Government’s inability to manage the project. 
 
“Minister Aitchison made a lot of noise about bringing the contractor to heel, only to go missing when it counts,” he said. 
 
“This project has been stuck in limbo for more than two years, and people in Southern Sydney are tired of excuses and more delays,” he said. 
 
“Drivers have been waiting for far too long for this road. They deserve clear answers, not radio silence from this government.” 
 
Mr Coure called on Labor to outline the next steps, including whether legal action will be pursued and when construction will properly resume. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government cannot keep kicking the can down the road and hoping that this problem will resolve itself, we need decisive action and a clear plan for how they intend to fix this mess.” 

The Minns Labor Government is marking another milestone on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, with a series of traffic switches taking place this weekend including a local dedicated southbound bus lane that will mean safer and more efficient journeys for thousands of commuters travelling into the Sydney CBD.

The 2.2km bus lane, running from just south of the Miller Street overpass uninterrupted into the city, is a major step forward in improving traffic flow on one of Australia’s busiest transport corridors.

It will cut travel times for bus commuters coming from the North Shore, reduce congestion and improve safety for 250,000 motorists who use the Warringah Freeway each day.  

The uninterrupted bus lane means bus drivers no longer need to navigate two merges with general traffic to merge from left to right to access the bus lane from the north. Cars and other vehicles will also no longer be able to cross the bus lane between Falcon Street and the Cahill Expressway.

The Falcon Street/Military Road southbound bus onramp which has been temporarily shared with general traffic since it opened in November 2025, will also now operate as a bus only lane. This will ensure a smoother journey for thousands of commuters coming from Mosman to the CBD.

These changes will deliver faster and more reliable travel times for buses between the Gore Hill Freeway and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

In addition to the new bus lane, new traffic changes coming into place from 6:00am on Saturday, 2 May will play a major role in unscrambling traffic along the freeway, removing unnecessary merges and lane changes.

Drivers are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes ahead of making their journey to help reduce congestion and ensure a smooth and safe transition.

Transport for NSW has worked to ensure the community is aware of changed traffic conditions through the roll out of digital signage, email updates,  letterbox drops and Live Traffic updates. Transport for NSW is also working with map providers, such as Google Maps and Apple Maps to ensure maps are up to date.

The major traffic switches include:

• The Falcon Street/Military Road southbound on ramp will retain access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel. There will be no access to the Cahill Expressway and Alfred Street off ramp.   
• Drivers can reach the Cahill Expressway via Miller Street or Mount Street, and access North Sydney and Kirribilli via Miller Street and the Pacific Highway. Drivers may consider using Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which has a similar destination to the Cahill Expressway.
• The Ernest Street southbound on ramp will become a dedicated access point for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel only. Access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge will continue via Brook Street, Miller Street, Falcon Street, and Mount Street on ramps.
• The ‘slip lane’ connecting the southbound Sydney Harbour Tunnel lanes to the Sydney Harbour Bridge – located just south of the Ridge Street shared user bridge – will close permanently. Motorists will no longer be able to cross from the inner freeway lanes to the outer lanes to avoid entering the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
• Drivers travelling from further north, including the Gore Hill Freeway and Lane Cove Tunnel, will need to select either the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel lanes around 1km earlier in their journey. The final decision point is located just after the Miller Street overpass, adjacent to the Western Harbour Tunnel portal.
• Over-height (greater than 4.4 metres) and dangerous goods vehicles must keep left before reaching the Miller Street bridge, as these vehicles cannot use the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. They must not use Ernest Street on-ramp and must use Falcon Street or Miller Street on ramps to join the freeway for Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cahill Expressway.
• The reversible lane south of Miller Street will continue to operate during the weekday morning peak, approximately 5:30am to 9:30am, providing an additional southbound lane to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This lane can be accessed from the right most lane just after Miller Street and is supported by digital signage.

For the latest traffic updates or to plan your journey, call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com, or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

For driver animation videos and further information go to: Warringah Freeway Upgrade

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“This is a major step forward as we continue the phased opening of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade.

“These changes will simplify this key corridor, delivering safer journeys for the 250,000 motorists who use this corridor daily.

“These changes remove cars from the entire stretch of the southbound bus lane, eliminating the weaving movements that slowed buses down, delivering a smoother, safer, more efficient journey for the 150,000 bus passengers who travel along the Warringah Freeway.

“But I want to be clear, these changes will mean the journey will look a little different for drivers, particularly around how they access the bridge, the tunnel and the city.

“Some familiar routes will no longer be available, and motorists will need to plan ahead and choose their route earlier than they may be used to.

“That’s why we’re asking all drivers to pay close attention to signage, allow extra travel time, and be patient as everyone adapts to the new layout.

“Our focus is on getting more people where they need to go, safely and efficiently, and this is an important step in making that happen.”

Transport for NSW Coordinator General, Howard Collins, said:

“Any driver who will be using the Warringah Freeway city bound after the weekend may face changes to their journey. It is critical drivers understand the changes, which is why we have released a series of practical driver-view animations and moving maps to show motorists the changes.

“Drivers will need to make earlier decisions about whether they’re heading for the bridge or the tunnel and some who use Ernest Street and Falcon Street/Military Road will have access to the bridge or tunnel changed with the final decision point now just after the Miller Street overpass.

“It is particularly important that overheight trucks, or trucks carrying dangerous goods, do not get into lanes for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

“Overheight truck drivers must not use Ernest St southbound on-ramp which will only allow access to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. For those travelling from further north, they must stay in the left lanes after West Street to head towards the bridge and avoid travelling to the tunnel.

“Road users know their regular journeys unconsciously, but we urge them to break internal mapping habits and get to know their journey ahead of time. This will help reduce last minute lane changes and congestion.

“Some GPS apps and devices, may take some time to update.

“Tolls are the same whether you’re crossing the harbour via Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Bridge or Cahill Expressway. So, if you do accidentally end up crossing the wrong way, this won’t change for you.

“We know that the changes may take some getting used to but we’re asking drivers to plan ahead, be patient as they adjust to the new layout and take extra care while travelling through the area.”

Preparations are already underway for future severe weather events as a busy storm season comes to an end, with State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers responding to more than 23,000 calls and 1,500 flood related incidents.  

With the weather outlook predicted to be relatively stable for the coming months, including below average rainfall forecast for May, preparations continue to ensure NSW remains ready for storms and rainy weather.

Storm seasons traditionally extend between September to April when the frequency of severe thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall increases.

As weather seasons become less predictable, the Minns Labor Government has urged communities to always be prepared for unsettled weather.

In readiness, disaster response and recovery operations across the state are being bolstered as the SES delivers 11 new specialised High Clearance Vehicles (HCV), a combined investment of more than $11 million.

The addition of these new High Clearance Vehicles brings the total number in the NSW SES to 20, more than doubling the fleet of vehicles available to help volunteers access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.

This boost to the fleet is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing investment in the NSW SES, providing volunteers with the equipment they need to keep communities safe.

Today the new vehicles were at Revesby Beach for final preparations before being dispatched to their new homes across the State. This financial year, the Government has delivered 131 new fleet assets to the SES including 44 new vehicles, 23 vessels and 64 trailers.

High Clearance Vehicles are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to complete rescues, deliver essential supplies and support other emergency services in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

As one of the most advanced flood operations vehicles in Australia, the new vehicles enhance crew protection and safety for rescued persons with a fitted canopy and side seating, while protecting equipment in harsh environments with sealed and pressurised underbody storage. They also increase operational safety and visibility with a significantly upgraded scene lighting package.

Some of the new vehicles also have the capability to carry and load heavy supplies or equipment using an integrated crane, which will strengthen resupply and recovery missions.

This storm season, NSW SES responded to more than 1,500 flood-related incidents, with many requiring vehicles that can get through deep water and reach people in remote or cut-off areas.

The HCV vehicles are being delivered to multiple flood and storm hotspots across the state including Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Forbes, Goulburn, Ku-ring-gai, Mid North Coast, Moruya, Murwillumbah, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, and can be deployed out of area during severe weather events.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I would like to thank our NSW SES volunteers for their dedicated efforts this storm season, and the community for heeding the advice of emergency services.

“The work doesn’t end here for the SES and this multimillion-dollar investment by the Government ensures volunteers are equipped with purpose-built fleet to keep communities safe all year round.

“These 11 new high clearance vehicles will make a significant difference to communities across NSW and by placing them in key locations we can pre-deploy them or respond quickly during storms to bring rapid help when people need it most.

“I know they will make a real difference protecting communities and supporting our volunteers.”

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said:

“This investment brings our total number of High Clearance Vehicles to 20 and represents a significant step forward in our flood and disaster response capability.”

“We’ve worked closely with our volunteers and technical experts to ensure these designs meet the realities of field operations and the unique challenges we face here in NSW.

“Whether it’s wading through more than a metre of floodwater, navigating fire trails, or delivering supplies to residents cut off by floodwaters, this new fleet means that help will arrive faster when communities need it most.”